Kentin Waits

Raised by two extreme savers, I'm endlessly inspired by others who swim against the tide of easy credit and over-consumption. With my dog Scout by my side, I write articles on secondhand shopping, minimalism, and debt-free living. My work has been published on NYTimes.com, MotherJones.com, Kiplinger, and in US Airways Magazine. Reach me at [email protected]

Man browsing jeans and clothing in a vintage thrift shop
17 Things You Should Buy at Thrift Stores

on March 21, 2023

For one expert, these secondhand bargains stand out from the rest.

Vintage Curtis Jere wall sculpture
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on March 18, 2023

Dramatic in form and scale, Curtis Jeré sculptures are hot sellers in the secondhand market. Here’s how to find them in the wild.

Man shaking his finger. No don't do it
12 Things You Should Never Donate to Thrift Stores

on March 7, 2023

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

Woman looking at the back of antique china plate dishware
8 Commonly Inherited Items Worth Almost Nothing

on March 2, 2023

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

woman standing by kitchen counter
10 Things You Shouldn’t Store on the Kitchen Counter

on February 27, 2023

From food safety concerns to fire hazards, there are good reasons these items shouldn’t live on your kitchen counters.

women shopping at second hand store
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on February 18, 2023

Not many souvenirs appreciate in value. But these simple shirts can be worth hundreds of dollars.

happy couple with cash
7 Obvious Money-Saving Tips People Often Forget

on February 6, 2023

There are many “no-brainer” ways to save, but that doesn’t stop us from overlooking them.

Thrift store sign
The 10 Best Thrift Store Chains

on January 27, 2023

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

Man shopping for secondhand clothing
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on January 21, 2023

A symbol of all things cool, these iconic jackets can resell for hundreds of dollars.

yard sale
15 Thrift Shopping Terms You Need to Know

on December 29, 2022

Want to thrift shop like a pro? Learn the lingo! These terms will get you started.

Secondhand shoes at a thrift store
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on December 17, 2022

Dapper dressers across the country are rediscovering these wonderful wingtips.

Two women rack of used clothes
9 Reasons You Should Stop Buying Clothes New

on November 22, 2022

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

Happy woman drinking coffee
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on November 19, 2022

Let’s talk coffee — and cash. Brewers made by this iconic brand can resell for hundreds of dollars.

Woman cuddling with her dog
25 Things You Should Never Buy — and What to Buy Instead

on November 4, 2022

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

Woman in a thrift store or charity store
9 Tools Every Thrift Shopper Needs

on October 28, 2022

Thrift shopping for fun or looking for bargains to flip for a profit? These must-haves will make your life easier.

Vintage jackets at a thrift store
If You Find This Thrift Shopping, Buy It

on October 15, 2022

Some vintage garments from this outdoor apparel company resell for several hundred dollars.

House clutter for a yard or estate sale
11 Tips to Manage a Successful Estate Auction

on October 14, 2022

From securing valuables to setting reserve prices, these tips will help your auction go smoothly.

Elderly woman hand sewing
9 Forgotten Frugal Strategies — and How to Resurrect Them

on October 13, 2022

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

Person holding a glass thermometer
8 Surprising Household Items You Can Sell for Fast Cash

on October 11, 2022

Sometimes, the humblest household items are worth the most money.

Thrift shop
8 Secrets of an Expert Thrift Store Shopper

on September 19, 2022

Here’s how a veteran thrift shopper scores the best deals — and turns a profit from them.

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