Saving money often means figuring out how to do things yourself, instead of paying for a service. Surprise your family as the new resident plumber and grease monkey, or in-house legal adviser.
Just do it. This is a comprehensive site. The venerable doityourself.com provides self-help guides in scores of categories as varied as personal finance, heating and ventilating, and legal matters. Videos will help you through the details of gardening, plumbing and remodeling. Forums deliver personalized advice in automotive repairs, "green cleaning," and all manner of fix-it chores from small appliances to home additions.
Reference desk. Years ago, refdesk.com appeared online as a go-to site with some of the best Web tools for journalists and other researchers. It is still that. In addition, it now features this list of links to do-it-yourself resources. Some of the most interesting include "Toiletology 101," and SoYouWanna.com.
Toiletology 101 is the online "toilet care and repair course." It invites vistors to "plunge in; flush out the facts and plumb the depths of toilet repairs."
The SoYouWanna site ventures far and wide, with entries, for example, on what to do if you want to write a business plan, find cheap airline tickets, or convert to Buddhism.
Your own lawyer. Nolo publishes forms and books for use by people who'd rather do-it-themselves than hire an expensive lawyer. "Legal information is not legal advice," is the company's disclaimer. You can prepare a will online at the Nolo site for about $50, incorporate yourself for $99, or prepare a trademark application for $139.
Divorce yourself. DIY divorce is another legal option offered by a variety of sites. This one sells state-specific kits with the forms and instructions at prices under $100 for many of the options. The site is for uncontested, no-fault divorces only. Paralegal assistance is also available.
Contact staff writer Reid Kanaley at 215-854-5114 or rkanaley@phillynews.com.
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