How to Budget For Household Appliance Repairs
You know they are a necessity over the course of time, but still household appliance repairs seem to catch you by surprise. The money is not usually there and often decisions are made that rely more on what you can afford, rather than what is wise. By budgeting for these certainties you can have better control over your finances and your household, as well as being able to make good decisions and enjoy less stress when the problems do occur.
Investing in Quality Household Appliances
The first stage in this process is making the best initial investments. When you buy cookers, washing machines and dishwashers be sure to investigate and find out which are the most reliable models. Choose those, even if it does cost you a little more at the outset. This will usually mean your appliance repair costs are better controlled.
Specific Savings
Put a small amount of money away. Phone or visit a local repair shop and ask them how much an average appliance repair would be. It will be based on the appliance, size of the repair and the response time desired (immediate responses cost much more than scheduled ones). Once you have a rough figure, tuck that amount away in a bank account you don't touch - saving two or three times that figure is wise should multiple appliances breakdown at the same time.
Don't withdraw this money unless it is for an appliance repair (or possibly a replacement). If this money lies untouched it will be ready and waiting for the moment when the cooker crashes or the washing machine quits in the middle of the rinse cycle.
Avoid the Issue
Even though you have the funds set aside, now is not the time to forget about the appliances. Treat them well, service them when necessary and always operate them wisely and within the guidelines as laid out by the owner's manual.
Remember to act quickly when something seems wrong with the unit. Household appliance repairs will not get any cheaper the longer you wait to schedule an appointment. Having the washing machine looked at right away could actually save you money if the repair is done before anything major happens.
Investing in Quality Household Appliances
The first stage in this process is making the best initial investments. When you buy cookers, washing machines and dishwashers be sure to investigate and find out which are the most reliable models. Choose those, even if it does cost you a little more at the outset. This will usually mean your appliance repair costs are better controlled.
Specific Savings
Put a small amount of money away. Phone or visit a local repair shop and ask them how much an average appliance repair would be. It will be based on the appliance, size of the repair and the response time desired (immediate responses cost much more than scheduled ones). Once you have a rough figure, tuck that amount away in a bank account you don't touch - saving two or three times that figure is wise should multiple appliances breakdown at the same time.
Don't withdraw this money unless it is for an appliance repair (or possibly a replacement). If this money lies untouched it will be ready and waiting for the moment when the cooker crashes or the washing machine quits in the middle of the rinse cycle.
Avoid the Issue
Even though you have the funds set aside, now is not the time to forget about the appliances. Treat them well, service them when necessary and always operate them wisely and within the guidelines as laid out by the owner's manual.
Remember to act quickly when something seems wrong with the unit. Household appliance repairs will not get any cheaper the longer you wait to schedule an appointment. Having the washing machine looked at right away could actually save you money if the repair is done before anything major happens.
