Find the things you want and need on Craigslist, local classifieds, and Freecycle. It is not always necessary to buy the things you need new.
Some people feel better with warranties and such but if the item has worked for over a year with the original owner there is probably more life left.
Depending on your needs at the time a used item may be just the solution to the current problem.
Buying used is a good option if you need something now at a third of the price of what you can buy new. You can then save for the new item and purchase it in a couple of years.
Items for kids are normally built for a lot of wear and tear such as beds, dressers, clothes, and toys. If your child is rough you probably don’t want to buy new anyway.
Craigslist is top on my list for finding quality used items. I search there when I want or need something for much less than I’m willing to pay retail.
If you don’t have an active Craigslist community then your local classifieds may be the answer.
If you haven’t heard about it, you should subscribe to your local Freecycle list. It is a group of people who prefer not to fill the landfills with their stuff so they give it away, for free, to people who need it and are willing to pick it up.
People are giving away perfectly good stuff on these lists and it is very busy. You will likely find what you need or can simply request it in no time.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
