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Woman with brand new car at a car dealership.24 Things You Should Really Stop Buying (and Smarter Alternatives)

Kentin Waits

Kentin Waits

Raised by two extreme savers, I'm endlessly inspired by others who swim against the tide of easy credit and over-consumption. I write articles on secondhand shopping, reselling, and debt-free living. My work has been published on NYTimes.com, MotherJones.com, Kiplinger, and in US Airways Magazine.

24 Things You Should Really Stop Buying (and Smarter Alternatives)

on September 29, 2026

If you really want to save money, become a more intentional shopper.

8 Surprising Household Items You Can Sell for Fast Cash

on September 28, 2026

Sometimes, it’s your humblest belongings that are worth the most money today.

I’m a Lifelong Thrifter. Here Are 9 Reasons You Should Never Pay Retail Prices for Clothes

on September 23, 2026

After 30 years of buying, selling and wearing secondhand fashion, I’ve compiled a long list of benefits.

I’ve Sold Vintage Goods for Over 30 Years — Here Are 5 Sneaky Haggling Tricks Buyers Use

on September 18, 2026

Don’t let buyers fleece you — whether you’re selling at a yard sale or on Facebook Marketplace.

9 Tiny Daily Habits That Add up to Long-Term Protection for Your Health

on September 17, 2026

These simple actions offer surprisingly big benefits for physical and mental well-being.

I’m a Professional Thrifter. Here Are My 11 Best Tips for Buying Secondhand Clothes

on September 4, 2026

Here’s what to look for — and avoid — to buy secondhand clothing without sacrificing quality.

Prepare to Be Disappointed by the Value of These 8 Inherited Items, Professional Reseller Warns

on August 25, 2026

Although they may carry a lot of emotional value, these items have little market value.

9 Costly Mistakes You Can Make While Cleaning With Vinegar

on August 14, 2026

Cleaning with vinegar can save you a lot of money. But use it incorrectly, and it can cost you.

I Buy and Resell Secondhand Finds for a Living. These 15 Mistakes Keep Shoppers From the Best Deals.

on August 3, 2026

Thrift shopping isn’t like shopping retail. Score bigger bargains and better deals by dodging these common pitfalls.

I’m a Professional Reseller. Here Are 9 Things People Throw Away That Are Actually Worth Cash.

on July 29, 2026

If you throw any of these common items in the garbage, you are throwing away money.

I’ve Thrifted Furniture for Over 30 Years. Here Are 6 Things I Look for — and 4 I Avoid

on July 7, 2026

Here’s how a thrifting expert identifies the best pieces of furniture when secondhand shopping.

I Grew up Frugal. Here Are 9 Old-Fashioned Money-Saving Tricks We Need to Bring Back.

on July 2, 2026

These time-tested methods can help us live smarter today.

I Helped My Mom Downsize. Here Are 7 Ways We Decluttered Decades of Mementos Without Getting Overwhelmed.

on June 30, 2026

Decluttering doesn’t mean desensitizing. Discover how to keep what you love and happily release the rest.

Here’s How I Make $1,000 a Month Selling Thrift Store Finds Online

on June 6, 2026

A professional thrift shopper explains the basics of how to resell secondhand items online.

12 Things You Should Really Never Donate to Thrift Stores

on June 3, 2026

Not all of your unwanted items are welcome at donation centers.

I’m a Professional Reseller. Here Are My 11 Best Tips for Shopping Estate Sales.

on May 30, 2026

Curious about estate sales? A pro shares his favorite secrets for better buying.

I’m a Professional Thrifter. Here’s What I Do Differently When Shopping at Salvation Army.

on May 25, 2026

Shop like an insider. Here’s how to hack Salvation Army for the very best bargains.

8 Ways Thrift Stores Are Changing Fast, According to a Professional Reseller

on May 18, 2026

These developments are reinventing how we shop secondhand.

10 Inherited Items Worth More Than You Think, According to a Thrifting Expert

on May 14, 2026

If you’re a recent heir, take a breath — and then take stock. These items are worth more than you think.

America’s 10 Best Thrift Store Chains — Ranked by an Expert

on May 12, 2026

Not all secondhand stores are created equal. According to a thrift shopping pro, these chains are doing things right.

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