I have been thinking alot about how hard things are getting for families and how to save cents, because we know those cents add up. Are there certain things that I have to buy new or can I get away and enjoy used just as much? There are certain things that I must have a certain brand  but when it comes to these goods I think it is because I am a smart or should I say wise consumer( I buy on sale or use copouns or both). Now most of what I buy is used. What tips or what is going through my mind as I shop?

For Clothing: I buy used mostly. I love the feel of a pair of well worn jeans. Now who really likes to break in a new pair? When I lived in Toronto at Value Village. I could often get a pair of jeans for under $10. Here in Rural Nova Scotia there is Frenchies. I was able to get my daughter a cute long skirt there for $3. Often I have used Kijiji or Craigslist. If I am buying new I  flyer shop, and was able to get brand new cords for $12 at Zellers recently. I also shop the clerance racks. For me all of these ways add up to cents in my pockets. I am looking for quality at a cheap price. I have ofthen picked up brands like Gap, Roots, Old Navy, and the like for next to nothing.  

For Furniture:There is not a NEW piece in my apartment. Now this means my apartment is a hodge podge but that again is ok with me but I guess if you are trying to achive a certain look then you might buy new. As for colors in my apartment. I use throws and pillows to bring things together. I was able to get the furniture in my new place for less then $100. One of the things I do look for is will it last, what repairs does it need?

For electronics: Most have been gifted to me( ie my current tv). Otherwise I do buy new. My computer was a great deal when I bought it two years ago ( for $349). I got the last one Staples had when they were clearing out stock for me it has more then served me well. My MP3 player was a gift with a purchase I made. Here I look for quality. I want it to last.

For my music needs I don’t buy CDs anymore if there is a song I like I can usually get it for free? How I enter and win enough downloads from contests through the year. I have not paid for music in over a year-Thanks to too many contests I have had over a 100 free downloads in the last yr.  If you like music don’t buy CDs download them it is so much cheaper!

For Food Shopping: When it comes to groceries this is where I skimp alot without losing quality. I coupon collect. Save.ca is great for coupons and then there are the  that line the stores. There are certain foods where the store brand simply will not do. We buy real Kraft dinner and Campbells soups only. They are the main stays of our lunches. Now for cookies I bake or buy on sale using coupons. I spend about $200 a month for the both of us and that includes cleaning and bathroom stuff too.

For Toy Shopping: Now when it comes to toys here is where you have to be careful. Our kids come first right! I buy new mostly–mostly at Walmart or Toys R US when on sale. We have bought some toys second hand ( like Roo’s kitchen), a barbie dollhouse, and  the like. We have bought games second hand at garage sales after checking for pieces. As for books we love second hand and make great use of the library.