There is a great post titled The Psychology of Thrifting that explores the ways in which ‘thrifting’, or shopping at second-hand stores or yard sales, is both psychologically and economically stimulating. For those of us who have never assigned a psychological value to this ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ form of shopping, it is interesting to see how they correlate.

Author Beth Wechsler who, not coincidentally is a psychotherapist, illustrates both the rush and savings of thrifting in this example

I’m convinced that some of us are meditating.The brain seems to go into a state of rest when we engage in mental concentration that distracts us from our usual concerns. It’s the relaxation response. It causes a drop in respiration and oxygen consumption, shifting the brain waves into an alpha and theta rhythm. The immune system is activated: body and mind rest. Have you ever noticed that when thrifting you lose track of the time?

Almost categorically opposite is the high. Ferragamo shoes, new in the box, $10.00 - Henri Bendel cashmere sweater, with tags, $15.00. It’s no different than the bell that rings when the slot machine lines up just right and the coins come scrambling down.

The post itself is a thoughtful analysis of this activity, but it also serves as a good reminder for those of us trying to save our money and get out of debt that we really don’t have to buy everything brand-new from the store.

Check out the entire post on WalletPop.

Tags | Debt, money, money saving ideas, save money, shopping, Thrifting