Money Matters September '18- November '18 | Page 15

Some of the best finds in Denton are at:

Denton Thrift: 708 W University

Goodwill-North: 2030 W University

Ruth’s Room: 1721 N Carroll

Ruth’s Room Too: 615 Sunset

ReStore: 1805 Cornell

Twice as Nice Resale: 413 E Oak St

Friends of the Family Thrift: 920 Dallas Dr

Thrift Giant: 1701 Brinker

Goodwill-South: 2440 N I-35

Dirt Cheap: 2434 N I-35

Thrifting Tips

by Danielle, SMMC Assistant Director of Financial Wellness

Denton is a thrifter’s dream, but can be intimidating to know where to find the best deals, prices, and items to suit your needs. Save money, find truly unique items, support charities, and conserve waste! Here are a few tips to remember while searching for your new-to-you treasures:

1. Go in with an open mind. Thrift stores are not merchandised in the same way as department stores. You’ll need time, patience, and a good understanding of how brands fit you. Not all thrift stores have dressing rooms – so be prepared to guesstimate your size needs on clothes.

2. Know what you are looking for. Each store has their own specialty, where you will find the largest selection. For example, Ruth’s Room has great furniture and a selection that changes often, while Denton Thrift and Thrift Giant have nearly unlimited clothing selections.

3. Check items carefully. If you sew, you may be able to mend a shirt, but if not, the extra cost of taking items to a tailor may not be worth it. Additionally, repairs to furniture and home goods may not be worthwhile. Plug in electronics if possible, and check for frayed wires or burnt spots.

4. If you are looking for true vintage clothing, save this link on your phone: https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/. It has an exhaustive list of designers and their vintage labels, and even includes dates!

5. Volunteer and get discounts. Besides being a great service opportunity, many stores who sponsor volunteers will give them additional discounts on purchases.