Monday, February 16, 2015
As every parent knows, little ones are expensive! Clothing is a big part of that equation—kids grow out of everything before you know it. In fact, the US Department of Agriculture reports that American parents spend an average of $946 per child per year on clothing. Yikes!
What if you could save some of that cash and have more to spend on education, music lessons, or family outings and trips---without sacrificing style, quality, or the brand names you love? And what if you could teach your children lessons about value and smart choices at the same time? Sounds like a no brainer, right?
Families have found a great way to do just that with high quality resale. Clothing resale is a trend that’s catching on—and for all the right reasons. Well-made items from quality manufacturers such as Gap, Gymboree, Hanna Andersson, and Tea Collection, to name just a few, can easily hold up through more than one little owner—giving moms and dads an opportunity to buy them gently-used at great prices and providing a cash-back “exit option” for parents with outgrown clothes to sell.
“Pre-loved” clothing can sell for up to 75% less than the same item would cost new, and the gamut of resale shops and online sites runs all the way from thrift stores and do-it-yourself online sites to highly curated shops and web/mobile boutiques that curate for quality and offer 100% satisfaction guarantees.
Assuming that just a portion of clothing purchases are made via resale rather than new, a family could easily save one-third of its clothing spend—or $315 per child annually. Invest that money in your child’s 529 education savings account, and you would have nearly $12,000 in additional cash to spend on college expenses by the time your child turns 18. Alternatively, a family with three children would have nearly $1000 each year to spend on a family vacation—time to relax and make memories together.
#ResaleRockstar Ellen D. of New Lenox, IL has made resale a regular part of her family’s life and is teaching her kids some important lessons in the bargain. She writes:
“As a rule, I mostly try to give away what was given to us and sell what we purchased. As a family of six (plus two four legged kids) on one income, I would rather spend our family's money on trips to the zoo and fun outings like the Harlem Globetrotters (which was a blast) than brand new clothing. I think our kids have learned a little about monetary value when we explain to them why we make choices about how we spend our money. “
Rock on, Ellen! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style or quality to give your family a financial edge. . .and you don’t! Next time your little one’s clothes start looking like the Grinch’s heart—“two sizes too small”—commit to buying resale first. We guarantee you’ll be glad you did!
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
After spending a dozen years advising charities, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation down to the smallest neighborhood nonprofit, having 3 children helped me realize something very basic, but very important – giving money to charity may not be the most important or effective way to be charitable.
Why? Because when times are tight, few of us are writing checks to charity with the same frequency and the same number of zeroes as when we feel secure in our jobs and flush in our retirement accounts. And so the “charity” portion of our monthly budget starts to look like discretionary spending that can be reduced, especially in lieu of other, more urgent needs for a growing family. If we think being charitable equals “giving money” then charity can easily fall out of our lives.
(Join the conversation! Share with us how your family gives back to the community and you could win $50 in Moxie Money for telling us your favorite ways to teach your children to be charitable.)
Thursday, May 08, 2014
Watch the video, then take her advice and Shop at Moxie Jean!
Monday, December 02, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
It’s not always worth the extra cash to get “the best” when the baby won’t even know the difference—and neither will you. Get the insider secrets about when to save and when to splurge.