<p>It all began when my mom gave me money to take to the book fair. I counted each and every penny. I wasn’t sure what selections would await me when I stepped into the corner of our school gymnasium that had been converted into a magical miniature book store. Up and and down the aisles, I gazed looking for that perfect purchase.</p>
<p>On the end caps, a number of extras caught my eye. There were bendy pencils measuring over two feet long. There were stickers and posters. Bookmarks with unicorns and rainbows hung in perfect rows. After what felt like hours of looking, I laid my eyes upon my new prized possession.</p>
<p>Between its covers, this book held wonders untold. Page after page, paragraph after paragraph contained item after item you could “order” without money. If you mailed a simple self addressed stamped envelope in to a particular company or organization, they would mail you back something absolutely free. From ink pens to sea monkeys to stickers and more, the world was my oyster. Thus began my obsession with free.</p>
<p>Many years later, 2008 to be precise, I set up a website Queenoffree.net to share my passion of all things free with the rest of the world. After all, if you can get something for free, why in the world would you spend money purchasing it?</p>
<p>If you too love all things free, check out some of my favorite free (or much more affordable) things in life.</p>
<p>Audiobooks</p>
<p>I love everything about our local libraries (shout out to my friends at JCPL and GPL). From free programming for my family to books and movies, there’s so much to learn and do at your nearest branch. But my favorite thing to check out on my library card isn’t a physical book or DVD. Instead, I regularly use my library card to “check out” books via an app on my cellphone.</p>
<p>There’s no need for a pricey audiobook subscription service at all. Apps like hoopla, OverDrive, and Libby give you access to thousands of books. Plus, some of them offer free streaming of movies, tv shows and music, too. Ask your librarian how to start taking advantage.</p>
<p>Coffee and tea</p>
<p>I know preparing your own beverages at home still costs something. However, the upcharge of purchasing these drinks at a restaurant is astronomical. For mere pennies at home, you can have the same delicious experience. You might even be able to invest in better equipment or materials with all of the money you save. Skip purchasing bottled water and bring your own reusable bottle along, too.</p>
<p>Workouts</p>
<p>Gym memberships get pricey quickly. Obviously, as long as you have a decent pair of sneakers, you can run and walk outdoors for a good workout. But if you’re looking for a fitness class, you can also hit YouTube. Each week, I do workouts from FitnessBlender.com and Yoga with Adriene. Whether you have plenty of fitness equipment at home or none at all, you can find a workout for your fitness level, time frame and taste.</p>
<p>Spending time with family</p>
<p>We often think that making memories with our families equates to spending cash. But, we can create plenty of fun and bond together without spending a dime. Some of our favorite time is spent by doing the silliest things — having a water fight in the backyard, putting together a puzzle or playing a video game together.</p>
<p>Samples & rewards</p>
<p>I still love freebies that I’m not expecting. So I pay close attention to the places where I shop and take advantage of their loyalty programs and sample opportunities. I have a special folder on my phone with the apps of my favorite restaurants.</p>
<p>So many opportunities for freebies abound that you could wear yourself out running around all over town collecting them all (especially on your birthday). I always try to choose carefully so I don’t end up spending money trying to get something for free.</p>
