Peta Muller reported this story 29 October 2009.
Budgeting for high end quality design fashion labels has never been easier credit to the Take 2 Markets opening its doors in Melbourne.in June 2007.
With the harsh state of the economy forcing many Australians into tight budgets, shoppers are excited by the possibility of finding designer fashion labels at bargain prices.
Take 2 Markets Owner Rina Chia said, "We have stallholders selling top brand garments, some of which have not been worn at all; at 50-80% off the price that one would have to pay in a department store or boutique."
Mainstream labels and vintage garments are also available from stallholders including shoes and accessories, in addition to selection of new merchandise from local designers.
The emphasis of Take 2 Markets is on value and quality and as such conditions require stallholders to provide descriptions of items for sale prior to being offered a stall.
"At Take 2 Markets the focus is on quality rather than quantity and I encourage women to seek out the better pieces in their wardrobe so they can get good money for their clothes by selling at Take 2”, said Ms Chia.
Accountant and regular shopper at Take 2 Kate Garland acknowledges that prices for desirable labels make them often unattainable to the average wage earner.
“Dressing like a princess on a working girl’s budget is hard to achieve, you don't need a lot of pieces to dress rich, only a few that are interchangeable and superior quality,” said Ms Garland.
"Women are getting very savvy by buying recycled clothing and using what they have already got, so there is less demand for cheap imported garments”, said Ms Chia.
As the economy drives society to become more astute with budgeting, Take 2 is seizing the opportunity to provide an outlet for shoppers to have the high quality goods without causing financial ruin.
“Second hand is definitely not second best anymore”, said Ms Chia.
Peta Muller reported this story 25 October 2009.
Young adults are finding themselves in financial strife with the endless pitfalls of credit schemes warns premier budgeting company MyBudget.
MyBudget assists clients by managing their finances, advising clients how to break bad financial habits, achieve their financial goals, reduce debt and save money.
MyBudget Director Tammy May revealed that she and her staff regularly encounter young adults already experiencing financial difficulties from poor choices.
"The buy-now-pay-later deals can be a great way to get some needed furniture or appliances but many people in this age bracket get caught out with huge interest rates and repayments they may not be able to afford," Ms May said.
Ms May advocates spending only what you earn is an extremely important lesson to learn.
"I have personally seen many young clients who have found themselves in hot water over enormous mobile phone bills," she said.
"All of a sudden they receive a large bill they can't afford to pay by the due date and their phone is disconnected, yet if they are on a contract they are liable to pay it out in addition to their bill,” she said.
Keeping within the budget is most important, so shopping around before making significant purchases or financial commitments is imperative according to MyBudget consultants.
One of the first steps people should take when they begin to take on more financial responsibility is to track their spending and draw up a budget," Ms May said.
Websites such as www.canstar.com.au offer comparisons on interest rates, credit cards, bank accounts and insurance.
Ms May suggests that young adults should begin preparing for a new stage in life by discussing budgeting and finances with their parents or guardians and gain an deeper understanding about needs versus wants.
"It is so important for people at this age to realise spending habits are just as important as saving habits," she said.
