Nowadays, every dollar counts and when kept in the local community it counts double.
When shopping this holiday season, be sure to keep in mind this great tip on how to get twice as much for your money. You do not have to stand in long lines or give up precious time with your family. There are no special coupons or magic websites. Saving money on gifts is much simpler than that.
Buy Used
Here in our area we are quite fortunate to have many small businesses dedicated to the refurbishing and sales of used and secondhand goods. For example, if you need a washer and dryer but can only afford one or the other, try Reliable Appliance.
Wish to upgrade your phone or electronics? Stop in Cell It Here in Bridgeport. If you are looking for toys and clothes for the kids, try Bullfrogs & Butterflies. Do you have a resolution that requires a treadmill? If so, Play it Again Sports has an assortment of exercise equipment. For the book lover in your life, Paradox Bookstore’s selection is literally as big as a library.
Or, if music is what you are after try the collection available at Nail City Records.
So Many Thrifty Choices
These are just few among the many examples of quality secondhand vendors in our area. You can also hunt down bargains on guns and jewelry at the pawn shops, find gorgeous clothing and accessories at the many boutiques, and discover endless treasures of collectibles and nick-knacks at any of the antique shops around town.
Just like when you buy goods new, there is typically a warrantee of some sort or a return/exchange policy, so you do not have to worry down the road.
The Best Part
Saving money is great!
What is even better is keeping your investments cycling within the valley. When you purchase used goods locally, not only are you keeping good things out of the landfill, but you also are also directly contributing to the enterprises of your neighbors. The money you spend goes to helping these folks enjoy their holiday season as well.
Most of these businesses not only employee locally they also give back largely to our community by sponsoring children’s sports, donating to benefits, and helping to host charitable events.
Regarding Shiny and New
Sure, sometimes there is just no comparing to treating yourself or others to that brand new, top-of-the-line, well-advertised thing that we simply must have.
Buying new is important too, and that is how all the great used stuff is created. So, try to remember when you are finished enjoying those things to get them into the hands of the people whom clean, repair, and resell them to others.
New is by-and-large a mindset. Old to you is perhaps impossible to obtain to others and that is just one of the many things to be thankful for this holiday season. As is, all of the wonderful people who have made it their goal or career to enable us to save money with used goods. When you are making your shopping lists this year challenge yourself to find something secondhand for someone and while you are at it use the money that you save to treat yourself to a nice lunch or tasty treat at any of the many small restaurants and eateries you pass nearby.
You will not be disappointed you did.
