Julia Thomson
Confession
I have a confession to make. I've worked in the financial services industry since 2000, and as a financial advisor meeting with clients either in person or by video conference, since 2014. I took pride in presenting an appropriately well-dressed and conservative image as befitted a financial professional earning six figures.
I could have easily afforded to purchase all of my professional clothing at upscale boutiques. But over the last couple of decades I had built up a habit of purchasing quality used clothing and never saw the need. I remember meeting with a couple who's net worth was north of $30 million wearing beautiful Banana Republic wrap dress--which I had purchased used, in flawless condition, for $12.99.
It's no coincidence that this approach to buying clothing (my husband uses it as well) has saved us hundreds of dollars and allowed us to retire at relatively young ages - I was 60; my husband was 57.
Used Clothing to STEP UP Your Wardrobe
I want to counter the stereotype that thrift stores are for finding those "funky, one-of-a-kind" pieces suitable only for fashion-forward teenagers. Instead, I'm hoping to convince you that you can ditch any guilt over spending too much on clothes, or supporting sweatshop labor, by purchasing your best clothing from Goodwill, and other thrift stores.
I'll share with you the lessons I learned and the tricks I picked up along the way to help you spend less money on clothes and still look terrific.