The deal with DIYs

The acronym DIY stands for do it yourself, literally. It means you can create, assemble, and concoct all by yourself. Sometimes a guide is provided for you by the product or the best resort is to look for hacks online. While it has allowed every Filipino to save on labor and transportation costs, DIYs are actually capitalist weapons aimed at our pockets.

I went to a multinational establishment that focuses on home improvement over the weekend. It was the biggest in the world, they say. I wouldn't want to miss it while I was there in Manila to fulfill my dreams of having a well-organized home. When I went in, I was so amazed at how they set up the showrooms. They were arranged simply which gave more warmth and comfort to the room. Their cabinets and other modular furniture were to die for. The prices were at a range cheaper than what we see in the mall. They also offer to do the assembly themselves but for a minimal fee.

While it was fun to go around a store that specializes in creating a more beautiful home. It was creating more of a dent on my budget than I had imagined. Their marketing of wanting you to have a clutter-free home drove customers to grab whatever furniture was in front of them just to be organized. When I reached the counter, I realized that I got more than what I needed simply because I was too in awe of the budget-friendly prices. Add to that their idea of teaching customers what to do with very little space.

This is the deal with DIYs --they make you buy more than what you need. Instead of actually saving money because of the concept of doing it on your own, there is a tendency to splurge. Capitalists see the need for the public to save as a means to gain profit. If we aren't careful enough, it might lead to a bigger dent on our bank accounts. Others may even have to deal with loans and unpaid bills.

This is the sad reality of those who are clamoring for lower prices, simply because it is difficult to afford the usual these days. We go back to the concept of inflation and how it has affected us badly. The means are going extreme to get by. Everything is just so difficult to deal with financially, especially now that the holidays are nearing. The trick to a DIY direction is to stay focused: Don't get what's not on your list.

It also pays to read. Read up on the instructions and reviews of whatever it is you are attempting to DIY. When all else fails, it would be best to work with an expert. It might actually save you time and money when an expert does things right. After all, nothing beats quality, one that is trusted and tested. I hope that applies to our economic leaders as well. They have been in a rut for some time already.