Money help: I enjoy decorating, I like bargain shopping at thrift stores, garage sales and online. - Help.com

Ive been doing this all of my life. As a matter of fact, Im so involved in it now Ive made a career out of it working from home. I buy the Carter’s Antique Price Guide and use that to educate myself on things that are collectible and old. You would be very surprised at what people throw away not knowing their value. Just for example, I bought a cow skin rug from a garage sale last weekend for $20 and sold it on Ebay for $465. I bought a carnival glass fruit bowl for $7 from the Salvation Army and sold it on Ebay for $75. If you buy Carters you will know what to look out for, and is something you can do at home while still being able to look after your children. Turn your passion into your career. Theres big money to be made. There are some very wealthy collectors out there who are desperate to find that special piece. And when there’s more than one person wanting that item, stand back baby. They will fight that bid button until they get it. Its very rewarding.

If it’s not interfering with your other responsibilities, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. It may be that this is a mechanism that you use to provide adventure and excitement, just as some people go bungee jumping or cliff diving. If you really want to stop, see if you can figure out what what is motivating you to look for bargains, and perhaps you can scratch the itch with something else.

Mezz- Sounds like we have a lot in common! I do sell a lot and make some extra cash, I admire you, sounds like you have found a nitch!
Many people tell me I’m a go getter and they love my home, but at times I worry that I’m the only one I know that hasn’t had the same curtains hanging up for 12 yrs and I worry maybe there is an underlying factor?

gimli- I think you are right, It does provide adventure and excitement and I love it! I think if it bothers me, your advice is perfect, “what is my motivation, and what else can I be doing”. But yes, as long as the kids are fed and the bills are paid, why not? :-) Thanks so much! I feel much better already!

There are much, much worse things that you could be doing to get adventure and excitement, that’s for sure!

My dad was the same way. He didn’t go for dining tables, but he was always buying or selling something…and I learned a lot from him. I bet your kids are learning something too!

Its a shame more people wont utilise the second hand market, op shops, garage sales etc. There are good quality items out there, every where you turn for only a third of the price of new. So many people are willing to get into debt to buy new things that, in reality they just cant afford.

I feel the same way! I’d rather buy something of quality second hand, than buy new on a shoestring budget and get poor quality. I have an old farmhouse and everyone that comes in can’t believe the cool finds I have come across…It sure is fun to get unique items that are good quality a great price.
So many people I know turn their nose up to second hand…not me! :-) nice to see there are others like me out there!

Me too,Love the garage sales,bargains etc.. I say as long as your happy doing what you do - keep doing it.If your worried about what others say,just keep in mind that you are being productive,where as so many are just couch potatoes. I could learn a lot from you.And I envy you. I’ve bought things,ended up selling for less. You go girl!

Too bad your anon.You could make many friends here.Oh well, nice 2 meet U :)

Thanks so much Felicity! It’s been great hearing from supportive people like you!
:-)

Your Welcome. I Hope you stick around :)