YouTube great tool for frugal types.

[Spidey]

I've probably saved hundreds of dollars by using YouTube. It provides a great service if you want to learn how to fix something. I got step-by-step instructions on how to fix my washing machine which probably save either an expensive repair bill or more likely the expense of a new machine. It's also a great tool, if you aren't covered for physiotherapy. There are videos by professional physiotherapists and chiropractors demonstrating exercises for your aching body part. Of course, as well there is free entertainment from everything to comedy sketches to classic sitcoms such as "The Beverly Hillbillies". (I'm really dating myself with that one.)

Any other suggestions or ideas?

[Jungle]

I too watched some youtube videos and installed our laminate flooring. Although I have installed hardwood, laminate was a little different (but much the same). The youtube videos were very helpful. 3 years later and looking great!

My wife and I also used videos to cut my hair and pop a cyst. (gross I know)

There is a growing market here to make money off youtube by having advertising. I have wanted to post some videos of my own but having trouble on deciding weather or not reveling my identity on the internet.

If you noticed a lot of news articles now want you to watch video, so you're forced to watch 15 seconds of advertising.

[RedRose]

I found some interesting info on how to spackle a repair in the door jam that my daughters puppy chewed. It talks about wood filler and sanding. I haven't completed the job yet, just thought about it and looked at the YouTube how to sites.
I am sure I will go there for other jobs as they come up, as I transition from Wife to Automechanic, to odd job person around my house. My husband used to look after all that side. All the tools are still here I just have to learn to use them all. YouTube will be an excellent tool for people like me.

[Charlie]

youtube/movies has some older but good full length flix. (filter on 'free').

and if you google a tv show name + streaming + canada you're often led to a canadian site with shows you'd otherwise only get with a cable package. Usually a TV station -- citytv, ctv, cbc etc. I'm still to timid to go with a rogue site. And it's easy as can be to hook up a newer laptop to the TV. Simply plug in the HDMI cable (youtube tutorials on this if you need 'em).

This is probably old news -- but we just recently tried it,

[Sasquatch]

The heater fan in my truck just worked on high speed, the other 3 lower speeds were dead.
All indications were that the blower motor resistor module was toast.
I had no idea where it was physically located so I could have a look at it.
Even my Haynes Manual didn't say where it was.
You Tube solved my problem.
They had a clip of this module being replaced in the exact make and model of my truck
It showed exactly where it was located, how to get to it, any hidden mounting bolts etc.etc...
I ended up having to replace the unit as well as the connector and all is well again.

Saved about $ 100.-to $ 150.- in labour costs.

Gotta love "You Yube"

[eulogy]

It's helped me too. I had my car parked on the street, someone drove by, clipped my mirror and drove off. I didn't want to get the insurance involved over something like this, so I decided to fix it myself. The cost of actually getting it repaired would have been several hundred at a repair shop. I bought a mirror off eBay for $30 and followed simple instructions on a Youtube video. 20 minutes later I had my mirror installed.

[CanadianCapitalist]

I find YouTube how-to videos extremely useful as well. Recently, I replaced a cracked LCD screen myself and saved about $100. It is simply amazing how many people take the time to shoot and upload videos.

[kcowan]

If you want educational videos, here is a storehouse of tutorials on various topics. Although many are aimed at high school/university, the ones on finance and economics are quite good for beginners.
e.g.
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/ban...king-and-money

For experienced investors, try the more esoteric topics.

I have put together my own summary of the financial/economic topics here:
http://members.shaw.ca/keith.cowan/KhanSubset.htm
These were featured on 60 Minutes this week.

[orange]

I agree! I didn't know anything about home improvement before buying, and since then I've used YouTube videos for tonnes of different projects around the house, from minor (changing the shower valve cartridge, installing a ceiling fan) to larger projects (refinishing hardwood floors). Interestingly, I actually don't use YouTube for anything else...

[bbsj]

I am not much of a handy person, but I was able to fix a leaky toilet with help from You Tube video instructions.