My Frugal Year

So no, didn’t get done what I wanted to get done today. I spent most of the day working on homework and catching up on laundry, so my basement project was yet again delayed. No biggie – I’ll get to it. That makes me laugh because I have about four years worth of “I’ll get to it” down there. I just don’t want so much time to go by that I suddenly have twenty years of “I’ll get to it” down there.

I did take a little trip to the thrift store today and got an adorable pair of jeans for six bucks and a couple of shirts for my son. My son is growing out of things faster than I can keep up. And me…well, I needed an extra pair of jeans that actually fit until I lose this spare holiday weight.

Speaking of holiday weight…in case you didn’t gain enough, Hickory Farms is having a killer sale. I mean RIDICULOUS prices on some seriously yummy stuff. Very well worth checking out. That is some serious savings – like 75% off. Can’t go wrong with summer sausage and cheese!

I remember back in junior high and high school having this attitude about hand-me-downs.  Being the youngest of three girls, I grew up in hand-me-downs.  My parents were fairly well off, so I think it was just a matter of convenience more than saving money.  Still, it was a big deal when I got something new.  By the time junior high rolled around and kids were concerned about being “cool,” I developed a distaste for the hand me downs.  I had no idea of the virtual treasure trove of wonderful finds at thrift stores.

It wasn’t until I had a family of my own that I learned to appreciate hand-me-downs and thrift store finds.  As a young couple with a limited income, we had to be very careful about how we spent our money.  I started shopping at thrift stores, consignment stores and resale shops for the kids clothes.  It was on those trips that I discovered the incredible number of great outfits for myself – practically new jeans, designer clothes, nice handbags and more at a fraction of retail.  I was hooked!

Now, whether I can afford to buy new or not, I always look first at thrift stores for what I need.  Only if I can’t find what I’m looking for at the many thrift and consignment stores around here do I purchase something new.  Of course there are some things I won’t buy used.  Underwear comes to mind.    When I look in my closet I estimate that over 90% of what I own now has come from thrift stores and consignment shops.  I have saved countless thousands of dollars over the years on clothing alone.

Bottom line is you can find amazing deals.  Shopping at places like Goodwill and Savers takes some time and patience.  You do have to sift through some junk to find good stuff, but it’s there for the taking.  An example would be a couple days ago I popped into Savers and found a practically new J.Jill comfy sweater – and ultra-soft cardigan that retailed for $69.  I got it for $5.99.  It’s in perfect condition and I’ll get tons of wear out of it.

I love a good deal, don’t you?

I’ll update the post at the end of the day with any savings!