8 Items You Should ALWAYS Buy Used
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It’s a brand new year! Many of us have resolved to trim our budgets and fatten our wallets. If you are one of the millions of Americans who seek to cut costs, an effective way is to consider shopping for some items used.
Not only will you be saving money, you will be conserving natural resources. Here are eight items you should always purchase used.
1. Textbooks
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A new semester for college students looms just around the corner! College costs have been steadily rising and stretching your college budget dollars can be challenging.
One way you can get the most for your education dollar is to consider renting textbooks.
The Government Accountability Office reported that from 2002 to 2013 the costs of college textbooks increased 82%.
Students will find when they sell these textbooks back to the college bookstore at the end of the semester, they will be paid pennies on the dollar.
A little detective work in searching for the rental textbooks you need can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
2. Pets
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Before you fall in love with that adorable puppy at the pet store, try visiting your local pet shelter or Humane Society.
Millions of unwanted and neglected animals end up in animal shelters every year. Puppies and kittens who were Christmas gifts often find themselves homeless and in need mere weeks after the holiday.
According to the ASPCA, 2.7 million animals are euthanized every year. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a designer puppy or kitten, consider providing a loving forever home to one of these animals.
Not only will you be saving money, you will be saving a life.
3. Cars
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The old adage about a car shedding hundreds in value as soon as you drive it off of the car lot is actually true.
Not only do brand new cars drop in value immediately upon leaving the car lot, they initially cost thousands of dollars more than vehicles just a model year older.
According to www.wisebread.com, TRUEcar states that dealers offer the 2016 Subaru Forester SUV for around $25,000.00.
TRUEcar found a Subaru Forester, model year 2015, for $23,000.00. That is an initial savings of $2,000.00!
Imagine how much you could save if you were willing to consider shopping for a two year old vehicle!
4. Baby clothing
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Most experienced parents will testify to the fact that babies grow at a rapid rate.
The cute little $50.00 outfit that you purchased for your darling will be too small in just a couple of months.
Why not consider shopping for your little one in a store specializing in gently used clothing? Summer is a few short months away and yard sales will be sprouting up on every block.
You will save a tidy sum buying used clothes over brand new. Baby will outgrow them rapidly and you can earn a little cash selling them on your own yard sale!
5. Tools
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My husband practically drools as he walks down the aisles at our local hardware store!
The packages of shiny screwdrivers and sparkling wrenches enchant him. But do you really need this year’s model hammer? Hand tools and garden tools abound at garage sales and estate auctions.
There is practically no difference between tools manufactured five years ago and those manufactured yesterday. You can save a bundle by purchasing your tools used.
Make an exception for power tools, however. Safety is a consideration when purchasing motorized tools.
Safety standards do change, so limit your bargain shopping to non-motorized hand and garden tools.
6. Homes
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Your home is your castle. The thought of owning a brand new home is alluring.
However, new homes are much more expensive than existing homes. According to www.wisebread.com, the National Association of Realtors indicated that the median price for existing homes across the country was $221,900.00 in September.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that the median sales price for new homes during the same time frame was $296,900.00.
This is more than $70,000.00 higher than the cost of an existing home. A thorough home inspection will reveal the age and condition of potentially high dollar costs associated with an older home such as the water heater, the roof, or the furnace system.
Consider shopping for an older home and potentially save thousands of dollars!
7. Furniture
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Furnishing your home can cost thousands of dollars. Sofas, love seats, and tables can be high dollar items.
You might try expressing your quirky personality by searching for used home furnishings. Flea markets, yard sales, and antique stores are potential gold mines for finding one of a kind items with which you can furnish your home.
Not only will you be saving a bundle, but your home will express your own unique style!
8. Musical instruments
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We all want our children to receive a well-rounded education that includes the fine arts. However, the costs of new musical instruments can be prohibitive. Instruments like tubas,
saxophones, trombones, and trumpets can cost hundreds of dollars. Why not consider buying your child a used musical instrument? Most of these instruments have been lightly used and are refurbished by the seller.
When you purchase gently used items, not only are you saving a bundle but you are recycling and contributing to the health of our environment.
The next time you are in the market for any of these items, why not consider purchasing it gently used? Your bank account will thank you!
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