It’s bound to happen: those few times where the balance in your bank account is shockingly low is when something pops up that needs an immediate repair. If this was a small thing that broke, the problem wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But more likely than not, the issue is going to be something large that you can’t just overlook, usually having something to do with your car or your home. So what are you to do when you have a costly repair that needs to take place but you just don’t have the necessary funds right now? Here are some tips you can try to help minimize costs or find the money you need to make repairs in the three most common areas of your life.

Saving Money on Auto Repair

Unless you have experience as a mechanic, there are probably only a few things you know how to fix on your car when something’s gone amiss. So what are your options when you’re out of your depth on vehicle repairs?

According to Alan Henry, a contributor to LifeHacker, some of the best things you can do to save money when getting your car repaired are doing an immense amount of research regarding the best mechanics and the work that’s needing to be done, get estimates from a variety of mechanics for each new job you need done to find the best price, supply a mechanic with the necessary parts and forgo paying extra at the shop, and simply finding out how to do the work yourself. All of these options will help you to either find the best price possible for completing the work or will give you complete control over how much time and money you choose to spend on your repairs. Because auto repairs are necessary but expensive, it’s always a good idea to save money wherever you can.

Saving Money on Interior Home Repair

When something within your home is in need of repairs, you’re going to want to get it taken care of fast. According to Holly Johnson of The Simple Dollar, some of the most common interior repairs are fixing water heaters, air conditioning and heating units, kitchens and more. Johnson states that the best thing you can do to save from spending a large amount of cash you don’t have on repairs is to budget and save for these repairs regularly. Owning a home is expensive, and understanding that you’ll have to spend money at some point will help make the experience a lot easier.

Geoff Williams, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, also shares that you can look for money in other ways if you have expenses you have to pay for but truly don’t have the funds. These options include loans, refinancing and grants. While these aren’t usually necessary for smaller repairs, it is good to know the possibility to get more money is out there if you need it.

Saving Money on Exterior Home Repair

Because most exterior home repairs aren’t exactly time sensitive, there are a few more options with how to save money in this area. According to John Riha, a contributor to HouseLogic.com, the best thing you can do to save money on exterior home repairs is to complete the project yourself. By participating in DIY rather than hiring someone to do the project for you, you can usually save anywhere from 178 to 600 percent when you factor in costs and equity.

By planning ahead and keeping an open mind, it is possible to save yourself some money even on the most unexpected of home or auto repairs. Use the tips mentioned above to help keep your hard-earned money in your pocket.

Categories: General