Getting Used to Used

Buying used can save you money, but there is one big obstacle to lowering your bills by shopping used. It is the “Ew” factor. Here is what it is, how to get over it, and the specific times when it can be your best friend. Buying Used is Yucky (Ew) When someone compliments me on something that I or my children are wearing, I usually reveal how little I spent on it. Not always, but since I am frugal, that is how I roll. There are two different reactions: the first is surprise that I paid so little, the second … Continue reading

Evaluating Used Items

“Buying used and saving the difference,” is a favorite saying of the Duggar family of reality television fame. But whether you love to watch them or not (I generally don’t), they have a good point. You can really save a lot of money when you aren’t focused on buying everything new. That said, it is important to evaluate used items for quality and suitableness. Otherwise, you might wind up spending more money in the long run. Here are some tips to help you when you are out shopping for used items. Keep It Simple When it comes to buying things … Continue reading

Evaluating Quality in Used Items

Not only can you save money by buying used items, but you can often get a better quality product that when you buy something new. There are two reasons for this, and I’ll give you the details below. Buying used items may be hard to do at first because of any misallocations you might have about getting things second hand. So if you need to, start small, with bright items that are easy to clean, or items that are easy to consider used, such as books or DVDs. You’ll soon see that there is plenty of good quality merchandise to … Continue reading

Thrift Store Treasures

If you are a single mother, chances are money is pretty tight around this time of year, well let’s face it, money is tight all year round! With the holidays right around the corner you may be feeling the financial pressure weighing on your shoulders. It’s hard to provide Christmas for your children when you are already struggling to make it on your own. However, there are lots of things that can make this time a little less stressful for a single mother. Yesterday afternoon Logan and I went to a local thrift store with some friends of ours. We … Continue reading

Those Great Consignment Shops

Consignment shops are great to shop at for people who do not have a lot of money to spend on clothes and various other items. They are also wonderful for people who tire easily of the “same old thing” or need clothing just for a short period of time, such as during pregnancy or the in between periods of weight loss. Women who are pregnant generally only need their maternity clothing for about 7 months or so. In the early months of pregnancy their regular wardrobe should be fine. After the baby is born they can usually get back in … Continue reading

Back On The Racks has Upscale Resale Clothing

Thrift stores offer great deals on clothing, especially if you are looking for casual clothing for women or children. What if you are looking for nicer clothing, that can be worn to work, school, or to a party? Try shopping at a resale store. Back on the Racks has upscale resale clothing that might be just what you are looking for. Back on the Racks is located in Atascadero, California. You can also find them on facebook, or follow them on Twitter. They sell gently used clothing for women (including maternity clothing). They also sell clothing for babies and kids. … Continue reading

Why I love to shop at thrift stores

My favorite places to shop are thrift stores. I am fortunate enough to have several different ones in my hometown to choose from. Everything is sold for a very inexpensive price. I almost always find something wonderful when I shop at the thrift stores. Some of the most unique clothing I wear comes from thrift stores. I’ve found a beautiful white sweater with lacy crocheted edges, a long, black, velvet coat with lots of little buttons, and a denim skirt with ruffles on the back. I constantly get complements about how cute my capri jeans are. They have a delicately … Continue reading

Ways to Work Out for Free

I’m in my third week of having a workout plan. It has been a great gift to myself because I have less stress, less headaches and more energy. And one of the best things about it is that other than having to purchase a couple of extra jog bras, I have spent zero dollars. Here is how. First, I take advantage of the weather and my local environment. Write outside my door is a neighborhood road that goes up and down hills. It is the perfect vehicle for interval training because there are periods of intensity and rest. Furthermore, I … Continue reading

Should You Throw In Something Complementary?

One of the oldest techniques in sales is to “throw in” something complementary with a purchase. When a customer buys one thing (often a large ticket item), a sales person might include a warranty, a special gift, or another product for free. Depending on what sort of home business you are operating, you might be able to utilize this technique too… If you sell products or do direct sales, you might already be throwing in samples or complementary items with every sale. It can be used as a way to introduce customers to new or different products you have, or … Continue reading

Decorate on a Dime – The Basics (1)

Decorating a house is how many homeowners make it feel like a home. The cost of decorating however, can eat a real whole in a families budget, and can really get expensive. Knowing how to do it right, can help save money in the long run, and allow more freedom and flexibility in your style. Budget The first thing you have to look at, is the budget you have to work with. Some people don’t start out with a budget, which is fine, but you will need to watch what you are spending and keep track of your thrifty purchases … Continue reading