The Frugal in Me

Just because I haven't blogged about my quest for financial freedom, doesn't mean I've given up on it. I'm still working on it, although it's not progressing as fast as I would like it to. I'm still saving, and working on paying off my debt.

If I were being honest, I could tighten up the purse strings a little (or a lot) more, but I can't live like that. Life is meant to be enjoyed now, and sometimes that means splurging on things, like eating out with friends, vacations, or gears for snowboarding or biking. LOL. But I still watch what I buy.

I haven't seriously shopped for clothes in a long time. I used the word "seriously" because I still do buy when I need something. I just haven't gone on a shopping spree, like I used to do. This is how frugal I've become: I have clothes, but most don't fit me. I refuse to buy new ones because I see it as unnecessary spending. (Also, partly because I am convinced I will fit into them again. HA!) If I do shop, once in a blue moon, I usually head to the local Goodwill. Most of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe were actually bought from there.

Image courtesy of: Goodwill.org

I know what you're probably thinking... "Goodwill??? Yuck." It really isn't. As long as you wash the clothes really well, I don't see a problem with it. Plus, what's the difference between buying/wearing secondhand clothes and buying/wearing new ones? When you go to the fancy store and try on your future clothes, who's to say that someone with the "yucks" didn't try those on? And odds are, unless you bought underwear or swimwear, you're not going to wash the new clothes first before wearing them. Exactly. Again, as long as you wash the secondhand clothes well, and you wash it right, there shouldn't be a problem. And think of the good you're doing our beloved earth by recycling and reusing. (I must say, I haven't, and probably won't buy, secondhand shoes there. There are exceptions, of course, but odds are, I won't. No offense, just a personal preference.)

Next time you get the shopping itch, consider shopping at Goodwill. Just give it a try before you say you can't. They even have an online store. Honestly, I haven't bought anything from their website... I prefer to see the items up close and personal since I want to inspect them for wears and tears before buying, but check it out!

xx,
Pamela