This month’s challenge is not about saving money, but saving time. How do we leverage the dollars on hand today to create a bit more freedom with our most precious resource of time. Earlier in the year I wrote on how to Turn 1 Hour into 1,000 Dollars. In a future post I’ll expand on how to turn 1,000 dollars into 50 hours of free time. For now, let’s get some practice in October!
The internet has brought about a connectivity between many different aspects of our lives that just wasn’t possible prior. Each week new convenience services pop up and vie for our attention and wallets. In October, let’s give one or some of them a try with the hope of giving ourselves a break. Here are some examples to get you started:
1. Instacart – Many grocery chains and wholesale clubs offer Instacart delivery. You create a log in, choose your store, add items to your shopping cart and then choose a delivery time. You will pay a delivery fee (call it $7) a possible upcharge on items (call it $10) and maybe you tip the driver (call it $5).
Result: Time saved in the car, saved shopping in the store and saved standing in line which I would estimate at a total of 1 ½ hours. $22 spent to free up 1 ½ hours. You don’t have to use it all the time, but on occasion, give yourself a break!
2. Leaf Service – Fall is upon us here in New York and as the beauty of the foliage emerges, so does the pain of raking leaves. Even when the tree is bare the wind will somehow manage to blow another round into your yard. Hire someone to blow and collect the leaves for anywhere between $100 and $250 depending on the size of your yard. (get someone to clean the gutters too!)
Result: Time saved laboring away in the cold which I would estimate at 3-4 hours. Give yourself a break!
3. House Cleaner – The holidays are stressful enough having to cook, buy presents (think of a gift for your wife whose birthday is right before Christmas) and clean for company. Find a local cleaner to come in for 4 or 5 hours and give the place a good clean right before the madness starts. This may cost around $25 per hour (cash price) costing you about $125.
Result: Time freed up to take a deep breath during a very hectic time of year. Give yourself a break!
This is your October challenge, should you choose to accept it. If you do, please let me know the results and I will surely do the same.
Happy Friday and give yourself a break!