One thing about me is I will ALWAYS find a way to save a little money. During my summer living in D.C., I was the most bummed in the world that I couldn’t get a physical library card, and my bank account rapidly dropped every time I left the house for a day trip.
I would return home to my community with anywhere from two to 10 books, and suddenly I was leaving D.C. with 26 books in my possession after packing less than five.
Since coming back to Cattaraugus County and my own library system, I’ve been using that resource like never before. Now that I’m back in the free resource mindset, I’m finding myself looking for more for less.
Recently, a new Goodwill opened, and you’d best bet that it’s my after-class activity after a long day. Yes, I’ve been spending my money on clothes, but at the end of the day, I’d rather have 10 new sweaters for the cost of two brand new ones.
For me, it’s not just about saving a buck or two; it’s about using the resources I have when I have them. There is no reason to pay full price for a top that’s sat in my Pinterest board for a year when Goodwill has it pre-loved for less than $10.
I’ve always loved hand-me-downs as the baby of the family and, to me, thrifting is like I have 20 older cousins gifting me their wardrobe when it no longer serves them.
I love coming home to show my housemates my great finds and know we’ll be passing them around. That’s another gift for me—sharing my goods with those I love.
I have a ton of gratitude that my friends love to match with me or be seen in the same top a day after I wore it. It’s being worn, and that’s what matters most!
Last week, I took my friends with me for a thrift haul preceded by coffee at Rocket Cup (you must try their apple berry lemonade!) and a trip to the SPCA. It was one of the most special days yet this semester, and it was primarily free activities, with the exception of our drinks.
Friendship doesn’t have to mean your wallet is bare, especially when there’s so much to do for free! I’m still finding friends who would be pleased to sit at a library or bookshop with me, but that’s okay. It’s nice to have folks in my life who enrich me with their own interests! I love to learn from them!
One of my other favorite cheap activities is cramming all of my housemates and a few extra friends into my living room to watch a movie and pop some fresh garlic salt popcorn.
I wouldn’t change this life for anything. May I always find fun ways to use the resources at my disposal!