Everyone feels a greater attachment to things they have worked for, and things they have created on their own. However, in this day and age, we buy most of our things, and pay for most of our services. Think of the difference between a quilt that is purchased from a quilt store, and one that is homemade, using old t-shirts or blankets that mean something to the person creating it.
When you make the switch to doing things yourself and creating at home, you definitely exert more effort and spend more time. It is usually worthwhile, however, when you account for the money you save in the process. Here are a few ideas of things that can be homemade or done for free.
1. Making your own food. There are so many benefits to cooking at home as opposed to eating out. You can feed four or five people at home for the price of one meal out. The food you make at home is almost inevitably healthier than food purchased from restaurants. Eating at home will not only help you save money, it will help you lose weight. And if you plan ahead, cooking in bulk, and freeze the extra food, you can do it conveniently and quickly when you need to.
2. Make your own clothing. This is a skill that used to be commonplace, but is not fairly rare. It is complicated, especially if neither sew nor knit, and do not know anyone who can teach you. It is not impossible though. Take a class or teach yourself. You will save money and have a more unique look.
3. Fashion jewelry. You can't make your own diamonds, but most of the jewelry you find in the mall and other shops is not made from precious gems. It is made from beads or stones that can be purchased at craft stores. You can put them together in unique combinations for a fraction of the price that you pay for ready-made jewelry.
4. Picture Frames. You could pay twenty dollars for a cheaply made frame at a department store, or you could make your own. Buy some simple frames at a craft shop, and decorate them yourself. You can include words or objects that have a personal meaning.
5. Run or walk outside instead of at the gym. Gym memberships are often a waste of money. If you use all of the weight lifting equipment and other fancy machines, it might be worthwhile. However, many people only use the elliptical or the treadmill. Instead of paying for this, just walk or run in a park or in your neighborhood, especially during the summer months. You will save money and you will feel better.
There are lots of other things you can make or do yourself, these are only a few suggestions. Realistically, you will not have time to do everything on your own, especially if you have a full schedule. But even picking just a couple of things can make a difference financially. Stop giving all your money to the gym and the quilt store, and pick a couple of skills to acquire. You will feel good about yourself and save money in the process.
When you make the switch to doing things yourself and creating at home, you definitely exert more effort and spend more time. It is usually worthwhile, however, when you account for the money you save in the process. Here are a few ideas of things that can be homemade or done for free.
1. Making your own food. There are so many benefits to cooking at home as opposed to eating out. You can feed four or five people at home for the price of one meal out. The food you make at home is almost inevitably healthier than food purchased from restaurants. Eating at home will not only help you save money, it will help you lose weight. And if you plan ahead, cooking in bulk, and freeze the extra food, you can do it conveniently and quickly when you need to.
2. Make your own clothing. This is a skill that used to be commonplace, but is not fairly rare. It is complicated, especially if neither sew nor knit, and do not know anyone who can teach you. It is not impossible though. Take a class or teach yourself. You will save money and have a more unique look.
3. Fashion jewelry. You can't make your own diamonds, but most of the jewelry you find in the mall and other shops is not made from precious gems. It is made from beads or stones that can be purchased at craft stores. You can put them together in unique combinations for a fraction of the price that you pay for ready-made jewelry.
4. Picture Frames. You could pay twenty dollars for a cheaply made frame at a department store, or you could make your own. Buy some simple frames at a craft shop, and decorate them yourself. You can include words or objects that have a personal meaning.
5. Run or walk outside instead of at the gym. Gym memberships are often a waste of money. If you use all of the weight lifting equipment and other fancy machines, it might be worthwhile. However, many people only use the elliptical or the treadmill. Instead of paying for this, just walk or run in a park or in your neighborhood, especially during the summer months. You will save money and you will feel better.
There are lots of other things you can make or do yourself, these are only a few suggestions. Realistically, you will not have time to do everything on your own, especially if you have a full schedule. But even picking just a couple of things can make a difference financially. Stop giving all your money to the gym and the quilt store, and pick a couple of skills to acquire. You will feel good about yourself and save money in the process.
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