Three words - Habitat, Costco and Goodwill. Alongside Aldi for groceries, these are truly our *favorite stores*. They truly put feet to their words - actions before rhetoric.
(Thank you to my wife Sue for introducing me to Goodwill.)
Let's talk Habitat. It's a win-win-win. A win for us, because we can get *brand new* and *high quality* building products, and save literally tons of money. A win for the Habitat Home Store, because it provides funds for "Habitat for Humanity" build projects. And of course a *blessing* for the new homeowner, who benefits by the generosity of time, talents and treasure from all who contribute to a "Habitat for Humanity" build. While I didn't vote for President James Earl Carter, "Jimmy" has earned my respect for making the world aware of Habitat and their mission. If you are planning a home improvement project, they will even do the demolition for you! (That is, provided you allow them to take the old cabinets, fixtures, etc. - you even get tax credit for the charitable donation!)
Let's talk Costco. It's called a membership warehouse - and you'll discover that you are truly treated like a member, like FAMILY. On a couple of occasions, a product that I've bought from Costco meets an untimely death - either breaks or is unrepairable. When your so-called "warranty" fails you, Costco's return policy is IRON-CLAD. Think your 7-year-old pressure washer is DOA and needs to go to the junk yard? Costco will give your money back - I know, they did that exact thing for me. Prices are competitive, but products are superior. Their food is better than the grocery stores - and since it flies off the shelves, it is always FRESH. They serve an 18-inch pizza in their food court for less than $10 - we even bought one when we were in Kauai!!! OK, so I know you need to purchase an annual membership to truly appreciate this one. But their Executive Membership gives you 2% back, and a free Amex card returns another 1-3%. Mutual insurance and funds return dividends to their shareholders; Costco is similar.
Let's talk Goodwill. It too is a win-win-win. (It is heart warming to see that our oldest daughter has also discovered the Goodwill.) A win for us, because we can avoid the retail and discount clothing stores and buy lightly used clothing for pennies. A win for the Goodwill Store, because they use both our household donations and our purchase dollars to help *real people* gain skills and (re)enter the workforce - regardless of their mental, physical or health situation. And an obvious blessing for the worker, who (re)gains confidence to help themselves and others. Of course it's also a great place to clean out your closets of unneeded clothing and household items - and again, get a charitable tax credit, if that even matters to you at this point after you see all the positive benefit that these organizations provide!
Folks, we have even gone as far as *renting a car* when we didn't otherwise need one to visit the area Goodwill stores when we've been on vacation! That's how good the deals are, and how much we value these business models. Among the states (in addition to our Nashville home) where we have gone out of our way to visit Goodwill stores? Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina and so forth.
The last word? You are *missing out* if you don't give these storefronts a try. It will (slightly) change your life - and certainly change your perspective on how to positively impact others!
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