Valuable Things You Can Get Totally Free

Where To Get It: ePassportPhoto.com
Estimated Potential Saving: $4.99-$15*

Taking passport photos can be a total pain. There are so many rules and regulations that you have to follow, it almost makes going to the Post Office and paying $15 worth it. However, like with most things in the modern world, there’s now an app that could save you time and money. 

Passport Photos ©Photology1971 / Shutterstock.com

ePassportPhoto.com allows you to take your photo according to the guidelines and print it off on your home printer. So, if you really want to save a few bucks and stay in the comfort of your own home, then look no further than your iPhone. 

Where To Get It: Nolo
Estimated Potential Saving: $100+*

You don’t have to be a Harvard-educated lawyer to know that seeking legal advice can be a costly affair. While it’s true that there are some things that only lawyers can do, if advice is all you’re after, it can be beneficial to look elsewhere. 

Legal Advice ©Amnaj Khetsamtip / Shutterstock.com

Nolo is a publisher that specializes in books and other law-related items, but the website is also full of valuable information that won’t cost you anything to read. Next time you want to get a little more knowledge on an area, it’s worth checking there first before heading straight to Google and finding your nearest lawyer. 

Where To Get It: Digitalbook, Loyal Books 
Estimated Potential Saving: $5+*

There was a time when audiobooks were considered a little bit unfashionable, but thanks to sites like Audible that tide is slowly turning. These days, more and more people are picking up audiobooks to listen to on commutes and even when cleaning the house. 

Audio Books ©SFIO CRACHO / Shutterstock.com

Subscriptions to services like Amazon’s Audible can cost almost $10 a month, but there’s a way you can get books to listen to completely free. Sites like Digitalbook and Loyal Books offer them free of charge. 

Where To Get It: Various 
Estimated Potential Saving: $1+*

Toiletries might not be the most expensive thing in the world, but when you buy them frequently it all adds up. In fact, the average American reportedly spends around $177 a year on toiletries every year. That’s hardly pennies. 

Toiletries ©Simone Hogan / Shutterstock.com

If you’re willing to put in a bit of extra effort, scour the web for companies that send out free samples. Even paying a visit to your local drugstore could pay off. These businesses want you to fall in love with their products, so offering samples is beneficial to them and you.

Where To Get It: Skype, Facebook, Whatsapp 
Estimated Potential Saving: $100*

Keeping in touch is something that no one can put a price on. It’s not just a luxury, but a necessity for many people. There was a time when you had no choice but to pay through the nose for a long-distance phone call if you wanted to talk to someone – but those days are long gone. 

Phone Calls ©Estrada Anton / Shutterstock.com

If you wanted to get particularly thrifty, you could ditch your call plan altogether and use services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype to make free phone calls to your friends and loved ones, saving yourself an average cell phone bill of over $100 a month. Sorry AT&T.

Where To Get It: Your local theater 
Estimated Potential Saving: $30+ a ticket*

This one isn’t quite as simple as getting something entirely for free, but it’s not far from it. Local theaters are always looking for volunteers to help seat guests at performances. They might not get paid, but they do get to see concerts and plays for free. 

Concerts And Performances ©Kozlik / Shutterstock.com

So, if you’re looking for something to do in your spare time and are a fan of the arts, it’s certainly worth looking into. After all, it’s a very small amount of “work” in exchange for saving big bucks on entertainment. 

Where To Get It: Various
Estimated Potential Saving: $10+*

Everyone that’s ever had a baby knows it’s an expensive business. Everything from clothes to diapers and formula can cost major bucks, but you don’t necessarily have to buy it all. There are tons of companies out there that offer free gifts when you sign up for newsletters and such. 

Baby Products ©Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and even Target offer free surprises when you sign up to their registries. Meanwhile, baby formula manufacturers often send out free samples if you get in touch and ask for one. 

Where To Get It: Publix, Meijer
Estimated Potential Saving: $25+*

It’s no secret that affordable healthcare isn’t easily accessible to everyone in the United States. Some people are on such a tight budget that paying for any medication can be costly. Thankfully, some companies do take this into consideration. Both Publix and Meijer offer some free prescription medications, such as antibiotics. 

Medication ©JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

In some cases, a wider variety of medication is available free of charge to those that really can’t cover the cost. Community Charity Pharmacies are one option, while there are also some Patient Assistance Programs that are in place.

Where To Get It: HomeExchange
Estimated Potential Saving: $100+*

Besides the cost of travel, the most expensive part of taking a vacation is often renting accommodation. Whether you go for a hotel room or a private Airbnb, it’s likely going to cost you at least $100. Instead of shelling out, consider registering for a home swap. 

Vacation Accommodation ©Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

Websites like HomeExchange charge an annual fee of $150 to register, but you can easily find an Instaworthy home to stay in free of charge. All you need to do is offer your own home up in exchange. It’s not for everyone, but those that use it swear by it.

Where To Get It: JBJ Soul Kitchens, Starbucks, IHOP, and more
Estimated Potential Saving: $15+*

The idea of getting a free meal at a restaurant might seem a bit far-fetched unless you make a complaint. However, that’s not always the case. There are some community kitchens that offer free meals in exchange for working in the kitchen, but it doesn’t end there, either. 

Dinner ©Photoroyalty / Shutterstock.com

If you register with some eateries like Starbucks or even IHOP, you could get a free drink or meal on your birthday. Ben and Jerry’s also does special days where you can get a scoop of ice cream for no cost. It’s all about sniffing out these deals and making the most of them.

Where To Get It: Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts 
Estimated Potential Saving: $100+*

Have you ever needed a tool for a specific job and ended up buying it brand new, only to use it once? Most of us have been in that situation at least once. It’s not ideal, but is there really any other choice? The answer (perhaps surprisingly) is yes – at least if you’re dealing with your car. 

Tools ©Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Businesses like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O’Reilly Auto Parts actually have a scheme where they allow you to pay a deposit and borrow their tools so you can do the job yourself. It’s much cheaper than buying the tools yourself and saves you a ton of money in the long run. 

Where To Get It: Equifax, Experian, Transunion 
Estimated Potential Saving: $20+*

For a long time, you had to pay for credit freezes at the three most popular credit reference agencies. There are multiple reasons you might want to freeze your credit, but many people do it to stop identity thieves in their tracks. 

Credit Freezes ©REDPIXEL.PL / SHutterstock.com

Since 2018, Equifax, Experian, Transunion haven’t been legally allowed to charge customers for freezing their reports. This means a saving of between $20 and $30. So, if you want to freeze your credit, consider going through one of these companies. 

Where To Get It: Duolingo, various websites
Estimated Potential Saving: $40 per hour*

The best way to learn a new language is by paying a tutor for one on one lessons, but it’s also the most expensive. Many tutors charge around $40 an hour, which can become costly. There are plenty of other ways to learn a new language that doesn’t cost a single penny. 

Language Lessons ©Maxx-Studio / Shutterstock.com

Apps like Duolingo are free to use and have a huge selection of languages. You can pay for upgrades, but they aren’t always necessary. A plethora of other websites also offer free language classes, whether you’re looking for Italian, French, or even Irish.

Where To Get It: One-Stop Career Center
Estimated Potential Saving: $30+*

There are plenty of services online that offer to revamp your resume for a fee, but is it really worth it when you can get the same quality for free? Regardless of whether you’re a total career newbie or someone that wants to freshen up their resume, pop into one of the One-Stop Career Centers near you. 

Resume Overhaul ©Neomaster / Shutterstock.com

This service is totally free and trained staff can guide you through the entire process. They can even help you brush up on your interview skills and hunt for a new job. Don’t be scared to pop n and see what they can do for you