It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of getting something valuable — or just plain fun — without paying a cent for it.
Take learning a new skill, for example. Online learning platform Coursera offers a host of free courses.
Recently, for example, you could take a free beginner-level course on financial markets from Yale economist Robert Shiller or on computer programming with Princeton instructors Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne. EdX also offers free online courses.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Want to become handier around the house? Home Depot has free webcasts on topics such as removing and installing carpet or replacing light fixtures. Because the workshops are streamed live, you can ask the instructors questions.
Your kids can get in on the fun, too. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer free monthly in-store building workshops for children.
During the workshops — which are usually on the first Saturday of the month at Home Depot and on the third Saturday of the month at Lowe’s — children make crafts ranging from model airplanes to miniature fire stations.
Get birthday and holiday treats
Some retailers and restaurant chains give you a complimentary item for your birthday if you’re a member of their rewards program (but check the rules — you may have to make a purchase of a certain amount before you can redeem the birthday offer).
To name a few: IHOP provides a free stack of pancakes, Panera Bread offers a pastry, and Ulta Beauty lets you choose a small cosmetic item. Budgeting website The Penny Hoarder lists more than 100 places that offer birthday freebies.
You can also find free items from restaurants on food “holidays” throughout the year.
For example, on National Ice Cream Day, which takes place on the third Sunday in July, vendors including Dairy Queen and Dippin’ Dots have offered complimentary treats. Watch for promotions on restaurants’ websites and apps.
Find more goodies
The website FreeStuffFinder.com is a catch-all resource for discounts, coupons and free offers on a variety of products, services and events.
Its “Free Stuff” page recently included information on the summer Kids Bowl Free program — through which more than 1,500 bowling alleys nationwide allow children two free daily games — and a state-by-state listing of days that you can go fishing without purchasing a license, among many other freebies.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
Related content
- Smart Ways to Save Money at Museums
- Don't Miss Out on These Four Credit Card Benefits
- How to Find Deals on Travel in 2025
- Three Ways to Find Deals in Your Investments This Year
- Three Ways to Spend Less on Groceries This Year
- How to Find Deals on Electronics Amid Tariffs
- Surprising Ways to Find Deals on Cars Despite Tariffs
- Strategies to Spend Less on Clothing and Online Shopping in 2025
-
Dow Climbs 559 Points to Hit a New High: Stock Market TodayThe rotation out of tech stocks resumed Tuesday, with buying seen in more defensive corners of the market.
-
Are You Saving Too Much for Retirement? Know These Surprising DownsidesYour money may be better served outside of a retirement account.
-
Are You Saving Too Much for Retirement? Know These Surprising Downsides
Your money may be better served outside of a retirement account.
-
Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New RetireeWhat I faced in my first dental bill after retiring.
-
Fish and Chips? More Like Fish and a Side of Customer Confusion and AngerYou expect chips — French fries, actually — to come with your order of fish and chips? Think again. This restaurant could be violating the truth-in-menu laws.
-
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?Is it safe to decline the extra coverage car rental companies offer you when booking? Here's what you need to know.
-
Outsmarting the AI Job Algorithm: Why Older Women Need a StrategyWhen you're job hunting, AI may undermine your best efforts. Here's how older women can throw a wrench in the algorithm.
-
I'm Embarrassed to Ask: What Is a Life Insurance Trust?Life insurance trusts, particularly irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), can minimize estate taxes and protect your heir's inheritance.
-
Are Your Employees Quietly Cracking? How to Repair the Cracks Before Everything BreaksSome employees who are unable to change jobs due to economic conditions are doing only the bare minimum, leading to decreased work quality and team morale.
-
I'm 61 and need $50,000 for home repairs. Should I borrow, given today's rates, or take a withdrawal from my $950,000 401(k)?We asked financial experts for advice.
