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Cheapskate or DIY Enthusiast?

Cheapskate or DIY Enthusiast?


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Let me state for the record that there is a difference between being a cheapskate, and merely wanting to save money. I often talk about that when I talk about our Big Deals store on our website. Saving money is always a good idea because after all, who has too much money? I certainly don’t. I’m not afraid to spend money on things that I want or need, but if I can save a few dollars here and there, why not? A cheapskate would be afraid to spend any money, so I am definitely not that. My wife would say that I have spent way too much money on all of these toys!

As a DIY guy, I love to save money by doing things myself. I also find a lot of value in learning new skills. We have a couple of boats, three vehicles, a side-by-side, and trailers, among other things. Those things all require routine maintenance. So when do you do things yourself and when do you leave it to the professionals? I do routine maintenance on most of our things myself. Except for flushing a transmission. My wife’s car is due for that service, and while I know that I can watch a video on YouTube and probably do it myself, she is trying to convince me to not even attempt it. I know how this goes: If I try to do it myself, something bad will happen. I will make a mess or damage something, and she will be right there to remind me how, “I told ya so!” I can’t let that happen! LOL!

Let me state for the record, that I also do not DIY the oil changes on my Corvette. But only because it is important to have a paper trail service record, showing all maintenance history of that car, in the event that I ever sell the car. A buyer is definitely going to want that. Some people will not buy a sports car unless there is a detailed service history. The unfortunate part of doing things yourself is, you don’t get that detailed service history. A service receipt from a reputable dealer or repair shop is much more valuable than a receipt from an auto parts store showing the purchase of oil and filters. 

So what am I doing this weekend? Changing oil on an outboard motor! I definitely know how to do that with minimal mess and risk of damaging something. Sorry honey!

Jay Roberts

Born and raised in St. Paul, Jay Roberts began his radio career in Mankato, MN, with stops in Minneapolis (93.7 The Edge, 92 KQRS, and Zone 105), Northern Michigan, West Central Minnesota, and nationwide on a syndicated radio network. He’s passionate about the music, and our communities. When not on the air, Jay enjoys hunting & fishing, boating, exotic cars, and chasing severe storms. Jay and his wife and daughter also enjoy volunteering and supporting various non-profit organizations, and is an advocate for organ and tissue donation.

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