Being frugal sometimes requires you to learn new skill sets. In-fact you can turn these skills into savings or a source of income if you enjoy using those skills. Here are some DIY projects that will definitely translate into savings.
Auto Repair
1. Oil Change
I normally pay $40.00 every 3000 miles for oil change. For both our cars, this is about $320 a year. I know if i did it myself i can save about $200 per year; but i like the convenience of driving in to the oil change shop and drive out in a few minutes fully serviced. 
The other reason why i do not change my oil is – the apartment complex where we live does not allow tenants to do oil change in the parking lot. If however you are one of those who do not mind getting dirty, this is one project for you that you can enjoy and will save you some money.
2. Tune ups
I have always done the tune ups for my 93 Honda accord after a paid $67 to a mechanic for less than 10 minutes job. It is more complex to change stuff for the newer cars these days, but one can always learn.
3. Brakes
Again, my 93 honda has disk brakes which are very easy to change. I bought lifetime brake pads a while ago and i have returned them twice to the auto store for replacement each time they are worn out, and then i replace them myself. My expense is just my gas to the auto store and my time.
Home Improvements
We live in a rented apartment home and so we cannot paint or remodel our place. We call the management if we need any fix-up in the house. This is convenient, economical, but also limiting. We cannot change or modify the house because it’s not our asset.
However, if you live in your own home, there are so many home improvements projects that you can take on that can add value to your home while saving you money, if you do it yourself instead of contracting the job to commercial builders. Some of these DIY projects can be:
- Painting
- Flooring/tiling
- Bathroom remodeling
Private Tutoring
Parents pay an average of $35.00 per day to take their kids for after school tutoring. Let us do the math- If you have two kids that take tutoring classes for three days a week, this comes up to $840 a month, and over $10000 a year. Think of what you can do with 10K a year in savings if you were to do the tutoring yourself!
What other DIY projects have you done that saved you money?
Related Reading
Shop around for oil change deals, make some phone calls and negotiate a cheaper price (sometimes it works). There’s a gas station near me that charges $17.95 for oil changes on Saturdays only. I am unwilling to pay more than $22 or so… Summer is getting close, so for the warm weather, I may do it myself and save a few $$. 🙂
@Arthur- You are right! deals like this will translate into substantial savings over time. However, i once did my oil change in ine shop that had $19.69 special.. but iwas dissapointed. The oil they put was too ‘thin’ for my hi-mileage old car. Soon after it started leaking (possibly had nothing to do with oil change) but since then i do not use recycled oil.
I think another good way to to save money is to utilize the envelope system. Put money in an envelope for tithing & offering, saving, bills, giving, food, and looking nice. If the money in the giving envelope runs out before the end of the month…I say it’s someone else turn for that month or I wait until the next month. I also realized that my…this is embarassing…hair budget is kinda high. So, far I have spent $300 or more on my hair care this year. At that rate, it will be will over $1,000 by the end of the year. I am considering either doing it myself or finding a style that’s more wallet friendly and saving friendly. I think going to the salon for trims is important but not just to style hair when there is no special occasion. Anyway, I have been evaluating my budget and I just wanted to share a place I spend a lot of money on…maybe it will help someone else. Also, avoiding unnecessary trips helps save gas.
@Edith-You bring a very good point, hair care can be expensive sometimes even for guys if you add up that $15 that you leave to the barber each visit can be a chunk of change$$$. But as you said looking for a wallet friendly hairstylist is one place to begin. Another way is to trade service.. if you can braid and know someone who can style you can strike a deal where you braid them and they styles your hair.. sort of batter trade, the only cost to you is time.