It might seem like everything is more expensive these days. That might be true in a lot of cases, but some services and resources are now free that used to cost money.
So, if you’re trying to make your paycheck stretch a bit further, consider the items, activities, and resources available for free. You’ll be surprised at what people used to spend their money on.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Your credit report
It used to cost money to access your credit report. But thanks to federal law, consumers can now access their credit reports for free at least once a year.
It might not be the most exciting free perk, but it is useful (especially if you're working to get out of debt).
Movies
Libraries might not seem new, but there was a time when you could only access books for free. Today, you can access many DVDs and even video cassettes for free at your local library.
You can even request titles that the library doesn’t carry. It’s a free public resource that exists to serve the community, making it a win-win for your wallet and brain.
Educational classes
Community colleges and continuing education colleges offer some free classes for community members.
College costs have increased throughout the years, but access to free education has also increased. You can learn about almost any topic through platforms like Coursera and Udacity.
Some colleges also offer free training courses for residents to learn trade skills and work towards qualifications for new careers.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Classes for babies and toddlers
The library isn’t only useful for checking out books and movies. It’s also a hub for educational classes for infants and toddlers.
Whether it’s baby dance classes, weekly story times, or sign language basics, you can find free learning opportunities for the county’s youngest residents at your local library.
Text messages
It’s hard to remember when your phone plan didn’t include text messages, but it wasn’t that long ago.
Cell phone companies used to charge customers a fee per message in addition to the monthly phone bill.
Today, most phone plans include unlimited text messages as an element of each monthly plan.
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Access to music
There was a time when you had to buy cassettes or CDs to listen to music. Even after MP3 players hit the shelves, listeners still had to pay a fee per song or album.
Today, you can use streaming services and apps like Spotify and Pandora for free. You might have to listen to commercials, but there are generally no upfront costs.
TV shows and programs
Streaming services have taken over when it comes to television and movies. Accessing content on the most popular platforms usually costs a monthly fee.
But if you’re open to watching commercials, you can watch many shows for free through individual channels or streaming apps like Tubi and Crackle.
Daily news
Back in the day, you had two options: pay to have the newspaper delivered to your door or pick up a copy at the local newsstand for a fee.
Now there are endless possibilities for how to access the news, like free news websites, daily newsletter digests, and breaking news podcasts.
Even though you usually have the option to pay, endless options are available without ever paying a penny.
Maps and GPS
Maps used to be on paper and came at a cost. After that, maps transitioned to the digital realm.
But even once maps became digital, you usually had to buy a specific GPS device. Plus, there was often a monthly fee to access the maps.
Today, maps and GPS are accessible for free online or on your phone.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Classified ads
If you wanted to sell an item, advertise your services, or find a roommate, you used to have to pay for a classified ad.
Today, you can utilize social media platforms and other apps for free. Plus, you can network as much or as little as you want.
Long-distance calls
You used to have to pay for a phone call across the country. There were even more fees for placing international phone calls.
Today, you can place a phone or video call for free thanks to the internet. You can stay in touch with long-distance friends and family without spending money. It’s a nice perk that’s easy to take for granted.
Gently used household items
There’s no shortage of groups, apps, and social media platforms that let you connect with neighbors and other community members who want to pass along gently used items.
A few years ago, garage sales were your best option for a good deal on used items, but you still had to pay.
Today, you can get almost any item free if you’re willing to wait for a neighbor who wants to get rid of it.
Fitness classes
Here’s the good news — you no longer need to leave your house or spend money to get a high-quality workout.
Gym memberships often cost at least $50 monthly, and boutique fitness classes can cost even more. But the days of having to pay for a killer workout are gone.
Instead, you can access high-quality workout classes through free online platforms like YouTube or apps like Caliber. It’s a win-win for your health and wallet.
Tax preparation services
It’s never fun to spend money on tax preparation help. After all, the hope is that you get your money back as a refund.
Luckily, free tax software options like FreeTaxUSA can help you organize and file your taxes.
It’s the in-between option. The free version doesn’t offer personalized help from a tax expert, but it does offer guidance and digital support throughout the process.
Language classes
It used to cost money to learn a new language. You might opt for a private tutor, group class, or language immersion trip, which comes with fees. But today, you can learn a new language from the comfort of your home for free.
Thanks to the invention of language apps like Duolingo and Memrise, you have new options for expanding your language skills.
A bonus? Once you feel comfortable with your new language, you can even turn your knowledge into a side hustle and make extra money by becoming a tutor or translator.
Bottom line
If you know where to look and are willing to get creative, there are countless ways to keep more money in your bank account with free resources, services, and goods.
The best part? It’s fun to get creative and enjoy things that don’t have a cost and finding new opportunities can be rewarding for both your bank account and your personal growth.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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