I love getting bargains and good deals, but I don’t love the clutter that those bargains often bring to my house. I know I am not alone after a conversation I had with a friend yesterday, She is in the process of downsizing to a smaller home and is overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that she must deal with in her current home. She confessed, “It is hard for me to pass up a bargain! When you find something fabulous for just a couple of dollars, how can you not buy it?”
Well, I am not going to get into lecture mode about purchasing stuff you don’t need. Instead, I want to share the advice that I gave her. Why not put your bargain hunting to good use? Use the skills and the fun that you get from finding the best deals to help your family or others?
If you have a knack for finding inexpensive baby and children’s clothing at yard sales, turn that into a business. Find out which brands, types and sizes are most in demand and then resell gently used items online for a profit. Many moms make extra cash this way to help clothe their own children.
Identify two or three charities in your area that you would like to support. Often local charities need a variety of items. Make a list of what is most in need. Then the next time you are out shopping and find something for a steal, you know exactly where it can go to do the most good. It is good to have a couple of list going, because you never know what you might find.
Become a personal bargain shopper. Many of us just don’t have the time, the energy or the skills to get the best deals. Set yourself up as a personal bargain shopper and charge a small fee. Time your services to the season. For example, now is the time for great back to school bargains. Offer to shop the best deals and pick up all of the school supplies for a client. She’ll pay much less than she would have making a mad dash to the store and paying full price, you’ll get your fee, and everyone is happy.