Best Things in Life are Free - Tesh Tuesday

Things You Should Be Getting for Free

If you’re like most people, you probably love freebies! So, here’s a list of things you’re probably paying for - but shouldn't be, courtesy of US News & World Report:

• Let’s start with basic computer software. There’s no need to lay out hundreds of bucks for brand-name software when there are free alternatives, like OpenOffice.org – which includes word processing, spreadsheets, graphics and databases, and can read and write files from other common software programs.

• Your credit report. Forget the jingle for a website that really isn’t free. Once a year, you can get free credit reports from all three credit agencies – Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. Just click on AnnualCreditReport.com.

• Water! It covers 70 percent of the planet, so why should you pay extra for the bottled kind? Instead of forking over at least a dollar for every bottle of water, save your money and the environment by drinkingtap water, and filling reusable bottles. If you’re worried about contaminants, invest in a home water purifier.

• You also shouldn't be paying for banking. With so many credit card offers out there, you can easily get a card with no annual fee. The same thing goes for checking accounts and ATMs: They should all be free. If you’re being charged, it may be time to move your money to a different bank.

• There’s also no need to pay a bundle for DVD rentals. They’re free to rent at most libraries, and Red Box vending machines charge only $1 a night, a cost you can avoid by using a coupon code from the siteInsideRedBox.com.

• The final freebie on the list: Shipping charges. If you shop online you not only save on sales tax, but you can usually find coupon codes for free shipping. With the holidays not that far off, you could save a bundle. Check out FreeShipping.org.

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