Stop Wasting Money! 22 Things You’re Buying That You Can Get for Free

Have you ever paid for something that you could have gotten for free? It might surprise you, but it happens more often than you’d think. 

Paying for services and products that you could get for free can really add up over time. We all love getting free stuff, so I’ve identified some of these things and I’m here to share them with you.

Today, let’s talk about 22 things that people often pay for, even though there are free options available. Cutting down on these expenses is one of the quickest ways to keep more money in your wallet.

Share in the comments what you use for free and how it has helped you save money! 

1. Advice 

In many situations, friends and family offer free advice and guidance. But some prefer to consult professional advisors or life coaches, paying for their expert opinions and structured mentoring programs. 

The decision to pay often comes from valuing the credentials and systematic approach experts provide. On the other hand, personal connections can make a big difference when getting free guidance.

With fees ranging from $75 to over $250 per hour for in-person sessions and $50 to over $100 per hour for online coaching, the life coaching industry has grown into a global market worth around $4.56 billion.

I am not discounting life coaches nor therapy. I am someone who pays for both. The point is, advice is free, yet we still pay for it.

It’s also not always a matter of you get what you pay for. A lot of therapists and life coaches give bad advice.

2. Dirt 

Did you know that some people actually buy plain dirt even though it’s naturally available for free? While dirt can be found anywhere without spending a dime, many gardeners choose to buy topsoil that’s specially made for growing plants.

This special soil provides convenience and the best conditions for seeds and seedlings. Alternatively, you can use dirt from your own yard or nearby natural areas. 

Although it takes more effort to gather and sift it yourself, using free local dirt can create a sustainable garden at no cost, just some physical labor, instead of spending $2-$5 per bag of topsoil.

3. Rocks and Stones

Decorative rocks and stones used in landscaping add beauty to outdoor areas. Their main goal is to make outdoor spaces look better. 

Instead of spending $50-$200 per ton on these rocks, you can find them naturally in your area or even in your backyard. With a bit of searching and creativity, you might discover plenty of free materials to create the look you want. 

This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your landscaping, as you choose rocks that naturally complement your surroundings.

4. TV 

Cable and streaming services offer a wider range of shows, movies, and programming compared to basic TV channels. This convenience comes at a cost, though. 

The average cable bill is approximately $217 per month. An alternative is using over-the-air broadcast channels available in your area, which are free. 

While you’ll have fewer choices in content, using this free source of entertainment can save you a significant amount of money each year.

Related: Watch Movies for Free: The 18 Best Free Movie Streaming Apps 

5. Water

The bottled water industry promotes ideas of purity, cleanliness, and convenience at a premium global market value of $300 billion. But in most areas, public water supplies are perfectly safe and drinkable. 

A simple solution to avoid these added costs is to take advantage of free water from taps, drinking fountains, fresh springs, and other natural sources. 

Investing in a reusable bottle and perhaps a filtration system if desired can provide drinkable water at home for just a single upfront expense rather than continually purchasing single-use bottles.  

6. Sand 

For construction, landscaping, and home improvement projects, companies offer specific grades of sand priced between $15 and $40 per ton to meet quality requirements. This allows builders and homeowners to choose sand that meets their project’s exact specifications.

Alternatively, there’s a readily available source of sand for free in beaches, deserts, and other sandy areas, provided you can access and transport it yourself.

Although gathering your own sand requires more physical effort than purchasing it in bags, it can save on ongoing material expenses for those willing to put in the effort.

7. Books 

Public libraries are incredibly valuable because they let people read and borrow books for free. Yet, many people prefer to buy books, either to build their own collections or to support authors directly.

A new book usually costs between $15 and $25, and the worldwide book market was worth $144.67 billion in 2023. 

Before purchasing, think about using your local library’s extensive collection to read books without spending any money.

Related: Today’s Free Kindle Books List – Free ebooks on Amazon, No Kindle Needed

8. Video Games

Similar to books, video games can be borrowed from public libraries or played for free online.  Regardless, the latest titles and gaming experiences with advanced features drive many to purchase video games. 

Exploring free gaming options can provide hours of fun without having to pay. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to enjoy gaming without the financial commitment.

The average price of $60 for a new video game contributes to the expected $300 billion global video game market size by 2025. 

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9. Mulch 

For gardeners, a great way to save money is by using yard waste such as fallen leaves, wood chips, and other organic materials as free mulch.

Instead of buying mulch bags, which can cost anywhere from $3 to $5 each. You can use these natural materials in your garden beds.

Also, many municipalities give away free mulch, even if you don’t live in their city.

By collecting and spreading them yourself, you can achieve the same fresh mulch look without spending extra money. It just takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it for the savings and the natural benefits to your garden.

10. Running 

Getting exercise, such as running, can be completely free if you use public parks, trails, or sidewalks in your area. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy the fresh air and changing scenery. 

On the other hand, some people prefer to pay for gym memberships or invest in home treadmills for a more controlled environment and convenience. 

My wife and I are both runners. We spend over $1,000 a year running!

Gyms offer additional equipment and facilities, but the average $58 monthly membership fee can add up quickly compared to running outdoors at no cost. 

Related: Beginner Runner Guide: Best Tips For New Runners

11. Music 

Radio broadcasts and free music streaming platforms offer millions of songs at no cost. Despite this, many music enthusiasts prefer paid subscription services for ad-free listening and exclusive content. 

While monthly fees of $10 to $15 may appear reasonable, these expenses add up, contributing significantly to the music industry’s billion-dollar streaming revenue. 

Sticking to free music sources allows your playlists to grow while saving over the long run.

12. News 

Online news websites and public broadcasts offer updates and information without any fees. Taking advantage of these free news sources is an easy way to stay informed at no cost.

Many people still choose to subscribe to newspapers or premium news sites for the in-depth analysis and exclusive content they provide. 

The average newspaper online subscription runs around $120 per year, and the global newspaper market was valued at $34 billion in 2021. 

13. Air 

While air is naturally available to breathe for free, there are instances where people choose to buy air-related products. For example, canned air, often used to clean electronics, can cost between $15 and $20.

Air purifiers are another type of air product that people purchase. In 2023, the global market for these devices was valued at $13 billion.

Many people buy air purifiers to make indoor air cleaner, which ventilation alone might not accomplish. 

14. Maps 

In today’s digital age, free online maps and navigation apps offer plenty of mapping resources without any payment required. Still, some prefer to purchase physical maps or GPS device subscriptions.  

Paid map resources provide benefits like offline access and advanced features, including turn-by-turn directions, which free options might not have.

GPS devices, typically costing between $100 and $300, contributed to the global GPS market’s worth of $94 billion in 2022. 

Related: Did You Know You Can Do These 24 Travel Hacks On Your Phone For free? 

15. Movies 

Watching the latest box office hits no longer means paying theater prices of $10-$15 per ticket. Public libraries offer free movie rentals, and an increasing number of free streaming apps provide a variety of films. 

Some of these platforms even include classic movies that you might not find elsewhere. If you’re willing to wait a bit for new releases, you can enjoy movies without the expensive costs. 

Taking advantage of these free options allows you to access great content without breaking the bank.

16. Clothes

When it comes to building a wardrobe, you can get clothes for free with a bit of effort. Clothing swaps, hand-me-downs, and thrift store giveaways are great ways to find new outfits without spending any money. 

On the other hand, many people still prefer to buy new clothes from stores to get the latest fashions and perfect fits. This search for trendy and well-fitting clothes usually costs between $20 and $100 per item. 

While buying new clothes is convenient, these regular expenses can add up a lot over time.

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17. Legal Documents

Professional assistance for legal documents, such as rental agreements and living trust, can be pricey, typically costing between $50 and $200 per document. This expense contributes to the expansive $1 trillion legal services market

On the other hand, public libraries and free online templates offer many types of standard legal forms at no charge. These include forms for rental agreements, wills, trusts, and more. 

While it requires careful reading of instructions, this accessibility allows individuals to obtain essential documents without incurring high fees.

18. Education 

Learning doesn’t have to be expensive. On average, tuition at private schools totals $12,350 per year. Public schools and an increasing number of free online courses make education accessible to everyone without any cost.

Despite this, some still choose private schools or paid online platforms because they believe these options offer better quality and additional services. 

Choosing free public schools or online learning can give you excellent education without the high costs. 

19. Recipes 

Home chefs have no shortage of free recipe resources at their fingertips between online food blogs and handed-down family favorites. Yet cookbooks continue to be a popular purchase, with typical costs of $20-$40 per book. 

Cooking classes are another way home cooks invest in learning. Led by experienced chefs, these classes offer hands-on experience. 

While paid resources from these experts provide helpful guidance, many home cooks find that the numerous free recipes online meet their everyday cooking needs well. 

Speaking of recipes, check out ChaChingQueen’s Eat Category, where we share lots of free recipes that you can easily learn and enjoy!

20. Software 

Computer users often purchase licensed software, which can range in cost from $50 to $500 per license, to access professional support and take advantage of advanced program features.

An often overlooked alternative is open-source and freeware programs. These software options are available at no cost and can handle many common computing tasks effectively. 

While they may not provide all the extra features of paid software, they are sufficient for everyday needs and can be a budget-friendly choice for many users. 

Related: How To Get A Free Laptop: 23 Ways To Get a Free Computer

21. Photography

In today’s era of smartphone cameras, taking photos to cherish moments doesn’t always demand hiring professionals, except for certain occasions. Many people prefer professional photographers to ensure high-quality images, especially for special events. 

With session fees ranging from $100 to $300 contributing to the $40 billion global photography market in 2023, it’s worth considering free alternatives initially. 

Taking advantage of free photography tips and using the features on your existing devices can help you capture excellent photos without extra costs. 

22. Home Repairs 

Home repairs and maintenance are a natural part of owning a home. Thankfully, there are many online resources offering free tutorials and guides, which can help homeowners tackle many repair projects themselves, only paying for the materials.

On the flip side, some people prefer to hire professional repair services for their expertise and guaranteed quality. This specialized knowledge does come with a higher price, often costing anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per hour, depending on the complexity of the job.

While bigger projects might need a professional, basic repairs are a great chance to use your DIY skills and save on labor costs. 

Free or Fee? 

Choosing between free options and premium products depends on your needs and budget. Only you can decide which luxuries are worth paying for and where a frugal, DIY approach will do the trick.

An honest assessment of your priorities helps you cut unnecessary expenses while still treating yourself sensibly in areas that truly matter.

The great news? You have plenty of choices! Take advantage of free options and make simple savings swaps to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.