Discover the 'unethical' money trick to save money every year
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In today's world of rising costs, we're all looking for creative ways to save money.
For instance, we have this ingenious trick to save electricity bills, where you need to note the peak off-peak charges.
But of course, saving a dollar here and there isn’t just necessary for power bills.
Enter Financial Expert Simran Kaur, who recently shared an unusual tip that can help you score high-end items for free!
Kaur, named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work empowering women financially, recommends joining 'buy nothing' groups in wealthy neighbourhoods on Facebook.
These groups allow locals to give away quality items they no longer need to others in the community, with no strings attached.
As Kaur explains from experience, 'They are always making posts like “I have a Nespresso coffee machine and Dyson vacuum I don’t use anymore, free to good home”.'
Case in point: When she was a new grad, Kaur scored a free Nespresso machine this way.
‘Buy nothing' groups originated from the global Buy Nothing Project that fosters an environment of free sharing within local communities.
These groups operate on common social networking platforms, such as Facebook, where members, typically from the same neighbourhood or locality, can post and respond to offers of free items.
The items range from clothes, kitchen equipment, furniture, children's toys and even services like pet-sitting or gardening help. They're neighbourhoods' little online thrift stores, only everything is complimentary.
To promote sustainability and reduce over-consumption, these groups have a guideline: no buying, selling or trading—only gifting. The golden rule, as Kaur mentions, is that transactions are based on a pure act of generosity.
Buy-nothing groups encourage reuse and build community. They provide a space for neighbours to gift items in good condition that might otherwise end up in landfills. From barely used kitchen appliances to luxury beauty products, you never know what gems you might find.
It isn't about bartering or redeeming something of equal value but giving freely. Rather than discarding unwanted items, members offer them to their neighbors, bringing about a sense of community richness and cohesiveness.
Frequently, these groups advocate for lasting, valuable interactions over the transient value of mere products. Every post made is not simply an item to be gotten rid of but a gesture of goodwill and the beginning of a story.
Supporters view it as a way to be intentional about consumerism.
But, as with everything, success is never guaranteed.
One commenter who tried joining similar groups online said, ‘I tried that, but all they did was complain about local politics.'
Another pointed out, ‘This is totally against the entire spirit of buy nothing. You’re supposed to give / receive where YOU live to foster community.’
Meanwhile, some also disagreed with Simran, who described the practice as ‘unethical.’
'It’s a way to be more intentional with consumerism,’ one woman said.
When you think about it, you don't have to join the fanciest neighbourhoods' groups to find deals either. Local garage sale groups, parenting groups, community centers, and more may also offer free items. It just takes a savvy eye and a bit of time to uncover the real treasures.
However, you need to exercise reasonable judgment as you would with any online transaction. Ensure items are in working order before hauling them home, and thoroughly clean anything secondhand. Also, be sure to participate in the community as much as possible. Offer your quality items if you have some to be discarded at home.
While it may take time, this creative trick can save you big bucks over the years. Why buy new when slightly used—or even brand new unused—quality items are available for free? Kaur estimates she's saved thousands of dollars through this approach.
Intrigued by the idea? Take a crack at searching through your locale’s online groups. Just be sure to pay the kindness forward when you can.
Have you discovered any other crafty ways to save money and reduce waste? Let us know in the comments!
For instance, we have this ingenious trick to save electricity bills, where you need to note the peak off-peak charges.
But of course, saving a dollar here and there isn’t just necessary for power bills.
Enter Financial Expert Simran Kaur, who recently shared an unusual tip that can help you score high-end items for free!
Kaur, named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work empowering women financially, recommends joining 'buy nothing' groups in wealthy neighbourhoods on Facebook.
These groups allow locals to give away quality items they no longer need to others in the community, with no strings attached.
Simran Kaur shares an unusual tip to score high-end items for free. Credit: @girlsthatinvest / Instagram
As Kaur explains from experience, 'They are always making posts like “I have a Nespresso coffee machine and Dyson vacuum I don’t use anymore, free to good home”.'
Case in point: When she was a new grad, Kaur scored a free Nespresso machine this way.
‘Buy nothing' groups originated from the global Buy Nothing Project that fosters an environment of free sharing within local communities.
These groups operate on common social networking platforms, such as Facebook, where members, typically from the same neighbourhood or locality, can post and respond to offers of free items.
The items range from clothes, kitchen equipment, furniture, children's toys and even services like pet-sitting or gardening help. They're neighbourhoods' little online thrift stores, only everything is complimentary.
To promote sustainability and reduce over-consumption, these groups have a guideline: no buying, selling or trading—only gifting. The golden rule, as Kaur mentions, is that transactions are based on a pure act of generosity.
Buy-nothing groups encourage reuse and build community. They provide a space for neighbours to gift items in good condition that might otherwise end up in landfills. From barely used kitchen appliances to luxury beauty products, you never know what gems you might find.
It isn't about bartering or redeeming something of equal value but giving freely. Rather than discarding unwanted items, members offer them to their neighbors, bringing about a sense of community richness and cohesiveness.
Frequently, these groups advocate for lasting, valuable interactions over the transient value of mere products. Every post made is not simply an item to be gotten rid of but a gesture of goodwill and the beginning of a story.
Supporters view it as a way to be intentional about consumerism.
But, as with everything, success is never guaranteed.
One commenter who tried joining similar groups online said, ‘I tried that, but all they did was complain about local politics.'
Another pointed out, ‘This is totally against the entire spirit of buy nothing. You’re supposed to give / receive where YOU live to foster community.’
Meanwhile, some also disagreed with Simran, who described the practice as ‘unethical.’
'It’s a way to be more intentional with consumerism,’ one woman said.
When you think about it, you don't have to join the fanciest neighbourhoods' groups to find deals either. Local garage sale groups, parenting groups, community centers, and more may also offer free items. It just takes a savvy eye and a bit of time to uncover the real treasures.
However, you need to exercise reasonable judgment as you would with any online transaction. Ensure items are in working order before hauling them home, and thoroughly clean anything secondhand. Also, be sure to participate in the community as much as possible. Offer your quality items if you have some to be discarded at home.
While it may take time, this creative trick can save you big bucks over the years. Why buy new when slightly used—or even brand new unused—quality items are available for free? Kaur estimates she's saved thousands of dollars through this approach.
Intrigued by the idea? Take a crack at searching through your locale’s online groups. Just be sure to pay the kindness forward when you can.
Have you discovered any other crafty ways to save money and reduce waste? Let us know in the comments!
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