Friday, October 21, 2016

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #21 - Buy Used



My most favorite way to save money is to buy used.  This is mostly because it involves shopping at thrift stores, which are some of my favorite places to shop.  There are always deals to be had, and you see so much interesting stuff - some things worth buying, and some things just worth looking at and wondering what people were thinking.  I definitely recommend taking a list with you so that you don't get side-tracked by all of the shiny things and great prices.  Because most things are an amazing deal, it's very easy to talk yourself into buying something you didn't need when you walked in the door but now are going to die without.  We do not buy everything used, obvious second-hand stores do not sell things like food and toiletries.  I'm also very particular that everything I buy must be able to be washed and sanitized properly - if it can't then I don't buy it.  In addition, I don't buy things like under garments and shoes, but that's just my personal preference, they do sell them if that's your thing.  I have not only found clothing for my son, but also my plus-sized self.  My husband has trouble since he is tall and husky, but he does sometimes get lucky.  I am in LOVE with the household items - I have found such beautiful and unique decor, baskets, and storage over the years.  Howard's favorite section, by far, is the books.  He knows that if he is good he can pick out a few 'new' books before we leave, and at $0.49 a piece you can't really go wrong.
So, the next time you are in need of a new shirt, DVD, book, or wine glass, try to buy used first.  Buying second-hand is guaranteed to save you at least half if not more than buying new, and that's a great way to save money!



Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Frugal Finds: October 2016 Edition

This month we took a day trip up to Hanover just to get out of the house, and to take yet another trip to the thrift store!  I always check the clothes while we're there.  Howard doesn't need much for fall or winter, but he's hard on pajamas, so they are always on my radar.  We also found him these AWESOME activity flash cards by Crayola.  The letter ones have the uppercase and lowercase letter on front, and the back has lines to practice writing them.  There are also a few cards with connect the letters activities on them.  The number cards are similar, and they came with a boat load of dry erase crayons.  This soon-to-be homeschooling mama thought that was a real steal!  I'm also always on the look-out for baskets, this one is HUGE, the picture does not do it justice; it is going to be absolutely perfect for Howard's ever-growing Mega Blocks collection.
1 pair 3T PJ Pants for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
2 pair of 5T PJ Pants for Howard $2.99 each - 50% off Sale = $1.49 each or 2/$2.98
Dino Book for Howard $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
3 Kids DVD's for Howard $2.99 each - 50% off Sale = $1.49 each or 3/$4.47
ABC and 123 Dry Erase Activity Flash Cards for Howard with Dry Erase Crayons (all Crayola brand) $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Hardback Book for Joe $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
1 Lock for Joe $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 Large Basket for Mega Blocks $4.99 - Did not get rung up = FREE!
1 Fall Tray for Decor $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
+ $0.66 Tax
Grand Total OOP: $15.55!  
Saved $36.49!!!

We also made a stop at a flea market this month.  We did lots of looking, but I decided that there were a few things that needed to come home with me...
Beautiful tray I am going to use to store my washi tape in $3
Horse Picture for Howard's room $0.25
Box of ornaments for our Christmas tree $5
Total OOP: $8.25