This article originally appeared and was published on AOL.com
Nothing in life comes absolutely free, but there are things you can take advantage of getting for free in your everyday life.
Why go to a cafe that charges you for Wi-fi when you can go to one that offers it free of charge? And why shell out for someone to help you with tax preparation and filing when there are tons of reliable online resources you can use for free?
There are alternative options and different methods for everything on this list, and paying for any of these is a spending mistake.
Here are 18 everyday items and services that you should never pay for:
Napkins
DVDs/VHS tapes
Bottled water
Travel-sized toiletries
Foreign language lessons
Travel/navigation apps
Tax preparation
Museum tickets
News
Wi-fi outside of your home
Cable TV
Books (hard copy or on an e-reader)
Extended warranties on big purchases
Credit card usage abroad
Memory sticks/cards
Credit report/score
Long-distance phone calls
Sometimes, it’s as simple as utilizing the free version of an app instead of upgrading to the premium or taking advantage of free water in cafes and restaurants.
Of course, it’s difficult to cut the necessary costs in life, like groceries and gas.
But the good thing to know is that when you need to cut corners, there are certainly ways around the everyday expenses.
More on AOL.com:
12 items you should always buy at a drugstore