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I have many friends who love thrift shopping. It’s almost a game or contest to see what kinds of awesome things they can find at Goodwill. My grandma is one of these people. She’ll go to Goodwill and sift through multiple items to find the perfect deal. She’s come away with almost brand new Coach purses and Calvin Klein clothing with tags for a few dollars! It’s crazy the kinds of things she finds for the fraction of the price. For all of you out there who thrift shop, I applaud you!! It’s so wonderful to find deals and save some money. I, on the other hand, am so not good at this.
To be quite honest, thrift shopping is overwhelming to me. It’s stressful for me to sort through so many items if I am looking for something so specific. Also, I am a germaphobe so that just doesn’t help. haha. Instead, I buy things new. To me, there’s something so nice about having a couch that’s never been sat on, or taking home a new shirt from Nordstrom with that Nordstrom scent (for you Nordstrom shoppers, you know exactly what I’m talking about 🙂 ). But, of course, I’m the budgeting wife. Just because I buy new doesn’t mean that I am not going to save money! Here are some things I do to afford to buy new and still save:
Think Through Your Purchase
I only go to the store to buy something when I have planned what I’m going to buy. If I realize I need a new dress for summer wedding season, then I will go to the store to find that specific item. This cuts down on buying things just to buy. Rather, I’m intentional about my spending.
Stick to the Basics
Although my husband may disagree, I really don’t have too many pieces of clothing. Rather than thrift shopping and buying a lot of different items, I buy a few basic pieces that will go with a lot of outfits. A lot of my clothing items are solid colors that will mix and match with other items. By buying nicer clothing items, I get to keep my clothes longer because they don’t get worn out for a while.
Buy on the Off Months
Buying items after the season ends is a great way to save money and still buy new. Buy a rain jacket in the summer, and swimsuits in the winter. Another great tip is to buy decorations after the season or holiday. Christmas decorations could be half off the day after Christmas. Yes, you will have to store them for another year before you get to use them, but you’ll save so much on them!
Shop Sales
I still shop at some of my favorite (and can be expensive) places to buy new, but I try to do most of my shopping during sales. Nordstrom’s anniversary sale is every July, so this is a great time for me to pick up some nice items that I like while still saving money. When Jacob and I got married, we registered at Macy’s and I noticed how often Macy’s has a “one day” sale. We bought our couch and vacuum on sale, and all other home items we still needed after the wedding. I ONLY shopped there when something was on sale, and there were sales happening all the time!
Shop Discount Stores
While my love for Nordstrom is great, it’s also expensive… But another option that I go to quite often is Nordstrom Rack! Yes, it’s a little more work to find something great because everything isn’t super organized, but it’s still awesome quality products, current styles, and half the price. Other discount stores with new items are great to shop at like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Check out these places before looking at more expensive stores.
Personally, I prefer buying new rather than used, and it’s okay if you do too! But just because I buy new doesn’t mean that I have to spend so much more. Between buying basic items, shopping sales, and being intentional with my purchases, I am able to buy things I love and be the money-saving budgeting wife in the process!
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Photo by Lorraine Homburger