Super Repair Man

If you were forced to wear a fanny pack, and the only purpose it served was to help you fix things what tools would you shove into it?

I know, that's an incredibly non-crazy question that only a normal person would ask.

These are what I would put in there:

Phillips Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Knife
Tape Measure
Electrical tape


I would say duct tape, but honestly a roll of duct tape won't fit into a fanny pack.

Last Weekends DIY

This last weekend I decided it was time to replace the wiper motor and blower motor in my 1990 GMC C1500 Sierra.  It took me about 6 hours total, but it saved me $300 bucks over what a mechanic would have charged me.  The parts cost me $100.  Overall I look at the project as $300 bucks in my pocket to go towards something else.

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.