What are your tips for getting things you can't necessarily afford?

I've been wanting a certain kind of crib for the new baby that I can only find online that's $214 + $80 shipping. I know we can't afford $300+ for a new crib so I've been watching craigslist every day for that style crib. Last week I hit the jackpot and got a very similar crib for $80! Awesome condition as well!

So craigslist would be one suggestion from me.

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I look at thrift stores, resale shops and yard sales for things before I go buy them new. This past weekend I knew I needed to find a crate for the dog. The one we wanted was $50 new and I didn't want to spend that much for one. I waited and found one at a yard sale for $10.

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awesome deals you guys!

I like to check out the paper for the For Sale items, if we are looking for something.

Right now with the holidays coming up, Amazon.com has there deals going on. A lot of their books right now are only $9. My Mother In Law wants a new Stephen King book, and it's only $9 right now, when the normal price is something like $35. Also if you spend $25, you get free shipping.

Last year, I got 2 toys for my daycare kids, that were on sale for $6 each, that normally were nearly $40!

You can also try word of mouth and work or church bulletin boards. I am glad I got my son's crib at a yard sale for $35 and his Toddler bed for $15. When he was 8.5 months I caught him climbing out of the crib. I disassembled it and put him in his TB w/rails that night. As he outgrew things I sold them off.

I had gone into labor the first time at 7 months. Knowing I was having a premie bought a handfull of newborne outfits. My mistake, he came a month early and was only 2 ounces shy of 8 lbs. Never wore those outfits. After that I seldom bought his clothes new because he would only get to wear them once or twice before outgrowing them.

You're right! We have an employee posting board here at work for for sale and wanted items. I know many people that have had great success using it!

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I look around first. A few weeks ago, I didnt want to spend 25$ on a snow suit for DS knowing that he was only going to wear it for a year, so I went to the thrift store and found a big winter jacket that was 2 sizes bigger, but it still fits great, found pants, found snow boots and found a jacket for me for 26$!

I really think thrift stores are the way to go!

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Jessica Nichole! Mommy of 1 little boy!

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Freecycle! I am posting a bunch of stuff on there right now.

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I just wait it out (I know you cant do that forever on a crib). Freecycle and craigslist around here suck. Thrift stores are ok but you have to go like every day in order to find what you need.
I just have to wait it out. I wanted a bissel carpet cleaner and a Kitchenaid big mixer. I probably waited around 1 1/2 years for the shmapooer to go on sale down to a price I wanted to pay. Same with the mixer but I have beening wanting and waiting for almost 7 years on that.
Good Luck!!

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I bid on Ebay

I use ebay as well. I also use thirft stores. The resale shop near me is a little pricey though. I just bought a couple of Holiday dresses and one was like
$12.00

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