10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy When the Economy Is Down - and 10 Things you should

Now let me tell you something, friend. When the river’s rising and the pigs are on the porch, it ain’t the time to go buying a chandelier. Hard times don’t care much for your brand-new leather couch or diamond-plated air fryer. They want to see what you’re made of—whether you can cook a meal, fix your shoes, and keep a dollar longer than a sneeze lasts.

The truth is, in times like these, common sense becomes uncommon. So if you’re wondering what not to buy when the money’s tight and the headlines are screaming doom, let this old-fashioned bit of gumption guide you through the storm—with a few modern tricks up its sleeve and a secondhand sofa under its feet.

A fool and his money are soon parted, but in a recession, even wise men get tempted by shiny nonsense. But you ain’t gotta be that fool. You just need a little patience, a little pride-swallowing, and a sharp eye for value.

So buy used. Reuse. Cook your own meals, wear that old coat, and for heaven’s sake—cancel the ninth streaming service. Because it ain’t about looking rich, it’s about staying free. And in hard times, freedom is the one thing that appreciates.

Buying used or second-hand during a recession isn’t just smart, it’s financially liberating. Below is the revised and expanded version of the article with used alternatives added, so you save money without sacrificing quality or joy.

Now go on and put that wallet back in your pocket. You’ll thank yourself when the clouds clear.

“In a downturn, secondhand isn’t second-class—it’s first-rate thinking.”

1. Luxury Items

Avoid: Overpriced watches, handbags, or jewelry that drop in value fast.
Instead:

Buy pre-owned luxury through sites like TheRealReal or eBay.
Shop estate sales for vintage gold and silver—sometimes more meaningful than new.
Buy Fakes, especially in Watches, the quality is excellent nowadays. Watches and Jewelry are not Investments, and financially useless unless you are using them for money laundering.

2. New Cars

Avoid: Paying $45K for a new car that loses 20% of value instantly.
Instead:

Buy a certified used car (1–3 years old) that has already depreciated.
Consider leasing buyouts or car auctions for hidden gems.
Sometimes in a two person house, you can keep an older car longer, or even skip having a second altogether. The average new car costs about $1000 a month when you consider, car, interest, tags, insurance and maintenance. You could put that money into your 401K and turn it into an asset instead of an expense.

3. Expensive Vacations

Avoid: $8,000 international cruises or luxury resorts.
Instead:

Look for used vacation rentals (Airbnb last-minute deals, house swaps, or discounted timeshares).
Travel off-season or trade homes with friends or family in other states.
You can even find people renting out unused travel credits or resort points at half price.
Stay with Family and Friends…. ha ha Yep!

4. Big-Ticket Electronics

Avoid: Buying the newest MacBook or iPhone at full retail.
Instead:

Buy refurbished tech direct from Apple, Dell, or Best Buy.
Explore certified used phones from Swappa or Gazelle.
You don’t always need the latest greatest model. Buy the Camry of Computers not the Ferrari. You wont notice the difference unless you are doing video editing, or your a heavy gamer.

5. Unnecessary Home Renovations

Avoid: Full kitchen remodels or spa bathrooms.
Instead:

Buy used or salvaged materials from Habitat for Humanity ReStores or Craigslist.
Restore rather than replace: Paint instead of re-cabinet, reseal instead of replace countertops.
You don’t get your money back from most bath remodels unless your bathrooms are really bad. Anytime you have break walls and redo plumbing the costs can skyrocket.

6. Subscription Services

Avoid: Stacking 4–6 services for music, shows, or news.
Instead:

Share plans with friends/family (many allow this).
Try library alternatives like Kanopy, Libby, or Hoopla for free books, audiobooks, and movies.
Try the Free services. Personally I just have Amazon, I dont have time to watch so much TV, or I will get a NetFlix for a couple of month binge watch a series then cancel it.

7. Dining Out Frequently

Avoid: $60–$100 per week on takeout or restaurants.
Instead:

Buy used cookbooks for $1–$5 and start cooking with flair.
Host potlucks or trade meals with neighbors.
I save a bunch of money by taking lunch to work most days, Not only am I saving $500 a month, but I am eating healthier.

8. High-Interest Loans

Avoid: Payday loans, credit card debt, “Buy Now, Pay Later” traps.
Instead:

Seek help from community credit unions or use peer-to-peer lending like LendingClub (at lower interest).
Sell unused goods on Facebook Marketplace to raise cash quickly.
Interest Rates for Credit Card debt are killers, and keep going up. Don’t spend any money or invest in anything if you have debt at 20-30%. Your First priority should be to eliminate this.

9. Speculative Investments

Avoid: Meme stocks, NFTs, and crypto fads.
Instead:

Invest in yourself: buy used books on business or trades.
If investing, focus on stable ETFs or Treasury bonds, not dreams of overnight riches.
Something I learned early, “It is better to lose an opportunity than capital”
If in doubt don’t buy it

10. Non-Essential Clothing

Avoid: Impulse buying trendy outfits you don’t need.
Instead:

Buy secondhand at thrift stores, Poshmark, or consignment shops.
Host a clothing swap party with friends or coworkers.
Gently used high-end brands can be found at a fraction of the cost—often still with tags.
Most of us have more clothing than we can ever wear, and usually end up wearing the same stuff over and over anyway.

Secondhand Isn’t Second Best

You can also buy used furniture, art, and home décor:

Furniture: Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, or refurbished local shops.
Art: Buy from emerging artists or vintage pieces at flea markets—cheaper and often more original.
Décor: Antique shops, online auctions, and yard sales are goldmines.
Many times the used stuff, is better quality, will retains its values and are unique compare to what you find in furniture stores.

How Long Do Recessions Last?

Recession	Duration	Notable Traits
COVID-19 (2020)	2 months	Short but sharp
Great Recession (2008)	18 months	Long job recovery
Dot-Com Bust (2001)	8 months	Slow rebound for tech
Average Recession	10–18 months	Recovery can take 2–3 years total

Are We Headed Into a Recession?

Most economists agree we are in a “high-risk zone” with many recession indicators flashing red:

Inflation: Still sticky in many sectors
Interest Rates: At 20-year highs
Consumer Debt: Near record levels
Job Market: Slowing, especially in tech and retail
Even if we avoid a technical recession, many households already feel like they’re in one.
“A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours.”
Many things can happen in life, usually bad, winning the lotto is the least likely.

So when the money gets tight and the future gets foggy, remember: it ain’t what’s shiny that keeps you afloat—it’s what’s solid. Buy used, live smart, and keep your powder dry.

**10 Things You Should Be Buying When the Economy Is Down**

Now I ain’t saying you should go stuffing your money in a coffee can and burying it —though depending on how things go, that might not be the worst idea. Not all spending is foolish. Some of it is just plain necessary, and some of it—well, it’s the kind that pays you back in peace of mind, belly warmth, or hard-earned interest.

So while the fancier folks are out buying over-priced jet skis they can’t afford and crying over crypto, you can walk a smarter path. Here are ten things worth buying when the winds blow cold and the market’s got the shivers.

1. Non-Perishable Food & Basic Staples

Why: Prices tend to rise in a downturn. Stocking up now = savings later.

Rice, beans, canned goods, pasta, flour, oil
Coffee and tea (prices fluctuate wildly)
Freeze-dried or vacuum-sealed emergency foods
Vacuum-seal and rotate your pantry like a pioneer with a Costco card.
Don’t buy huge quantities that will go bad either

2. Tools & Repair Supplies

Why: When hiring a handyman costs more than your mortgage, it pays to DIY.

Basic toolset, duct tape, WD-40, sewing kits
Bike repair tools or appliance maintenance kits
Buy tools at Harbour Freigh or used tools on Craigslist or Garage slaes

3. Used Clothing and Workwear

Why: Durable clothing lasts longer and keeps you going if things get rough.

Wool sweaters, heavy-duty jeans, raincoats, boots
Secondhand work uniforms or hiking gear
Thrift stores, army surplus, garage sales—just like your grandpa did.

4. Energy-Efficient Appliances (If Yours Dies)

Why: The right replacement can save you money on utility bills.

ENERGY STAR fridges, washers, or air conditioners
Induction cooktops or slow cookers for efficient meals
Rebate programs often give you cash back for upgrading.
Buy only if you really need them, not because you are bored.

5. Home & Vehicle Maintenance Supplies

Why: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair bills.

Oil, filters, brake pads, wiper blades
Furnace filters, caulking, paint for wood/weather protection
Learn basic maintenance from YouTube before you need AAA or a plumber.
Proper maintenance will prevent costly mistakes.
I know many women who do basic maintenance themselves, got tired getting ripped off.

6. Skills Training & Education

Why: Investing in yourself beats betting on the stock market.

Online certifications (IT, trades, accounting)
Books on practical skills (gardening, mechanics, cooking)
Free options via Coursera, YouTube, or local libraries.
YOUTUBE, spend time relearning your career to improve your earning power
LEARN AI – or die – Learn what you need here

7. Debt Repayment (Especially High-Interest)

Why: Paying down debt is like buying a guaranteed return.Focus on credit cards and personal loans first

Use snowball or avalanche method
Refinance if interest rates dip or your credit improves.

8. Durable Secondhand Furniture

Why: With supply chain delays and markups, used is smarter and faster.
Examples:

Real wood dressers, bookshelves, tables
Office desks or chairs (especially from closing businesses)

Where: Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, thrift stores

9. REAL ESTATE

Why: Because there will be bargains, and you make your money when you buy. Learn everything you need in these links.

🏠The Housing Market Is Changing — And Fast

When to Buy a House! 🎯

Real Estate in 2025: A Market Correction or a Golden Opportunity?

REAL ESTATE – Major things to look at before you make an offer to buy a house.

Real Estate Crashing in 2025? – NO, but it is changing. Opportunity is coming knocking

10. Gold, Silver, or Emergency Currency Equivalents

Why: Real assets hold value better than speculative ones.

Silver coins, fractional gold bars, or even barter items (ammo, liquor, batteries)

Caution: Don’t go full pirate—buy small amounts for resilience, not riches.

So there you have it, Ten things worth every hard-earned penny when the clouds roll in and the suits on TV start arguing about “soft landings” like we’re all on a fancy jetplane. The truth is, hard times don’t mean no spending—they mean smart spending. Spend like a squirrel before winter, not a goose in spring.

Invest in food, tools, knowledge, and comfort that lasts. Buy things that help you fix, grow, cook, learn, or survive. And if you must buy something shiny, let it be a shovel with a strong handle and a story behind it.

Personally, I love these bad times. I sold all my stocks late last year and bought gold. Presently, May 2025, I am going shopping for used Mercedes 4 Door, hanging on to gold I bought, not buying more, and slowly buying into stocks again. You Make money in down turns, and the world is full of bargains. Also time to sell loser, because they are going to keep losing. I will also be looking for cheap high quality real estate soon. Read the EXTRA CREDIT articles on how.

Think of it as Yoga for the brain, we are going to stretch a bit.

10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy
When the Economy Is Down –
and 10 Things you should