So sorry that I didn't get around to posting last week, again with the slacker mode. I had an idea, then time got away from me and I forgot. Tami so graciously reminded me that I had forgotten, but by that point it was past that comfortable point of lateness and I just bagged it!
So this week I have two things for you. Not huge and mind blowing, but nifty little things I have picked up over the past few weeks.
First thing is doing things for yourself! Repairmen are great, but they usually come with a not so great bill. So we decided to take matters into our own hands around here. Our hot water heater has been on the fritz for the past two years or so. The water will get scalding hot (dangerous, I know) then run out and be cold.
When it started we thought, hey, this house is new, I bet the hot water heater still has a warranty. You know the handy things for faulty products? Well, this warranty required that we remove the damaged thermostat and send it (as our expense) to the manufacturer and then in 5 weeks they will send us a new one! Sounds like a great plan for the middle management, cheapskate accountant who came up with that brilliant plan. While I am at home with no hot water and 3 kids. Yeah, right!
Why doesn't the person who came up with that genius plan come here and heat water all day for me! I bet that warranty would change in a hurry. By the way we have a Bradford White brand of hot water heater, just in case any of you are in the market for a new hot water heater. Run way from this brand for sure! Yes, I am just mean enough to say the name! Bad customer service needs to be called out, there is WAY to much of it in this country!Sorry, where was I? Oh, yes, doing things yourself. Hubby opened the front panel and unscrewed the two thermostats in about 5 minutes. Then we hauled the kiddos to "town" and went to Home Depot and got two new ones for less that $20.00. Not bad for a home repair. When we were building we never left Home Depot without spending less that $500.00, so this was nice!
Then we drove home and he screwed the new ones in. All done! Worked like a charm and we have wonderful, even temperature water at our fingertips! So, moral of the story is sometimes it just pays to do it yourself!
The second tip, yes this is getting long winded,but well worth it, is called the 10 second rule. No, not food dropping on the floor kind of rule. A rule of purchasing. I attended a penny pinching class at church last week and the one thing that stood out to me was the 10 second rule. This rule is, when you are going to purchase something NOT on your shopping list. Think about it for 10 seconds. Think...do I need this, do I want this, and is it necessary? Simple as that. Because I am very much an impulse shopper I need to master this little money saving tidbit! Try it out and let me know how it works for your budget. Thanks for letting me vent a bit and sticking with me!
Remember...Fugal is the new black! And, Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without!
5 comments:
We are do it your selfer's FO SHO.
OK.. fun fact for ya. The home being built next door has this exact unit in it! I recognized it right away. (YES, I have been spying in the house) I sent the pic to hub's and he confirmed.. yep, that's it. Now I am going to feel bad for them.. boo. I don't have a hot water tank. My unit hangs on the way. Weird huh? It has a little digital thermostat you raise or lower the temp. It provides constant hot water. It's tankless. I was so skeptical when we agreed to have it put in, but it works great. Renei I think its called.
I totally agree about the 10 sec. rule. I am NOT an impulse buyer. I am ridiculous when in a store.. HA. I have to think and think.. you would probably hate to shop with me.
Super fantastic you fixed it for $20!!
I think dad has saved us tens of thousands of dollars over the years by fixing things himself. I can't imagine calling a repairman for every little thing that breaks down.
By the way, I LOVE your new slideshow on the side, it give so much hope for spring.
I love the 10 second rule. I took Dave Ramsey's financial class and it has helped SO much! I don't buy anything (other than the occasional Snicker's bar, which is a necessity) on impulse and it saves me so much money. Lovin' your blog : )
Glad you were able to fix the hot water heater yourself and save time AND money.
I like the 10 second rule. I try to use it, but it doesn't always work out that way. I use a similar "rule" when cleaning out my closet. I ask myself have I worn this in the last year? Does it still fit? Do I have something else that is similar?
Have a great weekend!
Boy, them hubbies come in handy, don't they?! Glad you were able to fix it.
I need to do that 10 second rule. never heard of it.
And that saying, the do without one, I swear, I'm painting that over top of my kitchen sink! I love that!
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