BUY USED SHIT! There. Thats all there is to it. Buy used stuff. Yard sales are some of the most amazing shopping points that you can find, and thrift stores come in at a close second. Clothes, furniture, knick knacks, decor, house supplies. All at a fraction of retail costs. My partner and I spend at least one day a week buying someone elses used stuff. 

Here are a few key points to yard sale shopping

1. Get up early. 

2. Haggle. Even if they wont come down, you gave it a try. 

3. Dont walk away from a bargain based on pride because they wouldnt come off of their price. 

4. Dont buy everything you see even if it is a good price just because its cheap. If you dont need it. Dont buy it. 

Here are some tips on Thrift Store shopping

1. Go frequently. 

2. If you dont love it in the store, dont buy it. 

3. It may not be a complete bargain. Places like Salvation Army and Goodwill arent always giving you the best buy anymore. Be careful. 

4. Dont buy something at a thrift store that you can likely buy at a yard sale for cheaper. On several occasions I almost spent 8 dollars on a crystal decanter at Salvation Army, but didnt. Not long ago I bought one for fifty cents at a yard sale. 

Great yard sale and thrift store buys 

Books, DVDs, clothes, brick a brack, and CDs, also glassware. 

For your larger purchases, say, a new couch, your best bet is Craigslist. This usually means you will need access to a truck. Difficult I know. But if you keep your eyes out you can find some GREAT bargains on Craigslist.