10 Things to Never Buy Brand New

I am always on a mission to make my family’s money go as far as possible. It’s important to me to make sure I get the most value for my dollar and so should you. Secondhand options are great for making your money stretch so much farther. So many “used goods” have lots of life left in them. Plus as an added bonus, they are usually sold at a fraction of the price. That’s actually the best part. I never ever pay full price for anything. Even new. I wanted to share my list of items I hardly ever buy new. It’s just STUFF! Stuff comes and goes so don’t waste your fortune.

1. Cars

If you’ve heard it once you’ve heard it a 1000 times. Cars lose value as soon as they leave the lot. Don’t be a victim! When buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. I would just make sure you get some sort of warranty if you can help it. If not have a certified mechanic give it a once over to make sure it’s as great as it should be

2. DVDs and CDs

In my opinion buying new DVDs and CDs is just an expense I don’t need. These items play all the same used. You would never know the difference, but your wallet will.

3. Games

You can find some some pretty awesome games used. Both board games and video games. Used or new they are still fun and can make for some pretty awesome family time. Kids get bored quickly. Don’t pay full price for something they will be over in a few weeks or less.

4. Home Decor

Another man’s trash is another man’s wall painting… Or something like that anyway. Friends and family are always updating their decor. Ask for the stuff they are getting rid of. Paint it, add stuff and make it your own. Get those glue guns out and go to town. Decor doesn’t have to be expensive to look great. Here are a few awesome Mason jar ideas to spruce up your home!

5. Clothes for a special occasion

We don’t get out of the house as much as I would like, but when we do I hate to go buy the entire family new clothes for a one day event. You can get clothes at a consignment shop for a fraction of the price and nobody will know. A lot of times you can find new items with the tags still on.

6. Furniture

I am no Handy Mandy so I totally enjoy buying furniture that has already been put together already. You can find some awesome deals on sites like craigslist or at local garage sales. Just because it’s used doesn’t mean it has been abused. Take advantage of finding items for less.

7. Baby clothes

We all know those little boogers grow quickly. Why spend a ton of money on something they will only wear a couple of times? And that’s if you’re lucky. They go through clothes almost as quick as they do diapers. You can get baby clothes that are like new for close to nothing. Save the new stuff for things that are important.

8. Books

For school or personal use you can always find books used. There are some awesome websites out there that will even rate the condition of the book. Amazon is one of my favorite places to find books we are looking for. Or if you have a kindle reader, even better. You can get hundreds of books free! Check out this list of FREE books
FREE Books

9. Tools

You never know when a project might pop up and you need a new tool. Don’t go to a fancy hardware store and pay those crazy prices. Instead head to a local pawn shop and see what you can find. You might be surprise what someone dropped off to make a quick buck.

10. Sporting equipment

All activities usually cost money. And for some reason sports tend to be so expensive. Especially if you have kids in sports. What they love and want to play this week might not be the same the next, so why pay so much money for equipment? Don’t! Check out local consignment shops, pawn shops, eBay and garage sales.