In this age of convenience, you can buy or pay to do almost anything. However, in many cases, you save money when you make or do these things at home. Additionally, you feel a greater sense of ownership when you create something. For instance, a quilt that you buy from the quilt store will have much less personal value than one you make on your own from old clothing or other cloth scraps.
One of the reasons that people usually give for buying instead of making things is that they do not have the time it would take to make them. This is a valid point. However, if you consider the money that can be saved by making things on your own, the extra time may be worthwhile. Here are a few things to consider making or doing at home rather than paying for.
1. Cooking. We eat so many extra calories and spend so much more money when we are in the habit of eating at restaurants or getting take out. Making food at home means tastier, cheaper, healthier options. Cook in bulk when you have the time, and freeze the leftovers. You will be amazed at the money you save, and surprised at how convenient it can be.
2. Clothes. Making clothes is a skill that many, many people used to possess, but now it is extremely rare. It may take awhile to learn, especially if you do not already know how to sew or knit. Imagine, though, the amount of money that you could save. Also, you could create outfits that are completely unique, instead of showing up in the same dress from Old Navy that six other people are wearing.
3. Jewelry. Take a look at most of the fashion jewelry you see in, for instance, the mall. It is made from beads and stones that you could probably purchase at several craft stores. For a fraction of the price, you could buy your own beads and things, and create unique necklaces and bracelets. You could even sell your creations.
4. Picture Frames. In department stores and home goods emporiums, you often pay twenty dollars or more for one picture frame. However, you can make them on your own. Buy some matte or wood frames for cheap, and paint them or attach objects that mean something to you.
5. Working Out. People pay exorbitant prices for gym memberships that they do not even use regularly. Or, they go to the gym three times a week and use only the treadmill. Instead of throwing your money away like this, just work out on your own. Find a track or a park in your area, or simply walk or jog around your neighborhood. This is much cheaper, and is a better mood enhancer than working out indoors on a machine.
These are a few ideas of things to make or do in your home. There are many, many more. Obviously, you won't have time to always make everything yourself. You have to pick and choose. For instance, make one weekend meal at home instead of going out. Learn to quilt and stay out of the quilt store, even if you still buy all of your clothes. You will be surprised at the money you save, and every little bit helps.
One of the reasons that people usually give for buying instead of making things is that they do not have the time it would take to make them. This is a valid point. However, if you consider the money that can be saved by making things on your own, the extra time may be worthwhile. Here are a few things to consider making or doing at home rather than paying for.
1. Cooking. We eat so many extra calories and spend so much more money when we are in the habit of eating at restaurants or getting take out. Making food at home means tastier, cheaper, healthier options. Cook in bulk when you have the time, and freeze the leftovers. You will be amazed at the money you save, and surprised at how convenient it can be.
2. Clothes. Making clothes is a skill that many, many people used to possess, but now it is extremely rare. It may take awhile to learn, especially if you do not already know how to sew or knit. Imagine, though, the amount of money that you could save. Also, you could create outfits that are completely unique, instead of showing up in the same dress from Old Navy that six other people are wearing.
3. Jewelry. Take a look at most of the fashion jewelry you see in, for instance, the mall. It is made from beads and stones that you could probably purchase at several craft stores. For a fraction of the price, you could buy your own beads and things, and create unique necklaces and bracelets. You could even sell your creations.
4. Picture Frames. In department stores and home goods emporiums, you often pay twenty dollars or more for one picture frame. However, you can make them on your own. Buy some matte or wood frames for cheap, and paint them or attach objects that mean something to you.
5. Working Out. People pay exorbitant prices for gym memberships that they do not even use regularly. Or, they go to the gym three times a week and use only the treadmill. Instead of throwing your money away like this, just work out on your own. Find a track or a park in your area, or simply walk or jog around your neighborhood. This is much cheaper, and is a better mood enhancer than working out indoors on a machine.
These are a few ideas of things to make or do in your home. There are many, many more. Obviously, you won't have time to always make everything yourself. You have to pick and choose. For instance, make one weekend meal at home instead of going out. Learn to quilt and stay out of the quilt store, even if you still buy all of your clothes. You will be surprised at the money you save, and every little bit helps.
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