The DIY (Do It Yourself) channel has convinced us that we can improve or fix just about anything around the house, yard, and garage by ourselves, while saving on our personal budget spreadsheet plan. But now not all DIY projects are created equal. While some DIY projects seem like they could yield huge savings, you have to consider the R.O.I; in other words, how much time it will take you and what kind of tools you'll need, matched up against how much cash you'll save in your budget. Let's look at some of the most effective DIY activities that can save you big cash, without the investment of lots of specialized equipment, skill, or time:
Perform your own oil change. Jiffy Lube wants you to think that changing your own oil is a major issue. But it's actually quicker than taking it into a car place. Once you get the hang of it, it will take you around 20 minutes, and save you about $20. Plus you don't have to hear the technician try to sell you a lot of unnecessary add-ons or worse yet, buy their sales pitch!
Paint your own rooms. An afternoon and a gallon of paint, and you'll have a new outlook on life'" and a couple more twenties in your pocket. Getting professional painters can run between $30 to $60 an hour. That does not include the supplies and paint. You'll easily save $100 or more on a single project.
Wash your car. It used to be that Saturday morning was for washing the car and mowing the lawn. Now, most of us drive through the car wash on the lunch hour. But taking out the buckets and sponges can easily save you about $15. If you wash your car twice a month, that can save you up to $360 per year. What could you buy for three hundred sixty dollars this year?
Do your computer upgrades. The idea of cracking open your computer tower and doing surgery on the innards might give you the heebie-jeebies, and that's what computer pros "bank" on. But installing your own computer upgrades can save you a bundle. Purchase the hardware from a computer superstore (or online for even greater savings), and then school yourself on the methods by watching videos on Youtube.com. It's not difficult, and your guts can earn you $100 in cash or more. Don't forget: The person who sold you the thingy at the gadget store has a vested interest in making sure you install it properly without problems. You have a built in technical support person right there!
Plant a garden. Growing your own veggies and herbs is the hip thing these days, and rightfully so '" a 100-square-foot plot can yield $700 worth of food in one season! Choose food items you like and will eat regularly, or work out a swap with other home gardeners to trade off your extra. Bonus: It's great for your budget AND your planet. You don't need a large garden, even a few small patio planters can give you plentiful tomatoes and green peppers. Start small if you have to and quickly you'll be looking for all available dirt to dig up and plant!
So, when you consider whether a DIY project is right for you, consider the things you need and the time you need to accomplish the task. Beside home improvement projects that need a professional license (like plumbing or electrical), a lot of smaller projects just need a willingness to learn. All DIY projects are not created equal, but a lot are fun and can save you a bundle!
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