Are you like me & looking for a little extra room in your budget? Especially since the holidays are just around the corner...but that's another conversation. Well, I have some good news for you. There are lots of little shortcuts you can make that will save a few bucks here and there. Here are seven easy switches you can make to keep more money in your wallet:
1. Mow your own lawn.
Sure, it's nice to hire a lawn service and keep your Saturday to yourself. But if you really want to cut your costs, simply decide that this is a chore you'll do on your own. Be sure to treat yourself to a nice, cold drink after. Now that the weather has changed, you can also rake your own leaves...and enjoy a nice, warm drink instead.
2. Paint your own nails.
Practice makes perfect. Even if you make mistakes at the beginning, doing your own manicures can save you hundreds of dollars a year. And chances are, no one will notice or think much of the difference...unless like me, you're a guy, and this gives you the bright idea to paint your nails for the first time ever. I can't be held liable for that since it's your call.
3. Make your own pizza.
Instead of shelling out $20 a week for delivery, practice making your own pizza at home. It's easy if you use frozen bread dough for the crust. There's lots of room to experiment, and you can get the whole family involved. (Jackson, our 3-year old, really gets a kick out of this.) Plus, everyone can add their own favorite toppings...which are raisins in Jackson's case.
4. Have your own movie night.
Grab some popcorn and blankets and snuggle down for a cheap night of entertainment in your own living room. You can save even more by renting the movie from your local library. Jackson's choice? Bee Movie or Shaun the Sheep.
5. Do your own basic repairs.
Speaking of the library, don't be afraid to check out their books on home maintenance. A little knowledge of basic repairs can save you a lot of money over the course of your life. Recently I saved us $50 by fixing the dishwasher myself. Not too bad for someone who's mechanically-challenged.
6. Wash your own car.
All it takes is water, soap, a sponge, and a towel. Once you get in the habit of doing it, you'll wonder why you ever paid someone else to...unless you drive a Monster Truck.
7. Grow your own vegetables.
Even a single plant can produce pound after pound of delicious food, which you can pick when it's perfectly ripe. Vegetable gardening does take a bit of practice, so start with an easy-to-grow plant like cherry tomatoes. Get a book from the library or check out gardening websites like Garden Web for tips and tricks.
Hopefully you can choose one or two from this list that will work for you. If you decide to skip one (perhaps getting your car washed is something you're not willing sacrifice) you're not going to hurt my feelings.
Ha!!! This being a realor site, when I saw the one "paint your own nails" I naturally assumed you meant as in "hammer and nails".
Shannon, Good advice, except for #1 and #2. Hate mowing the lawn and I don't paint my nails but, I subscribe to everything else. :o)
ANd don't forget about Barter! Trade services for services. As agents we know lots of folks who do lots of things. Don't be afraid to ask if they will trade something you enjoy doing for something they do. I am trading staging services for time in a condo at the beach.