DIY (do-it-yourself) culture has boomed in recent years, and for good reason. Due to being stuck in our homes during the pandemic, many of us have had more time on our hands. At the same time, the economic outlook remains far from certain. The solution? Consider spending a little extra time on activities that can save you money. As an added bonus, DIY projects are good for you, as they can build your confidence and give you a chance to use your hands and your brain.
Here, we’ll look at nine easy ways you can save money by DIY-ing some parts of your life that you might not have considered.
1
Perfect a Restaurant Dish at Home
Instead of paying $15 for that amazing penne dish you love, try to re-create the recipe at home. While it may seem impossible to exactly duplicate a recipe, countless websites offer inventive recipes for every skill level (and every craving). If you can’t find a recipe that matches your favorite dish from your local eatery, you could try to reverse engineer the dish. Plus, taking the time to work on it will save you money—and also help make the dish your own. You might even discover that you have a secret talent for cooking.
2
Grow Your Own Vegetables
While we’re on the subject of food, we have to recommend this fun (and delicious) activity. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry: Growing a few herbs in your kitchen window is foolproof. And if growing basil and cilantro inspires you, don’t stop there: A small garden bed in your yard or a raised bed on your city balcony can yield salad greens and just about any other vegetable you like, while ultimately keeping more money in your pocket.
3
Do Your Own Home Improvements
Many home improvement tasks require professional help (please don’t attempt electrical work by yourself). But that doesn’t mean you need to hire an expert for everything. If you want to replace some drywall, paint a few rooms or even refinish your floors, you can learn to do it yourself. Renting the equipment you need can cut costs, and you can watch step-by-step instructions on YouTube to do the job with confidence.
4
Change the Oil in Your Car
This might sound daunting, but hear us out. Once you know the basics—how to drain your oil, change the filter, refill the oil and check for leaks—this is totally doable. You’ll need to research the type of oil and filter your engine needs, and you’ll need to buy a container to safely empty your oil into. In the long run, you can save a lot of money by skipping a trip to the local tune-up shop.
5
Cut Your Own Hair
If you have a complicated haircut, you may want to skip to the next item in this listicle. But if your haircut is simple, here’s what you do: Set up a two-mirror system (one in front, one in back) and work on your scissor skills by starting to trim just the ends. Carefully work your way to the desired length. You might even try a different style so you emerge from the pandemic with a new look. And if you’re really brave, you can have your roommate or a family member give you a trim. Thankfully, there is no shortage of online tutorials that can help you master your hairdo.
6
Groom Your Dog
If it costs $100 every month or two to groom your fancy French poodle, consider investing that money in a pair of hair clippers (you’ll likely be able to find the same ones your groomer uses) to just do it yourself. Your dog might end up with a less-than-optimal haircut the first time, but you’ll get the hang of it. Same goes with brushing their teeth and clipping their nails. The American Kennel Club offers detailed guidance on proper hygiene. Not only will you save money, but you can create a stronger bond with your furry friend during the grooming sessions.
7
Build Your Own Cat Playhouse
Cat lovers, don’t worry—we haven’t forgotten about you! While your cat might be perfectly content playing around in an empty box, you can take their hijinks to the next level and save money in the process. With a little bit of wood and carpet, you can make a cat tree. If you feel like spending more time, you can go all-out and build a full kitty condo.
8
Learn to Sew
Sewing is a fantastic money-saving skill. Whether you’re mending old clothes or tailoring second-hand finds for a perfect fit, you can apply your sewing skills to a variety of money-saving tasks. And when winter comes around, you can even make your own quilts and blankets to save on your gas bill.
9
Do Your Own Yard Work
Paying a landscaping company to cut your grass or hiring someone to plow snow from your driveway can really eat into your budget. That’s why it can quickly pay off to buy your own lawnmower or shovel and do the job yourself. While this might seem like a chore, it’s actually a great way to get outside and exercise. You can spruce up your yard, save money and get in shape all at the same time.
These are just a few ideas, but there are many other ways you can save money by DIY-ing your life. Look at your monthly budget and consider what costs could be cut by using a little elbow grease.
William Myers is a financial writer based in Dallas.
READ MORE: 9 Strategies to Help Finance Your Dream Home Remodel