Ever heard of the term “Use your noodle”? It comes to mind when I think of the “do it yourself” movement. Sure there are pros out there that can do “it” better than you. However, they had to start somewhere as well. What separates them from you is experience.

We live in a world where almost nothing is free. So we end up paying for everything. No thanx. Some things can be worked for (instead of directly paid for). It depends on what you’re willing to work for vs. what you’d rather pay for.

In this exercise, I’m going to illustrate how redirecting resources can create a more fulfilling experience.

For example: Haircuts

I used to go to the barbershop every Friday. 

Haircuts and Line ups ranged from…

$10 – $15 + $5 tip = ($20/week or $80/month or $960/year)

Today, they range from $20-$100/week, equalling $80/month-$400/month or $1,040-$5,200/yearly

Depending on your situation, that could be expensive. Though I could afford “it”, I just grew tired of paying for cuts that were sometimes not done to my satisfaction.

So, I bought some (T-Liners $50, Master clippers $100 and Motor clippers $150.)

Then began the journey of being competent at the task.

There was a slight learning curve regarding how to hold and finesse the instruments while looking in a mirror (especially behind my head). So I bought a three way mirror that hangs on my bathroom door.

Because of previous opportunities to observe barbers in their process… I pretty much knew what to do. It took around 10 or so tries to reach pro level consistency. In one perspective, it was no big deal. In another viewpoint, it was a big deal.

Starting with a $600 savings for the first year and $960 (including supplies) per annum, after! Adjusted for inflation, today I’m saving $1,040-$5,200/yearly. Ballin’!!!

So for doing “it” myself, I save a considerable amount of cash yearly and have developed a new skill/trade that can be parlayed into a career! In all fairness, not everyone might have the ability to perform these actions for reasons out of their control. Or some will opt to pay for the service for whatever reasons they fancy. Totally understandable.

I choose to work for “it”, as there is nothing like the gratification of working for something or looking at my OWN creation.

One of the main lessons here is:

Whether you go with paying for grooming or not, it might be worth a King’s ransom to invest in your own tools.

Inflation can be a problem for those on a tight budget or don’t like to burn cash.

A solution may be to learn how to do more for yourself.