COUPON QUEEN: YouTube tips for DIY projects

Have you ever typed into Google, "Why is my dishwasher making a clunking noise?" If so, you are my people. I'm not a master mechanic, but I am a budget-loving mom who hates paying hundreds for something that could be a $12 fix after watching a 15-minute video. Over the past few years, my husband and I have leaned into YouTube to tackle minor repairs around the house, and the savings have added up. Here are a few tips if you want to give YouTube a try for your next DIY project. Exact model number Generic videos are fine when learning concepts, but repairs need more details. On your appliance or electronic, find the sticker with the model number and use that when searching. For instance, type, "Whirlpool GDF20110 dishwasher not draining." Doing this will narrow your results on YouTube and give you a much better chance of finding a more helpful video. Watch more than one Since no single creator can cover everything, watch a few videos on the topic and note the shared steps. One creator may be more thorough in the steps they suggest or may have a better camera angle when showing hard-to-see spots. Seeing a repair done by multiple creators can give you much better insight. Read the comments Sometimes, my husband and I find that the comments from DIY videos can be just as helpful as the video itself. Viewers may add a comment about using a cheaper tool or warn about a step that caused them trouble. I've found coupon codes and revised part numbers just by scrolling through the comments. Screenshot When a video suggests a part number or tool, use your phone's screenshot options to download the image. You can use these photos when shopping at the hardware store. Be sure to also take pictures of the appliance before and during disassembly. It makes reassembly much easier when you have a photo to refer back to. Know when to call the professionals YouTube is great for straightforward jobs with low risk, such as drain clean-outs, car headlights, refrigerator cartridge replacements for us regular folks. If you are a bit more handy, like my husband, you might be able to tackle more complex repairs, such as roofing and washer and dryer repair. When it comes down to it, frugality includes knowing when to call in the pros. YouTube may not turn us all into master technicians, but it can turn a lot of the $300 service calls into $40 fixes. This week's deal Here are some deals to grab this week at Walgreens.Buy 2 Tresemme hair care products - $6 each Total = $12Clip the $5/2 Tresemme digital manufacturer's coupon*Pay $7Get back $5 Walgreens Cash RewardsFinal cost: $2 total – $1 each!* Find the coupon on the Walgreens app or website Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.