Thrifting doesn’t just mean shopping at thrift stores—though that’s part of it (and for me, a fun part). It’s a mindset. It’s about making the most of what you have, finding value in unexpected places, and living with more freedom and less financial pressure.
From Scarcity to Abundance
It’s about moving from scarcity to abundance. Not abundance through spending more—but through appreciating and maximizing what you already have.
- Thrifting: Smart, not stingy. If you can buy a piece of clothing that’s worth $100 for just $6.99, why wouldn’t you? Many items you find are barely worn or even brand new still with tags.
- Thriving: Using savings to fuel goals, dreams, and generosity. For example, one of my bucket list items is a yearly family vacation. By being more conscientious with spending throughout the year, that vacation savings adds up a lot quicker.
When we learn to thrift wisely, we don’t just survive — we thrive.
Second-Hand Doesn’t Mean Second-Best
Whether it’s clothes, furniture, or even cars — many high-quality items are available gently used, at a fraction of “new” cost.
A personal example:
My family and I were looking for a vehicle to buy for cash. We discussed what we needed — third-row seating, working A/C (especially in South Texas), and a reliable make. We had some preferences (Honda or Toyota, leather seating would be nice but not essential), but mostly we wanted something clean and dependable. After months of looking and test-driving vehicles that didn’t quite make the cut, we nearly settled. Then one day, we spotted a Honda Pilot for sale. It had third-row seating, immaculate leather interior, a sunroof, navigation, rear camera — and the price was well below our budget. Its value was far above what we paid. That’s thrifting paying off in a big way.
Where you can find hidden gems:
- Local, independent thrift stores (great quality & better prices; plus, your purchases support your community)
- Marketplace apps like Facebook Marketplace
- The Freebies App — for completely free items in your area
- Yard sales and local online groups.
Thrifting isn’t just about saving money — it’s about being thoughtful, intentional, and celebrating what you find.
Technology Is Your Friend
You don’t have to search endlessly. You can use tech to get deals and discounts automatically.
Some tools I like to use that you can try:
- Ibotta — get cash back on everyday purchases at grocery stores and major retailers
- Fetch — scan your receipts and earn points toward gift cards and cash rewards
- Rakuten — shop online as usual, but earn cash back at thousands of stores
- GoodRx — find coupons and discounts on prescriptions, often saving more than insurance alone.
A simple mindset shift—from “How fast can I buy this?” to “How well can I buy this?”—can help you save significant cash over time.
Every Dollar Saved Is a Seed Planted
Think of every dollar you save as a seed. It might seem small at first, but over time, it can grow into something powerful – if you put it in the right soil.
Where your savings can go:
- Emergency Fund — peace of mind when unexpected expenses pop up
- Giving — meeting needs in your community
- Opportunities — new experiences, travel, career or educational advancement.
Saving isn’t about what you’re missing—it’s about what you’re creating.
Living Below Your Means = Living Beyond Stress
There’s a beautiful peace that comes from living below your means. Instead of chasing after more, you begin to find joy in enough.
A favorite moment: after being a one-vehicle family for over three years, my children and I are thrilled about our “new-to-us” car. It’s not brand new off the lot, but it brings joy just the same. My kids stare at it, they giggle when they climb in, and they ask excitedly, “Can we go somewhere today?”
It’s not about having the newest car, the biggest house, or the most toys. True financial health is about security. Breathing room. Waking up without worrying about how you’ll pay the bills. That’s thriving.
Your “Thrift & Thrive” Challenge
As we wrap up, I’d like to challenge you to try at least one of these this fall:
- Pick one area of your life to start thrifting this month — clothing, groceries, entertainment, or something else.
- Choose one app (Ibotta, Fetch, Rakuten, GoodRx, etc.) and start using it for everyday purchases.
- Track where your saved money goes — paying down debt, beefing up savings, investing in a dream, or blessing somebody else.
- Celebrate the small wins — share your favorite finds with friends or family. It builds momentum and joy.
Final Thoughts
Remember: Thriving isn’t about having more. It’s about living wisely with what you already have.
Happy thrifting — and even happier thriving!
