When times are difficult financially, buying second hand items may be a necessity rather than an option.
That can apply to any consumer item, from a car down to a used stereo system for the car.
It is nothing to feel ashamed of.
In fact, with the right attitude, you can actually enjoy making the most of buying second hand things.
Just relish the fact that you are saving money while someone who buys the same item new will see its value plummet the moment they buy it.
Sometimes, there is good reason to forgo buying something new.
In fact, you might actually end up with a better result from your own point of view.
Let's take used kitchen cabinets as a good example.
Why would you want to buy kitchen cabinets that have been used by someone else already, and probably trashed in the process? The answer is you don't need to.
If you actually want to install the cabinets yourself, you want them to look good.
So, if you can find well cared for kitchen units whose owner just wants a change, you can find yourself with a high quality kitchen which will have friends and neighbors open mouthed.
At a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen! How would you be so lucky as to find quality used kitchen cabinets in good condition? It requires a bit of luck, but you make your own luck in this world.
While most people head to the budget DIY store for their new kitchen units, you head for the high end kitchen showroom.
Browse by all means, at the wonderful luxury kitchens you cannot afford.
The point is, you cannot afford them but someone can.
Imagine somebody rich who changes their kitchen on a whim or slight shift in fashion; or have moved into a new home only to find they just hate the style of kitchen (which, incidentally, you may just love!).
Be upfront in the store, and ask what they do with kitchen units that are removed prior to a refit.
Mostly, they will be dumped, but occasionally good quality kitchen cabinets can be removed almost intact.
Ask if you can buy some if that occurs in the near future.
If you are keen on DIY you can have the "old" installed as "new" in your own home, and effectively move upmarket for less.
Give it a try.
You have little to lose, and possibly a lot to gain.