Don’t Buy New
Buying things is an inevitable part of life. I mean, I’ve heard of people who scrounge everything from street corners and dumpsters, but most of us don’t have the time or inclination for that sort of lifestyle. Therefore, we buy things. There are, however, quite a few things that you don’t need to buy brand new. Buying used is economical and it’s also environmentally friendly. What are the best bets for buying second-hand?
- Books, CDs, DVDs, and Video Games: Used media is a huge business, which makes it easy to track down the stuff that you want at a discount price. If you want to read the latest bestseller, see if your library has it. For things that you want to own, check out the amazing number of online sources that sell used items. Amazon.com, eBay, and half.com (owned by eBay) all offer great deals on used media. Just tonight, I went online to order some classic books for my kids on Half.com, and I spent less than four dollars per book, including shipping and handling. Most of the books were priced at 75 cents each, and because I was able to get them all from the same seller, shipping and handling was only $1.89 per book.
- Baby Gear and Kids Toys: Let’s face it, baby stuff and toys are a huge expenses, especially considering the short amount of time that most of it is used. Check out yard sales and consignment shops for great deals on all the stuff you’ll need for babies, and most toys until they are about 5. I did purchase new car seats for my children, for safety reasons, and a new stroller because they tend to get awfully icky. The crib and all the other gear was obtained from yard sales. Be sure to check the recall list on any baby gear you buy.
- Clothing: Obviously, there are some things that you certainly want to purchase new, but consignment shops and thrift stores can be a fantastic way to fill out your wardrobe without emptying out your wallet. Most towns and military bases have a thrift shop and consignment shops are a big business across the US. Women’s and children’s clothes tend to be easier to find than men’s clothes. Keep your eyes open for discount days and markdown schedules. At my husband’s last duty station, the thrift shop had a dollar day where all clothing was one dollar per item. I happened to find a huge stash of cute summer dresses in my size and I doubled my wardrobe. The best part is that you’re not out a lot of money if the clothes don’t work out for you. How often have you bought something only to discover that you don’t like it quite so much once you get it home? At thrift store prices, it isn’t such a catastrophe if you make a bad choice. Things that are particularly great to buy used includes winter coats, snow clothes, and dressy dresses. I’m not a big fan of buying used shoes, but I will pick up a like-new pair if the size and price is right.
- Cars: New cars have that lovely new car smell, but that is a very expensive smell. The average car loses at least ten percent of it’s value as soon as it is purchased, and the depreciation the first few years is quite steep. Whether you choose a year-old model at a 20% discount, or an older car for a few thousand dollars, you’ll save quite a bundle on the up-front costs and your insurance rates will be lower, as well. Check the CarFax report and have a used car inspected by a trusted mechanic, or consider purchasing a used car certified by the manufacturer.
- Exercise and Sports Equipment: Sporting gear can be expensive, and a remarkable amount of it is rarely used. There are tons of places to find sports gear: yard sales, Craig’s List, freecycle, thrift stores or a Play It Again Sports store. Obviously, you want to avoid buying used footwear and anything else that has molded itself to the player’s body.
I’m sure that many of you have things that you wouldn’t buy new. Share in the comments and help us all save a little money!
For more ideas on stretching your paycheck, visit The Paycheck Chronicles.
