My sister went looking for a dresser for her daughter's bedroom. Searching the furniture stores in the area, she was disappointed with both the quality and the cost of the dresser.

She could have purchased a dresser for under $200. However, the dresser was made of particleboard and knowing how her daughter, who would jam all she could into the drawers, she knew the dresser would not last.

She also found beautiful wooden dressers, but with a price tag of $300 and up.

My sister ended up going to an auction where she purchased a dresser for $50.00. The dresser is made of pine, absolutely no particleboard or veneer in it.

Her husband used a hand power sander and stripped the dresser down to the wood taking off the old shellac and most of the stain. The wood grain in the dresser is beautiful and the workmanship is top quality. My sister's husband used an oil stain to finish the dresser. You should see it now - wow!

My sister saved money by purchasing the dresser. The total cost once the dresser was completed was:
- Dresser $50.
- Oil stain $14.
- Sandpaper $3.

A total cost of $70, and some time, they ended up with a piece of furniture that would have cost them well over $300. In addition, the quality of the dresser is tops!! My niece can stuff all she likes in the drawers without a worry at all!

My sister practiced being frugal - getting more with less money

So next time you are in the market for furniture, remember to check the auctions. You may find you will save yourself a lot of money, and also end up with a good quality piece of furniture!! As Ben Franklin said, "A penny saved is a dollar earned."

Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Stress Relief by a Simple Life where you will find stories, thoughts, poems and inspirational quotes on simplicity, frugal living, free craft projects, stress and more.

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