Tips for home improvements that will result in a profit.?

I have recently purchased a very small home...as a single mom it was the best I could do. However, lately, a lot of my family and friends (the same ones that told me it was smart to buy this house) have said that I will have a hard time making a profit on the home when I resale. I have no plans to resale until at least 5 years...but what are some inexpensive and possible do it yourself improvements I could make that would result in increasing the value of the home. Thank you!