Free stuff almost sounds like a contradiction in terms in 2026, but it turns out that it still exists. There are still lots of things that society is willing to hand out in order to help you save money.
But what specifically do we recommend exploring? Let’s take a look.
Digital libraries
Are you somebody who spends a lot of money ordering digital books and paying subscription fees? If so, you might want to look and see whether your local area offers a digital library. Authorities often fund this through taxes, and there are often large digital ecosystems that replace the need for physical libraries. Physical branches now let you check out actual items without paying anything.
For example, let’s say you want to rent a movie or a documentary. Sometimes it’s in the public domain, and you don’t have to pay any royalties or commissions.
Tap into the local gift economy
The local gift economy is another way to get free stuff and can be a great way to indulge in a Buy Nothing project. For example, there are now plenty of Freecycle schemes up and running that allow you to pick up items that would otherwise be heading for landfills. You can also join the Buy Nothing Project, which is a network of local groups where neighbours give away good items for free and forbid trading or selling. People often donate their furniture, kitchen appliances, and kids’ toys and so on to prevent them from going in the trash.
Seek out commercial freebies
If you go on sites like Wow Freebies, you can often find commercial freebies. Companies often want people to test out their products to see if they’re safe and leave reviews online. Obviously, using these products isn’t completely free if your time is involved. If you have a bit of time to spare and you don’t mind lifestyle product reviews, it could be a good option for you.
Watch YouTube programming
YouTube programming is another way to reduce your entertainment costs. Instead of signing up for an expensive premium service, you choose YouTube and watch free content there. Yes, you’ll have to sit through some adverts, but it’s often worth it for saving $15 to $20 every month on streaming services.
Look for zero cost fitness
Do you really have to pay top dollar to go to a gym every month? In most communities, there are walk and run clubs and plenty of other facilities available. For example, there might be a park gym, or there could be a group that goes out cycling every weekend. Joining these groups allows you to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week without having to spend any money. The facilities might be basic, but all you usually need is some running shoes.
Leverage free culture
Finally, you can leverage free culture instead of going on shopping trips. Many municipalities and cities offer free museum days and public events that don’t require you to buy tickets to attend.
