For most of us, 2020 has been a difficult year. The CoVid crisis has had a big impact on a lot of people’s lives and looks set to continue to do so during 2021. Sadly, many of us have had to deal with losing our jobs or have ended up working fewer hours. Naturally, this has led to money issues.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your living costs. Some of which can enable you to learn new skills and, maybe even, make a bit of extra cash at the same time. Here are a few ideas that fall into that category.
Repair your appliances yourself
If you are not earning and your oven, washing machine or fridge door breaks the chances of you being able to afford to buy a new one are slim. Unless you want to try to live without these appliances, the only viable option is to repair them yourself. Fortunately, it is now relatively easy to source parts that are guaranteed to fix your problem online, to order to your door. You can also find videos and how-to articles that show you step-by-step how to make even quite complex repairs. In most cases, you will not need any specialist equipment to carry out the work.
Once you have repaired a few of your things you should be able to do the same for other people. However, before you do so, you need to first check to see if there are any regulations you need to comply with. In some places, you will be required to complete a training course or have a license to do this type of work and charge for it.
These courses do not usually cost much and because you already have the basic skills you will learn fast. If you shine, there is also a chance that you will be able to get a letter of recommendation from the course provider. Or something similar that will make finding appliance repair work much easier. It is always worth asking about this upon completing your course.
Have a go at upcycling
Before you give or throw anything away ask yourself what else you could potentially do with that item. In virtually every case, with a little bit of work, you will be able to turn it into something else. You can then reuse it in your own home or give it away to a friend or family member. Or, better still, sell it.
The more you experiment the better you will become. Along the way, you will acquire many useful skills. For example, painting, spraying, and basic woodwork skills. Some people make a full time living from upcycling. You can find out more about it and learn how to get started by reading this in-depth article.
Being creative in this way is also good for your mental and emotional health. This is important when you are living in what is a highly stressful situation.
My last piece of advice is to try not to worry too much. We all go through periods of our lives like this. Virtually everyone comes out through the other side again and returns to enjoying the lifestyle that they once did.
