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Since you work hard for your money, you probably don’t think you’d waste any. But you know what? You probably do.

Prime example? News. If you still pay for magazines or newspapers, get them free online.

What about free checking? Getting harder to find, but still out there. Best bet? A credit union.

And speaking of banking fees…Americans pay billions every year just for using another bank’s ATM. Get an app to find your bank’s ATM, or better yet, just get extra cash back at the store.

Don't ever pay for a scholarship search: that’s something else you can get for free.

What about free 411? Companies now charge up to 2 and ½ bucks to give you a number. But you can use a service like 800-free-411 to get numbers free if you'll listen to an ad, or Google: text a business to G-O-O-G-L-E on your cell phone and you'll get the number texted back.

You shouldn't have to pay to check luggage. If you can't fly a baggage-fee-free airline, try to get elite status on the one you fly most: that can get you one free bag per flight. Better yet, pack light and carry on.

And last but not least… let’s not forget the library: free books, video, music, magazines, information, Internet access and e-books.

Bottom line? The best things in life? Still free… and so are some of the other things you might be wasting money on now. Want more ideas for free stuff? Go to MoneyTalksNews.com and do a search for "Free."

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