however, I find that I end up "needing" what I "need" when I "need" it, and don't have the time/energy/patience to scour every thrift store looking for, say, black boots that actually FIT, so I just buy new.

One of the recommendations that keeps coming up in the book is keeping a list of things you will PROBABLY need in the future to keep an eye out for in thrift stores and garage sales, etc.

I will check out the link when I know I have more time. Same with Craigslist, which is something I have heard about only in passing.

Jason has always had Survivalist leanings, so bucking the System has always been a bit of a family hobby in that way. If only I can get him to stop spending money on stuff he doesn't need and then complaining about how much extra he has to work to make money!