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You need a new dining room set or a new couch but can’t afford the luxury of retail. Where do you shop, and how do you know if you’re getting a good deal?

Fortunately, there are many options for purchasing furniture and during the summer the options expand even more. Take a look at these ideas:

• You’ve heard all about garage sales, but what about estate sales? Get the classy furniture here, and don’t forget that some of these sales will be auctions. If this is the case, have the money in mind that you’d like to spend on a specific item. If you see it at an auction, stick to your guns and only spend the money you planned on.
• Try some consignment shops. Consignment shops rarely take in junk; rather their sole purpose is to find quality items that look practically new.
• Check your newspaper ads. Check online. Often, folks don’t want to bother with a garage sale, and this is good news for you because you can go down the list of ads and call the ads where your specific item is mentioned.
• If you travel to garage sales, go early. The best deals are usually found in the early morning hours before things are picked over. On the other hand, a couch that you saw in the morning that hasn’t been purchased when the sale is at its close, may mean an even better buy for you.

Wherever you buy, make sure the item is solid and that it doesn’t need a lot of repair—unless that is what you’re in the market for.  Purchasing a book on furniture and what you should expect from a particular piece is always a good idea.

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You’re in the market for a new apartment; what do you need to look for, what should you avoid?

1. Start with a budget. What can you afford monthly as a payment? Find out how much the utility costs will be each month and add the total to your rent. Even if you have to estimate, knowing the facts up front will allow you to stay within an apartment price you can afford.
2. If the apartment complex has multiple floors and you have a pet, consider renting on the bottom floor. There is nothing worse than taking a pet out to go to the bathroom when you are renting the top floor.
3. Make sure that the space in the apartment will satisfy your needs. A two bedroom may work for you if you have two children that can share a room but because there’s no standard “playroom” in apartments, you may want to consider a three bedroom unit.
4. How close are you to your job? What area of town will you choose to live in? An easy freeway access is helpful to get you to your job quickly and easily, and the city you choose to live in could mean the difference between safety and crime. Make sure the city where you choose to live is safe, especially if you have children.

When you choose an apartment you need to consider your personal needs as well as the needs of your family. Having an outdoor swimming pool might be a “need” for you, but a children’s playground may be at the top of your daughter’s list. Get your family involved in choosing an apartment.

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You’ve got a new place; either that or your old place of business needs a bit of updating. What options are out there, and how do you make your place look like a million bucks without spending a fortune?

Here are some winning helps:

• Art is important to any business, but choose carefully. Too much of a good thing rarely does anything for potential clients but give them a headache. Less is more.
• If you choose to incorporate winning slogans, such as posters or plaques with motivating words, make sure that these don’t overwhelm your guests, either. Be careful in your choices, and make sure each choice reflects the vision of the company. A plaque or sign with your company’s vision or motto is nice to see in a waiting area.
• When buying paint, be careful to choose colors that reflect your company image. While many offices are boring showcases of their corresponding workers, be assured that with some creativity you can come up with a memorable look. Hire a decorator if you’re at a loss.
• Rugs work great under a desk if you are surrounded by wood floors and aquariums are always great in an office to bring a bit of the outside world—in.
• Consider music when redesigning your office space and remember the importance of a clock that hangs preferably on the wall opposite the client’s chair.

When designing your new space, take a look at your business as well as the way you dress. In the end, your office should reflect who you are, what you’re accomplishing and what your greatest hopes are for the future.