Shop garage sales and buy used whenever possible. I find brand name, barely used clothing as well as toys, furniture and other household goods for very little for our family at garage sales. It's also a fun and an affordable way to start a hobby. (I collect old pottery and I paid $5 for a $200 cookie jar!) My husband stays home with the kids while I go to garage sales and I am usually home by 10 a.m. One drawback is that you have to get up very early to get the best stuff. We save thousands every year and the kids wear nicer clothes that we could afford new. - Submitted by Janet
