A New Year of Money: Evaluating Your Financial State

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

As a new year begins, many people take the opportunity to establish new habits and make resolutions toward a more fulfilling life. As much as a new year represents a time to make new plans and forge ahead, it’s also an opportune time to reflect upon the year behind us. Resolutions that are made with awareness of our existing situation are most likely to succeed because they take into consideration our behavior and circumstances. As a new year begins, let’s examine and evaluate our financial situation based upon the reality of the past and present as well as our goals for the future.

Discover your financial trends to inform your resolutions

Rather than simply proclaiming that you want to improve your financial state, it’s best to take a long hard look at it so you can identify what needs attention. If you use software (like Quicken) or an online application (like Mint) to track your finances, examining your spending, saving and other transactions should be a simple matter of pulling up some reports. They also make planning and forecasting a breeze. If you don’t yet take advantage of the convenience of tracking your finances electronically, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to jump in. The exercise of setting up your accounts in these programs will serve as an opportunity to examine your financial state in detail.

Assess your previous year’s finances:

In what areas have you made progress toward your financial goals?
What positive steps did you take toward making sound financial decisions?
In general, where did your money go?
What mistakes were made?
What could/should you have done differently?
Did unexpected expenses throw your budget for a loop?

Examine your present finances

Determine your actual income and outflow. It’s as simple as adding up your monthly expenses (or your best guess thereof) and subtracting them from what’s coming in. Performing that calculation enables you to determine how much money is unaccounted for. That’s the amount over which you can exercise your discretion – and the amount that’s the key to your future financial plan.
List your assets and debts to gain the “big picture.” This will enable you to see what you have and how much you owe. Examining your “black vs red” totals will help you determine where you need to focus debt repayment and investments.

Utilize your examination to plan changes

Once you’ve examined your past and present financial situation, use that information to inform your decisions as you move forward.

Prioritize. Armed with the above information, make a list of your five or ten most critical issues. They may include such long-term goals as paying down debt or saving for retirement, or shorter-term goals, like rainy day or Christmas savings accounts.
Allocate discretionary money. Once your fixed expenses are covered, divvy up a healthy percentage of your “extra” money among those priorities. Don’t allocate it all, however; remember to leave your budget some wiggle room for the unexpected.

This is but the first step to a new financial outlook for the new year. Before you can resolve to improve your financial state, you have to look it square in the eye. Such examination gives you a realistic foundation, based upon your current situation, your expenses and your spending habits, on which to develop your next steps.

This article is the first of four on the subject of embarking upon the new year with a sound financial plan. The next in this series will delve into actually determining and setting those goals for the new year.

Have you evaluated your finances lately?

5 Tips for Saving Money this Coming Year

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Do you want to save money right now? Are looking for a way to be a little more frugal immediately? As a new year gets underway, it’s a good idea to consider your expenses. You might be surprised at how you can save money right now with the right planning. Here are 5 things you can do right now to start saving money in the coming year:

1. Cancel What You Don’t Need

One of the best things you can do for your finances is to cancel what you don’t need. From a gym membership, to a cable TV premium movie package, to a magazine subscription, there are plenty of things that you are probably paying for — and that you don’t need. You can work out at home, there are plenty of low-cost options for entertainment (from Hulu to Netflix), and most of us don’t really read magazines anyway. Cancel these services and subscriptions, and you’ll immediately start saving money.

2. Negotiate Your Rates

Even if you don’t cancel outright, you can attempt to negotiate your rates. Can you get a better price on your Internet services or satellite TV service? You can also ask for a lower credit card interest rate if you are trying to pay off debt. Negotiating a lower rate can save you money each and every month, starting this month.

3. Cook More at Home

You might be surprised at how much you are spending on food. When you buy prepared meals at the store, order takeout, or go out to eat, you run the risk of spending a great deal each year. Instead, cook at home. Create a meal plan, and then make a list based on that plan. Then shop and stick to the list. Plan ahead so that you know what you are making. If you are crunched for time, look for 30-minute recipes, or meals that you can prepare in a crock pot. You can also consider using freezer meals to help you save time overall.

4. Maintain What You Already Have

We live in a very disposable society. However, you don’t have to throw things out unnecessarily. You waste quite a bit when you get in the habit of throwing things out. Instead of getting rid of stuff, maintain what you already have. From taking good care of your clothing so that it doesn’t wear out, to bringing your car in for regular maintenance so that it lasts longer, you can save money by caring for your things. You’ll buy less and save more.

5. Be Conservation-Minded

You can save money when you start to think green, at least a little bit. An energy efficient home isn’t just more environmentally friendly; it can also save you money. Make an effort to make your home more energy efficient, and you will spend less on heating in the winter and less on cooling in the summer. You can also employ strategies to use less water so that your water bill is smaller. Consider how you can save energy and water, and your pocketbook will feel the savings, too.

7 Tips To Reaching Your Fitness Goals

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

If you’re like many people, last year’s fitness commitment lasted only a few months before tanking. Maybe you managed to stick with your actual goals but hated every minute of it or didn’t see results. Because I’ve been there, I’d like to share a few tips on how to make your fitness goals become more than an unobtainable dream.

Realize that you need to set specific short and long-term goals. Getting fit is a long-term process. It doesn’t happen overnight, but over months and even years of discipline, consistency, and increased challenges. To stick with your overall goal of being more fit, you need to set specific goals, such as:

By next month, I want to be able to walk three miles in ___ minutes.
By summer, I want my BMI to be ___.
By the end of the year, I want to have dropped two pant sizes.

Set goals that are realistic to your current fitness level, but don’t be afraid of setting challenging goals…you just might surprise yourself.

Invest in a personal trainer. Personal trainers can be expensive, but if you’re the type of person that needs outside motivation and has no clue where to start, a trainer will be able to guide your fitness journey. You may need only a few months with a trainer to establish principles, routine, and suggested goals, and then be fine on your own.

Join a group or class. Group fitness classes are popular because of their ability to help people maintain motivation, establish accountability, and increase the enjoyment of exercise. Finding friends with similar fitness levels and goals is encouraging and will help you make fitness a social activity rather than a chore.

Don’t get stuck in a rut. Variety is key to keeping your workouts interesting and challenging as well as achieving more rapid results. If you do the same thing at the same level for too long, you will quickly become bored, and notice a decline in results. Make sure to include a good mix of cardio, strength training and stretching in order to burn calories while toning and increasing flexibility and stability.

Don’t be afraid of lifting weights. It’s a well-circulated myth that women will bulk up if they lift too much weight too frequently. Women, it takes a lot of creatine, protein supplements, and intense weight lifting to create those body-builder types you see on television. The more muscle you build, the more fat you’ll burn and the skinnier you will look by toning and tightening your body.

Bring fitness into your home. There are scores of daily, 30, 60 or 90-day workout programs you can do from the convenience of your own home. Although less personal, you can receive expert fitness instruction without paying top dollar for a trainer. This method is ideal for people who are self-conscious and private about working out. Fitness programs also allow you more flexibility with training time and duration; some programs are designed to fit into as little as ten minutes a day. Although you should try to get in at least thirty minutes of exercise a day, there are days that’s not possible, and ten minutes is better than nothing.

Don’t just diet; change the way you eat. Diets are designed for rapid weight loss and short duration. They can help you lose weight temporarily until you resume old eating habits. Instead, change the way you eat every day, including:

Portion control
Increased nutritional value
Cutting excess sugar, salt, and fat

Exercise and eating right are the age-old ways to get and stay in shape for life. Setting goals, getting expert advice, staying consistent and keeping it fun are key to helping your new year’s fitness resolutions become a reality this year and for years to come.

Don’t forget to take a look at the health coupons we’ve accumulated too, as they will save you a ton of money.

Affordable Outings to Combat the Winter “Blahs”

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

The holidays are winding down and so is all the commotion that goes with them. Once the gatherings, events and festivities are over, we often experience a letdown. Looking forward to the remainder of winter’s still-short and often cold days, it’s easy to slide into the winter doldrums. While you may be thinking this is the perfect time of year to take off on a tropical vacation, you may still be paying off your holiday expenses, so some affordable outings may be just what the doctor ordered to keep your spirits light.

While you want a departure from the ordinary, there’s no need to go far or spend a lot. Some of the simplest ideas can net you a lot of R and R. Look for coupons and specials through services like Groupon or Amazon Local to make these little recuperative indulgences more affordable.

Affordable Indoor Activities to Fend Off Winter “Blahs”

Botanic Gardens or Arboretum – If you’re in need of a burst of exposure to living things, there’s nothing better than entering a lush paradise. Regardless of the season, there’s plenty growing here.
Museums – Look for discounted admission (or free) days, usually during the week. Often overlooked during warmer weather, museums will transport you to another time and place.
Planetarium – Put your head in the stars, far beyond inclement, cold days on Earth.
Bowling – Weekdays are the time to find cheaper and less-crowded lanes.
Library – Get lost in the stacks and borrow some new reading material. They often have programs and activities for children, too.
Local concerts and performances – Support the arts and enjoy some inexpensive entertainment.
Indoor athletics – Find a local athletic center where you can participate in indoor versions of such sports as wall climbing, ice skating or swimming.
Arts and crafts classes – Exercise your creativity by learning ceramics, watercolor or jewelry making.
Visit an animal shelter – Playing with and petting some furry friends will warm your heart and the animals will appreciate the company.
Explore the city while the holiday lights are still up – Waiting until the holiday crowds have waned provides a more relaxing opportunity to take in the sights.
Manicure, pedicure, massage or facial at a salon – A little pampering can go a long way toward rejuvenating a winter-weary spirit.
Weekend away at local motel – Take a mini-vacation at a local motel, taking advantage of their pool, spa and other fun and relaxing amenities.

Affordable Outdoor Activities to Fend Off Winter “Blahs”

Just because it’s winter, it’s not necessarily frigid. Consider going to places you’d visit in warmer weather – they’ll be less crowded. You may need to dress warmer but there’s still lots of fun to be had.

Park or nature preserve – Take in the sights while experiencing winter’s unique beauty. You may discover things you’ve never seen before!
Zoo – Many zoos are open year-round and are great places to go to experience a change of pace and focus.
Biking /hiking trails – How about a little exercise out in the fresh air?
“Summer in the winter” – Throw on appropriate outerwear and do something unexpected for the season! Drink cocoa sitting in a lawn chair. Have lunch at a picnic table wearing mittens. Mixing it up like that will break you out of the winter doldrums.

The trick to overcoming the restlessness of the winter blahs is to celebrate what we can do in the season, rather than lament what we can’t. With a little imagination not much expense, we can snap out of the winter doldrums and actually enjoy the unique joys of winter.

How do you combat the winter “blahs?”

Security Systems Can Be Affordable Peace Of Mind

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

As careful as we try to be about protecting our safety and the safety of our family, no one can predict when the unexpected may occur right in our very home. One way to help alleviate the threat of unforeseen danger, catastrophe or potential loss may be with a security system. Such a system can alert us of a myriad of threats and protect our safety and that which is dear to us by contacting emergency services to deal with unexpected situations.

Security systems can help protect our homes, belongings and, most importantly, our family’s well-being. There’s little question as to whether there’s a benefit to having a security system; the questions arise when determining what company to choose and which features and services are most beneficial.

The Costs of Security

When choosing a security system, consider that you’re paying for two separate things: The system itself, which includes sensors throughout your home and the monitoring service, which determines what happens when threats to your home occur.

Security systems
Security systems can be hard-wired or wireless. Although they are costlier to install, hard-wired systems are preferable, due to their greater reliability. Because they’re attached to a power source, they can’t malfunction due to a low or dead battery. They’re also not affected by cellular technology, wireless components or other electronic instruments which could cause operational interference. Hard-wired systems can cost $90 – $130 per entry point, which include each door and window. If you’re up to the task, there are security systems you can install yourself, then pay a security company for the monitoring.

Security services

Choosing a company

Who ya gonna call to provide security monitoring services? Contact companies that:

Are locally owned and operated – Hiring a company that operates where they provide service ensures they have a vested interest in the community’s security and a local reputation to uphold.
Provide a full array of services – When the company you choose does it all, you won’t have to switch to a new provider should you decide you need or want additional services.
Provide 24/7 service – Since most burglaries occur during daylight hours (when burglars assume you’re not home) and emergencies can occur regardless of the day or time, 24-hour monitoring is crucial.
Have been in business many years – This ensures that they’re experienced and have a track record to back it up.

Choosing services

Monitoring of your security system is what gives it “teeth.” Basic monitoring services can cost as little as $20-$50/month, which you may recoup with lowered homeowner’s insurance rates. In addition to intruder monitoring, other services can be added to alert you and officials in the case of fire, breaking glass, carbon monoxide, smoke, water and dangerous temperature fluctuation. Costs for monitoring can add up but it’s very important. For example, an ear-piercing alarm alone may deter an intruder at the time; but without official follow-up to determine what happened, an entry point that may have been breached may not be discovered, providing the burglar future, undetected entry into your home.

Go with a one year contract – that’s long enough to decide how you feel about the equipment, service, convenience, and ease of use. If it proves unsatisfactory, you only have to put up with it for a year before making a change.

Spending money on a security system is a good idea, providing a constant presence that can save your home and its occupants in an emergency. Choose good equipment and monitoring by a reputable company and you’ll be rewarded with extra peace of mind.

What do you think is most important in a security system?

Frugal Travel: WWOOFing

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

One of the more interesting ways to involve yourself in frugal travel is the practice of WWOOFing. I learned about the WWOOF movement from a good online friend of mine. He uses it as a way to stay for free as he travels.

Basically, WWOOFing is about staying with organic farmers, or other business owners, and volunteering to do work for them. Many of the operations are relatively small, and usually have some sort of cause attached, whether it’s sustainability, or some other value. My friend even stayed at an animal sanctuary for a couple of weeks.

In exchange for a certain number of hours that you work each day, you receive a free place to stay — and often meals. With a membership fee, you get access to a database of participants around the world, as well as access to web sites that include reviews of different hosts. You can go WWOOFing in about 99 countries, so that provides you with many opportunities.

Who is WWOOFing For?

While you do have to pay for your expenses in getting to the country of your choice, once you are there, you can arrange to stay in various locations fairly cheaply. As long as you are willing to do some work each day, you can receive a place to sleep, and food to eat, and then go exploring when you aren’t working.

For those who are interested in meeting new people, and don’t mind roughing it a little bit, WWOOFing can be a fun way to travel. You can stay in one location for a couple of weeks before moving on to another location. This works best if you are planning a trip to last at least a month. You can save money on lodging and food, and have more money to do other things. Plus, it can reduce the overall cost of a vacation, since you won’t have to worry staying in hotels or buying food.

While WWOOFing can be a very frugal and interesting way to travel, though, it might not be ideal for everyone. If you are particular about your personal space, and wary of meeting new people in such close circumstances, it might not be ideal for you. Additionally, it might not be appropriate if you have young children that need constant supervision. WWOOFing isn’t exactly the most family friendly activity out there, although there are some instances where children are allowed.

If you are single, or if you have a partner as adventurous as you are, it might make sense to try WWOOFing. It’s a cheap way to get in some traveling, and it can really help you learn more about a frugal lifestyle. Indeed, the nomadic nature of WWOOFing can be a great introduction to a minimalist type lifestyle, since you really can’t take a lot with you if you are going to be traveling about.

Carefully consider your options. If you want to save money on travel, you can do so — and maybe even help make the world a better place in the process.

Enjoying December Without Paying for It in January

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Most people would say Christmas is one of their favorite times of the year, bringing the joy of reunited family, traditions, festive decorations, scrumptious treats, and the pinnacle event – exchanging of gifts. Everybody expects to spend some money in return for enjoyment of the season, but if you aren’t careful, you can find yourself caught up in the ‘giving’ spirit with your credit card stretched to the max when January rolls around.

So I spent too much. Is it really that big of a deal?
You might think it’s not worth spoiling your enjoyment to worry about how much money you’re spending in December, because you’ll just catch up later. Well, that’s true. The problem is you’ll be catching up much later. Many people admit to getting their credit card back on track just in time for the next holiday season.

Year-long debt, steep interest, and a poor credit score are not only a high price to pay for one holiday, they’re really unnecessary to the enjoyment of it. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to come out of the holidays debt and stress free.

Set up a savings account specifically for Christmas spending, and contribute to it on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.

Many banks offer Christmas savings accounts which require minimal deposits to open and don’t require minimum balances. Because these accounts are designed for the short-term, you won’t earn much interest, but at least your Christmas spending money will be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ instead of in your checking account where it inevitably gets spent. You won’t miss the small deposits, and will have a pleasant surprise when you realize how much you have to spend, without guilt.

Of course, you don’t need a special bank account to set aside money all year long. A jar, your mattress, or your kid’s piggy bank can work just as well as long as you remember to save, and don’t touch it until Christmas.

Do your Christmas shopping all year long instead of Black Friday to Christmas Eve.

This is another way to spend responsibly which is just as fun as a guilt-free several-hundred-dollar shopping spree. Many people prefer this method because it also releases the stress of time constraints, long lines, traffic, and exposure to cranky shoppers as all the world descends on the stores the last few weeks of December.

By buying key items when they are out-of-season you can also get better deals. Christmas decorations are at least half-price after the holidays, and winter wear hits the sale racks around January.

Vacations are a great time to pick up things for Christmas – souvenirs from interesting places make unique gifts, and when you’re relaxed, you are more likely to make clear-headed choices.

Make your gifts: it really is the thought that counts.

Hand-made craft items, framed art or family photos, home-made cookies – these are the gifts which we love to receive, because they are personal. They are also the most inexpensive, costing not much more than a little time and effort.

If you’re not the crafty type, consider giving the gift of service. Write out coupons redeemable for snow shoveling, house cleaning, massages — you name it.

No matter how you decide to spend more responsibly this holiday season, you won’t regret it. When January comes and all your friends are lamenting about their debt, you can share new tips of your own on how they can plan ahead for next Christmas, too.

Avoiding the “Electronics Poorhouse” – Buying Technology Wisely

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

For most people, technology buying decisions are based more upon need than want – but of course there are exceptions. It’s difficult for some people to be the only one among their peers not to have the latest tablet, phone or e-reader, for instance. That’s no reason, however, to spend irresponsibly on electronics because it’s all too easy to wind up “electronics poor.”

How do you distinguish between a technology need and want and avoid the temptation to spend more? How can you avoid duplicating functionality – which is needlessly expensive? How can you spend less on technology? Here are some guidelines for buying electronics wisely, without feeling deprived – while at the same time avoiding technology overload.

Avoid impulsive buying

Assess your needs – How powerful do you need your technology to be? What do you need to be able to do with your equipment? Take your needs into account and put your money into what will keep the technology current for the longest period of time. For instance, when purchasing a computer, while you may not need the fastest processor, you may discover that a small bump in price to a “better” processor may extend your computer’s usefulness an extra year at the end of its life.
Educate yourself – Learn all you can on your own about features and functionality before putting yourself in a purchasing situation. The more you know about what you need and what’s available to meet those needs, the less you’ll be confused or swayed by a persuasive sales pitch.
Research your options – That fancy digital camera looks sweet but considering the great quality cameras available on many smartphones, do you really need a separate camera?
Read responsible reviews – Just because technology is new doesn’t mean it’s good or better than what was. Find an unbiased source for technology reviews and see what experts and other users think before making the leap yourself.

Look for ways to spend less

Wait until the novelty wears off – Prices typically go down as the “New” factor wanes.
Sell existing technology when buying new – Offset the cost of new electronics by selling your older items. Consider getting a new phone with a better camera, for instance, then selling your old phone and digital camera. They still have value but you won’t be overrun with duplicate technology.
Hand it down – When you upgrade, give your old technology to a child or parent to alleviate the cost of buying it for them.

Buy when you need

When is it “time” to buy new electronics? The answer is as individual as the electronics themselves. Even among technophiles who value having the latest and the greatest technology, there are conflicting schools of thought. Some want it immediately and others are willing to wait to see how it performs and is received by users before they commit their technology dollars.

Avoid waiting for a big update or new version to spring for what you need. Frankly, there’s always something new, bigger (or smaller), better, more powerful and shinier on the horizon. That “wait until X” comes out mentality will only set you up for disappointment. First of all, you’re depriving yourself of the productivity and/or pleasure while waiting. Then, once you do buy, your satisfaction will be diminished by focusing on the next new thing you didn’t wait for. Make peace with the fact that technology is always evolving. Buy the best you can justify and use it to its full extent without regard to the “what’s next” factor.

Technology doesn’t need to be a constant money drain. These tips will help you make responsible choices.

How do you avoid the “Electronics Poorhouse?”

How to Decide if Starting a Home Business is Right for You

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Due to the rise of technology, it’s easier than every to start a home business, and run it from your couch. However, even though it’s possible to start a home business relatively easily, doing jobs that didn’t exist just a few years ago, a home business isn’t for everyone.

Before you decide to start a home business, though, you need to make sure that it’s something that you actually want to do. Here are some things to consider:

Do You Really Want to Work from Home?

The first thing you have to figure out is whether or not really do want a home business. Do you really want to work at home? One of the most difficult things about doing work from home is that you can’t just leave the office at the end of the day. You’re always at the office.

Many people also find that they enjoy the camaraderie associated with working in an office. Running a home business can get lonely sometimes. For some, a home business makes a good side hustle, but it’s not something that the want to do as a primary source of income. I know a number of people who have successful side hustles, but don’t want to give up the perks associated with their day jobs, from friendly co-workers to health benefits.

How Will You Pay for Health Care?

One of the biggest issues with running a home business, and relying on it for your primary income, is the issue of paying for health care and other benefits. When you work a more traditional job, you are likely to get paid time off, as well as access to a subsidized health plan.

When you work for yourself, you have to get your own benefits. How will you pay for your health care needs? There are a number of costs that crop up when you work for yourself. From the fact that you will need to pay the employer side of the Social Security tax as well as the employee side, to the missed perks that come with a more traditional day job, you need to figure out how you will cover the costs before you decide to go “full-time” with your home business.

Are You Ready to Work Hard?

A successful home business takes hard work, especially at first. The image of the home business owner is one of someone who can take time whenever, and who works in pajamas at odd hours. While it’s true that you can arrange your schedule to some degree, most home business owners don’t get as much of a break as you might think.

It takes discipline to make sure everything is taken care of with your home business. And you can’t just call in sick when you have a big order or deadline coming up. While you can hire others to help you later on, as your business progresses, at first it can be very difficult to get things going, and to stop working at the end of the day.

If you have the self-motivation to work hard, and you have a plan to cover your costs while you get started, chances are that you can succeed with your home business. Just make sure you know it’s what you really want before you commit.

Thrift Store Dos and Don’ts

by Jessica Sommerfield · 38 comments

Many people have either a strong love or hate of thrift stores. Is your first reaction at the thought of a thrift store, “Ugh, gross, get it away,” or “Oh, boy, what kind of deals will I find”? If you fall into the category of a thrift-store hater, you are not alone. I have always had an aversion to thrift stores simply because of their often dingy, smelly, and depressing atmosphere. Honestly, some of the things people donate to thrift stores should be burned, not re-sold. And, if you’re at the point in life where you are forced to shop at thrift stores, the reality that you can’t shop anywhere else only heightens your distaste for them.

In spite of their negative stigma, thrift stores are increasing in popularity, especially as people are looking for ways to stretch their dollar a little farther in hard times. Thrift store shopping takes an open mind and an eye for finding diamonds in the rough. Those who love thrift stores have mastered this, and are able to reap the benefits. If you’re willing to change your mentality about thrift stores and start saving more money, consider this list of thrift store does and don’ts.

Scope it out. Thrift stores can range from high-end to downright disgusting, but you won’t know unless you actually walk in. If what you find makes you want to go home and scrub up to your elbows, at least you gave it a try. On the other hand, you may find a clean store that sells new or barely used items at incredibly discounted prices.
Check in regularly. If a store looks attractive but simply doesn’t have any good deals the first time you go in, keep checking back. Stock changes regularly at a thrift store, so you don’t want to miss a one-day deal. The changing of seasons often prompts people to purge, so keep the time of year in mind when looking for particular items.
Focus on these categories: home, décor, furniture, and books. Although you may find some clothing deals, especially in high-end stores, you will be digging through racks of outdated and well-worn items. If you have the patience for this, the deals are yours. Otherwise, focus on items in these categories that are gently used and will not outdate or go out of style.
Be skeptical of electronics and appliances. These items are seldom discarded because the owner gets tired of them or they’ve gone out of style; their presence in a thrift store usually means they are broken in some way, even unnoticeably. No matter how cheap, these items aren’t warrantied and will likely be money pits. Furthermore, used appliances can be fire hazards.
Stay away from children’s toys. Although you may find nice-looking toys in a thrift store, thorough sanitization is often difficult, and they may be hazardous to your children’s health. Toys you’re not familiar with may have been missed safety recalls.
Pay attention to pricing. Just because you expect thrift store items to be cheaper than buying new doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention to prices. Thrift store are still in business to make money. Assess whether the used version of an item at only a slight discount will hold its worth as opposed to buying it new with greater longevity.

If you’ve tried thrift stores in the past and had bad experiences, consider giving them another try, using these tips. Being open-minded about thrift stores can allow you to save money on everyday items and acquire unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

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