Celebridade

There are lots of benefits to making things at home or doing them for free instead of buying them in the store/ paying to do them. Not only do you save money, but you develop more of an attachment to the things you make. Buying a quilt from the quilt store might be convenient, but making one at home, from old scraps and clothing, is more satisfying and will make the quilt more personal.

Learning to make and do things at home definitely requires more time and effort than purchasing them from outside. However, the added time may be worthwhile when you add up the amount of money you can save. Here are some things you could consider making instead of purchasing.

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. Clothing. In the olden days, almost everyone wore homemade clothing most of the time. However, making our own clothes is a skill that most people have lost. If you can already knit or sew, you are ahead of the game. If not, you can learn. Knowing how to make you own clothes will not only save you money, it will help you develop a more unique look. While four other people are wearing the same shirt from H&M, you will have a unique outfit.

3. Make your own jewelry. Jewelry in stores (aside from high-end jewelry containing precious gems) is often simply made from items you can find in craft stores and bead shops. But your own materials, and make jewelry for yourself. It can be fun and it will save you money. If you get really good, you could even sell your jewelry to others.

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. 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.