Cars, Boats, and Recreational Vehicles
CarFax states on their website quote “According to industry experts, the value of a new vehicle drops by about 20% in the first year of ownership. Over the next four years, you can expect your car to lose roughly 15% of its value each year – meaning the average car will be worth just 40% of its purchase price after five years” and the price of a new vehicle is astronomical. Instead, purchase a quality used vehicle. You will save thousands of dollars.
The market is flooded with used boats and recreational vehicles for sale, you can find one for a reasonable price. If you are thinking of purchasing, rent first to try it out. Spend some time boating, camping or traveling in a rental to see if you enjoy it enough to justify making a purchase.
Books, Audiobooks, eBooks, Video Games, DVD’s & CD’s
It is almost never worth the cost to buy books, music, movies and video games new. Instead, shop at used bookstores, thrift stores, the Goodwill and Salvation Army and garage and estate sales.
You can also check GameStop, shop locally or online. They offer new and pre-owned video games and gaming consoles, gaming accessories, movies, music CD’s, board games and more.
They offer free shipping on orders $35.00 or more.
Sign up for their Power up Rewards card, you earn points on every purchase.
Utilize your local library, they lend books, movies, music, board games, video games and other content.
You can also borrow digital content from the library. Use the OverDrive Media or Libby app to borrow audio or eBooks. Both apps are free.
Most libraries hold annual book sales, stock up on books and other items then.
There are many places online to buy and sell used books.
Thriftbooks
They offer free shipping on orders $10 and up. They have a Reading Rewards program so you can earn reward points for your purchases and for referrals and use those points toward future orders.
Abe Books
You can buy and sell books here. Books are sold through independent sellers. They also buy and sell art and collectables, text books and rare hard to find books.
Better World Books
They offer new and used book and have a free shipping option. They are committed to giving back by participating in volunteer projects, literacy grants, book donation and sustainability. A part of each purchase that is made on their site goes to support that mission.
A few places to buy used music online.
The CD Exchange
You can buy and sell music CD’s and movies here. Standard shipping is free on orders of $35.00 or more.
Alibris
They sell books, music and movies. Shipping is only free for eligible items when your order is at least $39.00
Goodwill Books
They sell books, movies, music and games. Standard shipping is free for all items. Expedited shipping is $4.00 per item.
Furniture
Shop online and locally for used furniture.
Adult & Teen Clothing
Shop second hand and thrift stores, Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Often, I find items at these places with the original store tag still attached. If you do purchase new clothing from a store wait until there is a sale and shop the discount racks.
There are many places online to buy and sell used clothes, purses, jewelry and other items. Check out sites like Poshmark, ThredUP, The RealReal, Etsy, eBay, Tradesy, Facebook Marketplace and others.
Baby & Children’s Clothes and Gear
Babies are small for just a short time and toddlers and older kids grow so quickly there is a constant need to buy clothes. Purchasing secondhand clothing and other items such as strollers, baby bathtubs and toys can save a lot of money. There are places online such as ThredUp, Kidizen and Facebook groups where you can buy and sell children’s clothing and other items.
Check local thrift shops, the Goodwill & Salvation Army and garage sales. You can also setup a clothing swap with parents in your area.
Costumes
Halloween and other costumes can be quite expensive, don’t buy new Instead check out the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, thrift store or secondhand store. If you do buy new wait until after Halloween when they are on sale. You can also swap with family and friends. If you are creative make your own costumes.
Tools & Garden Supplies
Buy tools and garden supplies used whenever possible. Garage and estate sales are excellent places to find these items. You can also find them at thrift stores, flea markets and the Goodwill. Lawn mowers and garden tractors are easy to find and buying them used can save hundreds of dollars. There are a bunch of places online that buy and sell used tools and other hardware. Check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay and Etsy. And if you just need a tool for a certain project, consider renting or borrowing, public libraries often lend tools and check with family and friends they may own the tool you need for a one-time job.
Sports Equipment
Look for stores in your local area that buy and sell pre-owned sports equipment.
Also check online. eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist and Play It Again Sports all sell used equipment.
And don’t forget bicycles. Many people become interested in riding, do it for a short time and then lose interest. There are tons of used bicycles on the market. Again, check Facebook Groups, eBay and Craigslist. Shop local used bike shops and garage sales.
And some items for example, camping gear, winter sports equipment, water sports gear, tennis rackets and scuba gear and other things that you use maybe once or twice a year can be rented or bought used. Compare the price of renting the equipment especially if you would only use it when going on vacation. Or check with friends and family and borrow the equipment from them if you can.
Musical Instruments
Always consider buying used musical instruments. Especially for your children, often kids join the band or take music lessons and don’t stick with it so spending a lot on new instruments does not make sense.
Shop at your local music store, they may sell used instruments and go online, sites like Music Go Round and Reverb buy and sell pre-owned musical equipment.
And don’t forget your local public library. Some libraries lend musical equipment for anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Scan the local newspaper and if you are looking for a particular item tell your friends and family, word of mouth often gets results.
If you are purchasing for your children, ask the band director or music teacher for recommendations.
Kitchen & Household Items
Thrift stores, the Goodwill & Salvation Army, garage sales and estate sales are great places to find used household items. You can get an entire set of dishes at the Goodwill for a fraction of the cost you would pay for new. Same goes for pots and pans, cast iron equipment, utensils, silverware, glasses, coffee mugs, wine glasses, small kitchen appliances, office furniture and equipment, decorations, pictures, and wall art, mirrors, wall shelves, curtains and curtain rods, storage containers, sewing machines and many other items.
Anytime you are considering buying something ask yourself if it is something that can be purchased second-hand. The savings can really add up.
The Tech Minimalist 