Six Reasons Why People Don’t Thrift

Over the past week, I’ve been conducting a quiet poll among friends and family concerning whether or not they shop at thrift stores. I received a few “yes” answers, but a surprisingly large number of “no” answers. Without arguing about the reasons, I also asked them why they didn’t shop at thrift stores and I found that there were six common answers. Here are those six reasons … and now I’ll argue why they’re completely false.

Thrift store stuff is dirty. I wash most things I buy no matter where I buy it. If I buy a new article of clothing, a towel, flatware, toys, or so on, I wash it in order to remove germs from others handling the item in the store and plastic and chemical residue. I do the same thing with thrift store stuff. Even if it is a bit dirty, so what? I’m thoroughly cleaning it anyway.

Wash thrift store items, just as you would wash many items purchased elsewhere.

Thrift store stuff is used. Yes, thrift store items are used. Do you throw out every item you have just because you used it once or twice? Probably not – unless you discover the shirt doesn’t fit you or the item doesn’t work for you. Then you just might be taking it to the thrift store.

Thrift store stuff is used, but a surprising amount of it is “barely used,” virtually indistinguishable from new.

Thrift store stuff doesn’t have the name brands my children (or I) must have. Let your children make that judgment. Take them to the thrift store and let them go crazy digging through the racks. Offer to buy them pretty much anything they find. You might just be shocked at what they find.

If you’re the one with the brand phobias, just go there and look around. I constantly find things I’m very happy to wear.

Buy what you like, not what the labels tell you to like.

Thrift store stuff is out of date. Most items simply go out of date – what exactly is an out-of-date knife? For items that do go out of date, they often have a “retro” cache (like an Atari 2600 console) or, like some clothes, they go in and out of style all the time.

Define for yourself what’s out of date and what isn’t – look at the items available and choose what you like.

Thrift store stuff is ugly. Yes, we’ve all seen the horribly tacky items that people proudly proclaim that they picked up at a thrift store. Guess what? You can’t blame a lack of taste on the retailer. If someone buys an ugly item, it’s the person’s lack of taste that is the problem, not the retailer.

Choose stuff you like and leave behind the stuff you don’t, just like at any retailer.

I don’t know where to start. Some people avoid thrift stores simply because they’ve never gone to one. If that’s you, it’s time to try something new, because thrift stores are often excellent places to find the very things you need.

Find a local store and make it a point to visit.

There’s really no reason not to give thrifting a shot – it’s a great way to find inexpensive things you need, you’re reusing items instead of throwing them in the landfills, and it’s a lot of fun to boot.

Continue reading Six Reasons Why People Don’t Thrift …

From The Simple Dollar.

Start Planning Christmas Gift Shopping – Frugal Challenge

It may seem a bit early to be thinking about shopping for Christmas gifts, but, if you’re like me, trying to save as much money as I possibly can, you should probably start today.  Planning a more affordable Christmas this year doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the gifts, decorations, food, and fun.  You just need to start early, use your creativity, and base your shopping on good judgment.

Christmas time is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration.  If you are burdened with debt because you overspent on gifts, your heart will not be light and full of good cheer.  Those expensive gifts can become a burden that strips away the joy of the season.

Let’s look at some basic strategies for slashing the overspending that can occur at Christmas time.

Plan Your Gift Budget – This is so basic you would think that most people already do this, but many don’t, and that is where the trouble starts.  Don’t start with a gift list, start with writing down exactly how much you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts this year.  Don’t forget that you’ll need to budget for the rest of your Christmas expenses, too.  Things like decorations and food need to be budgeted for, so keep the total expense in mind.

Make Your Gift Recipient List – Write down everyone you normally buy a Christmas gift for.

Remove Some People From That List – This may seem a bit difficult, but you are almost guaranteed that after you go through your list, you’ll find someone that you really don’t need to buy a gift for this year.  If it makes you more comfortable, just move their names to the bottom of the list so you can remember to do something for them, even if that doesn’t involve buying a gift.

Plan Dollar Amount For Each Recipient – Write a dollar amount behind each name that you now have on your list, then add it up.  Are you outside your budget for gifts?  You’ll need to go back then and rethink each amount and adjust the figures until it fits within your gift budget.

Make Your Gift List – Now you can go through your list of names and start jotting down ideas for each person.  Because you’ve created a budgeted dollar amount for each individual, your ideas now have a limit.  The problem most people get into when they shop for gifts is that they create a gift list with gift ideas first instead of dollar amounts first.  To save your budget, always start your gift list with the dollar amount to be spent for each gift recipient.

Start Your Shopping Early – Yes, there are some great bargains to be found as you get closer to Christmas, but the panic that sets in usually ends up costing us more than we planned.  Last minute shopping narrows your choices.

Re-Think Gift Shopping – Consider more inventive options for at least some of the names on your list.  Shop smart and thrifty by looking through bargain basements and resale shops.  Yes, even a trip through the second-hand stores may prove to be rewarding.  You’ll never know what kind of fun and funky finds you’ll come across.  For instance, you might find great vintage jewelry that would be just right for a teenager.  You may even stumble upon some antique books.  And, what little princess wouldn’t like a big box of sparkly gowns to play dress-up in?  You’ll find racks of bejeweled, lacy, and shimmery dresses on the bridal and special events racks in most larger thrift shops.  Check it out before you head to the mall.

Homemade Gifts – If you are creative, if you can follow a pattern, if you can cook, or if you just have a desire to make something nice, put your skills to work and make a gift.  Something as simple as a pretty jar filled with bath salts can be just the right gift to give a friend in need of a relaxing moment. Gifts made from the heart are always appreciated.

Leave Yourself Off Your Gift List – If you’re tempted to buy yourself stuff while you’re shopping for gifts, you’ll need to give yourself a stern talking to!  There are so many lovely things out there in the store aisles and they all seem to be calling your name.  That is what is called “marketing to the impulse shopper.”  If you have no control, give your list to someone else who has more self-control and is willing to do your shopping for you.  Know yourself and avoid this pitfall.  Your budget can’t take it!

This is my frugal challenge to you.  Hold onto the joy of Christmas gift giving by setting your gift budget within your means.  Don’t go into debt in order to give gifts that you cannot afford.  Your family and friends would not like it if they knew their gift caused you a hardship.

Continue reading Start Planning Christmas Gift Shopping – Frugal Challenge …

From Hillbilly Housewife Blog.

Financial Stress Can Equal to Bad Decisions

Stress can cloud judgment for the best of us. When we’re worried or upset, we just can’t think as clearly as when we’re calm and happy. And when it comes to financial stress, the consequences of bad decisions can be serious.
Anything that adversely affects our income or expenses can cause financial stress. Job loss is [...]

Continue reading Financial Stress Can Equal to Bad Decisions …

From Frugal Simplicity.