Military & Federal Benefits + Housing Resource Center
Money Saving Tips
Save More by Buying & Selling Gently Used
Smart financial planning isn’t just about investing — it’s also about being intentional with everyday spending. One of the easiest ways to stretch your budget is by buying and selling gently used items, especially for growing families.
Protect What Matters Most
Family Budgeting & Smart Spending Building Wealth Through Everyday Decisions
Wealth is not only built through investments — it’s strengthened through daily habits. Teaching your family how to spend intentionally creates financial confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Smart spending is not about restriction. It’s about alignment. When you reduce unnecessary expenses, you create room for what truly matters — savings, investing, experiences, and long-term security.
The Power of Resale
Resale shopping is one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget — especially for growing families.
Teens can enjoy trendy, name-brand styles without the $150 price tag. Many gently used items start at a fraction of retail prices, sometimes around $7–$10.
Even better?
You can sell items that no longer fit or get worn — turning clutter into cash or store credit.
Resale teaches:
- Financial awareness
- Value comparison
- Sustainability
- Budget discipline
Online Budget-Friendly Fashion
Teens and college students also enjoy online shopping options. Before purchasing online:
- Review sizing charts carefully
- Check return policies
- Read product reviews
- Understand shipping timelines
A few extra minutes of research prevents wasted money.
Smart Resale: Big-Ticket Items That Add Up
Clothing isn’t the only place families can save. Some of the biggest financial wins come from buying and selling larger items strategically.
When managed wisely, resale of big-ticket items can free up hundreds — even thousands — of dollars over time.
Sporting Equipment
Children outgrow sports gear quickly. Buying gently used equipment — and reselling it once it’s no longer needed — can dramatically reduce the cost of participation.
Look for resale options for:
- Cleats
- Bats & gloves
- Hockey equipment
- Golf clubs
- Bikes
- Protective gear
Many communities have sports-specific resale shops or seasonal consignment events. Some leagues even host equipment swaps.
Musical Instrument, Band, and orchestra instruments can be expensive, especially when students are just beginning.
Instead of purchasing brand-new:
- Consider reputable resale shops
- Look for certified refurbished instruments
- Explore local music stores that offer trade-in programs
When your student advances or changes instruments, reselling or trading in can significantly offset the next purchase.
Computers & Electronics
Technology changes quickly. Buying certified refurbished computers, tablets, and electronics can provide excellent value without sacrificing quality.
Before purchasing:
- Verify warranty coverage
- Confirm battery health (for laptops)
- Check return policies
When upgrading, selling older electronics in good condition can help fund the next purchase.
Vehicle Resale & Trade Strategy
Cars are often a family’s second-largest expense after housing.
Being intentional about:
- Buying reliable used vehicles
- Understanding depreciation
- Selling at the right time
- Avoiding excessive negative equity
can significantly impact long-term financial health.
Teaching teens about buying and maintaining a vehicle responsibly is also one of the most powerful financial lessons you can provide.
Why This Matters
Every $100 saved on everyday purchases is $100 that can go toward:
- Emergency savings
- College funds
- Retirement contributions
- Debt reduction
- Real estate investments
Financial stability isn’t built overnight — it’s built through consistent, intentional decisions.
Teaching your teens to spend wisely today builds the foundation for confident adults tomorrow.
Save Money on Kids Stuff
Buy and Sell Kids Stuff
There is no easier way to save money on your kids stuff. Check out your local Once Upon a Child Stores. Most stores carry sizes infant to 16 youth. Some stores carry Maternity Clothing. Make sure to check out each location for Selling policies as they vary by location. Also check Kid to Kid & Children's Orchard!
Save big at the most expensive time of our life
Trendy Resale for Teens
Trendy Teen Resale Options (In-Store & Online)
If your teen enjoys trying on outfits before buying, Plato’s Closet is a great choice. As one of the largest national resale chains for teens and young adults, it offers current, name-brand styles at a fraction of retail prices.
🔗 Visit: http://platoscloset.com/
Another growing favorite is Uptown Cheapskate, known for carrying trendy brands and contemporary styles. While not yet available in every state, it continues to expand and has become a popular option for teens who want to stay stylish while saving money.
🔗 Visit: https://uptowncheapskate.com/
Prefer to Shop Online?
For teens and college students who enjoy shopping from their phones, several online retailers offer budget-friendly fashion options, including:
🔗 https://www.zaful.com/
🔗 https://us.shein.com/
Online shopping can be convenient and cost-effective, but it’s important to review sizing charts, return policies, shipping timelines, and product reviews carefully. Quality, fit, and return restrictions can vary. Taking a few extra minutes to research before purchasing can prevent disappointment and unnecessary expenses.
Smart shopping isn’t just about spending less — it’s about spending wisely. Teaching teens to compare prices, evaluate quality, and understand policies builds financial awareness that lasts well beyond high school.
Yes — You Can Get Your Teens Excited About Resale!
Resale shopping is a smart (and surprisingly fun) alternative to spending $150 on designer jeans. Many name-brand items can be found for a fraction of retail — sometimes starting around $7.50.
It’s a win for teens who want style and name brands, and a win for parents who appreciate staying within budget.
And let’s be honest — mom can usually find something great for herself too.
Even better? Those piles of clothes on the bedroom floor that no longer get any attention can turn into cash or store credit. Selling gently used items is a simple way to declutter and teach teens valuable lessons about money, sustainability, and smart spending.
Just one important tip: Every resale store has its own buying policies, season requirements, and item guidelines. Be sure to check ahead so you know what they’re accepting — it can save you from walking out as a frustrated parent (and a disappointed teenager).
Smart spending habits start early — and resale shopping can be both practical and empowering.
Women's Resale!
Can't Forget About Mom
The top national chains for women's resale are Clothes Mentor https://clothesmentor.com/ which was the founder of Once Upon a Child and the competitor Style Encore https://www.style-encore.com/home. Either location will save you a fortune!
HOW ABOUT OUR KIDS EXPENSIVE ACTIVITIES
Whether the Marching Band or a Rocker?
You are covered here at Music Go Round. They are the World's largest musical instrument resale store!
Trade Up!
Keep trading up! Not everyone can afford new. It's like leasing a car. Your electronics still have value in the resale market if you do not sit on them too long. Apple will credit you for an aging product if you trade up! If don't have an Apple, Computer Renaissance is a nation that has a trade-in, trade-up plan. (http://compren.com/products.php)
Before you throw your phone or computer out the window!!!
Make sure you at least give the Geek Squad a chance to give you an estimate to fix it first. It might be less than you think! Make sure you don't go to a private electronic "fix it" shop. Let's just say buyer beware. Apple wanted to keep my phone after a "wack job" was done to mine. If you have an Apple product, go to the source. Tip: If you are going to spend the money on an apple product, make sure you get Apple care! Apple will replace it if you lose it! The insurance at the carriers do not. (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202702)
Ugg! Don't let this trap get you in debt
Where to Save Big on a Prom Dress
My husband and I have 3 girls that were born in the same year. We live in a very affluent area as this area has the best school system. However, we as parents are both financial professionals who both grew up very humbly. We raise our girls the same way. We did not give our girls the budget the other girls had for prom. Not even close! My poor girls! They still wanted to have the coolest dress in the class and they did! The best part was...it was probably the cheapest! Their dresses normally only cost me about $50. They were super secretive about where they ordered their dresses during school. They did NOT want any girl having the same dress as they did. I am happy to share the secret sites my girls used during their high school years to save you the money I saved. Hopefully, this can help keep money in your pocket during the prom season.
https://us.princesspolly.com/collections/formal
https://tigermist.com.au/collections/dresses?i=2,&v=20,
https://www.missguidedus.com/dresses/maxi-dresses
https://whitefoxboutique.com/collections/dresses-maxi-dresses
https://www.prettylittlething.com/clothing/dresses/maxi-dresses.html
All of these sites will give discounts for your first order!
What do I do with a $400 Prom Dress?
If you can not find a dress you love on any of these sites, there is another trend going on now. Or if you daughter does convince you to spend $400 on a dress they are only going to wear once, many girls are renting out their dress to girls during prom the next year.
Don't Fall Victim to This Trap Debt Trap!
Buy Used Rental Cars
You can find vehicles from a rental company such as Enterprise. Here you can find vehicles with less than 30k miles, less than 2 years old, in like new condition, as much as 50% off the retail price Make sure to walk in with a loan approval. Cars do not last. Tip: Try Vystar or Navy Federal, or USAA for your Car Loans!
Travel Smart
Global Discovery Vacations
This is by far the best deal on the planet for travel. There is an initial investment based on the weeks you select, but it is well worth the money. After you select the number of weeks your family will vacation and you sign up, you are left with a lifetime of vacation. I personally have an 8-week membership which gives me 8 weeks anywhere in the world for 189/w (that is my contracted rate from the year I purchased). This plan has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars. My husband and I enjoyed the years that our kids were young enough to get in free everywhere. We had no problem ticking 3 young girls in a double when they were young. As they have grown up, I have had to make changes. One was to find a new way to vacation or cut the kids out altogether. This plan works for us in every situation. If we have lots of money one season then we take a family cruise or an international trip. When times are not financially in our favor, we pack the car and take a drive down the coast. There has never been a time we could not save $200 for a week of time together.
6 Easy Ways You Can Save Enough Money For Your Summer Vacation
Why Vacationing Is Healthy
Looking back at a study that tracked workers over 20 years, found that men who don’t take vacations were 30% more likely to have a heart attack. Women were 50% more likely. That study is nearly 30 years old (where does the time go), but it still holds up. Working is stressful and stress leads to health issues. So why not do everything you can to reduce some of that stress?