When my wife and I go shopping for our 17-month-old daughter, we don't go to major department stores first. Heavens no! We head to the thrift store for the best bargains around. Now before you turn up your nose, read on.
On average, a baby’s or newborn’s shoes can cost anywhere from $15-$30 a pair. Now, does it make sense to pay prices like these when you can find shoes, dresses, etc., for a mere fraction of the cost?
Why pay full retail price for an item of clothing that in two months you will be throwing away or donating? I bet some of our closets still have clothes that have never been worn and still have the tags from the original retail store!
We, as hardworking people, should refrain, rethink and reprogram our mindsets that spending three to four times the amount for an outfit or piece of clothing in a department store validates it or makes more authentic, special, or even regal because of its brand name or its price.
Take Warren Buffet, for example. He is one of the wealthiest, yet notably one of the most frugal men. Why then do American consumers spend exorbitant amounts of money on depreciating items?
If you must buy clothing, it’s a good idea to look in your neighborhood thrift stores first. Can’t find your item there? Then check out your major discount stores, (e.g., TJ Max, Ross, Marshalls, etc.). Finally, if you just absolutely must have that certain brand-name item, ask yourself a few questions to start:
- Do you really need it or is it a “want”?
- Is there a lower-cost option?
- Is it worth your money?
- How much wear will you really get out of it?
Do you have a thrifty strategy for saving? I’ve shared one of mine. Feel free to share one of yours.
2 Comments:
Here's another strategy -- coupons. I will not go shopping without my little box of coupons. On a recent shopping trip, I saved $5 by using coupons for things I needed to buy. The one thing about couplons is some people misuse them by buying things they don't really need/don't really use. I use the items I use my coupons for.
Coupons also help you stay focussed on what you really need and not what you see and suddenly want, but may not need.
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