What have you been able to do, that has saved you money?
An example. Some people, never have to take their car to a mechanic…therefore saving them an awful of cash/ money.
Are their car mechanics today ?
It’s all computer diagnostics.
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I used to do all my own car repairs and servicing, I’ve also saved shed loads of money by doing my own diy around the house, electrical work, plumbing, fence repair/erecting, laying patios, building sheds/summerhouses, I’ve done just about everything, of course now I can afford to get someone else to do any major work, I just do basic stuff now.
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I’m still living in the past,
Seriously, I need to catch up…
On saying that, I have a car mechanic…been with him years.
You must have saved thousands, Primus, doing all of that in the past, well done you!!..
Fitted the new bathroom light bulb myself after the old one blew, so saving on handy person charges.
And before you all go pffffttt! It wasn’t easy! I had to teeter on either a step stool or step ladder, struggle with undoing three screws (one was alongside the bath so couldn’t get to it easily), remove, order and replace bulb, and replace screws. Again, not easy.
If only whoever had installed the fitting had moved the screw holes so they all had easy access. Just a fraction, even.
Heaven forbid when the landing one should go! Absolutely no way I can do that with the limited room at the top of the stairs.
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Same as Primus in terms of Diy. Also, I learnt how to plaster, which has saved a pretty penny too.
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That’s something I’d wish I’d learnt dex, I’m ok with patch repair but not sure how I’d fare with walls and ceiling’s
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In all honesty Primus, it’s simple if you just follow the routine (plenty of YouTube clips) and use decent tools. Worked out easier to skim a whole wall than just a patch…no need to feather anything in. Gotta be reasonably fit though, as once you start, you can’t stop. Plaster waits for no man !!!
Am too out of shape now, but like you, I’m happy to pay someone else now.
I’d say it’s not one particular expert skill that saved me money but a combination of practical skills such as DIY around the house, and an ability of being good with money, plus an attitude of being prudent, not losing money by spending it on bad deals and useless things and always making sure that more money comes in than gets spent which, in sum, has saved me a lot of money. Today I know, if I hadn’t done so, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
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Same here …I love decorating and we do a lot of DIY also I enjoy furniture restoration…I’ve saved a lot of money doing that. I wouldnt say I’m particularly good with money though and budgeting.
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When I eventually get round to sorting out the middle bedroom, I have a feeling the papered wall may need new plaster. Not sure if there is more paper underneath this ghastly patterned one or wall, so when I get time to pull stuff away to free up room, I will have a jolly good time peeling it off to see.
I too may try plastering myself then if it needs it. It is a very very small wall. My neighbour, a girl many years younger than me, did her own plastering, before letting out the house.
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I think that the answer is to bear enough children so that one can be a plumber, another an electrician, another a cook, another a plasterer, and another., and another, and another!,
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I don’t know about “abilities”, but …
Some may not go along with this but I save £1000s per year by not paying:
Extended warrantees or insurance on any electrical goods, cameras etc.
Boiler maintenance/service. (I can save enough in 10 years for a new boiler: Free)
Holiday insurance. (I only go to Portugal where I can see Mrs d00d’s family Dr if required).
Home building and contents insurance. (how often does your home burn down? and if it did the plot it stands on would be worth nearly as much).
erm … I’m sure there’s more, let me think.
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I use a local bloke who’s got the computer diagnostics gear and charges … maybe, a quarter the local Authorised Merc Dealer would.
Pay cash to local people:
Decorator, carpenter, kitchen fitter …
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Like Primus and Dex Pauline, and having no fear of getting stuck in.
Being trained as an engineer has helped enormously, and having a good Dad who taught me a lot of stuff…Painting, wallpapering and gardening…Well, perhaps only the basics of gardening…
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I’ve done painting, wallpapering and gardening … (car servicing too many years ago). I prefer to employ someone younger & fitter nowadays. If you know how to do these things you know how to recognise others who can do the job properly.
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I’m just going through the complete re-piping of the Central Heating, throughout my ground floor, following pipe corrosion and leakage, which in turn has lead to severe damp & mold.
The house is only 60 years old.
The cost of fixing it all is going to be many thousands.
I shall not be advising anyone to avoid buying insurance!
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60 year old house? Concrete floor by any chance?
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