Money/Resource management

March 15 2026

The time I took an economics class (at a barbershop)

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.

March 15 2026

Less is more (dodging a bottomless money pit)

Less is More… this principle can be applied to many aspects of life.

Some people think the more they have, the happier they are.

Or…

The more they have, the better they are doing. It’s debatable.

Here’s why:

Years ago, an emergency situation struck suddenly. I had only 5 minutes to grab whatever I could and get out of my house. Our neighborhood was being submerged in water from nearby rivers that had overflowed and joined together because of broken dams. Within the ensuing mayhem, all I managed to secure were some important documents and a phone.

In a life threatening situation, most personal effects are pretty much worthless.

After that experience, I had a serious realization. The days of having a home full of “stuff” are over. Wall to wall furniture are ideals of an old paradigm. Minimalism is the future and it’s here to stay.

Why? Sustainability is the goal.

The less you have the less you have to worry about.”- Buddha.

That incident showed me, the importance of having:

1. Less Baggage

Attaching yourself to less objects can minimize loss and maximize rescue/recovery. (Especially, In emergency situations). Theoretically.

Clutter can create stress and be a distraction. A clean environment is less likely to negatively affect one’s temperament. More space allows for free flow of more energy.

2. More Gratitude

Observing my town being submerged was an experience of a lifetime. There are only so many people that can speak of participating in such an event. Having the ability to live to tell the story is nothing short of a blessing. I’ve since become more appreciative of little things.

There are lessons to be learned from my experience. I hope you were provided with a few useful ones today.

Before hoarding possessions becomes a problem, minimalism can be a solution.