7 Things You Don't Need to Pay Someone Else to Do

Looking for a little extra room in your budget? There are lots of little shortcuts you can make that will save a few bucks here and there. Here are seven easy switches you can make to keep more money in your wallet:

1. Mow your own lawn.

Sure, it's nice to hire a lawn service and keep your Saturday to yourself. But if you really want to cut your costs, simply decide that this is a chore you'll do yourself. Be sure to treat yourself to a nice, cold drink after.

2. Paint your own nails.

Practice makes perfect. Even if you make mistakes at the beginning, doing your own manicures can save you hundreds of dollars a year. And chances are, no one will notice or think much of the difference.

3. Make your own pizza.

Instead of shelling out $20 a week for delivery, practice making your own pizza at home. It's easy if you use frozen bread dough for the crust. There's lots of room to experiment, and you can get the whole family involved. Plus, everyone can add their own favorite toppings.

4. Have your own movie night.

Grab some popcorn and blankets and snuggle down for a cheap night of entertainment in your own living room. You can save even more by renting the movie from your local library.

5. Do your own basic repairs.

Speaking of the library, don't be afraid to check out their books on home maintenance. A little knowledge of basic repairs can save you a lot of money over the course of your life.

6. Wash your own car.

All it takes is water, soap, a sponge, and a towel. Once you get in the habit of doing it, you'll wonder why you ever paid someone else to.

7. Grow your own vegetables.

Even a single plant can produce pound after pound of delicious food, which you can pick when it's perfectly ripe. Vegetable gardening does take a bit of practice, so start with an easy-to-grow plant like cherry tomatoes. Get a book from the library or check out gardening websites like Garden Web for tips and tricks.