Just because you are on a budget and are aware of your spending, does not mean that you must dress yourself or your family in rags. There are several options available to most people, some of which include:
1. Resale shops-my city has many resale shops. When I was earning minimum wage, I began shopping at a resale shop in the "rich" part of town. Another I like is just on the outskirts of another affluent section of town, but is actually in a poor section. The castoffs of the wealthy became great deals for me. Often I find clothing that still has original tags on it. I have bought Wholesale organic baby clothes from Turkey suits for my husband, shoes for men, boys and girls; prom dresses, furniture, small appliances, dishes, jewelry, DVD's and more. Little girls' dresses are irresistible for me, especially ones for $2 that are $40 in the department stores.
Sometimes I'll watch an item and wait for it to be marked down, like my oak chairs for my kitchen table. Instead of paying $100 each (way overpriced, in my opinion) I waited until they were $25 each and showed up bright and early on the day they were scheduled to be reduced in price and claimed them.
Resale shops often have specialties. One may sell only appliances. My favorite has designer clothes, furniture, household goods and jewelry. Another only deals in children's apparel and toys. Check around to see what is available. Find out when they mark items down and when they get new items in. Do they accept checks or is it strictly cash or credit cards? Know your shop and shop often!
One shopping caveat: just because it is a great deal does not mean that it is a great deal for you. Decide if you really need it, is it truly a good deal (remember, it is a used item) and if it is clothing, does it look good on you? One lady I knew was so proud of her shopping prowess that she would boast about how she paid only $2 for a sweater that looked absolutely awful on her, as did much of her clothing.
2. Hand-Me-Downs-my second favorite source of good quality items. My sister and sister-in-law give me toys, books, and clothes for my kids that her kids have outgrown. My neighbor down the street gave me a whole bunch of dress clothes that she could no longer wear. I love hand me downs because a) they're free, and b) I don't have to shop for them! Saves both time and money. I give my hand-me-downs to a gal at school or Purple Heart Veterans.
One thing to remember about hand-me-downs is that you do not have to keep them. If they do not fit you, your family or your house, give them to someone else. Immediately. If you do not know someone who can use them, donate them to a resale shop, or a charity (like Purple Heart, Goodwill, etc.) Do not keep them and become a receptacle for everyone's castoffs. You will feel depressed and your house will become a monstrosity of stuff. While you are at it, see what else Wholesale organic baby clothes from Turkey you can find in your house to donate. Less is more, and uncluttered closets, drawers and rooms are the best! There is a sense of freedom in space.
3. Store Sales-some stores are known for really good sales. Look for discount coupons in the mail and maximize your dollar by choosing items that are marked down already and, combined with a hefty discount, would be a great deal. This is usually at the end of a season or after a holiday. Remember, it has to look good on you, and it must be a necessary item or you do not buy it. Go with a friend, if possible, who will help you stick to your budget. Shopping in department stores is designed to be a surreal experience, so your job is to keep to your budget and your plan.
Also, check and see what appliances and big ticket items are on sale when. If you know that you will need a new refrigerator soon, for example, shop for it in November when they're likely to be on sale.