I recently wrote an article on freebies for investors. I'm finished with that article, but being a sometimes cheap (er . make that frugal) person, though, I maintain my interest in what's available for free. So I was happy to stumble recently upon a discussion in our Living Below Your Means board -- on freebies.
RosemarysBaby started things off: "Lately I've been thinking about all the free stuff there is out there . in the world, I mean." She went on: "For example: the library. I was a big library user when I was a kid but got away from it when I started working. I don't know why . probably because it seemed more fun to go to Barnes & Noble and buy the book . and sip a $4 Starbucks Caramel Macchiato as I scanned the shelves. Most of those books were given away or sold at a loss on Half.com or eBay
Board user concordiadiscors chimed in: "I work at a college, and it has a terrific fitness facility -- cardio machines with built-in TV monitors, state-of-the-art weight machines, free weights, swimming pool, climbing wall -- all of which is free to use. The athletics department also offers inexpensive and/or free yoga, aerobics, and conditioning classes during the lunch hour."
Diablo2Queen mentioned "Free babysitting. [Supermarket chain] Wegman's has a kids' play area that [my daughter] LOVES to go to while I'm shopping."
Hardboiled added: "Our municipal swimming pools are wonderful -- and cost just a couple bucks. They're under-used. We buy a zoo membership each year, and then go early and often. The membership allows us to visit other zoos across the country without charge! The library has a free story time for toddlers -- I loved those sessions!"
For more ideas, read the whole discussion. Here are some more Fool articles on freebies:
- Click Here for a Free Credit Report
- Freebies for Investors
- Too Late for Free Mail
- Free Money for Your Portfolio
- No More Free Trades
And while you're at it, consider trying out some of our nifty services -- for free!
- The Fool Community (our friendly and engaging discussion boards)
- Fool newsletters (full of stock and fund picks)
- TMF Money Advisor (personal financial guidance and advice)
Longtime Fool contributor Selena Maranjian owns shares of eBay. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.