Yes...groom at home.
I like the full coat so don't clip their bodies, but have watched tons of youtube videos because I know at some point I will need/want to clip.
Mia was scissor cut...and badly...when I got her, but she grew out very nicely and in not too long a time. So, if it doesn't come out right at first, put a shirt or dress on her when you take her out. You can scissor used baby onsies from yard sales or thrift stores.
I only take my kids to the groomer for nail clips...$5 each kid. I was clipping nails at home, and may do it again, but the groomer takes less time to do all three than it takes me even with the drive, it seems less stressful for them, and it is worth it to me. I do their ears, round their paws, and trim hair from paw pads, sanitary areas...takes no time at all and is not difficult. I do paws with them lying on their backs in my lap. I found it very easy to get a good rounded paw just by combing the hair 'upward' in a natural growth pattern so that the long hairs extend beyond the paw, and holding it with my left hand, trimming around the paw with scissors in my right hand...you can see the nail cuz you're looking at the underside, and it is much easier and more comfortable for them and me than counter-clipping...and they get nice tummy rubs in between.
Oh, and financial bad times hit pretty much everyone at some point or other, but with 'grooming' issues...here at my house...I am the one loooong overdue for a haircut.
