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Things You Can Buy Secondhand

June 27th, 2009 · No Comments

When the economy or our personal finances take a turn for the worse, we may have no choice but to cut back on spending. In most budgets, there are many items that can be eliminated completely. But there are some things we need to buy no matter how hard times get.

And even when we’re pinching pennies, we still need to do things we enjoy. Perhaps we even need these things more than we normally would, because they lift our spirits. But hobbies and entertainment can be expensive.

We don’t have to deprive ourselves of all optional purchases when money is tight. Buying items secondhand can save us lots of money. Many consumers make a habit of doing so even during good financial times, because it allows them to have more money left over to save or spend on other things.

You can buy lots of things secondhand. Here are just a few to consider.

* Clothing ? Clothing is a necessity. We may be able to get several years’ worth of wear out of clothes as adults, but children outgrow theirs at lightning speed. You can find good secondhand clothes at thrift shops and garage sales.

* Toys ? Toys help keep children entertained, and they often have educational value. But kids outgrow them and break them, so they frequently need something new. But as long as a toy is new to your child, it doesn’t really matter if it has been previously loved by another child. Check garage sales and your local classifieds for used toys.

* DVDs, CDs and video games ? The latest movies, music and video games are far from cheap, yet they seem to fly off the shelves. But if you’re not concerned about having the newest releases, you can buy used. The pawn shop often has DVDs, CDs and video games at very low prices. Some retail stores also take trade-ins for new media, and then they sell the items that are traded.

* Books ? For the avid reader, books are a must-have. The library is a great resource, but sometimes you might want a copy of your own to read again and again. By buying used, you can get them at a fraction of the cover price. Some bookstores specialize in used books, and they may even let you trade in books you no longer want for credit.

* Cars ? Having a car is essential in some areas. Even if it’s not, it’s nice to have your own means of transportation. A new car can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But if you buy used, you will pay much less. You can even buy certified used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection and come with a warranty.

Buying secondhand can be great fun if you have the right attitude. Finding a great deal on something you saw in a store with an outrageous price tag is very satisfying. And it will help you stretch your shopping dollars much further.

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