MY AMISH MONEY MAKEOVER

The Amish wouldn’t dream of paying retail, and they save tons of money by hunting down screaming deals at thrift/secondhand stores, consignment shops, and garage sales.

To Do: Make a list of clothes, housewares, and furniture you need at your house. For example, my list would include boy’s clothes in sizes 9 and 12, men’s dress shirts (I just snagged an Eddie Bauer flannel in great shape for Doyle), girl’s size 6, and women’s size . . . (Now, that would be telling.) I would add to my list: drinking glasses, a bed dust ruffle, little girl’s twin-size bedding, decorative canisters and boxes to “wrap” presents in, bookshelves, and chests for Jonah’s and Phoebe’s rooms. Google resale shops in your area (often there are star ratings and user reviews), and pick three you want to check out. March forward, armed with your list, an open mind, and the knowledge that you don’t have to buy something new to buy something good!