Aloha, Yes I shop at thrift shops. I am always amazed at what I can find there. There are several really good thrift shops near my home here in Hawaii. I also shopped at thrift shops in the San Francisco Bay Area where anyone can find really great deals at the many shops in that area.
The best thing I have ever found was a beautiful Missoni black jump suit for $8.00. If you haven't checked out a good thrift shop, you have no idea what you are missing.
Sure do. We also donate a lot of clothing and other items to a thrift store run by our local animal shelter. Most things offered at thrifts are in very good or excellent condition. Books especially are a great bargain at thrift stores.
I almost exclusively get my clothes from resale shops like Platos Closet. I sold a few items there before I got into the habit of shopping there too. It helps me keep my clothing budget in line with my savings goals. I have gotten more savvy over the years and try to pick out stronger, better-quality pieces over the cheapest shirts. That way, my resold shirts last longer than cheap ones I buy brand new at the mall!
I regularly shop at thrift stores. I haven't bought retail in years and I get lots of compliments when I show up with something "new". My favorite shop is Charity Guild in Houston, TX. It has everything from furniture to high end fasions. Goodwill is another great place to shop. When I load up too much, I make sure to donate something back.
I do shop at thrift stores. Usually hit them up when I am close by and won't make a special trip. In general, I prefer yard sales because I find the selection better, but I will always go into a thrift store and see what is there whenever I have a chance. I find them particularly good for winter coats and kids clothes. Because I enjoy sewing, I also look through the used cloth racks for clothes that can be cut up and made into something else. One time I made two fabric "crowns" for my kids dress up box out of a used gold blouse. Cut it up, added some quilt batting and backing for stiffness and some velcro to hold it together when on their head and then sewed on some fancy button "jewels" to finish it off. They still are kicking around here, although my kids are way past the dress-up stage
I enjoy finding great items at thrift stores! I've found designer jeans and shoes and great seasonal items, such as mulling spices for wine. Many items were brand new and never used/worn!
Absolutely shop at thrift stores, primarily Goodwill, usually for clothes and books, occasionally household. Some days you score a find, other days not, but the inventory is always changing.
I agree that our inflation of lifestyles has a lot to do with it. Filling up those 2300 square foot homes is expensive. I know toddlers with more toys than I had my entire childhood. Then there is the endless replacement of electronics and media. In the last 50 years, music has been made available in at least 6 formats. I'm tired of paying for the same "album" over and over again.
However, a big part of the equation is the the added costs associated with working. Take out and convenience foods are more expensive than cooking at home, but who has the time? Office clothes or uniforms are more expensive than jeans. Those who can afford it hire out basic household tasks like cleaning and laundry. Not to mention the high cost of child care. I've known more than one couple who did the math and were surprised to discover how little "take-home" of the second income was left over after these costs.
If one of you works and loses their job, you are actually in better position to maintain your income level than if two of you work and one loses their job because you'll have two people (you and your partner) who may be able to find work. In a family where both people work, and one loses their job, it's not like the other can get a second job (at least not easily).
The newly elected senator from Massachusetts wrote a book about this not too long ago called the Two Income Trap.
What's the point of having an internationally available site, with articles from my side of the world, when you only seem to have comps available for US residents??? We buy stuff through Amazon too, you know! I come here everyday, and yet I'm prohibited from interacting? Gee thanks Wisebread....
Thanks for the money tips. I think the car salesmen tricks in the article are only relevant if you failed to do any research before you showed up on the lot.
A tip I would add is to get pre approved for an auto loan before you start shopping and the rest will fall into place. Negotiation is simple when you have a strict budget and are able to walk away from a bad deal.
I like to frequent the same few shops over and over at least once a week or even every few days. Make friends with the sales people, let them know what types of items you are interested in. They can call you when some new "goodies" come in that are to your liking! My best bargain was a five dollar brand new JanSport backpack-- we have taken it everywhere! Plus, JanSport has a lifetime guarantee and we have yet to tear it up!! I also collect Fire King dishware and you can find a bargain once in a while... bring cash, go alone, and take your time!
Some of my friends and relatives think my shopping at thrift shops is second class. But I say that if you have ever eaten at a restaurant, someone used the plate, sliverware and glassware before you. If you have ever stayed at a hotel someone has used the bedding before you and the spread may not even have been washed since you were there.
I used to but I am trying to pay of some debt so now I don't and the last time I stopped by a thrift store there was a bunch of crap. When I was in college I lived in a much richer county and their thrift stores had great stuff all the time. I guess that's the secret if you're looking for the good stuff.
Yes, although of course some are better than others. There are 10+ within 5 miles of my house. One I avoid because everything is dirty and/or smells of cigarette smoke. Another is too highly priced- $5 for a used baby t-shirt from Target? No thanks. But a few have some real treasures.
I thrift shop occasionally, when I'm looking for something specfic that I'm reasonably certain I can get there. Last fall, I bought a roller suitcase for $10 at a thrift shop. I needed it because I was flying out of state and I rarely travel. Didn't want to borrow a suitcase because I didn't want to be responsible if it was lost or damaged.
Aloha, Yes I shop at thrift shops. I am always amazed at what I can find there. There are several really good thrift shops near my home here in Hawaii. I also shopped at thrift shops in the San Francisco Bay Area where anyone can find really great deals at the many shops in that area.
The best thing I have ever found was a beautiful Missoni black jump suit for $8.00. If you haven't checked out a good thrift shop, you have no idea what you are missing.
The best place to find CDs and books is the thrift store. Great way to find vacation reading and vacation music for a very affordable sum.
I do shop at thrift stores for mainly cheap awesome clothes (daily wears or some costumes for 80s party, Halloween etc.)
Thrift stores have been a life saver since my divorce. Most of my kids clothes come from there.
Sure do. We also donate a lot of clothing and other items to a thrift store run by our local animal shelter. Most things offered at thrifts are in very good or excellent condition. Books especially are a great bargain at thrift stores.
I almost exclusively get my clothes from resale shops like Platos Closet. I sold a few items there before I got into the habit of shopping there too. It helps me keep my clothing budget in line with my savings goals. I have gotten more savvy over the years and try to pick out stronger, better-quality pieces over the cheapest shirts. That way, my resold shirts last longer than cheap ones I buy brand new at the mall!
I regularly shop at thrift stores. I haven't bought retail in years and I get lots of compliments when I show up with something "new". My favorite shop is Charity Guild in Houston, TX. It has everything from furniture to high end fasions. Goodwill is another great place to shop. When I load up too much, I make sure to donate something back.
I do shop at thrift stores. Usually hit them up when I am close by and won't make a special trip. In general, I prefer yard sales because I find the selection better, but I will always go into a thrift store and see what is there whenever I have a chance. I find them particularly good for winter coats and kids clothes. Because I enjoy sewing, I also look through the used cloth racks for clothes that can be cut up and made into something else. One time I made two fabric "crowns" for my kids dress up box out of a used gold blouse. Cut it up, added some quilt batting and backing for stiffness and some velcro to hold it together when on their head and then sewed on some fancy button "jewels" to finish it off. They still are kicking around here, although my kids are way past the dress-up stage
i shop at thrift stores!
I enjoy finding great items at thrift stores! I've found designer jeans and shoes and great seasonal items, such as mulling spices for wine. Many items were brand new and never used/worn!
Absolutely shop at thrift stores, primarily Goodwill, usually for clothes and books, occasionally household. Some days you score a find, other days not, but the inventory is always changing.
I agree that our inflation of lifestyles has a lot to do with it. Filling up those 2300 square foot homes is expensive. I know toddlers with more toys than I had my entire childhood. Then there is the endless replacement of electronics and media. In the last 50 years, music has been made available in at least 6 formats. I'm tired of paying for the same "album" over and over again.
However, a big part of the equation is the the added costs associated with working. Take out and convenience foods are more expensive than cooking at home, but who has the time? Office clothes or uniforms are more expensive than jeans. Those who can afford it hire out basic household tasks like cleaning and laundry. Not to mention the high cost of child care. I've known more than one couple who did the math and were surprised to discover how little "take-home" of the second income was left over after these costs.
If one of you works and loses their job, you are actually in better position to maintain your income level than if two of you work and one loses their job because you'll have two people (you and your partner) who may be able to find work. In a family where both people work, and one loses their job, it's not like the other can get a second job (at least not easily).
The newly elected senator from Massachusetts wrote a book about this not too long ago called the Two Income Trap.
I shop at Goodwill, but have a really tough time finding good deals!
Yes. I absolutely shop the thrift stores scene.
What's the point of having an internationally available site, with articles from my side of the world, when you only seem to have comps available for US residents??? We buy stuff through Amazon too, you know! I come here everyday, and yet I'm prohibited from interacting? Gee thanks Wisebread....
Thanks for the money tips. I think the car salesmen tricks in the article are only relevant if you failed to do any research before you showed up on the lot.
A tip I would add is to get pre approved for an auto loan before you start shopping and the rest will fall into place. Negotiation is simple when you have a strict budget and are able to walk away from a bad deal.
i do occasionally. by the way, have you heard the thriftshop song?! the. best. ever.
I like to frequent the same few shops over and over at least once a week or even every few days. Make friends with the sales people, let them know what types of items you are interested in. They can call you when some new "goodies" come in that are to your liking! My best bargain was a five dollar brand new JanSport backpack-- we have taken it everywhere! Plus, JanSport has a lifetime guarantee and we have yet to tear it up!! I also collect Fire King dishware and you can find a bargain once in a while... bring cash, go alone, and take your time!
Some of my friends and relatives think my shopping at thrift shops is second class. But I say that if you have ever eaten at a restaurant, someone used the plate, sliverware and glassware before you. If you have ever stayed at a hotel someone has used the bedding before you and the spread may not even have been washed since you were there.
Absolutely-I'd be crazy not to! It's like buying a used car vs. a new car...once the tags are off, the value is down.
I used to but I am trying to pay of some debt so now I don't and the last time I stopped by a thrift store there was a bunch of crap. When I was in college I lived in a much richer county and their thrift stores had great stuff all the time. I guess that's the secret if you're looking for the good stuff.
Yes, although of course some are better than others. There are 10+ within 5 miles of my house. One I avoid because everything is dirty and/or smells of cigarette smoke. Another is too highly priced- $5 for a used baby t-shirt from Target? No thanks. But a few have some real treasures.
I thrift shop occasionally, when I'm looking for something specfic that I'm reasonably certain I can get there. Last fall, I bought a roller suitcase for $10 at a thrift shop. I needed it because I was flying out of state and I rarely travel. Didn't want to borrow a suitcase because I didn't want to be responsible if it was lost or damaged.
I don't really shop thrift stores, I usually stick to the children's consignment shops