30 Things You Don’t Need to Buy

Spending money on everyday items and services has become so easy in today’s world. You don’t even realize that many can be obtained for free! There are numerous things people regularly purchase that are readily available at no cost. Read this article to learn how to save money and make smarter spending decisions.

Bottled Water

Many people buy bottled water without realizing that tap water is often just as clean and safe. In many areas of the U.S., tap water is filtered and regulated, and it is a free and eco-friendly alternative.

Banking Services

Basic checking and savings accounts are free at many credit unions or online banks, so paying monthly fees at traditional banks is unnecessary. Instead, switching to a no-fee option can save you many dollars without compromising on service.

Credit Reports

AnnualCreditReport.com provides you with a full credit report for free once a year through each of the major credit bureaus. Therefore, paying for credit monitoring or credit reports is of no use.

Fitness Classes

While gym memberships can be pricey, many parks, community centers, and online platforms offer free fitness classes, from yoga to strength training. So, stay fit without emptying your wallet.

E-books

E-books are costly, but you can easily avail them for free through public libraries or via apps like Libby or OverDrive. A wide variety of books can be easily accessed without the financial hassle.

Streaming Services Trials

Most streaming services offer a trial period or certain titles for free, so you might not want to spend money on a dedicated membership. People often pay for multiple streaming services, but taking advantage of these trials can help you save on monthly subscriptions.

Wi-Fi

Rather than paying for expensive data plans, free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and parks. Consider traveling or changing your place of work to stay connected without additional costs.

Online Courses

Instead of paying for expensive classes, platforms like Coursera, Class Central, and edX have free courses on a range of topics, so you can enable lifelong learning without the price tag.

Phone Apps

Many paid phone apps have free alternatives with similar features. From productivity tools to games, it’s often worth exploring free versions before spending money on premium apps. Sometimes, these trials are enough to serve the purpose.

Basic Tax Filing

Sometimes, spending money on tax filing software is redundant, especially if your income is simple or below a certain threshold. The IRS and some companies offer tax filing services online for free.

Moving Boxes

Moving boxes are in need constantly, which means they are used often as well. You can find them for free from local grocery stores, warehouses, or neighbors who’ve recently moved and are happy to give them away.

Photo Editing Software

You don’t need to buy expensive photo editing software when free programs like GIMP or online tools like Canva offer many of the same features. You can create and edit images with the same quality of output at no cost.

Antivirus Software

While many people purchase antivirus programs, there are free options that provide strong protection, such as Avast and AVG. These alternatives are often enough to keep your devices secure without a monthly fee.

PDF Readers

Buying a PDF reader isn’t necessary at all, as many free alternatives exist. Softwares like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview on Mac offer all the basic features you need to open and view documents.

Music Streaming

If you are okay with advertisements, platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora can easily supply you with the latest music and podcasts. Spending money is not a necessity to consume your favorite entertainment.

Productivity Trackers

Maintaining productivity is a challenge for many people, and apps that help you stay consistent are a natural solution. However, it is not necessary to spend lots of dollars to get the best help. Todoist and Microsoft OneNote can do it for free!

Cloud Storage

If you are a casual user who needs to store everyday documents or photos, services like Google Drive and Dropbox that offer free plans are enough. They offer sufficient space, so you don’t need to spend on extra cloud storage.

Event Tickets

You don’t always need to pay for entertainment. Many local events, concerts, and festivals offer free admission. Websites like Eventbrite can help you discover free activities in your area.

Budgeting Software

Although purchasing expensive budgeting tools might come in handy, many free apps like Mint or YNAB Lite provide powerful tracking and financial planning features to help you manage your money for free.

Video Conferencing

Free versions of Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype offer sufficient features and enough time for video calls. There are ways to work around the time and feature restrictions like starting a new meeting or manually entering your data. It is not necessary to pay for premium plans.

Magazine Subscriptions

Instead of paying for magazine subscriptions, check with your local library as they may offer access to digital magazines for free. Many libraries partner with services like Zinio to provide popular titles for free.

Stock Photos

Buying stock photos can be costly, but numerous websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer high-quality images for free, perfect for personal or professional use. The next time you create your content, remember to browse through the free resources first.

Language Learning Tools

Nowadays, it is very easy to learn a language for free, as the free Duolingo and Memrise apps offer lessons in multiple languages without sacrificing quality or quantity. Their user interfaces are also quite entertaining!

Home Maintenance Advice

You can easily watch YouTube tutorials to learn tips and tricks on home improvement. DIY websites also provide free videos detailing tasks like plumbing, electrical work, and yard maintenance.

Recipe Books

One can find free recipes and cookbooks all over the internet. From simple meals to gourmet dishes, platforms like Allrecipes and Food Network offer endless inspiration. Better yet, ask your parents or siblings for recipes that are traditional and nostalgic!

Business Software

In place of purchasing expensive business software, free versions of tools like Slack for communication, Asana for project management, and Google Docs for collaboration can help you run your business efficiently at no cost.

Children’s Books

There is no need to spend money on children’s books when many libraries offer extensive collections for free. Some apps and websites even offer free access to digital children’s books that you can download on your devices.

Games

If you want to experience a premium model of a game, chances are they have released a trial version of it for free. Alternatively, platforms like Steam or Epic Games regularly offer free game titles.

Greeting Cards

Who doesn’t buy greeting cards for special occasions, right? But free, printable cards are available online. Websites like Canva even allow you to customize your cards, so you can save money on store-bought options.

Office Software

Google Workspace or LibreOffice offers powerful word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools for personal and professional use. Hence, spending unnecessarily on office software doesn’t reap many benefits.