Ah- the beginning of another medical year. Whether you are just starting out your medical journey or if you are nearing the end, it’s a wonderful time to plan for the year ahead. Time to puzzle together how to pay for those upcoming board exams, licensing fees and even that much needed vacation! Our family has been at it for 4 years now, about to enter our 5th year (of 6) with a training salary supporting us. It’s not always fun, but we are lucky to be in an area like Iowa City where it is possible to survive and even thrive on a budget.
Private Facebook groups are very popular, especially in this area. Whether its buy/sell groups, or even groups to give away things for free, joining these has been a way to save money and get rid of some things we no longer need. A simple search on Facebook of the city you live in and “garage sales” will uncover many options. Here are a few other popular local groups:
Buy Nothing Iowa City (or Coralville/North Liberty; you must be a resident of the city group you join)- The Buy Nothing movement is intended to give away your goods locally to create a greater sense of community.
Johnson County Baby/Toddler/Kids Swap Board- kids (and maternity) clothing, accessories, toys, and supplies.
Iowa City Buy, Sell and Trade
North Liberty & Surrounding Area Buy Sell and Trade
Secondhand/Consignment Stores are all around too. These are great options for buying affordable, used items. Several Medical Partners also consign at these stores to earn a little extra cash. Goodwill (Iowa City and Coralville) and The Salvation Army (Iowa City) will sell your donated items. Play It Again Sports has a location in Iowa City too. Here are some additional local options:
Stuff Etc.- Coralville and Iowa City; Consign your clothing, toys, housewares, etc and enjoy shopping in this quality Iowa consignment chain. They really do have it all!
Kidworks- Iowa City; Baby-teen clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, books, baby equipment and maternity. This is a very popular place to sell or buy the much-needed items for children at fantastic prices.
Houseworks- Iowa City; Buy/sell most things home related such as furniture, lamps, kitchen goods, artwork and interior decorations.
ReStore- Iowa City; Donate and shop for items you need for your home. They accept/sell furniture, appliances, left over building materials, etc all while helping support local Habitat for Humanity efforts. Free donation pickups can be requested as well.
Flat out- Iowa City’s grocery store offerings are ridiculous. Everywhere you look, there is a place to buy food. And it’s high quality and affordable too. Hy-Vee and Fareway are the main stores in the area and are both native to Iowa. If you haven’t experienced the “Iowa Nice” yet, just go into one of these stores. You’ll get it. Wal-Mart and Target, although not "Super" stores or centers, each have their affordable take on a market as well. And yes, Costco. I couldn’t write a blog post for the Iowa Medical Partners on saving money without mentioning the beloved Costco. I am not a member (I know- GASP!) but I have been a guest in the store, like it, and know that several members could not survive without it. There are a few other stores that might not be familiar to everyone but each is worth checking out.
Aldi- Coralville and Iowa City; A popular national chain. Bring a quarter for a cart and your own shopping bag and save a ton!
Lucky’s Market- Iowa City; The feel of a local market with huge produce sales weekly. Bring your own bags and receive money off your bill, or choose to donate it to a local charity.
Natural Grocers- Iowa City; A company based out of Colorado with a brand new store in town. Organic and healthy food options at affordable prices!
And if that’s not enough, there are farmer’s markets, farm stands and crop share opportunities all over and oh yes, Trader Joe’s is opening soon!
There are ways to save on gym memberships, eating out and entertainment as well, but those will be for another day. In the meantime, we are all in this together. Share your favorite way to save money or stay on budget in the comments below and be entered in our giveaway drawing for a $10 GIFT CARD to ALDIi! I'll announce the winner Monday, so please post your comment before then. Happy exploring, happy saving and to all, a VERY Happy Medical New Year!
Private Facebook groups are very popular, especially in this area. Whether its buy/sell groups, or even groups to give away things for free, joining these has been a way to save money and get rid of some things we no longer need. A simple search on Facebook of the city you live in and “garage sales” will uncover many options. Here are a few other popular local groups:
Buy Nothing Iowa City (or Coralville/North Liberty; you must be a resident of the city group you join)- The Buy Nothing movement is intended to give away your goods locally to create a greater sense of community.
Johnson County Baby/Toddler/Kids Swap Board- kids (and maternity) clothing, accessories, toys, and supplies.
Iowa City Buy, Sell and Trade
North Liberty & Surrounding Area Buy Sell and Trade
Secondhand/Consignment Stores are all around too. These are great options for buying affordable, used items. Several Medical Partners also consign at these stores to earn a little extra cash. Goodwill (Iowa City and Coralville) and The Salvation Army (Iowa City) will sell your donated items. Play It Again Sports has a location in Iowa City too. Here are some additional local options:
Stuff Etc.- Coralville and Iowa City; Consign your clothing, toys, housewares, etc and enjoy shopping in this quality Iowa consignment chain. They really do have it all!
Kidworks- Iowa City; Baby-teen clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, books, baby equipment and maternity. This is a very popular place to sell or buy the much-needed items for children at fantastic prices.
Houseworks- Iowa City; Buy/sell most things home related such as furniture, lamps, kitchen goods, artwork and interior decorations.
ReStore- Iowa City; Donate and shop for items you need for your home. They accept/sell furniture, appliances, left over building materials, etc all while helping support local Habitat for Humanity efforts. Free donation pickups can be requested as well.
Flat out- Iowa City’s grocery store offerings are ridiculous. Everywhere you look, there is a place to buy food. And it’s high quality and affordable too. Hy-Vee and Fareway are the main stores in the area and are both native to Iowa. If you haven’t experienced the “Iowa Nice” yet, just go into one of these stores. You’ll get it. Wal-Mart and Target, although not "Super" stores or centers, each have their affordable take on a market as well. And yes, Costco. I couldn’t write a blog post for the Iowa Medical Partners on saving money without mentioning the beloved Costco. I am not a member (I know- GASP!) but I have been a guest in the store, like it, and know that several members could not survive without it. There are a few other stores that might not be familiar to everyone but each is worth checking out.
Aldi- Coralville and Iowa City; A popular national chain. Bring a quarter for a cart and your own shopping bag and save a ton!
Lucky’s Market- Iowa City; The feel of a local market with huge produce sales weekly. Bring your own bags and receive money off your bill, or choose to donate it to a local charity.
Natural Grocers- Iowa City; A company based out of Colorado with a brand new store in town. Organic and healthy food options at affordable prices!
And if that’s not enough, there are farmer’s markets, farm stands and crop share opportunities all over and oh yes, Trader Joe’s is opening soon!
There are ways to save on gym memberships, eating out and entertainment as well, but those will be for another day. In the meantime, we are all in this together. Share your favorite way to save money or stay on budget in the comments below and be entered in our giveaway drawing for a $10 GIFT CARD to ALDIi! I'll announce the winner Monday, so please post your comment before then. Happy exploring, happy saving and to all, a VERY Happy Medical New Year!
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