Every time you pay someone to do something you could do yourself, you’re taking a few steps back from reaching your savings goals. Of course, there are many things best left to the professionals, but there are also things you pay for every day you could easily do yourself.
Here are five valuable DIY skills that can help you save money and reach your personal financial goals sooner than you thought possible.
Basic Household Repairs
The average national cost of using a plumber to fix a clogged drain is $248. When you see numbers like that, it makes sense to learn how to do basic household repairs on your own. DIY skills like clearing a slow-moving drain, fixing small holes in drywall or repainting a room are easy to learn and have huge long-term savings potential.
Changing the Oil
Taking your vehicle in for an oil change doesn’t just cost you money, it also costs you valuable free time. The better alternative? Doing it yourself. This DIY skill might seem intimidating at first, but if you do your research and take your time, you’ll soon get the hang of it and see the savings add up.
Sewing & Mending
Learning basic sewing skills will not only save you money, it will greatly expand your wardrobe and home decorating options. Replacing a missing button, fixing a zipper and hemming pants are all easy DIY skills anyone can learn. Once you’ve mastered them, try your hand at making simple curtains or pillow covers – it’s easy, fun and allows you to change up your home décor for little more than the cost of fabric (hint: try using bed sheets) and a few hours of your time.
Cooking at Home
Nothing will make a more immediate, noticeable difference in your budget than shifting from dining out to eating in. So it’s a happy coincidence that some of the most budget-friendly staples like rice, beans and pasta are also super-easy for novice cooks. Start with simple, tasty, filling dishes and get more adventurous as your cooking skills grow. The bonus? You know exactly what’s going into your meals and you’re almost guaranteed to start making healthier food choices.
Canning & Preserving Food
Once you get comfortable in the kitchen, try your hand at canning fresh, in-season produce, or making your own jams, jellies and pickled vegetables. These old-school DIY skills are making a comeback as people seek to consume whole foods prepared without preservatives. The USDA has put together this comprehensive guide on how to can foods safely.
