Most people are looking for ways to save money this year to make forward progress on important financial goals such as paying off debt or saving for emergencies. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve already cut back in spending areas, such as entertainment, that tend to push you over your monthly spending goals.
As a spending oriented society we’ve grown quite used to having things done for us (myself included). There are many things your mom, dad, grandma or grandpa used to do themselves (do it yourself jobs) which didn’t cost them anything more than a little extra time. But companies today have learned to capitalize on the quick pace of life many of us tend to lead.
So, here’s my shot at some do-it-yourself jobs that can quite commonly be performed without requiring advanced training or unique skills. I think you’ll find you can save a little more money. If you have been paying them you may question why you ever paid to get these things done to begin with!
Mowing your yard
There are a tremendous amount of yard maintenance companies raking in the cash as soon as the weather starts warming. From fertilizing, trimming the hedges to mowing, these are tasks that most folks can do themselves. Use it as an opportunity to get some fresh air! Monthly Savings: $$-$$$
Creating your own landscaping design
I’ve always done our own landscaping around the house when we’ve decided to upgrade with more trees or shrubs. Landscaping can be quite costly. But just about anyone can quickly learn to plant a tree or shrubs and certainly flowers. Job Savings: $$$-$$$$
Washing and ironing your clothes
There is a dry cleaning service on every busy street corner it seems these days. While some clothing requires professional cleaning the majority can be machine washed and ironed. Just read the tag carefully and plan an extra load of laundry per week. Monthly Savings: $$
Changing the oil in your car
For most automobiles, there really is no secret or special skill required in changing the oil. Yet, there are quick car care companies across the nation with cars lined up outside on Saturday morning. I think it might just be faster to do this at home too! Yearly Savings: $$$
Washing your car
I will admit having your car washed can be a convenient service, but there is something about being outside in the spring or summertime on a Saturday afternoon washing the car that can be fun. This particular job can be quite costly, especially if you’re getting all the bells and whistles wash. Monthly Savings: $$
Cleaning your house
Years ago a house cleaner was only seen in the wealthiest of neighborhoods. But nowadays, you can find companies serviceing house cleaning needs everywhere. Make it a family event. Schedule one day a week in which the family pitches in and works together to get the house sparkling clean! Monthly Savings: $$$
Painting rooms in your house
If you haven’t asked for an estimate, painting a room in your house can be quite expensive. Doing it yourself can save you hundreds of dollars (maybe more). Painting can be done by almost anyone and can actually be a good way to relax on a weekend afternoon. Just turn on some tunes and get to work! Job Savings: $$$-$$$$
Performing your own home maintenance and repairs
I think I could write an entire post on this one area. There are plenty of jobs around the house that require little learning to perform them. As a homeowner, I’ve shored this gap up with my Home Depot 1-2-3 book that tells me everything I need to know about doing basic maintenance jobs around the house. I never knew I could repair toilets! Job Savings: $$$-$$$$
Doing your own taxes
Here we are in tax season. How complicated is your situation? Should you do your own taxes? I’ve found performing your own taxes with software such as Turbo Tax is easy. I don’t have to schedule an appointment with a tax professional and the software guides me through the process. Savings: $$$
Performing your own pet grooming
Many families have their favorite pet and take it be groomed by their vet, or other service. While a trip to the spa might be nice for your furry friend, pet grooming can be quite expensive. Monthly Savings: $$-$$$
What are some other common money saving do it yourself jobs you’d like to share with readers? Let us know in the comments!
This is an article I originally posted at Christian Personal Finance.
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