Why the Duggars Rarely Buy Anything New

We rarely buy anything new for our household items. Of course, we will buy packages of undies and socks that are new at discount stores. We buy the big family pack where you get a better price. That's a great way to save money. But those would be the only items that we buy new on a regular basis.

Read More: Michelle Duggar's Secrets for Getting Musical Instruments on the Cheap

For the most part though, everything else is used. We'll shop in thrift stores, pawn shops, furniture auctions and yard sales. We try to get bargains on everything. We even buy our cars used because there is such a high depreciation on them. The same goes with furniture. You can get really nice things that are like brand new because somebody's moving away or doesn't need them anymore.

Read More: A 5-Year-Old With a Bank Account? Yes!

As a matter of fact, [my daughter-in-law] Anna told me last night about a great deal she got -- she was so excited. She said, "We got a play set with a slide and swing and everything, for $25.00 on Craigslist!" It was just like new and really nice -- sturdy and durable, and it will hold up in the rainy weather. I was tickled for her. They've got their backyard set up with a play area for the kids now and it was a bargain.

For our children, if there is something that they really need or want I tell them to pray about it and then go shop for it, because, honestly, God provides in amazing ways.

Read More: Buy Used and Save the Difference -- Even on Splurges

One of the children wanted boots. Sometimes with boots, you don't come across them as often in discount stores. But I asked them "Are you willing to wait?" If you don't think that you have to have them today, but are willing to be patient and wait for the right timing and the right size, you might find them.

Otherwise, if they're willing to pay full price or wait for the item to go on sale, that's ok, too. Jim Bob and I tell them that if they've saved up their money and they've worked for it, we'll help a little for something special. Jim Bob and I will pay half of a reasonable price and they pay the other half. They worked for it, they earned it and if they want to do that, that's fine. It's just about figuring out a balance for your family -- what works for you.

Still, I always tell them they're going to get more for their money if they buy things used. They work hard for their money, so they don't really want to spend full price when they know they could get probably get several things for the price of one. It's just a matter of being patient and shopping around.

Top Articles from Michelle Duggar
Michelle Duggar's Secrets for Getting Musical Instruments on the Cheap
A 5-Year-Old With a Bank Account? Yes!
Buy Used and Save the Difference -- Even on Splurges