As soon as I had my license, I felt a sense of joy as I realized that I was now able to take myself to Goodwill whenever I wanted. Goodwill has and always will be one of my favorite places to just wander around, and there are a plethora of reasons as to why Goodwill is great.

As I said in my introduction, it is incredibly cheap. You can get brand name stuff for $5 or less sometimes. For us struggling college students who may just gain 10 pounds this semester in Benny’s pizza, that’s a miracle price versus the normal $50 tag of mall stores. Best of all, if you only wear it once, you still probably got your money's worth. I like to spend my money and my time on fun things such as food and adventure, so saving money on necessities is the best.

If you’re not a cookie cutter size, Goodwill is your best friend. I am 5’ 3/4”, and to the average store, my size isn’t important. You know who helps me with my size: all the people who outgrew or gave away those impossible-to-find sizes. Someone else did the hard part for me at Goodwill, and now my short self just has to wander about four racks of jeans and try on a handful of pairs before I am satisfied. In addition to this: dresses! I have found some of the cutest dresses imaginable (even before the '90s came back) in Goodwill stores. Even better, if whatever I find needs altering, the purchase price at Goodwill plus the alterations are probably going to be far less expensive than had I bought the same item at a department store.

Goodwill is my treasure hunt. Dropping $20 on five or more fantastic items is my drug. I have been known to wander into Goodwill while bored just to see what I can wear, decorate or cook with from one of those bad boys. Four of my best finds to date?

1. Brand new Nike hiking boots - $4.50

2. A never-used bread machine - $6.00

3. Calvin Klein dress - $8.00 (with alterations $18.00)

4. Laundry rack (oh college) - $2.50

Another great thing about Goodwill is the fact they provide careers for people with disabilities, as well as people who have simply fallen on hard times. A shopping spree that benefits someone else, say whut? Shopping at Goodwill can help a community, so get in your car and go.

Obviously, there are some things at Goodwill you should steer clear of for certain, and it does not take a genius to tell you what those things are. Always always ALWAYS sanitize whatever you buy, especially tighter fitting clothes and cookware. Most clothing tells us to wash it before you wear it anyways, but this is especially important with Goodwill goodies! Clorox and laundry detergent are your partners in crime when Goodwilling.

So if you’re out of pants, want to start a new art project or simply want to window shop in a fiscally attractive manner, head to one of (or multiple, I don’t judge) your local Goodwills today!