The Manly Guide to Saving Money

Advertiser Disclosure ▾

This page contains affiliate links from which we receive a compensation. Like many publications Wise Bread is supported by affiliate commission from partner companies whose products appear on our site. This may influence which products we write about and the location and order in which products appear. We aren't able to cover every product in the marketplace.

Wise Bread Picks

• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Gentlemen, it is well past time to reclaim the habits and skills that set us apart and define who we are. Put aside the smartphone and the take hold of your tool bag — there's work to do! (And ladies, feel free to ignore the bluster and pick up some tools, too. Anybody can do this stuff.) (See also: 10 Easy to Learn Skills That Will Save You Money)

Fix Your Own Car

Automobile repairs can be incredibly costly when you factor in parts and labor. Considering that many of us don't have a clue when looking under the hood, DIY repairs are not always practical or safe. However, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure your car is running optimally.

By learning how to perform basic maintenance like changing your oil, replacing the air filter, and rotating your tires, you can expect benefits like better gas mileage, increased engine life, reduced emissions, and an overall smoother ride.

Maintain Your Body

Between drumming up the motivation to drag yourself to the gym, the time it takes to get there, and the cost of membership, pumping iron or taking a spin class adds up to quite a bit of cash.

The basic equipment necessary to build a versatile home gymnasium is fairly inexpensive and very effective. Depending on your fitness goals, you may be able to get the body you want by simply using your own bodyweight.

Now that you have the equipment needed to sculpt your dream physique, heed the advice of some personal trainers that are happy to make house calls for the low, low price of free. YouTube is the home of professional bodybuilders, yoga trainers, pilates instructors, and fitness gurus, all of whom want to help you get in the best shape of your life.

Extend the Life of Your Razor

Everyone knows that disposable razor cartridges are expensive but necessary… right? By adopting some simple habits, you can extend the life of your cartridge razor exponentially. (See also: Save Money With a Classic Wet Shave)

First, ensure that your blades are dry. Water corrodes and causes imperfections in the blades, which dulls them. Next, hone your blades to smooth out the imperfections that develop over time. (See also: Save Money on Shaving With These Razor Tricks)

Better yet, ditch your multi-blade razor altogether and spring for a quality straight razor. Not only is it infinitely cooler, but also allows a closer shave. Granted, practice is necessary to master the craft and shaving will take a little more time and concentration, but you'll save a small fortune by avoiding disposable cartridges.

If scraping something against your face that has been used as murder weapon in movies like "The Godfather" and "Gangs of New York" isn't appealing, consider an old-timey safety razor. (See also: Shave With a 100 Year Old Cutthroat Razor and Save)

And in case you were wondering, ladies, straight razors aren't just for men.

Cut Your Own Hair

Unless you plan to give yourself a buzz cut, cutting your own hair can seem like an arduous task for someone without formal training. The risk of botching the job and having to sport it in public may be a deterrent for some, but if you can muster the courage to start snipping, you'll find that it is actually quite easy to give yourself a trim.

There are numerous how-to videos on YouTube for both men and women, and the tutorials range from the very simple to salon-level complexity. With a little determination and patience, you could add weeks to your professional cut.

Ride a Bicycle

We all know that the more you drive your car, the more its value plummets. Unfortunately for most, owning a vehicle is a necessary evil. For those fortunate enough to live in close proximity to their place of employment and amenities, foregoing a car for a bicycle not only saves an incredible sum of money, but has numerous health and environmental benefits.

You get all that without giving up your independence to slog it on public transport? Cycling is a no-brainer.

These are just some of the many ways you can recover your autonomy and save in the process. As founding father Benjamin Franklin used to say, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

How have you reclaimed your independence? Please share in comments!

Like this article? Pin it!