Being financially responsible throughout life can lead to less stress and fewer worries. One way to put this into practice is to get thrifty.
You can either sell your used items, or buy used from someone else. If you put in some time, you’ll find that being thrifty is an excellent way to save money.
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s TreasureMy friend and his wife recently got married and received all king size products from their wedding registry — a fitted mattress, sheets, and comforter. The problem is, they don’t own a king size bed.
When my friend was driving home from the grocery store the other day, he spotted a large mattress outside of a house. He stopped his car, rang the doorbell, and asked if the man was throwing it away. A few minutes later, he was hauling home a gently used king size mattress.
In the end, both of them benefited. My friend got a high-value mattress for free, and the man got rid of something he no longer used. It’s always good to keep your eyes peeled for similar situations.
Getting Thrifty in the Community
We visit Goodwill frequently to find finishing touches for our place. We bought bedside tables for $10 each and a desk chair for $15. These purchases would have cost a lot more new; the used items function just as well and aren’t things for which we were willing to break the bank.
There are a number of ways you can thrift shop in your area. Second-hand stores and garage sales are great places to save money on clothing or household items. Also check for sales run by local organizations, such as senior citizen’s centers or schools.
Getting Thrifty Online
Thrift shopping doesn’t have to be limited to in-person locations. The internet also offers interesting options. Sites like Craigslist and eBay allow users to buy and sell used products. Craigslist leaves negotiations open, while eBay uses an auction format.
When my wife and I switched phone plans, we were left with two old phones. We could either toss them out or put a little extra effort in and sell them. My wife’s phone was only a few months old, and we were able to sell it for more than her new one.
How Can You Be Thrifty?
Getting rid of items you no longer use and buying used items inexpensively are great ways to improve your financial standing. Whether you find items for free, at a local store, or online, it’s better than buying it new. And don’t forget that selling items is an excellent way to put money back in your pocket.
What’s your favorite way to get thrifty?
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