When you don’t have the luxury of money, you often find you have something just as valuable: time. This past summer, Kurt and I made the big decision to renovate our kitchen. It was long overdue—our refrigerator had stopped working, the floor had a noticeable slant, and our cabinets were practically falling apart. While the renovation came with a hefty price tag (so hefty, in fact, that I’d rather not dwell on the exact amount), we’ve found ways to offset some of these costs over the years by taking on various tasks ourselves. Though it’s not always easy or glamorous, every DIY project has helped us save thousands of dollars annually. These savings have allowed us to fund significant projects like our kitchen renovation and pay them off faster. Below are some of the ways we save money at home—tips that I believe any current or former athlete can also use to save thousands each year.
Landscaping. When we first moved into our home, we looked into hiring someone to mow our lawn during the warmer months. The quote we received was $60 for every two weeks of grass cutting. Let’s break down the math:
- With roughly 14 weeks of lawn care needed between spring and summer, the total would come to $840 per year.
- Instead, we opted to purchase an electric lawn mower for just under $500. Since moving in over two years ago, we’ve avoided spending over $2,520 on lawn care alone—a significant saving compared to the initial cost of the mower.
- By taking care of our own landscaping, we’ve been able to redirect that money toward other important expenses.
Cleaning. I won’t lie—there are days when I dream of hiring someone to come in and take care of the cleaning, especially when it comes to tasks like changing the bedspread or giving the house a deep clean. However, we’ve chosen to handle cleaning ourselves. By breaking up the work and cleaning a few rooms throughout the week, we manage to keep our home tidy without spending a dime on cleaning services. It takes time, but the savings add up quickly.
Grocery Shopping. The convenience of grocery delivery services is tempting, but we’ve found that doing our own shopping saves money. Skipping delivery fees, service charges, and tips means more cash in our pockets—cash that we can use for a nice meal out instead. Plus, shopping in person allows us to take advantage of sales and discounts that we might otherwise miss.
Cooking at Home. Cooking at home has been one of our biggest money-savers. Instead of dining out or ordering in, we prepare meals that last for several days. For most of the year, I focus on making large meals that can be reheated over 2-3 nights. Not only do leftovers save us time when our schedules are hectic, but they also keep us from resorting to expensive takeout. Additionally, cooking at home allows us to control ingredients, which often leads to healthier meals.
Ordering Takeout. While ordering takeout is convenient, it can quickly drain your budget. To combat this, I double up on some meals and freeze them for later. When I’m pressed for time or just don’t feel like cooking, I can defrost pre-made dishes like mac and cheese or chicken cutlets, making it easy to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch. This strategy helps us avoid the temptation of takeout and saves money in the process.
Hair and Nails. Personal grooming can be expensive, but with a few adjustments, you can significantly cut down on costs without sacrificing style. For instance, instead of getting a manicure every week, I now opt for once a month. This simple change saves hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Haircare can also be a touchy subject, but learning how to do certain treatments at home can save you thousands of dollars annually. Whether it’s trimming your own hair or learning to style it yourself, these DIY efforts can make a big difference in your budget.
While doing things yourself isn’t always the easiest or most glamorous option, it’s often the most financially rewarding. We’ve been able to save thousands of dollars each year, giving us a financial cushion to help us cover other bills, like daycare expenses or unexpected expenses. These savings have given us the flexibility to tackle larger projects, like our kitchen renovation, and achieve our financial goals faster. If you’re looking for ways to save money, consider trying some of these strategies—you might be surprised at how much you can keep in your pocket!