Save Money: Learn a New Skill
Some of my homemade bread. Not the prettiest at first, but it keeps getting better!
Learning new skills is important for frugal folks, particularly those interested in homesteading. However, many people seem to have the mindset that if they don’t know how to do something, they can’t ever do it. That’s just ridiculous and, oftentimes, an excuse. There are so many different ways to learn a new task, particularly with today’s technology.
Talk to people. I cannot stress enough the importance of talking to others. Offer to trade lessons with someone else for a skill you do not possess. Sometimes, someone you know will have connections with someone else who has the skill you desire. It’s not always apparent who has what skill and others don’t know your needs if you don’t voice them.
The library is an amazing resource. Not only can you get how-to books, but many libraries offer videos about skills. I learned how to French braid hair from a VHS tape from the local library. Don’t forget about the community events board. Local clubs may post about meetings, ranging from quilting bees to public speaking. And all of this for free! (Thank you, Mr. Benjamin Franklin).
Visit or volunteer at a local museum. Museums often have groups attached to them that practice the “old arts.” The agricultural museum in my city has a spinner’s guild which meets once a month on the premises. Even visiting for special events would give you at least a cursory understanding of a skill and someone to contact if you wanted to continue to learn about it.
The internet is one of the most useful tools, provided you don’t spend too much time reading the celebrity columns. If you are discriminating about whose advice you take, you will find that the internet has a wealth of knowledge. A skill typed into a search engine will give you a plethora of websites by both professionals and hobbyists. I particularly enjoy blogs, as they are personal and often feature stories about failures and snafus that other websites won’t. You’re able to learn from the comfort of your own home and at your own convenience.
Attend an event thrown by historical enthusiasts. I belong to a Renaissance re-enactment group which has members all over the globe. Sometimes, our events are open to the public, in order to demonstrate the various arts such as spinning, weaving, leatherwork, and many others. If you feel strange about attending an event, you could probably contact a local historical group for more information.
While it can be difficult to learn a new skill, the rewards for learning are well worth it. If you learn to bake bread, you can save nearly $3/loaf, if you typically buy whole wheat bread. Your new found sewing skills will save you from throwing away clothes or paying to have them mended or tailored. A fifteen minute oil change can save you ten dollars, making your time worth $40 per hour, a hefty hourly wage. More importantly, you’ll have the knowledge of how to it, something no one can ever take from you. So, be brave and start learning something new.
Themocracy
I am slowly but SURELY moving toward frugality and am learning so much from Penny. By the way, the bread IS delicious, and so is her lasagne–it is not only consumer caring but flavorful and authentic. This coming from a long standing ignorant CaFo supporter and an Italian cook (we’re not noted for our use of venison, but it was really good!)
Why thank you Dollar Diva!
I’m glad to help you and anyone else.