Learn the art of thrifting

Thrift stores thrive on the fact that "one man's junk is another man's treasure." Visiting thrift stores can not only satisfy a yen to shop, but also save shoppers money and put discarded objects to good use.

As many people donate items to these stores, there is an endless supply of "new" stock to look at. Back in May, when I took several car loads of stuff to the local thrift stores, I wasn't the only one cleaning house while moving as a few of the thrift stores temporarily stopped accepting donations. Their storage rooms were overflowing.

While I am trying to downsize my possessions, the urg...