10 friends live secondhand for a year

[jeffrey]

A group of 10 friends decided not to buy anything new for a year:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16259064/from/RS.4/

More interesting than the article is people's reaction to it: yours?

[s.saver]

I think that this is so cool. Also very inspiring. These people not denying thereselves much of anything because what they need and want they buy used. I am enamored by this. I think that for a couple of reasons I admire them. One they are saving loads of money because they are buying used, and also because they are recycling items, more so than many people do in their daily routines. It gives me a perspective that I can have what I want, I just need to search for it a little harder, and by searching harder it makes finding it and buying it that much more rewarding. Just think I can have what I want and save money too. Way Cool!

[Broken Arrow]

I'm a bit surprised that some are angered by this. That is puzzling to me.

But, as the article stated, there will always be those who has their own negative intrepretation of things.

[PRICEPLUS]

Well, if a person does not want to buy anything new that is okay with me. The concept is a little too extreme for me but I guess the spirit of it is the thing! I would not wear used skivvies. There are just some things even I won't do to save a buck!

[MonkeyMama]

I am not surprised because I have seen anger and ignorance that we buy used.

The funniest to me is when people throw it back in my face that I buy used things for my kids, what a hypocrite I must be to make my kids wear used clothes and have used toys while I buy new.

Um, who said I buy new?????? LOL.

& believe me if I didn't tell, no one would have a clue from the outside what we buy new or used. & I generally don't tell because people do freak out.

The funniest thing to me is most of the people I know are VERY ANTI-used car. They think it is disgusting for one, not to mention all the repairs. (??). So I bought a 2005 Minivan this year, with 30k miles, and one of these friends popped in the van and asked, "IS this a new model???" LOL. How you can have so much disdain for a "dirty old car" if you can't even tell the difference???????

Anyway, I digress, I think these guys are super cool...

I learned a long time ago to ignore the disdain and enjoy the deals. While everyone is turning up their noses and can't figure out how to get by I am snatching up used things and doing quite well, so whatever. Their loss!

[tinapbeana]

what cracks me up: it's unamerican.

being thrifty and frugal and creative and conscious of how your present affects your future and how your actions affect the community as a whole IS UNAMERICAN! HAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHAAA!!

[poundwise]

Seems interesting. The 'game' and its rules are not something I'm going to devote much personal time and energy towards, however, I say, "More power to 'em!"

[sakigt]

I couldnt do it for a year. I wouldnt be able to buy trinkets from vacation for people.

Maybe a month? Next month? No excuses in January...as long as there arent any birthdays to buy for.

Ill think about it.

[PrincessPerky]

They oked buying underware new (and brake fluid)

I personally think it is a good thing, and I wonder just how by looking anyone can tell nothing is new?

[Ima saver]

I think it is great!

[disneysteve]

Great story. We don't buy nearly as much secondhand stuff as we used to, mainly due to time constraints. When we need something, we don't have the time to go searching the thrift shops and yard sales to find it, so we end up buying it new. We still hit the thrift shops for certain clothing items. Just last week, we spent about $20 getting some pants, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc. that would have easily cost a few hundred dollars if purchased new. In fact, we were able to get some things that we never would have considered buying new. My wife got a nice fleece Disney character top. I know those things are $40 or more new and we'd never spend that much. At the thrift shop, it was $2.

She was also looking at leather coats, but unfortunately didn't find one she liked that fit well. Many of them were major brands and easily $200 or more brand new. Here, they were $30 or less. Maybe next time.

I used to sell on ebay regularly and spent a lot of time at yard sales, flea markets, church bazaars, auctions, etc. Although most of my buying was merchandise to resell, the side benefit was I often found great buys on things for us to keep.

[fairy74]

this is my fantasy new years resolution, I am not sure I'd really be able to do it for a year, but it would be great! I also find it intriguing that not buying is now considered "Unamerican"---what the heck??? I would rather know that my fellow citizens buy used and actually have a savings account, then they have a ton of junk (brand new** wink, wink until the minute it leaves the store) and are financed to the hilt!

[boefixepa]

I think this would be a wonderful challenge!

We could have fun with it. Like the no shopping challenge we have done. We could pick our own time frame and make our own rules.

I also don't get the 'unamerican' thing. That's absolutly insane. I also can't figure out why anyone would care what someone else did. I really don't waste a moments thought on what my friend or neighbors does or does not buy. With all the people dying in debt out there, you'd think they would ponder the implications of this and think...hey maybe I could use this to help me.

[MonkeyMama]

I think it would be a fun challenge - good idea!!!!!

[Ima saver]

I think i could do it. I really don't need to buy anything however, my husband is always having to buy a tool when it breaks or quits working.

[crazyBMB]

I'm not sure that I could do this. I don't buy everything new but......

[katwoman]

It really isn't that hard except for maybe bras, panties, and athletic footwear. All the rest is easy as long as you have the time and patience to rummage through the racks.

[disneysteve]

For myself, personally, I could do this quite easily. I simply don't buy that much stuff. Most of my money is spent on food and experiences (vacations, shows, dining out, etc.). I spend very little on clothing and could easily go a year without buying any at all.

Now my daughter is another story. She grows like a weed. Keeping her adequately clothed with just 2nd hand stuff would be a full time job. Even buying new, it seems like we are constantly shopping for her because she outgrows everything so quickly.

[sarah]

I like to try this for at least a couple of months. Can we set this up as a challenge. I'd very much like to. My inclination is to say that except for a very few things I don't buy anything new anyway. However I might surprise myself. Off hand the only things I buy new are sheets and underwear. I do not however agree that used pillowcases are disgusting.

I'd also like to know how they define used. Is it anything purchased from goodwill or the salvation army or garage sales. Or is it something that has to be actually physically used by someone else.

How many of us are interested in trying this?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by sarah

I'd also like to know how they define used. Is it anything purchased from goodwill or the salvation army or garage sales. Or is it something that has to be actually physically used by someone else.

I think that's a good point. My opinion would be based on where it was purchased. Many times, we've found brand new items, sometimes still with the tags on, at Goodwill and thrift shops. And we've often bought brand new items at yard sales - people get things, don't need them, and sell them. I think any of those types of things would count for this purpose.