Second Hand Doesn't Mean Low Quality

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by: DarrenCason | Total views: 4 | Word Count: 622 | View PDF | Print View
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In saving and investing, it's often not how much we have, but how we use what we have that determines our success. While those with greater income certainly have greater means, it doesn't mean they will effectively make use of that wealth. Being, not necessarily frugal, but wise at the very least about one's finances can go a long way to fortifying our future worth. In the vein of looking at making the most of what we have, let's look to the Scottish, a notoriously thrifty people, for guidance.

1. Be Utilitarian

No, this doesn't mean to take up a career as a hydro worker, it means to make use of only what you need and not substitute those needs with extravagances.

You may have seen a bloody little Academy Award winning movie called Braveheart. This film, based loosely on the real exploits of William Wallace detailed his and his countrymen's revolt against their English occupiers. While the movie showed them equipped with extravagant, massive swords for the most part, the reality is that the Scots went to war with little more than pitchforks.

Rather than spend money buying expensive weapons, they stuck to a weapon that could be just as effective, that they were used to using being farmers for the most part, and by which their money could be better served in diplomatic affairs and other necessities.

The lesson is don't substitute extravagance for practicality. A T.V dinner tray may not be pretty, but it gets the job done, you hardly need a polished teak table to eat your meals on. New cars, T.V's, computers, etc. are all nice conveniences, but if the old ones work fine, they are unnecessary.

2. New is expensive, used is cheap, buy used

No, we're not talking about underwear, so don't run away screaming just yet. Just as Scotsman James Watt ushered in the industrial revolution on the backs of a refurbished, second-hand steam engine with the creation of the Watt Steam Engine, so too can you make great use of second hand items.

With the emergence of the internet and auction sites like EBay and ads sites like Craigslist, it's easier and more convenient than ever to do so. You're no longer forced to spend a weekend hunting for garage sales, or even go to pawn shops. Incredible deals can be found on items often as good as new for a fraction of the cost.

Be it big ticket items like cars or T.V's, down to smaller purchases like MP3 players or stereos, buying used or liquidated goods will save you a lot of money with nary a loss in quality.

3. You're the cheapest labourer on the market

Scotsman James Murray was responsible for near single-handedly saving the Oxford English Dictionary from ruin, by simply rolling up his sleeves and pounding away at the task. This same mentality can save you plenty of money in costly manual labour charges on tasks that don't require much skill.

Paying someone exorbitant amounts of money to paint your house when you and your family could do it together and have a great time just doesn't make fiscal sense. Likewise, getting gardeners or landscapers in to perform a task that can be enjoyable in its own right, and not at all difficult is silly. Save for projects that require knowledge or training that you don't possess, you can save a lot by taking care of all those odd jobs around the house yourself and it makes for smart finance budgeting.

In closing, you don't need to trade in your expensive business clothes for a kilt or feast on haggis to emulate the Scots. Simply following some of their ages-old practices of frugality and practicality can go a long way to making your life a little easier and more rewarding.
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