Tip: Don't be afraid to have a go at fixes and repairs!

A decade ago I wouldn't have dared try fixing something myself. Being handy is honestly the best tool in my frugal toolbox. I saved our $800 washing machine by ordering a $70 part online and changing out myself, when someone would have had to either haul it to the repair store or take a day off work for someone to come out. Seriously people, at bare minimum at least try and diagnose a problem first, then if it seems possibly too difficult or potentially dangerous to have a go, call the pros.