What things actually PAY for themselves?

[acezz4e_tish]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

not sure either. if you copy and pasted it, then sometimes in that a space u dont see gets added in there.

[Elgin526]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

My "Mr. Fix-it, Do-It-Yourself, Hell-No-I-Won't-Call-A-Plumber" husband. Do you know how much money he's saved us in car repairs, house repairs, yard work, snow removal, general maintenance, and remodeling projects?

All I have to do is feed him, clothe him, and buy him beer! Worth every penny!

[The Budget Man]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

How can people pay "Full Price" for repairs?

Yesterday needed to do what I thought was a simple upgrade to the main computer. Organised with a friend for him to get the parts cheaply as he knows what to do.

Well simple is never simple and four hours later we had upgraded the machine and fixed the fan in the power supply. I didn't even know it was not working and was ready to ruin the machine.

The cost of the exercise if I had gone to the shop would have been enormous. The cost of doing a barter trade with my friend is simple. We'll both benefit and the money saved is huge!

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

when you need a budget

[SuzeOFan]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

MY COMPUTER!

:

My computer and every piece of expensive software, books, DVDs, CDs, printer, ink, paper, fax, I've ever purchased for it - has paid for itself a thousand times over!

Because of it, I was able to start my own home business. Owning a business allows me to take all kinds of deductions. (Even my internet service, hosting, domain registration - is deductable!) The extra income is put away in savings which not only helps with emergencies and vacations, but is funding our big dreams for the future...!



But I firmly believe anyone who's reading this - who owns their own computer can do the same! Especially you SAHMs! If you aren't making money from your computer - you're wasting a golden opportunity!
There's at least a zillion ways to do it!

[BCHGRL]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

Bachelor's Degree - Let's just say that it paid off when I was making more money than both of my parents by the age of 25. Graduating with honors helped too.

98 Honda Accord - Bought it in 2000 so I've known it longer than I've known my husband. Its been through alot with me. I paid it off over a year ago and it is still in good condition. Good gas mileage for my 1 hr 30 min round trip commute to work every day.

Guess flip flops - $10 shoes for 4 years worth of wear! My "newer" flip flops got ruined so it is back to the old guess ones

Internet - Because I can the frugal ideas outweigh the cost

Certain work outfits bought a Ross Dress for Less - Until I found Ross', I had no idea you could find $20 suits that will last you for years. Without Ross, I don't know that I could afford to maintain my work wardrobe.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

My Digital Camera. As sure as I say this, my luck will change....but I have owned my camera for 4 years now...and have NEVER bought a new battery or memory card. Nor have I ever paid for film, developing or repairs. I have saved a mint in those costs...well beyond the $299 I paid for the camera and docking equipment.

My dogs. (literally)

The internet. I research everything to find the BEST deal. I love finding a free knitting pattern or recipe or craft idea! I do not have to buy newspapers or books or magazines...I have ample info at the touch of my fingers! I can sign up for deals that I otherwise would never have known about. And I save a ton on postage as I VERY RARELY have to mail anything.

Excel- I never have to buy personal forms...I make all of my own.

Preventive maintenance at the dentist and a good toothbrush and toothpaste.

[shengmei]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

My cell phone. Many places gives you $3 gift certificates if you do a survey on the phone.

[The Budget Man]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

Shopping carefully for a used vehicle. The last one I bought was less that 3 years old fully optioned and cost a fraction of new price. I was able to negotiate hard as I didn't really have to buy at the time and that saved me a couple more thousand.

The bottom line is that when it comes to sell I'll have had almost free travel. Doesn't happen often but is a great bonus when it does!

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

when you need a budget

[simpleselu]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

Chest freezer
Ball canning jars
Pendleton wool blankets (although all three were gifts)

[Dido]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

Question: A couple of people have mentioned programmable thermostats. What kind of worker would you pay to install one? An electrician?

(Don't suggest do-it-yourself. I'm absolutely clueless about home repair and while I know that learning how to do these things would definitely be a pay-for-itself invesetment (if I could ever figure out where you go to have somebody teach you these things?), I've got a full-time gob, a part-time job, and am going to school part-time. No time for do-it-yourself at this juncture, though hopefully eventually.)

[Broken Arrow]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

What a delightful topic!

To me, the title means not just things that have been worth its cost, but that somehow, it gave back more than I've put in.

As such, it's really hard to say. For example, although I've got a degree, I ended up doing a job that is unrelated to my field. So, I can't technically count that.

Also, my computer and internet have been extremely useful and informative, but pay for itself? I'm not so sure....

In fact, I'm racking my brain hard, and the only thing I can think of is my 401k!

Oh, wait! There is one more. Whatever I spent to get my budget set up and tracked has also paid for itself throughout the years.

Hmm. Still, that's only a couple of things. In that sense, it really puts things into perspective, that things I once believed were necessary... really aren't that necessary.

Besides the people I care about, that is.

[~M~]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

Things that have paid for themselves
~ Wood stove
~ Re modeling and adding insulation ( there was none)
~ Food processor purchased at a G-sale for $3
~ Deep freezer
~riding lawn mower
~my crafts By selling them I get free therapy


I'm sure there is more but that is all that come to mind right now

[rusty@saving]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

florescent light bulbs in all the outlets, taking 1000 watts used to 120 watts will pay for itself and not replacing bulbs every 2 months(spent $25 on new lights, should be paying for themselves in 2 months of savings)
have yet to get, but riding a bike to work instead of driving if you add up the mileage and the gas it should =savings at some point.
furnice filter should pay off the $2 you payed for it in 1 bill if you have a bad one.
all i can think of right now, but getting great ideas from everyone.

[The Budget Man]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

The last laptop I bought about a year ago has certainly paid for itself. The extra time I can use sitting in airports and preparing presentations has meant that time in the office is freed up for more important work.

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

The budget that works

[cschin4]

Re: What things actually PAY for themselves?

The Internet. I can research products, consumer reviews, and prices. I do this before making any bigger purchases. When the time came to buy our car, I was knowledgeable about the make and every model and option on the car. I knew exactly what each model line included and what I wanted. So, when I went to buy our Sienna, I told them I wanted the XLE model, package #13. The car salesman commented that we knew more about the model options than alot of the sales people! So, hopefully we made a good deal.
And, when shopping at the mall, I often come home and check internet prices. I have found alot of items on Amazon that were $20 cheaper with free shipping. So, I think the savings have covered the cost of internet fees.