Free Places and Things

Some things in life are free. It's up to you to take advantage of things that are available to you.

The Library

One of the best resources that we have at our fingertips is the public library. There are so many free resources at the library. Books are a given, but there is music, movies, and lots of great electronic resources. You can find audiobooks, e-books, online training, language learning tools and more. These are great options especially if you find yourself spending large sums of money on subscriptions, software, and web services. Not saying you'll find everything you'll need, but it is a good place to start.

In addition to the different types of media available, most libraries offer a number of programs and services that may be of value to you or someone you know.  Some libraries have musical concerts, classes, digital technology centers, and so much more. The products and services offered by many libraries can benefit individuals greatly and for FREE!

Museums, Activities, Attractions

Doing your research can really pay off in the end. Did you know that some City Zoos have free or discounted admission on certain days/times? Taking these types of things into consideration when planning family outings can really help you save some cash. Just think, if a family is able to visit the zoo or other attraction free, the savings can go towards a nice lunch, a special treat (did someone say frozen yogurt?🍦), paying for parking, gas in the tank, or just a little extra to put in the rainy day fund.  Museums are the same; checking the website can prove beneficial as you may learn of savings or opportunities that you were not aware of.

Free Admission by Association

Be sure to review all offers that you have available to you through banks, credit cards, military, and even job association (i.e. benefits for city, state, and federal employees). Sometimes you can get discounts just by association. For example, Bank of America debit cardholders can visit certain museums for free on the first full weekend every month. How cool is that? Educators get certain benefits in certain places by showing their employee IDs. State and Federal employees can get special rates on things like hotels or on certain electronics. 

The point is savings are all around us; sometimes it takes a little digging, but it could be worth it. The less you spend, the more you're able to save and invest.