4 Ways to Afford the Furniture You Need and Want
For as long as you can remember, you’ve had champagne taste on a beer budget. You like and want nice things — and you definitely deserve them — but you don’t typically have the proper funds to match your desires.
Lately, this expression has been especially true regarding the furniture in your home. You genuinely need some new pieces, but would also like to treat yourself to a new throw rug, some stylish lamps and other items on your want list.
Here’s some encouraging news: You don’t have to work double duty or go into massive debt to upgrade your home with great-looking, new furniture. For example, consider the following monetary tips and ideas:
1. Save Up for What You Want
Instead of settling for a cheap sofa that you can afford now, set aside a bit of money each week until you have enough saved up to get that gorgeous couch you saw at the local department store. To make this process as easy as possible, set up an automated transfer from your checking account into a specified savings account dedicated to your new furniture.
Of course, you can choose when and how much money to transfer, and since you won’t “see” the money in your checking account, you’ll be less likely to spend it. Granted, this tip can take some time and discipline, but knowing that stylish new sofa is paid for will make it worth the wait.
2. Inquire About In-Store Credit Cards with Perks
If your old sofa collapses every time you sit on it or the fronts of some of your dresser drawers have fallen off, you likely cannot wait until you save up for new pieces. No worries — in these instances, it would be wise to shop at local stores and inquire about financing options or credit card deals.
For example, Jerome does not only offer a wide selection of couches that would look great in any living room, but the furniture retailer also offers several credit options. This includes a no-money-down, $999 minimum purchase credit card option that charges zero percent interest if you pay your bill in full within 18 months.
3. Ask About Floor Models
Another way to be able to afford the furniture you want and/or need is to ask about floor models. In fact, if you spot a dresser that would look perfect in your room but has a couple of minor scratches on it, it wouldn’t hurt to ask if you could buy it at discount. Stores are often willing to part with their floor models at a reduced price, and once you have these pieces home, you can try removing the scratches with some furniture wax and elbow grease.
4. Sell Your Stuff to Buy More
While some of your furniture has seen better days and might earn you a few bucks at a garage sale, you may also have some nice pieces you received as gifts over the years that you have since tucked away in your garage or attic. To clear out your storage space and get some money for new furniture, locate consignment stores in your area. Experts say you’ll generally make more money from a consignment store that specializes in the type of item you’re selling, so try to find places that offer home goods rather than clothing and jewelry.
With Time and Determination, You Will Get There
Someday, you may have the champagne budget to match your great taste. But, for now, you’ll have to find other ways to purchase the beautiful furniture you need and want for your home. Fortunately, with a combination of automated savings, great finance deals and consignment shops, you’ll be the proud owner of some gorgeous new pieces sooner rather than later.
