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If you have been around this blog before or even if you are a new visitor and have read just a few posts, then you probably know that I absolutely refuse to pay more for anything than necessary. This is why I came up with a list of 8 things you should never buy new.
Frugality has now become a way of life for me. I wasn’t always like this, I have made my fair share of money mistakes (maybe more than most). I have also learned a lot from those mistakes.
Having gone through so much turmoil in my life with money, then having to work so hard to overcome it has lead me to be the ultra-frugal person I am now. And let me just say that I am all the better now than I ever was.
People often interpret frugality as being cheap. I get it, I was once that person. I am here to tell you that this is wrong.
Being frugal means that you are being smart about your resources. Whether it be time, money or energy. Why would you waste any of these if you don’t have too??
Here is the Wikipedia definition of frugality…
Frugality is the quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the consumption of consumable resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance
It just makes so much more sense to not waste anything more than you have to buy things new. Especially when you can get what will fit your needs, for so much less, buying it used.
I put together a list of 8 things that I will never buy new and you shouldn’t either.
8 Things you should never buy new
Cars
Did you know that a brand-new vehicle loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot? So, unless you managed to get a great deal on that brand-new vehicle, you will basically be upside down on your loan as soon as you sign those papers.
Books
Books are another item that should never be bought new. It just makes no sense at all to buy new books, especially if you can rent them for free from your local library. If you want to have the book for keeps then consider buying them used from Amazon or other used book sites. You can get books for so much less when bought used and a lot of the time they are in great condition.
Recreational Vehicles
For the same reason as cars, recreational vehicles should never be purchased new. There is never a lack of used recreational vehicles for sale all over the place. You may need the patience to find exactly what you want but it’ll be worth it when you purchase it for a fraction of the price when bought new.
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Clothing
Not all, but a lot of clothing can be purchased used through thrifts stores or online from sites like ThredUp.com or Swap.com. You can find some very good and high end gently worn clothing or even new with tags for a fraction of the price.
Furniture
Buying used furniture that is in good shape is another way to save a ton of money. Even if it has a small nick, scratch or stain. If you or someone in your home is handy, these are really easy things to fix. You could even make some really good side income from refinishing and reselling used furniture.
DVD’s
DVD’s, like books, are another product that you can purchase used for a lot less than new. Why pay to purchase a brand-new DVD that you might watch just a few times then ends up collecting dust? You can find used DVD’s at garage sales, thrift stores or online for almost nothing.
Sports equipment
Kids outgrow or lose interest in things so fast, it just doesn’t make sense to spend a bunch of money on sports equipment that you probably won’t get your money out of anyway. Why not buy them used? They will still do the trick for their needs.
Pets
Not only does it make absolutely no sense to buy a pet. It is such a waste when there are so many out there in shelters and on the streets, that could really use a good home. We adopted both our cat and dog from shelters and we wouldn’t ever trade them for anything.
There are many more things that you could buy used to save money. Every time you “need” something, why not ask yourself if it is really necessary to buy it new Think of how much money you could be saving if bought used.
Do you have anything to add to this list of things you should never buy new? Please share your experiences with us.
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I just ordered two used books yesterday. Many people don’t realize that Amazon sells used books… often for a substantial discount over even their special prime pricing. Be sure to add in shipping costs (if there are any) when comparing the costs though. Still, most books are a better deal used for sure!
Yes Amazon is definitely the leader in book sales and you can really get them for so much less when buying used. Most of the time they are in such good condition, you wouldn’t even know they were pre owned.
I loved this post! I don’t understand the stigma about buying used. I mean…how is buying your kid a like new shirt from a yard sale or goodwill, any different than being given one from a friend or relative hand me down? Same with adult stuff. It was used/read/watched once…and now I get to buy it for half price? absolutly!!
I came here from the Thrifty Couple link party, but I’m bookmarking you to come back! I just looooove frugal blogs!
http://www.disneymagicmommy.com
I do buy some of these things new, but only at great discount. I find that wooden furniture is fine used, but upholstered stuff isn’t so great. I am guilty of buying new books. There is one author I always buy her books when they come out (usually with Amazon gift card) and ones for business that I know I’m going to use over and over again. Agree with pets. We always got our dogs from the shelter or being given away. Cats are often drops at nearby farms or strays that found us. #ThriftyThursday
Thank you so much for your kind words!! I totally agree with you, why pay full price when you can get things for so much less that are still in great shape.
I do think some people would like to shop at thrift stores or goodwill but may be ashamed at being seen or judged.
Ultimately, you will get the last laugh though. You will be saving a ton of money while those who judge you will be paying the higher prices for nothing.
Buying new at a deep discount is another great way to save. If you are determined to buy new then you really should do your homework for the best possible price. And good for you for taking in pets that really need homes, that’s awesome!!