When you are in a financial pinch, you may be tempted to look for easy ways to get items you need, without spending a whole lot of money.
This can be difficult unless you have the option of selling structured settlements. However, when it comes to purchasing necessary items, sometimes purchasing it used is not the best method. There are many reasons for this, and saying no to some choices may save you more money in the long run.
When You Should Avoid Used Necessities
There are some household items that could really be disappointing when you are considering getting them used. This can be widespread, but some really are not worth it.
Furniture – While you may see something that is absolutely perfect for your home at a tag sale, or at a second-hand store, getting used furniture may be a bad idea. The main reason is because of the chances of you transporting bed bugs from one place to another. These pests live inside such items as mattresses, pillows and couches and can wreak havoc on your household.
Yard equipment – Sometimes, if your lawnmower or weed whacker breaks, it may be tempting to get a hand-me-down, or buy something that someone isn’t using. These machines can be reliable, but also may be fickle. This can be a big waste of money, as you may just be better off paying for a new item.
Things That May be Better to Acquire Used
While household items may be better to stay away from in some instances, vehicles may be good ideas to get used.
Cars – These can be great used, as there is usually a paper trail on the condition of the vehicle. Knowing what you are getting is important, especially for such an expense.
Bicycles – If you are someone who likes the outdoors, or you want an item that will help you get from place to place, getting a bicycle used may actually save you money. Many bikes are sold without much use and given significant discounts. Just examine it and test it out (if you can) before purchasing.
Keeping an eye out for bargains can be a great thing, as long as you make sure it is a reliable purchase that will benefit you and fit your needs. However, if you need to buy a necessity that is new, it may be time to consider your options. One of these may be to find a company who buys structured settlements to get cash for future payments.
We put our customers first and we want to wish each and every one of you success in 2015. If you have any questions about how you can get your settlement money, please call us at 1-800-411-4142. If you have ever wondered “how do I sell my structured settlement?” check out your potential options at DRBCapital.com.
I agree with you Pauline. Thus, buyers should be more careful in assessing whether the used item they’re planning to buy is worth the money and still usable. Make wise decisions.
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted…Moving for Work – Is It Something You Would Do?
Yep, there are a lot of potential issues with used. We bought our car used and are very happy with it (though it’s relatively new, so fewer potential problems). And clothing? Great! Most of the rest of the stuff needs to be evaluated carefully.
You forgot one major no-no: shoes. You should never buy used shoes. It has to do with how footwear conforms to you and how it wears down. People who pronate can cause wear on the insides of the shoes. The next person is then more likely to roll an ankle as the shoes tilt slightly inward.
Abigail @ipickuppennies recently posted…7 personal finance lessons from Mr. Spock
Things I never buy used: electronics. Especially computers. The markdown is almost never worth the hassle and worry.
Great tips Pauline hadn’t thought about bugs in furniture..ick
Becky recently posted…Pick of the week: A little red record player
Definitely 2nd hand when it comes to cars!
How To Save Money recently posted…Save Money on Your Home Office
One has to make the right decisions.Most of the stuff we buy second hand needs to be evaluated.
We bought our car used from a private seller and are very happy. Some of our furniture was bought secondhand, but we weren’t living in the city at the time so we didn’t have to worry about bedbugs. These days I stay clear of the secondhand furniture unless I know the person I’m buying it from. Cheap furniture could turn into hundreds of dollars in bedbug treatments (not to mention the stress which would be unbearable for me)
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted…Would you move to cut your mortgage in half?
No doubt that there are times when it is better to eschew used items. Being frugal, or thrifty, isn’t always about buying the least expensive items. It is about paying a reasonable price – as little as possible is preferred – for a product/service that meets a need. Sometimes that means used and sometimes that means new.
SavvyJames recently posted…Personal Finance Concepts Wrapped in Thrillers
You are right. There are times to buy used and there are times to buy new too.
Kayla @ Everything Finance recently posted…Monthly Baby Subscription Boxes: Are They Worth the Price Tag?
I agree with you!!I once bought a second hand yard equipment after mine broke down.it costed the same as I could purchase a new one. Little did I know that it was old.I used it only once and it broke down too.
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