Saving money isn’t always about cutting out every joy in your life. Sometimes, it’s about finding little free resources, services, and hacks that give you the same satisfaction without spending a single dollar. Over the past year, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of free things that not only helped me save hundreds but also made me feel like I was living smarter—not cheaper.
If you’re ready to stretch your dollars without feeling deprived, here’s my ultimate list of free things that truly work.
Forget pricey gym memberships. YouTube is overflowing with free workouts: yoga, pilates, dance, HIIT—whatever you love. Some of my personal favorites are channels like Yoga With Adriene or Chloe Ting. Not only is this saving me at least $40 a month, but I get to exercise at home in my comfiest clothes.
Libraries are not just about books anymore.
You can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and movies with apps like Libby or Hoopla.
Some libraries even offer free classes or workshops (think: DIY crafts or resume building).
I once realized I was spending $20+ a month on Audible, but my library offered the same audiobooks—for free!
It sounds small, but apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey give me free cashback or discounts on things I was already going to buy.
Last month, I earned $35 just by using these apps on groceries and online shopping.
It’s like finding free money lying around—who doesn’t want that?
Sites like Coursera, Skillshare (free trials), and Khan Academy offer free courses to level up your skills.
I once learned basic graphic design from a free class and ended up freelancing for extra income.
Education doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag.
Many cities offer outdoor concerts, free yoga in the park, art fairs, or family movie nights—all for $0.
It’s a fun way to spend a weekend without falling into the “let’s just shop for fun” trap.
If you’re paying for multiple streaming services, consider free alternatives like Pluto TV, Tubi, or the free trial system (just remember to cancel before it charges!).
I went from paying $50 on streaming subscriptions to just keeping one and rotating free trials for the rest.
Sign up for loyalty programs at restaurants, coffee shops, and stores.
I got a free Starbucks drink, free ice cream, and $10 off at Ulta during my birthday month—all without spending a dime.
It’s like a mini celebration of savings!
Before buying something new, I check Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups.
People often give away barely-used furniture or décor for free.
I once snagged a gorgeous plant stand worth $40—for $0.
There are tons of free printable meal planners online that help you map out your week and avoid takeout. I started using one and saved $60/month on groceries just by avoiding random food purchases.
Instead of paying for expensive apps, I use Mint and YNAB free trials to track my money. It’s amazing how simply seeing where your cash goes helps you save more.
Imagine this: If you just swap 3-4 paid services for free alternatives, you could save at least $100 a month. That’s $1,200 in a year—without cutting out the things you love.
Before I started meal planning, I wasted so much money on random takeouts. Apps like Tasty, SuperCook, or even Pinterest give endless free recipes that can be made with whatever you have at home.
Just type in “leftover chicken,” and boom—you’ve got 10 free dinner ideas.
You don’t need expensive budgeting planners. Pinterest is full of free printables like expense trackers, bill calendars, and saving challenges. I use a “$5 saving challenge” printable, and it’s crazy how fast those small amounts add up.
From music (Spotify) to movies (Netflix), most services have free trials. Rotate them!
Watch your favorite shows during the free period, cancel before it renews, and switch to the next free trial.
I saved nearly $100 in 3 months just by doing this.
Besides YouTube workouts, apps like FitOn or Nike Training Club offer 100% free exercise plans. No trainer or gym fee required—and they’re surprisingly good!
For moms, companies like Pampers, Huggies, and Enfamil offer free baby samples and coupons.
I helped my cousin sign up and she saved almost $50 on diapers in just a few weeks.
Google Sheets has hundreds of free budgeting templates ready to use. You can track savings, debt payoff, or even monthly bills—all for zero cost.
Instead of paying for courses, I listen to finance podcasts like Her Money, So Money, or The Financial Feminist. These are free “mini-money lessons” that teach you how to save smarter and grow your cash.
Apps like Unroll.Me or Trim are free and help cancel old subscriptions or negotiate bills. I once got my phone bill cut by $15 just by using Trim—totally free!
Self-care doesn’t have to cost money. Apps like Insight Timer or Smiling Mind offer free guided meditations and stress relief sessions that help you stay calm (and avoid emotional spending!).
From free workout classes to DIY home ideas, community groups share amazing resources. I even got free furniture from a local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group.
Why pay for expensive tools when you have Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Canva—all free? I use Canva to create everything from meal plans to printable budgets—zero cost.
Instead of spending $50 on outings, I now look for free seasonal fun:
Summer: Free outdoor movies or concerts.
Fall: Pumpkin patches or free festivals.
Winter: Local Christmas markets (just to browse!).
These experiences feel richer than any paid activity.
Websites like Credit Karma let you check your credit score for free. This small habit helps me spot errors or unnecessary fees that could cost me later.
Decluttering is free, but selling those extra items turns into bonus savings. I use Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark—free to list and profitable.
You don’t need to buy expensive cleaning sprays.
A mix of vinegar, lemon, and baking soda works for almost everything.
Not only is it free from harmful chemicals, but it’s also practically zero-cost if you already have these in your kitchen.
There are tons of free 30-day money challenges available online (Pinterest is full of them). I once did a “No Spend Week” challenge and saved over $80 that week!
Self-care through journaling has been life-changing for me, and it costs nothing. Free prompts online can help you focus on gratitude, goals, or even financial intentions.
YouTube is basically a free university. From DIY home projects to side hustle tutorials, I’ve learned skills that saved me hundreds by not hiring professionals.
Apps like Flipp or Checkout51 give you weekly flyers and rebates. I once stacked coupons from these apps with store deals and saved 40% on my grocery bill.
Sometimes the best things truly are free—long walks, sunsets, a bubble bath, or writing down 3 things you’re grateful for. These moments make you richer in ways money can’t.
These free resources have taught me that saving isn’t about living less—it’s about living smarter. Every time I discover a new freebie or tool, I feel like I’ve found a secret treasure chest.
Your Challenge:
Pick 3-5 free tools or ideas from this list and use them this week. Watch how quickly your savings grow without sacrificing your happiness.