According to recent data, over 157 million Americans are currently in credit card debt. But considering the rising costs of living and low wages for many jobs, that’s unfortunately not that surprising. But still, owning — or even renting — a home is a rite of passage for many of us. And once we do secure a place to live, we’ll need to furnish it with furniture, appliances, and other necessities.
Of course, the thought of spending more money might understandably put you into a bit of a panic. If you’re actively trying to avoid going into debt by spending too much on furnishing your home, you’ll need a plan of action. Otherwise, you might be all too tempted to put it all on a credit card — and regret it when the bill arrives in the mail.
So what can you do to avoid racking up credit card debt on these essential purchases? Here are three creative ideas to keep in mind.
- Buy Second-Hand: Although many people want to start off fresh in their new home by purchasing the latest appliances and brand new furniture, this often translates to wasted money. By utilizing resources in your community — such as online marketplaces, resale stores, garage sales, and mutual aid groups — you can often find incredible deals on gently-used or like-new items for your home. While there may be certain items you might not want to buy second-hand, this can be a great way to fulfill your needs for now while reducing overall waste. As long as you clean the item properly and ensure it’s safe and operational, there’s no reason you can’t at least partially furnish your home with second-hand appliances or furniture.
- Shop During a Sale: It’s important to be strategic when you’re shopping for furnishings. You could easily get caught up in the excitement and overspend if you aren’t careful. Whether you decide to purchase from locally owned appliance stores or national furniture chains, it’s a good idea to wait for a major sale. Sales often happen in January, July, and around the holidays, so plan accordingly for these expenditures. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts for items on the floor that show signs of wear and tear, either. You might also ask if the store offers options for customer financing, as well, meaning you might be able to pay a certain amount down and negotiate feasible installments for the item instead of paying a large lump sum you can’t afford upfront.
- Consider Lease to Own Programs: Many people believe that they need to own furniture and appliances outright. But this can cause you to spend more than you actually have. As long as you’re considering various finance options, you should find out more about rent to own furniture and appliances for your home. By choosing a retailer that offers furniture and appliance financing, you can take these products home with you and eventually own them; however, you won’t have to pay the full amount when you check out. Best of all, you’ll actually have an opportunity to rebuild your credit in the process — all without sacrificing on quality.
Owning or renting a new home can be incredibly exciting. But it can also be overwhelming — especially when you need to furnish a property. Fortunately, there are several options at your disposal that won’t require you to go into debt just to get the furniture and appliances you need. For more on how Okinus can provide you with customer financing on your must-have household products, please contact our team today.
