Good morning! I’m guest posting at Work Save Live today, where you can find my tips on saving money when buying a new house. And don’t forget, there’s still a chance to win $1,000 in our biggest giveaway yet, plus another $100 at the end of this post!
I got a huge wardrobe for free
This post is part of the 13 money resolutions for 2013 series. If you missed the first post, you can find an updated list there.
Sure, saying it is easier than doing it. In the initial steps of the 13 money resolutions, we eliminated unnecessary expenses and found various ways to save on essentials. But one of the best ways to save money is simply not to spend it in the first place.
STOP BUYING THINGS YOU DON’T NEED
Buying things because you’re sad, bored, or simply out of habit often leads to waste and does nothing to improve your mood.
Take inventory of what you already have. Your pantry might be stocked for weeks, allowing you to limit purchases to fresh items. Mend clothes that need a small fix, like missing buttons, and find new ways to wear them. Read the books you already own before buying new ones. Opt for fun, free date ideas instead of expensive outings. Fix your broken toaster or upgrade your computer instead of buying new ones.
GET THE THINGS YOU NEED FOR FREE
Food
If you can’t afford food, look into programs like food stamps, or seek out charities, soup kitchens, and free meals at school cafeterias.
If you can afford food, you can still get some for free. Start a garden, even an herb garden on your balcony or windowsill if space is limited. Growing your own food is rewarding and a great way to enjoy organic produce. Check what grows well in your area and mix common staples with expensive market items like bell peppers or basil. I also make yogurt at home by transforming milk with cultures, and sometimes freeze it with fruit or honey. Keep an eye out for free food from friends with surplus harvests, or forage for mushrooms, berries, and nuts.
Entertainment
Stream movies and music for free. Borrow books from the library. Community centers often offer free classes, and your town likely hosts free concerts, festivals, and art shows.
Skills
Learn almost anything online. Find DIY tutorials on YouTube, attend free online university lectures, or learn a new language at no cost.
Free Stuff
Check Freecycle for just about anything, from furniture to kitchenware. Post a specific request for what you need. I furnished a three-bedroom flat using Freecycle in the UK, and even when a scooter broke down, someone offered to repair it as a fun project. Craigslist also has free listings, and you might find useful items when people move or on designated trash pick-up days. For instance, I found unused tiles discarded on the sidewalk when I was tiling my flat in Paris.
Free Clothes
Freecycle works particularly well for kids’ clothes since they outgrow them quickly. You can also arrange a clothing swap with friends, where everyone brings items and leaves with new-to-them pieces. Any leftover items can be donated to charity.
Free Services
Barter services with friends. There’s likely something you can do for them in exchange for their help. You might swap:
– Babysitting
– School pickups and extracurricular activity drives
– Recipes and home-cooked meals
– Computer repairs
– DIY and home repairs
– Car maintenance
– Painting jobs
– Moving assistance
– Language tutoring
– Academic tutoring
– Web design
– Translations
Free Money!
Now onto the giveaway! You can win $100 cash via PayPal or an Amazon gift card, your choice! To enter, follow @RFIndependence on Twitter for an easy entry. Check out other participants for more chances to win. Good luck!
Are there other things you can get for free?