While I may be the more aggressive saver between the two of us, my husband has a varied skillset that helps save me money. I had no idea about these skills when we first started dating. The more I hung out with him and got to know him better, the more I learned about how much of a DIY guy he is. (I for one, am the complete opposite).
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He’s good with computers.
Well, now that I’m in a tech-related position in a tech startup, I feel like my knowledge about computers and the internet is better than it was before. However, when it comes to computer knowledge, he still beats me hands down. He’s the go-to guy on both sides of the family if you’re looking for recommendations on which type of TV, laptop, phone, etc. you should buy. I don’t even bother looking up reviews online for any of those because chances are, he has done it already! He will be able to recommend the best brand for the best bang for your buck. He knows what features are the bells and whistles that have nothing to do with how well your device will perform- which is what really matters.
On top of that, he does free installations, upgrades and repairs for your computer. He’s our personal IT guy.
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He can do renovations like a BOSS and really enjoys doing them.
When we first started house-hunting, I was mesmerized by granite kitchen counter tops and hardwood floors. My husband was more interested in the structural features of the house, the layout and how much potential it had as a fixer-upper. He told me all those things I was drooling over were just cosmetic. Our house is a fixer-upper in progress, but in an older, quieter, well sought out neighbourhood in a great location. We definitely would have had to pay much more if the house was already upgraded.
There are enough tools in our basement and garage to open up our own Home Depot. Each toolbox has a specific set of tools. I’ve never seen so many types of screwdrivers in my life.
Instead of outsourcing someone to do renovations or odd jobs around the house, my husband usually does the task at hand. His brothers and my brother-in-law are also very handy and so there are lots more tools to go around. If anything, it’s just the material we have to pay for.
Oh wait, beer and food. They need fuel to keep them going, right? 😉
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He knows a great deal about cars.
The majority of my car maintenance is done by him (oil changes, winter tires and all that other stuff they say you have to do in your car manual). This saves me a boatload of money because we all know how much of a money suck car maintenance can be.
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This has nothing to do with DIY but he’s not a picky eater, like I am.
I hate to say it, I can be a bit of a princess when it comes to eating leftovers. It’s hard eating the same thing over and over again when you’re just two people. If there’s food in the fridge or freezer, he most likely will eat it. He doesn’t like to cook that much either, but when he does, he tries to use up whatever we have in the pantry or fridge. Although I’m trying to imitate this habit, I’m more likely to make a meal that requires buying ingredients we don’t have in our kitchen.
Karen,
It sounds like your husband embodies the “Renaissance Man” of the Enlightenment period. Being self-sufficient in a world of increasingly needy people/consumers allows your family to spend less and therefore be less dependent on making more money to fuel your spending patterns.
Combine this mindset with minimalist tendencies and you’ll be able to live on far less (and invest the difference) than ever before.
Take care!
– Ryan
I think Renaissance man is the perfect word to describe his many talents. Because of this, he is constantly helping everyone with everything. Lol.
I love that phrase!
Mine would have been a great Viking.
I think my husband would also have been a Viking as well. He does enjoy watching the show and does have some Norwegian ancestry in him, so maybe it is in his blood. 🙂
I’m IT and a minor DIYer, while PiC does the Craigslisting, thereby saving us a good amount on grownup furnishings and cars. He’s all my prep chef so I don’t have to buy anything precut when my body is no good. He’s also been picking up more house DIY stuff, which is helpful except for the buying a million tools problem 😉
And when all else fails, we do well enough for ourselves professionally.
Tools are just as bad as kitchen gadgets.It’s as if one tool can only do one specific thing. So you need a tool for this and that.
Neither of us like cooking, so I think I would have a hard time convincing him to be the prep chef (on top of everything else). 🙂