Getting out of debt is a financial priority among many consumers. However, with the many purchases you must do every day, costs can get out of hand. More and more, people are starting to see the many benefits to buying used.
ACCC loves the benefits of buying used!
Benefits of Buying Used
Contrary to the notion that there are no benefits of buying used, it has actually become a trendy thing to do. You just need to be careful of where and what you shop for secondhand. With the increasing importance of preserving the planet, reusing, and recycling, shopping in thrift stores is more popular. You can not only save money but also put that money towards debt management.
To yield the best benefits of buying used make sure you consider the following.
- Time of year. You are most likely to get the best finds in January. People who are planning to write off their donations need to get them in by December, so they will bring all of their donations to the stores at this time. If you decide to make a donation, be sure to pick up a tax form so that you can deduct it. You can also find great items at the beginning of the spring. Many people will finish their spring cleaning and plan to purge all unnecessary clothing and furniture.
- Walk away. Don’t feel pressured to buy something if it’s not what you’re looking for. Those bargains may seem like a great deal, but if it’s not what you need or want, it’s not worth accumulating junk just for the sake of a good deal. Pop into the store a few times a week to see if the new inventory matches what you’re seeking.
- What day is it? Some stores offer extra discounts on different days – certain color tags will be 20 percent off, for example. Do your research and find out what days have the steepest savings.
- Check online. Towns across the country are starting to host “online yard sales,” where you can get great deals from the comfort of your own home. Goodwill also sells some of their top items online via auction!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
