completely love this post and will echo the buying used aspect. we buy basically everything used (except for things that can't be bought used) and now because i'm so in the habit, i can't imagine buying many things new. the cost is higher and as my dad always said about new cars, as soon as you drive them off the lot they lose 20% of their value...
We also don't spend money we don't have. This year I got a few credit cards that offered cash back on purchases if you spent the allocated amount in the first few months. I got over 1000$ back this year on purchases I was already going to make! We must be smart with our money, and as you said, it's not about sacrifice, but about being strategic. Couldn't agree more :D
Thanks for the great feedback I appreciate it! It's true, once you get in the habit of being mindful about how you spend your money, you don't even desire to buy it new from the store. It feel more like a "sacrifice".
I need a new oven/stove and can't find a gently used version of what we need. I've been looking for the perfect model for over a year but ours finally died yesterday so I've got to get a new one. I hate these new fancy appliances that aren't built to last. I dread spending money on them. I've found an off grid brand made in Canada so I am going to give it a chance :)