Making connections is a way of expanding your frugal resources. Those people you know, who have skills or businesses that are handy and relevant to things you are interested in or might need. Somebody who, because of their relationship with you, might be willing and able to save you money on a purchase or a repair, or a lesson in an area you want to learn about.
Get out a piece of paper and a pen, and let's brainstorm for a minute. Do you know a guy or girl who--
- fixes cars
- knows about plumbing
- knows about roofing
- knows about electrical systems
- knows about drywall, insulation, or flooring
- lays concrete or does brickwork
- is remodeling their home and has 'house parts' they want to get rid of (old doors, windows, cabinets) that might be useful for your home
- cuts or styles hair
- sews, does mending or alterations
- has an appliance or furniture store
- plays a musical instrument
- landscapes or gardens
- knows how to weld
- raises meat, dairy, or fiber animals
- heats with wood or waste oil
- bakes or decorates cakes
- hauls junk
- is a volunteer fire fighter
- is a doctor or nurse
- has a talent you'd like to learn
These are useful people to know. Most people who love what they do also love to share it with others either by talking about it (teaching) or lending a helping hand. Sometimes by offering to pay them for their help instead of hiring an 'expert' or repair shop, you can get a big discount and they appreciate the business coming their way.
One of DH's best childhood friends owns an appliance and furniture store. Guess where all the appliances came from when we were building the house at this little place here. He gave us a great discount; he still made money on the sale, and we saved a bunch. All our furniture purchased in the last dozen years has also come from his store.
Another of DH's growing-up buddies started a DJ service in high school. Guess who we hired to DJ our wedding, costing us a little cash and all the beer he could drink that night? It was a great party.
For years, Mother-In-Law has raised a couple piglets, and now and then a lamb or a calf for meat. She has gotten them all for free, usually taking the runt piglet or a free martin calf from a farmer she knows who is just looking to get rid of it. For the commercial farmer, these animals are just a liability, costing more to keep alive until butchering time than they will ever bring as income. For Mother-In-Law, a few weeks of bottle feeding and tending a newborn that eventually grows into hundreds of pounds of meat, is worth the effort and expense.
Sometimes the people you know are willing to give free advice, as in the case of a nurse friend who verified DD2's case of the chicken pox, saving me not just the hassle of getting an appointment with the doctor's office, but also the exam fee.
If you have an old building that is falling down and would make a great training opportunity, knowing someone on the local volunteer fire department can get that building taken care of without costing you a penny.
Need a professional looking cake for a big event like a graduation, shower, or wedding? How about that 4-H'er you know who always wins blue ribbons at the county fair for her cake decorating skills? She'd probably love some extra cash for her pocket or college fund.
Had a big storm blow through and knock a tree down across your driveway? What about that guy you know from work who said he heats with wood? Would he be willing to come cut and haul that tree away, saving you the cost of hiring a tree service to do it?
So make connections, and know a guy!
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