Yesterday my microwave started making a weird buzzing noise and for a second I had that immediate reaction of great, guess I’m buying a new one. I even pulled out my phone and started scrolling through prices out of habit.
Then I stopped and actually looked at it. Cleaned it out, checked the plate, moved it to a different outlet. Turns out the issue was a loose turntable ring and a dirty sensor. Ten minutes of cleaning and adjusting and it’s completely fine now. What stuck with me isn’t the microwave, it’s how different my reaction was compared to a few years ago. Back then I would’ve replaced it without thinking. Now my first instinct is can this be fixed, cleaned, or ignored a little longer. I do have some money saved up, so this wasn’t about panic or not being able to afford it. It was more about not wasting money just because it’s easier. That mindset shift took a long time and I didn’t even notice it happening.
It’s not exciting but these small moments are starting to add up and make me feel more in control. Curious what small frugal habit paid off for others in an unexpected way.
A small frugal habit finally paid off in a boring but satisfying way
byu/More_Salad8280 inFrugal
Posted by More_Salad8280
5 Comments
I replaced the manifold on my washer instead of the whole machine and (touch wood) it’s lasted me several more years.
FOB Battery changes. $25.00 at shop. Two FOB = $50.00
You tube the FOB battery change and how to put it back together if it comes apart..mine cam3 apart the first time I change the battery. It cost me a whole $4.00 for two batteries.
Hahaha my nearly 20 year old microwave has started making a sound similar to what you describe and I just assumed the turning motor is burning out, but I never thought to do an in-depth cleaning of the wheels and mechanism… maybe this is a part that can be oiled?!
YouTube is my favorite repair resource. Sunday before Christmas my 2 year old water heater’s pressure relief valve started leaking…a lot. Family arriving the next day. After a bit of stomping and grumbling about how much a weekend plumber was going to cost, I did a little searching. $22 for the part plus 20 minutes of work and it was fixed. One of the easiest repairs I’ve done in quite a while!
> ignored a little longer
That’s my tactic if it’s not dangerous to have in the “end of life state”. I separated the money for the replacement and am delaying a purchase until I couldn’t stand the old thing. For example my phone is 4 years old and started to slow down, but I will use it for another half year. And also my clothes, I change them when they are worn out, I bought the new set, but slowly sorting out the old with the “one last use” mentality.