What things do you never pay for?

[disneysteve]

Things must be very different where you live. I rarely see water fountains here. Even public restrooms (where I assume one might find a sink) are a rarity.

I guess so. We live in a metropolitan area (Philadelphia suburbs) so there is a fast food restaurant on every corner, a gas station, a convenience store, a supermarket, etc. All have public restrooms, some have fountains. It's never hard to find a place to get free water.

[hamchan]

I guess so. We live in a metropolitan area (Philadelphia suburbs) so there is a fast food restaurant on every corner, a gas station, a convenience store, a supermarket, etc. All have public restrooms, some have fountains. It's never hard to find a place to get free water.

We have all those things in the inner city, but you have to purchase something to get the restroom key almost everywhere, if they will let you use it at all.

[disneysteve]

We have all those things in the inner city, but you have to purchase something to get the restroom key almost everywhere, if they will let you use it at all.

In that case, I would definitely carry my own. The bottle I carry will stay cold all day unless it is really hot outside.

[hamchan]

In that case, I would definitely carry my own. The bottle I carry will stay cold all day unless it is really hot outside.

I don't usually, only because it's one more thing I have to carry around with me all day. My purse is too small for a water bottle. Everything I buy and everything I bring with me has to be carried until I get home, so I pack light.

[jbax]

I have recently become aware of the items I have been purchasing that I did not need to. Like others have said, shop CVS.

I no longer have to pay for shampoo,toothpaste, deodorant, etc. You have to use coupons and take advantage of their in-store promotions so you can't always be picky about what you get, but when you are paying nothing...

Also, watch your Sunday or printable coupons. There are many times when you can find $1 off coupons that can be used at places like Dollar Tree. You can get things like Ziploc or aluminum foil for free.

[TheKayla]

A lot of same answers! Haircuts, salon visits, TV/Cable, bottled water, premade beauty products -- I make my own of just use water.

[lightguy]

I've never paid for TV. I watch my favorite programs for free.

[krantcents]

I hate paying for fees! I will never pay any banking fees at all. In addition, I never pay for check printing, travelers checks, or safe deposit box. I don't pay for bottled water (Los Angeles water is fine), I rarely buy stamps (online banking)to pay bills and rarely pay retail.

[Savingonitall]

Following coupon bloggers

Following coupon bloggers or joining a facebook group can get your free or cheap deals on just about anything. I do many stores coupon matchup's for my blog so I have gotten everything from cheese, paper towels, to fly paper for free. Making sure you do NOT print coupons you are not going to use, get free products you will not use or let couponing change your diet (vegi & fruit coupons are harder to find but are out there) is an important part of couponing and actually saving money with it. Too many people switch from compulsive spending to compulsive spending using coupons as an excuse to shop. Obviously, used well, coupons and coupon codes can save you money.

I always suggest you start with one store, learn it's policy, find some good matchups, and give it a try. Sign up for the stores emails, rewards cards, checkout their website, facebook page, rewards programs. An example that most people do not know. CVS beauty rewards of $5 ECB for every %50 purchased on beauty products is a program MANY couponer's do not sign up for if they don't buy makeup. The problem is CVS includes Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and other items as qualifying toward that beauty reward. Many people miss out on rewards just because they didn't look at the details of it. I suggest you sign up for all the free rewards programs. It doesn't cost you anything! Hope that helps

[CashUp Sammy]

Haven't paid for a haircut since I met my haridresser wife

I don't pay for cleaning products, am lucky to get these from one of my friends businesses.

An interesting "free food" movement has started here, where people have a free market to give away excess, home grown produce. It's pretty cool.

[SandraGenJobs]

What things do you never pay for?

Well, since I have a well paid home based job, I don't have to waste time on gas and that's a giant plus for me. Another thing I don't waste money on are newspapers.

[mommycakes66]

alcohol and cigarettes also coffee / never picked up the habits

[basic flair]

I don't pay for haircuts. I've been cutting my own for about 8 years now.

I've got a great place I've been visiting over the last ten years that gives haircuts for $5; I tip $3 for each haircut so it ends up at $8 total.

Downside is they primarily speak Vietnamese and they periodically chatter and giggle. I never know why they're laughing (anyone see that Seinfeld episode?) but they are great people and they all do a great job.

[riverwed070707]

An interesting "free food" movement has started here, where people have a free market to give away excess, home grown produce. It's pretty cool.

That is cool. Where do you live? I follow a group on facebook called Food is Free and people are always posting pics of giving away excess from their gardens or even seedlings so people can plant their own. We just got our large front yard garden in the ground last week and I hope to setup a table where we can give away our excess. We have a 70 acre park across the street that is packed from sun up to sun down and I hope people will have enough interest to stop and pick stuff up. Would love to see it become more of a trend here.

[summerdsea]

I try to never pay for parking. I use to valet whenever I could, but now I self park. Sometimes you need to pay for entertainment or things to do, but I try to include a lot of free activities into my life. Books - go to the library. Exercise - get outside, body weight movements, etc.