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5 things you can save big on by buying used

Discover these five things that are worth shopping for secondhand instead of buying brand new, and save money

Hannah Morgan / Unsplash

Buying something new can feel like the safest choice, but it is not always the smartest one for your budget. Plenty of items lose value quickly after they leave the store, even when they still have years of useful life left. That is where buying used can make a noticeable difference. According to Reader’s Digest, gently used goods can offer significant savings while still providing much of the same usefulness as their brand-new counterparts.

The key is knowing which products make sense to buy secondhand. Some items are especially good candidates because people often stop using them long before they wear out. Exercise equipment is one example: someone may buy a treadmill or set of weights with good intentions, only to decide later that the equipment is taking up too much space. Furniture, clothing, and sports gear can also be worthwhile used purchases, particularly when you can inspect the condition before buying.

Used technology can be another opportunity to save, especially when you look for open-box or refurbished products and make sure the item comes with an appropriate warranty. Even larger purchases, such as vehicles and appliances, can make financial sense when they have been properly inspected and are in good condition.

If you are trying to spend less without automatically sacrificing quality, buying used can be a practical strategy. Here are five categories where skipping the brand-new price tag may be worth considering.

1. Exercise equipment

Intenza Fitness / Unsplash

Treadmills, ellipticals, dumbbells and other exercise equipment can be surprisingly good buys when purchased used. Reader’s Digest notes that people frequently purchase workout equipment with the intention of starting a new fitness routine, only to stop using it and eventually decide to get rid of the bulky equipment. That can create an opportunity for another shopper to........

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