October 26, 2025

Greetings!

Not long ago, I almost called a handy man for a toilet that was constantly running. It was raising my water bill not to mention what a waste! Then I thought, wait a second... let me see if I can fix this myself first.

A quick search online explaining what the problem was, let me to buying a simple Toilet Flapper. My Home Depot had it for under $10 and it took me less than 5 minutes to fix!

It got me thinking about how much we could all save by tackling a few small household repairs ourselves. You don't need to be a handyman (or handywoman!) to make a big difference in your budget.

Be Well,
Anisa

Please add anisa@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

Easy Repairs To Handle Yourself

1. Fix a Dripping Faucet
That constant drip isn't just annoying—it wastes water and money. Search your faucet brand and model on YouTube, and you'll likely find several tutorials that show how to replace the washer or cartridge.

2. Patch a Small Hole in the Wall
A bit of spackle, a putty knife, and a quick coat of paint can make your wall look brand new. It's one of the easiest fixes around, and the supplies cost less than a takeout meal.

3. Unclog a Slow Drain
Skip the plumber's call fee and grab a drain snake or simple baking soda and vinegar solution. You'll be amazed how effective this is—and you'll avoid harsh chemicals too.

4. Tighten Loose Cabinet Handles or Door Hinges
A screwdriver and five minutes are all you need to make cabinets and doors feel new again. Tightening up small things prevents bigger problems down the road.

5. Clean or Replace an Air Filter
It's one of those chores we all forget, but a clean filter helps your HVAC system run efficiently, which saves money on energy bills.

Resources For Learning How-To

YouTube
You can find a How-to on just about anything here. Most of the time they are short, clear tutorials that will walk you through the exact repair step-by-step.

Handy Hints Newsletter
Find a free newsletter like Handy Hints that will not only help you tackle some small repairs, but also help you to solve little issues around the home that can save you money.

In Closing...

You don't need to be a professional to make your home more efficient and save money. Start small, learn as you go, and before long you'll be fixing more than you ever thought possible. Every small repair adds up to big savings over time!

You Said It, We Saved It

From the 10/14 Garage Sale Edition:
"I had a garage sale last spring and made over $300 in one morning. The key was grouping similar items and keeping everything clean and organized." – Tracy M.

"My favorite tip is to price everything the night before. It saves stress and lets you start early with no rush." – Ben R.

"I once sold an old sewing machine for $50 that I was going to toss. Someone restored it and sent me a photo. It made my day!" – Carla S.

Reply back to me with any comments on today's or past issues.

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