Other Ways to Save Money

The best way that I have found to save money is DIY projects.  Being even somewhat handy can save you tons of money over the course of a  year.  This can include anything from big projects to small projects, but they all add up to saved money.

DIY can be anyting from making your own pot holder out of an old towel rack, or even doing your own brakes. The point of DIY is to cut out the paid labor, and potentially lower the price of replacement parts.

For example, doing your own brakes can save you hundreds of dollars.  Just recently I was told that the brakes on my new car needed to be replaced.  The quote they told me was $750.  That seemed a little ridiculous since all new rotors and pads would only run me $500, but whatever they need to make a buck.  Instead I replaced the brake pads myself and it only cost me $150.  Thats $600 extra in my pocket and it only took me an hour because I had help from a friend, and I know what I'm doing.

This weekend, I replaced the windshield wiper motor, and blower motor in my 20 year old truck.  A mechanic would  have charged $400 for the job, but I got the parts for $100 and it took 5 hours of my Sunday to get it done.

Cars aren't the only place you can save tons of money.  Being able to do basic plumbing can save you hundreds as well.  I'm not talking about re soldering pipe or anything crazy, but understanding how a trap works and being able to unscrew a piece of plastic.  Having a basic skill set (and a camera) can go a long way in saving you money.  It can also fight off that "I'm Bored" feeling that you get.

Some people view these things as chores, but you should try to view them as making "extra" money.  Having that mindset will motivate you to do the job.  Especially if you want to use that extra $200-$600 from one job on something you want.