This post is part of a 30-day series called the 30 Steps Program to Financial Independence.
I don’t know much about DIY, but I do know how much it can cost me not to. For example, I once had to pay a $200 locksmith bill after I angrily locked myself in my room. The locksmith took only five minutes to unlock the door and charged $200, which made me even more frustrated. I felt like I could have done it myself.
Sure, you might not always have the right tools or skills, but when you can handle small tasks, like fixing a faulty wire or changing a door lock, you can save a lot of money. Plus, it feels really satisfying to do it on your own.
I decided to prioritize learning DIY skills. There are tons of great videos out there that can teach you anything from painting a wall to tiling a bathroom. Unless the task is very technical and could result in expensive mistakes (like bursting a pipe), it’s worth looking into. Even if you can’t do it yourself, you’ll understand the process better and can negotiate with contractors more effectively.
My big dream is to fix up my own house. I’m starting to look at properties that need a lot of work because I can’t afford ones that are move-in ready. It’s a huge challenge, but the rewards are worth it. Learning these skills not only helps me save money towards early retirement, but it also means I can keep saving money by handling future repairs myself.