Prev | Next | Contents

1.1 THINGS TO CONSIDER - DO IT YOURSELF - DIY

== The amount of money you save can be fantastic.

First, you will avoid paying $30-$60 an hour for services like car repair, telephone repair, or tax return preparation.

Second, remember that every $1 you spend is equal to about $2 you would have to earn at your job. This is because you are paying for a service with after-tax dollars. If you have to finance the payout, then the costs go even higher.

Third, you will avoid paying high prices for parts or supplies. For example, most garages charge premium prices for the parts they put in your auto. Generally you will pay much less for car parts and home repair materials when you buy them yourself.

Fourth, you are, in effect, paying yourself and the income you are earning is tax free.

== The time saved using convenience items and services can be an illusion

For example, how much time does take-out food really save you?

I ate at a fast food restaurant the other day around dinner time, and the dining room was empty. However, the drive-in line was backed up around the building. People must have waited 10-15 minutes, most with their cars running, to buy "convenience food."

What is wrong with this picture? Simple easy recipes only take 15-20 minutes to prepare. A car idling in line for 15 minutes is using a lot of gas and causing a lot of damage to the engine.

Prev | Next | Contents