August 14, 2026
Greetings!
Recently my nephew and I tackled a job of refinishing his childhood dresser to be used in the nursery of his soon to be born daughter!
His wife wanted it white. Well this was quite a task and it took us a few weekends to get it done. That got me thinking, DIY isn't always the answer to save money. If we took into account our time, along with the supplies this ended up costing easily over $500. A new white dresser from just about anywhere would've been far less.
The only thing you can't put a price tag on is this piece of furniture was his growing up and now he is handing it down to his daughter.
The experience also reminded me that sometimes the smartest financial decision is knowing when not to DIY.
Be Well,
Anisa
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When DIY Isn't Worth It
Photo: Anisa and nephew tackling a furniture refinishing project.
We've all seen the videos promising you can "save hundreds" by doing it yourself. Sometimes that's true—but sometimes the hidden costs outweigh the savings.
Here are a few questions we should ask ourselves before starting any DIY project:
1. Do I already own the tools?
Buying a specialty tool you'll only use once can quickly wipe out any savings. If the project requires expensive equipment, it may be cheaper to hire someone who already has it.
2. What's my time worth?
Time is valuable. A project that takes a professional two hours might take us two weekends. If that time could be spent earning income, enjoying family, or tackling several smaller tasks, the "cheap" option may not be so inexpensive after all.
3. What happens if I make a mistake?
Painting a dresser is one thing. Replacing electrical wiring, plumbing, or installing flooring is another. Mistakes on bigger projects can be expensive—and sometimes dangerous—to fix.
4. Am I doing this to save money or because I enjoy it?
There's nothing wrong with taking on a project simply because you enjoy creating something with your own hands. Just don't confuse a hobby with a money-saving strategy.
5. Does this item have sentimental value?
Sometimes the answer has nothing to do with dollars. Family heirlooms, handmade gifts, or restoring something filled with memories can be priceless, even if they cost more than buying new.
In Closing
DIY can absolutely save money—but not every project belongs on your weekend to-do list.
Before you grab the paintbrush or power drill, take a minute to add up the cost of supplies, the value of your time, and the risk of mistakes.
Sometimes the best bargain is doing it yourself.
And sometimes, the smartest way to save money is knowing when to let someone else do the job.
Got a tip of your own? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!
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