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Is Picking Up Pennies Still Worth My Time?

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picking up pennies“If Bill Gates saw $100 lying on the ground, it wouldn’t be worth his time to pick it up,” a friend told me once. She reasoned that he would make more during that time by doing something else. At an estimated salary of  $1.38 million per hour, Gates would likely make more than $100 in the two seconds it would take to pick up that $100 bill.

Is It Worth It If You’re Off the Clock?

“But what if he’s off the clock when he sees the $100?” I asked my friend. “Then it would be worth his time.” I realize that people like Bill Gates are never really off the clock, and in fact, that $1.38 million per hour includes even the minutes he’s sleeping, but my point was that he could just as easily spot the cash when he’s on the beach as when he’s doing business. Then he’s making money in his leisure time, not when he’s earning his salary.

Even if the $100 flew in his office window while he was working, I added, he could easily continue certain types of work – thinking of new ideas or talking to an assistant, for example – while he bends down to pick up the cash. Then, during those two seconds, he would have made $233 instead of $133. Even minimum-wage workers are allowed a few seconds to stretch, so no one is cheating his or her employer by picking up a penny on the clock.

The Value of Picking Up Pennies

Odds are, you’re not Bill Gates, you don’t make $1.38 million per hour, and you never see $100 bills lying on the ground. You probably see quite a few pennies, though. Is it worth your time to pick them up? If you could make a living picking up pennies, one after the other,  40 hours a week, you would make $37,440 a year, assuming two seconds to pick up each penny. Some people, like my friend, would say that picking up a penny is not worth your time if you make more than $37,400 annually. I say that, even if I made $500,000, picking up that penny would be worthwhile because I would then have made $500,000.01.

The amount of money you make is irrelevant to whether it is worth your time to pick up a penny. However, other factors may lead you to choose to let the penny remain there. By picking up a penny on a busy sidewalk, you risk being trampled and having to pay much higher medical bills. If you pick up a penny whose previous owner you can identify, you may be stealing (at least ethically, if not legally). Picking up a penny on a first date might give your date the idea you’re cheap, and you could miss out on a second date. (Though, if he’s a keeper, he will be thrifty himself and may beat you to the penny.)

For Most, It’s Worth It

You may be too tired to pick up the penny; your back may hurt; a child may appreciate finding it more than you would. Any of these circumstances could provide a legitimate reason to let a penny remain on the ground. “I make too much” is not a good excuse. If you had picked up the penny, no matter who you are, you likely would have made more.

Do you think it’s worth picking up pennies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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10 Money Saving Uses For Flour

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money saving uses for flour
Croissants. Shepherds Pie. Cake. What’s the common ingredient in all these dishes? Flour! Even if cooking isn’t your interest, there are plenty of good reasons to keep a sack of flour in your kitchen. Did you know this household staple has a number of uses that don’t involve being a food ingredient? Here are ten money-saving uses for flour.

1. Repel Ants

Ants can be significant indoor pests, especially small black sugar ants. If you want to keep ants from getting into your pantry, just sprinkle a line of flour along with the back of the pantry or where you see ants going in your house. The ants will be repulsed by the flour and won’t be able to cross the line. The trick here is that you’ll need to use white flour as ants are notorious for liking whole wheat flour. For good measure, mix the flour with some boric acid, but be careful if you have pets or children in the house – they may eat the acid/flour mix and you don’t want that. Don’t spend money on commercial ant traps – use flour instead. Total savings: $5 – $17.

2. Repel Garden Pests

Green thumbs have known about this trick for a while. To get rid of buggy predators simply sprinkle flour on squash or potato plants in order to repel pests. The starches in the flour will gum up the leaves, trapping insects until they die. Don’t buy expensive pesticides. Total savings: $18 – $20.

3. Clean Up Playing Cards

After a while, your playing cards can accumulate a layer of oil, snack residue, and household dirt. The way to clean them is to put some all-purpose flour in a paper bag. Drop the deck of cards into the bag with enough flour to cover, shake vigorously and then remove the cards. The flour will absorb the oils and the flour dust can be easily knocked off when you shuffle the deck. You may need to shuffle the deck several times before the cards come clean. Don’t buy a new deck. Total savings: $5 – $10.

4. Make Paste For Children’s Crafts

Flour is great for making a number of children’s crafts. Look no further than your pantry for an inexpensive safe paste that is ideal for children’s paper craft projects, such as paper mache and plays scrapbooking. To make the paste, mix 3 parts water and 1 part flour in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring consistently. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring until thick and smooth. Cool it off and pour it into a plastic bottle. The paste makes a handy glue and will keep for weeks in the refrigerator. No need to buy commercially available art paste. Total savings: $4 – $5.

5. Make Kids Modeling Clay

Parents know that entertaining children is a non-trivial challenge. So, use some flour to make kids modeling clay to keep your kids busy on a rainy day. Knead together three cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 or 2 drops of food coloring. Add or remove flour or water until the mixture is just right. When the ‘clay’ is the right consistency, store it until needed in a plastic bag. You can also form the clay into sculptures for handy holiday ornaments. No need to buy Play-doh. Total savings: $8.

6. Polish Copper and Brass

You can make your own brass and copper cleaner much more cheaply than buying it. Just combine equal parts flour, salt, and vinegar and mix it into a paste. Apply the paste to the metal. Let it dry. Once the mixture is dry, buff it off with a clean and dry cloth. No need to purchase copper cleaner. Total savings $13.

7. Restore Shine to Steel

If your stainless steel sink is looking a little flat use some flour to get it back to a warm glow. Here is what you do:

  1. Wash the sink thoroughly. Use some sort of cleaner on the sink, like dish soap and hot tap water.
  2. Dry the sink thoroughly. Buff the sink with a clean towel. This sounds lame, but water left in the sink will turn the flour into a nasty goo and you need the flour dry to get the buffing effect.
  3. Add flour and buff. Sprinkle the sink with flour, covering about half of it with a thick dusting. Then use a paper towel or soft cloth to buff the flour into the sink as if you were waxing a car. Don’t forget about the rim around the top of the sink, handles, knobs and all of the other little groves where dirt accumulates. The accumulated food gunk should start to disappear and the metal should start to look shiny again.

The flour works by getting into the grooves in the sink that sponges can’t reach. You can use this same process on steel pots and pans as well. No need to get steel cleaner. Total savings: $13.

8. Absorb Oil

If you are struggling to remove oil from a carpet, linoleum floor, or anywhere it has spilled, flour can easily solve this problem. Depending on how much oil has spilled, use an appropriate amount of flour to sop up the mess. Let the flour absorb the oil for a bit, then clean up the mess by wiping up the flour and scrubbing out the stain with soap and warm water. No need to buy a bunch of special pads. Total savings: $7.

9. Use It As A Door Wedge.

Another money-saving use for flour is to use your flour as a door wedge. The average bag of flour weighs about 5 bucks. If you have a door that won’t stay put, wrap your bag of flour in some plastic or put it in another bag and use it to prop your door. This will work better indoors and you’ll want to be sure the bag of flour is well wrapped so it won’t split open and cause a mess. No need for fancy door wedges. Total savings: $14 – $60.

10. Use Flour As A Security Feature.

Like most people you may have some things in your home that you would like to be kept private or secret. In this case, let’s say that you have a drawer with some private items inside of it (cash, firearms, other valuables, etc.). Simply sprinkle some flour on the edge of the drawer. The drawer is opened then flour will fall off the drawer, and you know if your goods have been accessed. Clearly, the best thing to do would be to secure your valuables in your home where nobody can find them, however with the flour option, you will know if someone has been in your stuff. Don’t buy kitschy hidden home safes. Total savings: $15 – $200.

Finally, if you are going to buy flour, don’t forget to save money by buying in bulk. For example, a regular 5 lb bag of Pillsbury unbleached white flour retails for about $5.40 on Amazon.com. A two-pack sells for $8.49 – a savings of $2.31 when you factor in unit costs.

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Photo credit: Melissa Wiese

11 Reasons To Do Jigsaw Puzzles

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puzzle
In our world of electronic gadgetry, the old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle gets short shrift. It’s not sexy or exciting, some think, so it can’t possibly be any fun. But jigsaw puzzles are a great source of frugal entertainment. As you pass the jigsaw puzzles in the toy department on the way to the more glamorous Lego’s, Leap Pads, iPads, and console games, here are some reasons why you should stop and take a longer look at the puzzles.

Inexpensive

Jigsaw puzzles are cheaper than many other toys and entertainment choices. You can find a 1,000 piece puzzle for less than $5 in some stores. You can find boxes with multiple puzzles included for under $10. And the price only goes down if you buy on clearance or from a thrift store or yard sale.

All Ages & Ability Levels

You can find jigsaw puzzles with big pieces that work well for little kids or those with dexterity problems. There are puzzles that contain many thousands of pieces if you need a challenge (I’ve seen one with 32,000 pieces) or puzzles that are all one color if you want to make yourself crazy. And there are plenty that are middle of the road. Whatever your ability, age, or amount of free time, you can find a puzzle that will work for you.

Puzzles Last

A puzzle can provide quite a few hours of entertainment. Given the inexpensive cost, you get a lot of entertainment time for your dollar.

Good For Your Brain

Puzzles are an excellent activity for keeping your brain sharp. They challenge your dexterity, spatial reasoning, and logic. Even better, they work both sides of your brain simultaneously, something few other activities do. The creative side works to see the finished product, while the logical side works to fit the pieces.

Social Interaction

While a puzzle taxes your brain, it’s not so demanding that you can’t talk with your friends or family while working on it. Some of the best conversations in this house have happened over a puzzle.

No Electricity Required

You don’t need electricity to work on a puzzle (at least during the daytime), unlike video games or movies. This means they don’t add to your power bill and you can use them during snowstorms or hurricanes when the power is out. It gives you something to do when other options aren’t available.

Improve Your Concentration

Nothing teaches you to focus and concentrate on a task like finding the right piece to go into the puzzle. You also learn patience because it can be quite a while before the puzzle starts to come together and you have to keep plugging away at it until it does.

Help Your Subconscious

They give your subconscious a chance to work on other things. Working a puzzle allows your mind to rest and think about other things. Whenever something big is bothering me or when I need to find a solution to a problem, I pull out a puzzle. I’ve come up with some of my best ideas and solutions while puzzling.

Inexpensive Artwork

If you glue a finished puzzle together and mount it, you’ve got some interesting artwork for your house or apartment. Puzzle glue and a frame or mounting board are inexpensive.

Educational Tool

I’ve learned about art and geography from puzzles. Puzzles of famous paintings and places have inspired me to look for more information.

Arthritis Help

Puzzles provide a gentle and enjoyable way for patients to improve dexterity and exercise their hands. Moving pieces, picking them up, and turning them doesn’t seem like much to someone with normal dexterity, but to an arthritis sufferer it can be a meaningful challenge.

The next time you’re looking for some entertainment on a budget, don’t just skip past the jigsaw puzzle aisle. Puzzles are cheap and they give you a lot of benefits for very little money. You can’t say that about many forms of entertainment. Making these even more budget friendly, chance are you have a few neglected puzzles in your closet right now.


Finally, if you are reading this and want to actually get some crossword puzzles to play, the best book on puzzles available is The Penguin Classics Crossword Puzzles. Its got nearly 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.com, so its a good addition to your collection.

(Photo courtesy of Filip Federowicz (filu))

12 Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes for Every Area of Your House

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With the prices of everything skyrocketing, making your own cleaning products can be an easy way to save money. In addition to saving money, most are homemade cleaners are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for use around pets and children. They take very little time to make, so they don’t add to the workload. Friends and family members frequently ask for my homemade cleaning products recipes, so I’m sharing 12 of my favorites. I’ve tried all of these and found them to be at least as effective, if not more so than commercially prepared products.

Getting Started

Before you get started mixing things up, you’ll need a couple of spray bottles to hold your homemade cleaning products. You can get inexpensive bottles in the travel section of stores like Wal-Mart or Target, or you can use glass spray bottles like these on Amazon, which are reusable and come with labels.

You can also reuse spray bottles from commercial cleaners as long as you thoroughly clean them out to prevent unwanted chemical reactions. Be sure to label your bottles to prevent accidents.

You’ll also need some old rags, sponges, or cloths for scrubbing purposes. I use an old fashioned sponge for the heavy scouring work and microfiber cloths for cleaning surfaces like countertops. Microfiber cloths can be rinsed/washed and reused over and over, making them an inexpensive choice if you don’t like rags or old washcloths.

12 Homemade Cleaning Products Recipes

Now that you’ve got your basic supplies, on to the recipes!

1. Window/Glass cleaner: Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can use a rag to wipe the glass, but a sheet of newspaper does even better.

2. Floor cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar into one gallon of water. Mop the floors as usual.

3. Countertops: Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe down countertops with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, scrub with baking soda.

4. Tubs/sinks: Straight baking soda works well for scouring away soap scum and mildew. Sprinkle it into the tub and add just enough water to make a paste. Then scour away. Spray the chrome with the countertop mixture (above) of vinegar and water then wipe down to make it shine. If you have heavy mold or mildew, straight vinegar sprayed directly on the affected area works well for loosening it.

5. Toilets: Sprinkle straight baking soda into the toilet and swish around with a brush. Let it stand for a few minutes, swish a final time, and flush.

6. Fabric softener: Pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser or add manually during the rinse cycle. This softens clothes, removes excess detergent and does not leave a smell behind.

7. Carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle straight baking soda on the carpet, using more in heavily trafficked areas or where pets stay. Vacuum after 20-30 minutes.

8. Powdered laundry detergent: Mix 5 cups soap flakes and 7 cups of Borax and shake well to mix the flakes and Borax. Store in plastic container or old laundry detergent box. Use 1/2 cup per load.

9. Exterior house wash: If you have vinyl siding, this cleanser will get rid of mold and mildew. Mix one quart of bleach per gallon of water in a hand sprayer. Add 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid (hand washing liquid such as Dawn or Ivory, not dishwasher liquid). The dishwashing soap just makes the mixture “sticky” so it will adhere to the wall long enough for the bleach to do the work. Spray on the walls and then rinse with a garden hose or light pressure wash.

10. Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and plug the drain until the fizzing stops. Pour one gallon of boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog. Prevent clogs by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain once per week.

11. Dishwasher Rinse Aid: Pour distilled white vinegar into the rinse agent compartment and wash as usual.

12. Furniture Polish: Mix 1/4 cup olive oil or mineral oil with 4 tablespoons distilled white vinegar and 20-30 drops of lemon essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before using.

Homemade Cleaning Product Concerns

One of the concerns I often hear about the recipes that use vinegar is that the vinegar will leave a smell behind. Let me assure you that once it dries or runs through the rinse cycle in the washer, it no longer smells. One of the benefits of homemade cleansers is that most leave no scent whatsoever behind, so your home does not smell like a hospital. If you want to add some scent, you can experiment with essential oils such as peppermint or lemon. You can find these at health food stores, or places like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Another concern is that these cleansers don’t kill bacteria. Research has shown that vinegar does kill certain household pathogens, so if you want to disinfect without using harmful antibacterial chemicals, vinegar is a great choice. Tea tree oil is another great disinfectant and can be mixed with water and used on countertops and in sinks, tubs, and toilets to disinfect.

Helpful Tips and Warnings

As with any sort of cleanser, test your creations on inconspicuous areas to make sure there’s no discoloration, scratching, or other adverse effects. And two final words of warning: First, never use vinegar on natural stone such as granite or marble because it will scratch and pit the stone. Second, never mix bleach with vinegar because it will give off a toxic gas.

Using homemade cleansers is just as effective and much less expensive than using commercial cleansers. Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t hesitate to experiment with the concentrations and added scents you use to find what works best for you. Just remember to always test anything new before using it widely.

Do you make your own household cleaners? Share your tips in the comments below!

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Not Just Books: Here are 27 Free Things at the Library

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free things at the library

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the library for the books they provide. But even I didn’t realize all the free resources and activities they have until I spent a week actively seeking out all they had to offer. I was surprised at how much I found and had to pinch myself often to remind myself that it was all free or extremely low cost. Of course, I pay taxes to get these benefits, but since I have to pay taxes regardless, I’m happy to get something in return.

27 Free Things at the Library

I live in a large metropolitan area, not a major metropolis, but a good-sized city. If you live in a smaller area, your library may not have as many offerings, but they probably have many things that would be of interest to you. Your best friend is the library’s calendar of events if they publish one. Pick one up and see what interests you. Below is a list of 27 free things I found at my library.

1. Free Books

This is the primary reason for the library’s existence. Most libraries offer free checkout privileges for residents or there may be a small charge to obtain a card. If you live outside of the area the library serves, you may have to pay a small fee for a card, but it’s likely to be far less than the cost of books.

2. Audiobooks

Our library now offers audiobooks on tape and CD, in addition to printed books. Great for long car trips or the visually impaired.

3. DVDs

Many libraries offer DVDs for check out. They may not be the newest releases, and you may have to get on a waiting list for popular titles, but it can be a great way to get some free entertainment.

4. CDs

Just like DVDs, many libraries offer audio CDs. It can be a great way to listen to some new and different music that you wouldn’t ordinarily try.

5. Book Sales

When the library cleans out its old materials and unneeded donations, they sell those books to the public to raise funds for new materials. Prices vary, but it’s not uncommon to find hardbacks for under $5 and paperbacks for under $1. Some sales even have clearance days when you pay a flat fee for a bag or box of books.

6. Internet Access

Our library offers free internet access, either on their terminals or over a WiFi network that you can use with your own laptop. Some sites are, necessarily, blocked, but the vast majority of sites are accessible. Great if you don’t want to pay for Internet access at home.

7. Computer Access

Beyond Internet access, the library offers computers loaded with Microsoft Office applications and other utilities. They are free to use, and you only pay per page if you need to print something. If you don’t use a computer that often and don’t want to own one, this is a great resource.

8. Free Magazines

The library dumps their old magazines into a bin where anyone can take them. They also allow patrons to bring in their old magazines for others to take. This can be a great way to stock up on some reading material for free.

9. Book Clubs

You can find a book club for almost any interest, from fiction to non-fiction. Some are narrowly focused such as those dedicated to certain authors, genres, or non-fiction subjects. At my library, patrons are encouraged to request a book club or offer to start one if one doesn’t exist that suits their interest.

10. Art Exhibitions

Our library hosts free exhibitions of art, collections, and other talents of residents. This is fun to look at and a great way to gain exposure for your work if you have something to exhibit.

11. Free Bookmarks

Our library gives away free bookmarks. They change seasonally or are printed with upcoming special events.

12. Coupons to Local Attractions and Businesses

Many businesses leave coupons and coupon books at the checkout counter or with the “local interest” materials in the lobby. These are free for patrons to take and are often high dollar coupons.

13. Free Classes

There are all kinds of classes at the library, including language courses, writing classes, how-to courses, business and finance classes, and computer classes. There are also other, more specialized classes, throughout the year offering varying levels of instruction.

14. Children’s Entertainment

Games, puppet shows, arts and crafts, story times, scavenger hunts and other entertainment are available for children. Some things, such as arts and crafts, may require a small fee for materials, but almost everything is free.

15. Literacy Classes

If you or your child need help learning to read and write, the library has a staff of volunteers trained in literacy education that are willing to help.

16. Reference Assistance

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Most reference librarians are very good at helping you track down obscure works, facts, or statistics. At some libraries, you don’t even have to leave your house as they offer online access to a reference librarian. Their help is free.

17. Interlibrary Loan

Many libraries have partnerships with other libraries and can request books from other systems for their patrons to use. At our library, we can get books from almost any university or library system in the country. Depending on the library, there may be a small fee for this service, but it is much less than the cost of the book.

18. Free Access to Popular Databases

As a library patron, I’m can use online databases such as LexisNexis, EBSCO, and PsychInfo and search the archives of major newspapers and encyclopedias for free. The library pays the subscription fee for these services. If not for the library, I would have to pay.

19. Expert Assistance

Sometimes the library brings in various experts to help with problems. During tax season, accountants and tax preparers volunteer their time to help out. Sometimes medical professionals and lawyers come in to answer questions or offer free advice. Other subject matter experts are available during other times of the year.

20. Lectures, Storytelling Festivals, and Speaker Series’

Authors, important citizens, professors, artists, storytellers, and other notable people are often invited to speak on topics of interest or to promote their endeavors. These may be one time appearances or ongoing series’ covering a variety of topics.

21. Free Movies

No, they’re not first run movies, but the library frequently offers free screenings. Most of the offerings are movies based on books, but sometimes they offer other movies just for entertainment.

22. Free Concerts

Local bands and musicians sometimes play at library hosted concerts. The music may have a theme, such as music from a literary period or the selections may be holiday based.

23. Summer Reading Programs and Contests

In the summer, the library offers reading programs for both adults and kids. Readers enter weekly prize drawings and a drawing for an end of summer grand prize. Kids also get other incentives like stickers and gift certificates to local book stores.

24. Tutoring and Homework Help

Students can get free help with their homework or receive additional tutoring. The library keeps a volunteer staff of subject experts with teaching experience to help kids navigate their schoolwork.

25. Bookmobile

This free service brings books to those who cannot get out on their own.

26. Reading Lists

When I don’t know what to read next, or I’m looking for additional books on a subject, nothing beats a ready-made reading list to spark my interest. Some lists are “staff picks,” and others are “If you liked X, try Y,” suggestion lists. There are also lists for every fiction genre and non-fiction topic.

27. Teen Activities

Many libraries offer social activities just for teens such as book clubs, classes, pizza nights, karaoke, and games. It’s a safe environment for teens to meet other teens.

No matter the size of your library system, you’re likely to find many free or low-cost resources that will interest you. A library is one of the best benefits you have as a citizen of a particular community, and I encourage you to take advantage of whatever they may offer. If you’re able, consider giving back donations of money, time, or books you no longer want. Your gifts will enable your library to expand its offerings and reach more people.

Does your library offer any other free things? Share with us in the comments below!

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Free (Or Nearly Free) Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

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A lot of people ask me, “If you don’t watch TV and you choose to limit movies, clubs, restaurants, etc. in order to save money, what do you do for entertainment? Aren’t you bored?” I usually look at them, dumbfounded, because to me there is too much to do and boredom is never a problem. I have never struggled to find inexpensive or free entertainment.

However, I understand that those who are used to relying on “prepackaged” entertainment may have a problem at first identifying all the fun, free things there are to do in and around their communities. When I first turned frugal, I wasn’t aware of all the things I could do, but I’ve learned over time. So, for those who are looking for more free/inexpensive things to do, I offer this list:

Free Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

1. Free museums. Some paid museums have free days, and some museums are always free. Call around to the museums in your area and ask. Some also sponsor free outings to local points of interest.

2. Read. The library is a great source of free books. Yard sales, flea markets, and book sales are great sources of very cheap books. Websites such as PaperbackSwap.com allow users to trade books just for the cost of postage.

3. Movies. Yes, I said movies. Some community groups, libraries, and museums show free movies. Many towns have a dollar theater that shows first-run movies cheap. Some libraries lend DVDs. You can also find DVDs for almost nothing at yard sales and flea markets (many times for a buck or two), and then you can resell or swap them for something new. Even renting with Redbox is much cheaper than going to the theater.

4. Take the kids to the community playground. You don’t have to go to a restaurant with a playground or a pay-to-play indoor park. Many communities have nice playgrounds that are free.

5. Go to the park. Whether it’s a park with a playground (see number 4) or a state park, there are lots of recreational opportunities at a park ranging from walking/hiking to picnicking to just sitting and reading or people watching.

6. Ride a bike. Depending on your area, a bike ride might be a good way to spend some time outdoors.

7. Go for a walk in your neighborhood. If you walk alone, it gives you some quiet time. If you walk with friends or family, and it’s a chance to connect while getting some exercise.

8. Get some friends together for a game. Gather your friends for a game of baseball, basketball, football, tennis, frisbee, or soccer game. Many communities have sports facilities that can be used by the general public when not in use for league play.

9. Live music. Some community groups and museums offer free concerts and some up, and coming bands play for free at local bars and clubs (with no cover charge). Look for open mic nights that attract up and comers.

10. Potluck or progressive dinners with friends. If you prefer something indoors, consider getting together for a meal.

11. Local theater. Some community players offer free performances to test a program before launching it on a paying audience. High schools and universities are also good sources of free theater.

12. Local historical sites, battlefields, or historic homes. Most are free, low cost or “request” a small donation.

13. Swim. Some communities offer free or low-cost public pools. Others are blessed with swimmable lakes.

14. Lectures. If you live near a university, free lectures are always offered on a variety of topics. Even without a university, many communities feature appearances by authors, actors, and others.

15. Free magazines. Check out the magazines at your local library.

16. City. Many communities offer tours for new residents or visitors. Most are free. Tag along, and you might learn something new about your area.

17. Art galleries. Many offer free showings.

18. The library. In addition to being a source of free books, most host free children’s programs and adult workshops on a variety of topics. Check their schedule for more information.

19. Craft events. Many craft sorts such as Michaels or AC Moore offer free classes and projects for both kids and adults.

20. The local bookstore. Many offer readings by authors or open mic nights for poetry or short fiction readings. Some offer story times for kids. You can also read magazines and books without making a purchase, although this privilege shouldn’t be abused.

21. Community festivals. Many communities have festivals such as spring flings, agricultural celebrations, music festivals, craft showcases, or celebrations of local heritage. Most are free to attend.

22. Parades. Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s day or local band days bring out parades including music and other performances.

23. Holiday celebrations. In addition to parades, many communities offer free activities such as fireworks on the 4th of July, egg hunts at Easter, or free New Year’s Eve parties.

24. Camp out. If you already have a tent and some sleeping bags, an overnight camp out at the local park or in your yard is a fun, inexpensive change of pace.

25. Church. If you’re religious, church can be a great source of free activities such as outings, exercise classes, crafts, and book groups.

26. The animal shelter. This is a great place to play with some animals without incurring the expense of owning one. Many shelters need volunteers to exercise the animals, so ask if you can help out. You’re doing something good for the animals and having some fun at the same time.

27. The zoo or aquarium. For more animal fun, try the local zoo or aquarium. Most are very inexpensive and many offer significant discounts to those who purchase memberships, good for more than one visit.

28. Board games, cards, and puzzles. These are inexpensive ways to pass an evening as a family. You can find lots of used games at yard sales and thrift stores, or maybe someone in your family has some that they are looking to get rid of. Even purchased new, these are inexpensive compared to the amount of entertainment you get out of them.

29. Take up an inexpensive hobby. Writing, poetry, origami, organizing the family photos, genealogy, certain crafts, etc. are all inexpensive ways to pass the time. Even cooking, while not always inexpensive, can be a frugal hobby because you get to consume the results of your labors.

30. Pick your own produce or cut your own Christmas tree. Yes, you have to pay for what you pick/cut, but you’d be buying food at the store anyway, right? Many pick your own places also offer other things like tram rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, crafts, holiday activities or performances by local groups.

31. The farmers market. Again, you have to pay for what you buy, but some farmer’s markets offer gardening classes, local performers, or holiday celebrations.

32. Public gardens. Most communities have public gardens where you can walk amongst the flowers and trees. Particularly stunning in spring.

33. Business tours. Some large companies offer free tours of their facilities, which can be interesting and might end with a free sample of the company’s products.

34. Free/low cost classes. Some community colleges or extension programs offer free classes or workshops. Even if you have to pay, the cost is usually small. Free classes or workshops are also available at some stores, such as home improvement classes at Home Depot or Lowes.

35. Minor league, college, or high school sporting events. These aren’t usually free (although some low profile college or high school sports offer free admission), but the cost is nothing when compared to major league sports.

36. Join a club. There are many clubs dedicated to all kinds of interests. Most offer free membership or nominal dues to cover operating expenses. Book clubs, Red Hat’s for senior women, clubs for people with or without kids, game clubs, sporting clubs, business clubs, are just a few examples.

37. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of good podcasts available for free. Some are funny, some are educational, and some are political. There are topics for every interest. Some are available on iTunes for free and others can be downloaded directly from websites that interest you.

38. Take the dogs to the dog park. If you have a dog park nearby, this is a good chance to get out and get some exercise and bonding time with your pet.

39. Don’t overlook the obvious attractions of your area. If you live near the mountains, you’ve got winter fun all sewn up — sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, etc. Same if you live near the coast — you’ve got fishing, beach trips, shell collecting and sandcastle building. Sometimes when you live near a natural haven for entertainment, it’s easy to forget what you have at your disposal.

40. Keep cheap entertainment on hand for the kids. Avoid rainy or snow day desperation by keeping things like coloring books, activity books, crayons, card games, craft ideas and supplies, DVD’s borrowed from the library or purchased cheaply, unread books, etc. on hand.

41. Go to the mall. No, not to shop (and be certain you can resist the temptation before you go or this tip’s worthless). Malls sometimes offer performances by school musical groups, they likely have a free indoor play area for rainy days, or you might see a fashion show. During holiday periods, you can visit Santa or the Easter Bunny. Some stores, like the Apple Store, offer free classes and instruction on their products. It’s a good place to walk if the weather is bad and people watching is always entertaining.

42. Recapture a little of your childhood with your kids. Catch fireflies in the summer, play on the swings, build roads to nowhere in the dirt, play in the sandbox, feed and watch the birds, collect rocks, etc. These simple pleasures are often overlooked in our electronic age, but they are fun for kids and low cost.

43. Yard sales and flea markets. Yes, if you buy you have to pay, but it’s entertaining and free to just look around. Sometimes there are even freebies to be had. If you have a need, you can score some great deals in the process.

44. Write a letter. Letter writing is a lost art in the age of email and cheap long distance, but it’s still fun to receive a handwritten letter from someone you care about. Write to a friend or family member that you don’t see often and update them on your life and just remind them that you care.

45. Free computer games. If you have high speed Internet access, there are a lot of free games available online. Just beware of viruses, spyware, etc.

46. Music. In addition to free concerts (#9, above) there is free music to be had that you can put on your iPod or burn to CD. iTunes offers a free download or two each week. Up and coming bands often post free songs on their websites so you can sample their wares. You can listen to many radio stations from other states or countries as free streaming broadcasts. Just remember to never illegally download or copy copyrighted music.

47. County or state fairs. Admission to many is free, while some charge a small fee. Once you’re in the gate, there’s usually no additional charge to walk the grounds and look at the exhibits or see the animals. Most only require that you pay extra for the rides and the food. If you skip the rides and pack a picnic lunch, this can be a free or cheap day out.

48. Video games. No, video game consoles aren’t cheap, but if you already have one and some games, you can pass many hours playing. Rent games or buy them cheap on the used market. If you have friends with different games or consoles, invite them over and play against them, or take your console to their house. It’s a great way to try different games and consoles while having some cheap fun.

49. The local arts center. Many communities have an arts center that hosts art exhibitions, offers art, dance or other classes, and has activities for kids. The offerings are usually ever changing and free or inexpensive.

50. The senior center. If you’re age appropriate, many areas have a senior center that offers free classes, outings, and activities just for your age group.

51. Know what you’ve already paid for. If you live in an apartment complex or housing development, you may have access to a recreation center with exercise equipment, games, game tables, movies, or areas in which you can host gatherings that your rent/dues pays for. Your development may also offer special activities such as pool parties or cookouts that are open to all residents. Make sure you keep abreast of any offerings that you’re already paying for and get the most out of them.

52. Volunteer for something you find fun. Maybe you can volunteer as an usher at a theater and see the performance for free. Or, consider volunteering at the senior center and playing cards with other people. Libraries are also great places to volunteer, plus you get to check out the new books before anyone else. Whatever you find fun can probably be turned into a volunteer activity.

The thing about free or frugal entertainment is that it isn’t always the most obvious choice. There likely isn’t a neon sign pointing you to the free museum like the one that’s pointing to the multiplex. You have to search out some offerings by looking in local papers or visiting local websites, but it’s worth your time. There’s plenty to do that’s free or low cost; you just have to accustom yourself to hunting out these jewels rather than automatically reaching for your wallet.

Do you have any free or nearly free ideas for entertainment? Share with us in the comments below.