Free Geekery

By Christina Laun

Whether you’re a geek who loves to mess with gadgetry or just someone looking to find a more personalized and price conscious PC, building your own computer can be a rewarding experience for both you and your wallet when it’s done right. Part of the fun of creating your own machine is in finding all the parts, and for bargain hunters out there, finding them at a substantial discount. Fortunately, the Internet is full of resources to make building a computer from scratch budget friendly and easier than ever. Here are a number of places where you can begin your hunt for cheap parts for your next home built PC.

General

These tech sites can provide you on great deals for every part of your computer building project.

1. Geeks.com: Geeks will find everything they need at this popular discount retailer. Stock up on memory or get a new snazzy case for your computer.
2. Newegg: Newegg has just about every tech toy you could want at a discount price, computer parts included. You’ll find memory, power supplies, cases, CPUs and much more.
3. Outlet PC: Pick up a bare bones system to build or load up on parts to build one from scratch with this online site. You’ll get next day shipping to help you build your computer even faster than ever.
4. TigerDirect: Advertised as having some of the best computer and electronics deals, TigerDirect certainly can help you save some money when building a new computer. You can pick up a speedy CPU or ensure your unit doesn’t overheat with fans and cooling components.
5. Directron: One of the more popular online discount electronics retailers, computer construction enthusiasts will find just about everything they need as well as daily specials.
6. PC Connection: Whether you’re feeling lazy and want to buy a complete desktop or if you just need the parts you can find them here from hard drives to motherboards.
7. Preloved Computers: If you don’t mind buying used you can save a bundle by buying from this online company. You can purchase whole refurbished computers or new and used parts for building your own.
8. Club IT: Techies will find what they’re looking for on this site with a great selection of CPUs, motherboards, memory and software to choose from.
9. ZipZoomFly: This online electronics store sells mostly complete desktops and notebooks but you can also find all kinds of components, some of which can be quite a bargain.
10. Pennywise PCs: As the name suggests, this site is dedicated to helping those who want to computer cheaply. You’ll find deals on computer components, links to special deals as well as a ton of how-to guides and articles to help you during your build.
11. Digital 3K: This online retailer has loads of low-cost computer components including graphics cards, RAM and motherboards.
12. eBay: eBay is full of deals on electronics if you’re a savvy bidder. You may end up saving a bundle that you can use for other fun stuff instead.
13. ColorDrives: This site sells all kinds of computer parts and accessories. You’ll be able to stock up on cables while picking up fans, hard drives and other important components as well.
14. Cybertron PC: This futuristic sounding online retailer advertises some great deals on parts that range from the case to the memory.
15. CPU4U: Specializing in wholesale computer parts, this site can provide some great deals on all the little parts you need to make your computer run.
16. Sai Tech: Another wholesale parts retailer, Sai Tech offers both high and medium level parts to help you build a budget computer.
17. OEM Liquidators: Get name brand parts from manufacturers like Gateway or just general components for a steal on this liquidation site.
18. Wholesale Computer Products: This site aims to sell parts at below the normal retail value and you can find everything you’ll need to build a computer as well as the software to put on it.
19. Cheap Computer Parts Handbook: This site aims to create a guide that will help you to not only build a computer but to ensure that you don’t spend a fortune doing it. You’ll find links to deals on every type of component on this site.

Processors and Motherboards

Your computer won’t get far without a CPU and a motherboard to go along with it. Check out these resources and sites to help you get deals and learn what the best choice for you is.

20. Census PC: CensusPC sells all kinds of computer parts, but they have an especially large selection of CPUs, making it easier to find what you need at the price you want.
21. Motherboard Zone: Like the name suggests, this site has all kinds of motherboards available for purchase, as well as a range of other computer products.
22. Buying a Cheap CPU: Not sure what to look for in a bargain CPU? You’ll find some guidance in guide from Cheap Computer Solutions.
23. Yesbuy: Yesbuy specializes in portable media, but they also carry a large range of CPUs and motherboards. You can save even more with their free shipping.
24. Evertek: Need a bulk order of computer components? You can stock up on this site and save money in the process.
25. How to Buy Motherboards: Learn what you should look for in a motherboard with a little help from this article so you won’t waste money on something that doesn’t meet your needs.
26. XPGeeks: This site lists great deals on CPUs and motherboards to save you time and money.
27. Able Shopper Motherboard Deals: This shopping site brings you all kinds of deals on motherboards so you can save money and spend less time hunting for the best deal.

Cases

Whether you plan to build your own or want to buy a cheap case these resources can help you out.

28. Keenzo.com: This site emphasizes quality, and that’s just what you’ll find in the cases they carry. You’ll find everything from simple black towers to fancy LCD units.
29. First Computer Systems: Here you’ll find cases in just about every color you could want for prices you can afford.
30. Next Day PC: Custom build your PC with a case from this site. They also carry a wide variety of other components for builders as well.
31. All Star Shop: This business-focused site has a wide variety of computer cases that come complete with power supplies, shiny exteriors, and all the bells and whistles.
32. Xoxide: Directed at computer builders who are into creating a cool looking, sleek PC, this site carries cases with all kinds of lights, designs and finishes. Best of all, most of them are reasonably priced.
33. ATX Computer Cases: Find every kind of computer case under the sun on this site from bright orange models to those that look sleek and almost alien.
34. Case Depot: If you need a case, this site has what you’re looking for. From rack mounts to standard PC towers, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
35. Envador: Need some creative ideas on how to create a custom case build? You’ll find computer cases that stretch the imagination on this site.
36. Build Your Own Custom PC Case: If you’re feeling really frugal, you can turn just about anything into a computer case with a little imagination and some technical know-how. This article can show you how.

Video and Sound Cards

Gamers and music enthusiasts alike will want to check out these sites and resources for making sure you’ve got a computer system that looks and sounds great.

37. Axion Tech: This Dallas based store has everything you’ll need to equip your new system with a sound or video card.
38. Cheap Stingy Bargains: Save money while finding the parts you need on this site.
39. Soundcard Tips and Facts: Learn everything you need to know about picking out a soundcard that won’t leave you wishing you hadn’t been so cheap.
40. Make Your Cheap Soundcard Louder: If you do opt for a bargain soundcard, this article can show you how to make it louder and more effective without spending much of anything.
41. How to Buy the Right Video Card: If you’re using your computer for imaging or gaming you’ll want to make sure your video card can keep up with you, so give this article a read before making a purchase.
42. Before You Buy a Video Card for Gaming: Don’t waste money on a video card that’s quickly going to need to be replaced because it doesn’t meet the needs of the latest games. Read this article first to see what you should be looking for.
43. PC Parts Unlimited: This online parts store carries a wide range of video cards as well as everything you’ll need for making your computer sound great.

Memory

Newer programs require more and more memory to function properly, so make sure even your cheap PC can keep up with these bargain sites.

44. Future Power PC: You’ll find both RAM and hard drives of all sizes on this site to help you build the PC that best fits your specs.
45. Computer Memory Outlet: This online store specializes in carrying memory of all kinds for desktops, laptops and servers.
46. Memory to Go: Find just about every kind of RAM you could want on this site at prices that won’t be too painful on your wallet.
47. Shop4Memory: This specialty store can supply you with all the memory you’ll need for your new computer build and more.
48. 4 All Memory: Here you’ll find deals on memory for a desktop or laptop in many different sizes, speeds and varieties.

Tools and Safety

After you’ve gotten the parts for your computer you’ll need to get some equipment to put it all together. Here you’ll find resources for getting the best tools for the job and how to stay safe when assembling your computer.

49. Computer Network Accessories: You’ll need a few accessories like tools, cables and wiring when putting together your computer and you can find them here.
50. Tools You’ll Need to Build Your Own Computer: Here you’ll find a list of tools you’ll need to pick up or pull together in order to build your computer. Many you might already have or be able to find cheaply.
51. Static Electricity and Component Handling: Static electricity can do your computer build in before you’ve even turned it on. Read this guide to make sure your parts stay static free and you stay safe.
52. Safety Tips to Building a Computer: Computers are filled with electronic components and can be quite dangerous if you’re not careful when you’re building them. This article can give you some safety tips and pointers.
53. Building a Gaming Computer Safety Precautions: Just like any other computer build, gamers who are constructing a new computer should pay attention to the precautions listed in this article so they don’t fry their components and waste money.
54. Dangers Inside the Computer: Computers are electrical devices and the interiors can be filled with sharp edges. This site lists some potential dangers to watch out for.
55. Anti-Static Grounding Wrist Band: You can help prevent destructive static electricity for laying waste to your computer parts by investing in one of these wrist bands.
56. Street Tech Toolkit: This toolkit will give you everything you need to build a computer as well as to later do a wide variety of other tech builds and repairs.
57. Keysan Computer Toolkits: Whether you need a few tools or a hundred you’ll find reasonably priced tool sets here.

Deal Finders

You don’t have to do all the leg work yourself, you can take advantage of these sites which will bring the best deals for all over the Web together in one place.

58. Pricewatch: Pricewatch brings together prices from some of the biggest tech sites out there, making it easy to find the best deal on the components you’re looking for.
59. CNET Shopper: The experts at CNET have put together this shopping site which gives you reviews on products as well as where you can find them the for the cheapest.
60. PriceGrabber: Compare prices from major retailers on a wide variety of computer components with PriceGrabber.
61. NexTag: This site contains prices on electronics and computers from dozens of sites to help you find the lowest one.
62. BizRate: With BizRate you can find the products you’re looking for and compare the deals that are out there from online retailers as well as find guidance in reviews.
63. PriceFish: The Internet is a big sea of bargains and this site can help you fish out the best ones for the products you need.
64. SortPrice: SortPrice looks through major retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot to find the lowest prices on everything from monitors to memory.
65. mySimon: Simply type in what you’re looking for into this site and you’ll get results from hundreds of retailers all over the Web.
66. PriceSCAN: Find the lowest prices both on and off the Web with this helpful price comparison tool.
67. PriceSpy: If you don’t mind paying a little extra shipping, you can use this New Zealand based site to sort through the best prices on computer components.
68. Bibirmer for Firefox: This helpful Firefox plugin can help you find the lowest prices on just about anything right from your browser.
69. Ben’s Bargains: Get the latest info on discounts and coupons available on the Web on tech supplies and much more on this site.
70. XP Bargains: Find the hottest tech deals with this site. You’ll have access to coupons, special deals and the lowest prices by store or product.
71. Full Deals: Here you’ll get access to the latest hot deals on electronics, coupons and find forums where you can discuss bargains.
72. Passwird: This blog site posts new deals every day on tools, electronics and computer components.
73. BargainFeeder: Tap into this daily feed which can provide you with leads on all sorts of hot bargains and the best sites where to find them.
74. Dealspl.us: This site brings in deals each week from major retailers. You’ll find special rebates, coupons, and deals on everything you’ll need.

Frugal Guides

If you want to keep it cheap, try checking out these guides which can give you some pointers and tips on building a bargain system.

75. Bytepowered’s Guide to Building a Cheap Computer: This article from Bytepowered can help you determine what the cheapest parts and software are to put into your computer build.
76. Ars Technica Budget Box Design: Want to build a computer that is high end without paying high end prices to do it? This guide will take you through step by step how to put together a great, cheap machine.
77. How to Build a Computer for Almost No Money At All: If you’re frustrated by working on your own computer build and need a laugh, check out this humorous take on putting together a cheap machine.
78. PCStats: How to Make a Budget Desktop Computer on the Cheap: This article will help you figure out what hardware you can afford on your budget and how to put it all together.
79. Librenix: Build Your Own Cheap Computer: This tutorial from Librenix will help open source enthusiasts and gamers build the computer they want without spending a fortune.
80. Tips on Building a Cheap Gaming Computer: Games are expensive enough without having to shell out big bucks to build a computer to play them on. Here you’ll find tips on building a gaming quality machine from scratch.
81. SaveMoney: How to Build a Cheap PC or Cheap Laptop: Building a cheap PC or a laptop from the bottom up can be a challenge, so get some tips from this money saving blog on how to cut some expenses out.
82. Jeremy Duffy: How to Build a Cheap Gaming Computer: Gamers don’t have to spend a fortune to create a machine that suits their needs. Learn how to create a great one on a budget.
83. Wholesale Computer Parts: Getting Good Deals: This article will give you pointers on getting the best deals on computer parts so you can ensure you’ll get the best deal.
84. Build a $250 PC That Doesn’t Suck: For just $250 you can build yourself a PC that will suit all your needs using the tips from this article.

How Tos

Even veteran techies need a little guidance now and then. These how-tos can ensure you don’t put to waste all those cheap computer part finds.

85. PC Mech Build Your Own PC: Get tips on building a PC with this article from PC Mech.
86. My Super PC: This whole site is dedicated to helping PC builders construct a machine. It gives tips on choosing the right hardware and putting it all together.
87. Beginner’s Guide to Assembling Your Own PC: If you’ve never put together a computer before, this article can help make sure you do just fine on your first time around.
88. Computer Shopper’s Guide to Building Your Own Computer: Just about anyone can put together a computer these days with the right parts and a little know-how. Get some help from this article.
89. How to Build Your Own Personal Computer: Putting together a PC shouldn’t be a headache. Get step by step instructions from this site.
90. How to Build a Desktop PC: Put together a PC that suits your needs with instructions from this site.
91. Do It Yourself Laptop: Get DIY instructions for putting together a laptop from this site.
92. Building Your Dream Notebook: If you’re taking computer building one step further and putting together a laptop, you’ll find help on this site to make sure you’re doing it right.
93. An Illustrated Guide to Building a PC: If you learn better from pictures than words, this site can be a great help. You’ll get photos of how to construct every element of your computer.

Miscellaneous

These sites can provide some helpful tips, resources and information for the most frugal of PC builders.

94. Digital Daily: Get reviews on all kinds of electronic products on this site. You’ll find out how the CPU you’ve been considering functions and what other users thought of it before you spend money on it.
95. Firing Squad: This gaming site will give you the lowdown on all kinds of hardware that can improve your gaming experience.
96. Tom’s Hardware: On Tom’s Hardware you’ll find information on what components are the best for your computer, articles about technology issues, and help putting together a computer.
97. OC Mod Shop: This site will give you reviews of products, help you create a machine that suits your needs, and keep you up to date on the latest gaming news.
98. TechTutorials: Get more tips on putting together a computer from this site. You can learn about all kinds of hardware as well as get tips on what software to install.
99. BuildPC.net: Building a PC just got easier with this comprehensive site. Learn the importance of each part of the computer, how to select it, and how to put everything together.
100. The Computers Place: The Computer’s Place is where you’ll find information about all kinds of computer related issues from software selection to doing a complete build.

By Jessica Hupp

Despite its prominence, Arial and other de-facto fonts just aren’t attractive enough for most designers. Fortunately, there are a number of foundries that create some truly impressive fonts, and are happy to share them with others. We’ve highlighted 101 of them here, but keep in mind that many request that you provide credit or at least ask for permission for commercial use.

Grunge

These fonts are messy, and they’re not ashamed of it.

1. Guilty: Guilty is a grunged-out typewriter style face.
2. Tiza: This font has a nice rubbed-out effect.
3. Print Error: Print Error has lots of background, resembling exactly what it sounds like-a print error.
4. El&Font Gohtic!: This font has lots of scratches, X accents, and angel wings.
5. Dirty Uncle: In true dirty fashion, this font’s outlines give way to scribbles at the bottom.
6. Astonished: Underneath Astonished’s thin, clean look is a bit of grunge.
7. Bleeding Cowboys: Last Soundtrack’s Bleeding Cowboys font offers a bit of swirly flair for an otherwise tough western font.
8. Memory Lapses: This font seems to have gotten a little overzealous with ink.
9. Pirates: Pirates looks quite a bit like a ransom note.
10. Dirty Ego: This caps font offers a little bit of wear and smudge.
11. Grunja: This upper-case font has a bit of a saturated look.
12. Broken15: Broken 15 offers another ransom-style font.

Handwriting

Check out these fonts that resemble handwriting. A few of them are modeled after famous or distinctive writings.

13. Journal: Journal has the sort of handwriting you only wish you had.
14. Disgusting Behavior: Disgusting Behavior is like chicken scratch, but on the neat side.
15. Hill House: Hill House is much cleaner than most handwriting fonts, but it’s inspired by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s distinctive handwriting.
16. Nail Scratch: Nail Scratch is thin and messy.
17. Daub: This simple font has a colored-in feel.
18. Max Rhodes: This aptly-named font is based on the handwriting of Max Rhodes.
19. Iron Mathbook: Here you’ll find a font modeled after Iron Maiden.
20. Barnes Erc: You’ll enjoy this font’s 3-D sketch design.
21. Pointy: Pointy looks like handwriting that you might find on the cover of your old high school notebook.

Familiar

These fonts all have a very familiar look to them, often modeled after specific typefaces.

22. Sega Genesis: Sega Genesis’ font is bold and fun.
23. Poker Party: Poker Party incorporates hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades into its style.
24. Halo 2: Halo addicts will be sure to appreciate this font.
25. Marcelle: Marcelle looks like it belongs on the front of an old softball league T-shirt.
26. Schwing Shift: This font is inspired by classic lettering of the art deco style.
27. Varsity: This sporty font is straight off of a letter jacket.
28. The New York Times: This font bears a remarkable resemblance to the font used by The New York Times.
29. Roadgeek: Roadgeek features fonts that you’ll find on road signs across the US and a few other countries.
30. Komikandy: Komikandy has a blobby comic book style.
31. Sonic: You’ll recognize this font from Sonic 2.
32. Snowcaps: In this font, you’ll find an icy look.
33. Sega: Feel nostalgic with this Sega font.
34. Major League: This game font is straight out of the 80s.

Tech

All of these fonts have a high-tech feel to them.

35. Spectrum Smudged: This font looks like your computer had a bit too much to drink.
36. Ollivette Elite: This typewriter font translates your typed text into leetspeak.
37. Atmosphere ‘88′: This font has lots of boxiness and clean lines.
38. Elektora: Elektora has a very simple, clean feel to it.
39. Republika: Republika strings together in a futuristic manner.
40. Atlantis: Atlantis has a very pixellated, boxy look.
41. Templo: Templo is extremely boxy and pixellated.

Unique

Check out these fonts if you’re looking for something that’s really different.

42. Starbat: Starbat runs together in a really attractive way.
43. Flubber: The Flubber font has a cartoony feel to it.
44. Horse Puke: Horse Puke has strategically placed white blobs.
45. Stiff Neck: This font’s uppercase letters are white within black, with a hand-drawn look.
46. Antlers: Antlers incorporates deer antler style into every letter.
47. Xanax: This font has a fiery lightning bolt style to it.
48. WC Wunderbach Weiss: Wunderbach has a stencil style with a gradient fade away.
49. Halcion: The Halcion font has lots of blurry lines.
50. Chrysler Electric: Be sure to check out this spaghetti noodle inspired font.
51. Cholo: Cholo has an uppercase style that features the occasional dash and X.
52. Ballers Delight: This font was created with bejeweled canvas boards.
53. Stencilul: Stencilul offers a font with stencil-style cutouts.
54. Carbolith: This upper-case font mimics a skull and crossbones font.
55. Tralfamadore: Tralfamadore has lots of keyhole cut outs and other attractive accents.

Fancy

These fonts are all about frilliness.

56. The King and Queen: Give your site the royal touch with this frilly font.
57. Celexa 2: This font is a little evil and medieval.
58. Nasty: Nasty is straight out of an old-fashioned carnival.
59. Dickens McQueen: This font is what happens when you put Charles Dickens and Steve McQueen together in a font.
60. Chopin Script: Here you’ll find a nice calligraphy font.
61. Porcelain: Porceilain’s caps are overly frilly, and the font itself offers multiple layers.
62. Twigdancer: This font has a fun, woodsy design.
63. Selfish: Selfish looks a lot like Porcelain, with toned-town caps and a tighter style.

Bold

Make a statement using these big, bold fonts.

64. New Order Ceremony: New Order Ceremony is thin, but makes a statement.
65. Boogieman: Boogieman is based on ’50s comic book lettering, and looks a bit like the Misfits’ logo.
66. Kegger Collegiate: Kegger has a really bold, large athletic look.
67. Jefferson Gothic Oblique: Sign up for P22’s mailing list, and you’ll get a free download of this distinctive font.
68. Flutterby: Flutterby is a large, funky font best used in big sizes.
69. New Order ‘Brotherhood’: New Order ‘Brotherhood’ is a heavy, thick font.

Clean & Simple

These styles are sure to get a heavy rotation for both their versatility and simplicity.

70. Samba: Samba is thin, yet attractive.
71. Greyscale Basic: This font is boxy, clean and simple.
72. Marke Eigenbau: Check out this font if you want something really clean and simple.
73. Scriptina: Scriptina offers a simple and attractive calligraphy font.
74. Joy Division Closer: In this font, you’ll find a plain but attractive design.
75. Valium: Valium is a curvy, sharp font.
76. Karnivore: In Karnivore, you’ll find a broad upper-case font.
77. Museo: Museo’s signature features an uppercase U with both stems bent out.
78. Munica: Fans of simplicity will appreciate this diminuitive font.
79. Moby: Moby is a very round-looking font.
80. Semplice: Semplice is a very small, simple font.
81. Blown Deadline: Blown Deadline offers a casual serif look.
82. Tuffy: Tuffy is a really simple sans serif font.
83. Fertigo!: Fertigo is a simple font with a little bit of curve.
84. Blue Monday ‘88′: This font is all-caps and really clean.
85. Lido STF: Lido offers a good general typeface.
86. Diavlo: Diavlo comes in 5 different weights, all with a different feel.

Simple with a Twist

These fonts take a simple style, and then turn it on its head with a special sort of flair.

87. Hammerhead: Hammerhead is a plain, yet severe font.
88. Spectre Scratch: In this font, you’ll find a rather plain look accented with lots of scratches.
89. Hydrophilia: Hydrophilia offers a font with semi-sharp corners.
90. Aaahoj: This font combines lots of different styles together at once.
91. Ritalin: Ritalin has lots of sharp endings.
92. Sandra Oh: Sandra Oh is a slightly messy take on Clarendon.
93. Mary Jane II: Mary Jane II looks much like Times New Roman, except that it’s upper-case and has lots of cracks.
94. Orchidee: You’ll love this simple samurai-style font.
95. Neo Retro: Neo Retro looks like many other caps fonts, but it has a filled-in color.
96. Gros: This font looks like many others, except that it is very wide.
97. Diogenes: Diogenes has a very Greek look to it.
98. Diesel: Diesel has a pretty regular look to it, but offers just an outline.
99. Masque: Masque sets itself apart with italics and tasteful dashes.
100. Memoria: This plain font offers just a little bit more curve than others.
101. Bigfish: Bigfish is rather top-heavy.

By Christina Laun

Whether you’re strapped for cash or just a tightwad, everyone appreciates a little free stuff now and then. Lucky for you, the internet is chock-full of freebies just sitting there waiting for a cash conscious person such as yourself to come along and claim them. While some freebies come with strings attached, many are entirely free and allow you to try out new products, take courses and enjoy free things you might not otherwise have access to. Here is a list of 50 places you can check out the next time you’re looking for a sweet deal.

Blogs

These blogs can give you the scoop on freebies.

1. Free Samples Blog: Sometimes you just don’t want to commit to buying a full size item until you know you’ll like it. You can get free samples of just about anything from baby formula to razors with the suggestions on this blog.
2. GoTo Free Stuff: Want to know where to pick up a few free samples of a makeup you saw an ad for on TV, or ways to keep your kids busy in the car? This blog has listings for these things and more so you can try before you buy.
3. Everybody Loves Free Stuff: Truer words were never spoken, and this blog can help you keep track of promotional offers from companies around the world, plus keep you up to date on the latest in marketing news.
4. Free Grabber: This is another blog that lists deals on free stuff all over the Web. You’ll find quality freebies like samples of Kiehl’s facial cleanser and certificates for free Cold Stone ice cream on your birthday.
5. Free Blog Things: What’s better than a blog about how to get free things for blogs? Here you’ll find links to loads of resources you can use to trick out your blog.
6. Contest Blogger: If you want to make getting free things a little more interesting, why not try challenging lady luck with these contest offers? The forum in this blog is full of links to contests from all over the Web that can give you a chance to win everything from a Bose iPod Dock to sweet vacation. The site has links to other freebies as well.
7. Freebie Fanatics: If you just can’t seem to get enough free stuff, this site is right up your alley. Offers are posted daily on free products and services from a wide variety of companies.
8. Fitness and Freebies Blog: For health fanatics out there, this blog is just the place to take some of the financial burden off of staying in shape. You’ll find links to free samples of healthcare products as well as information on how you improve your diet and exercise.

Websites

Why should you hunt through the Internet when someone else can do the work for you? Reap the rewards at these sites.

9. The Free Site: This site comes with loads of lists of freebies in categories that range from free tech support to free blogging tools. With so much to offer, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy.
10. That Freebie Site: Browse through categories like baby, gift cards and gourmet to see what this large site has to offer. You’ll also find links to giveaways and contests.
11. Best Freebies and Bargains on the Net: The name pretty much sums it up. This website brings together freebies from all over the net into one easy-to-browse page.
12. Totally Free Crap: Who doesn’t want free crap? This site posts almost daily links to offers of freebies on the Web. Do your laundry, make a snack or hang up a poster with free stuff from the site’s listings.
13. Money Sponsor: On this site you’ll find listings in categories like home products, health and food and drink to help you find a wide variety of super cheap and free items.
14. Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder: Visit this site daily or have updates sent to your inbox to get access to loads of free stuff. Users can rate the “coolness” of various freebies so you can see which are the best and which not to waste your time with.
15. Shop 4 Freebies: While you won’t actually be spending anything, you can shop around online with this freebie finder. Fill out some simple questionnaires and many kinds of samples for men, women and children can be at your doorstep in just a few weeks.
16. FreebieDot.com: This site specializes in scouring freebies from dot com ventures and places from all over the web. Visitors will find everything from simple giveaways to survey freebies.

Books and Education

Learn a new language or get a good free read for the beach with these resources.

17. BookMooch: Want to clear out those old books and get some new reading material? You can do both with Book Mooch. Simply list the books you want to ship out, and when someone requests them you mail them out. You’ll get credits which you can use towards getting titles you want from other users. You do have to pay postage, but at media mail rates it isn’t more than a few dollars, which is significantly cheaper than paying full price for a new paperback.
18. Project Gutenburg: If your tastes run more towards the classics, you might be able to find some new reading material with this site. It has electronic copies of over 100,000 books, which is a heck of a lot of free reading material. Choose from popular titles like Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities or for something a little more sexy download the Kama Sutra.
19. All Free Magazines: For those who want a little light reading, there is a myriad of free magazine subscriptions out there for the taking if you know where to look. This site provides a comprehensive list of nearly all the free magazines out there, so you can sign up to have free reading material sent right to your mailbox. Some offers are just for a free trial and some are for magazines that are entirely free.
20. Free-Ed.net: Billed as the “world’s largest, fastest growing, most highly regarded source of totally free education,” Free-Ed can serve as a valuable study tool for students or as a great way for adults to refresh their memories and learn new skills and information. While you won’t get the one-on-one attention of a teacher, you also won’t have to shell out big bucks for the courses.
21. Free College Education Online: This article from Lifehacker takes you through the myriad of resources that are available from both public and private colleges free of charge to those in the general population. You won’t get a degree or college credit for the courses, but you will get to learn about topics like Italian, Bioterrorism, Greek Mythology, and even how to do CPR.

Software and Gadgets

Why pay for what you can get for free, especially when it comes to products that will be obsolete in a few months anyway? Check out these sites for free techie stuff.

22. Sample Microchips: Building something complicated that requires a few microchips? You may be able to get them for free with this site. You’ll have to sign up and wait for approval, but the payoff can be worth it.
23. SourceForge: Open source software is all the rage these days with even non-tech savvy people embracing Linux operating systems like Ubuntu. Download open source programs, the majority of which are free or reasonably priced, to your heart’s content with the Web’s “largest open source software development website.”
24. Download.com: There is enough freeware and shareware on Download.com to fit just about every need a computer user could have. Get tools to work on design, study better, run your business and protect your computer from viruses.
25. Free Software Directory: A joint project of the Free Software Foundation and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, this site is home to a large catalog of free software that runs on free operating systems. You can’t really get much cheaper than that.
26. All Things Web 2.0: It’s hard to do much these days without embracing Web 2.0 technology. You can get some free web-based programs for yourself through this site which gives a complete directory as well as a list of the most popular programs.
27. Free Blogs: Blogging can be a great way to get your name out, vent your frustrations, share your successes or even make a few bucks. This list from PC World gives you some insights on the best free blogging platforms and what you can expect from them.
28. 1001 Free Fonts: Even if you’re not a design king or queen, you can spice up your communications, memos and party invites with the free fonts offered by this site.

Business and Office

Running a business can get pricey, so get a few freebies to help out using these sites.

29. BPlans: Not sure how to start writing a business plan for your startup or home business? Don’t spend money on expensive books, just check out these free online plans that cover everything from starting your own bakery to doing computer consulting.
30. Free VoIP: For many small businesses that work with international or even just long distance clients, phone charges can add up quickly. This article from VoIP Now compares the top ten providers of free VoIP service, giving you the low down on the best free solutions out there.
31. Business Templates: When you’re first starting out it can be hard to know how to write all those business proposals, requests for funding, and just about anything else you can think of. This archive focuses mostly on Request for Proposal templates, but you’ll find several others there as well.
32. Boxes and Packaging: If you’re selling something on the Web, chances are good that you’re gonna need to mail it. Don’t pay for expensive packaging materials when you can get them for free. Send a request to the USPS and they’ll hook up your business with the goods you need so you have to worry about one less thing.
33. Business Advice: Even the best business men and women need some help and sometimes they’re not sure who to turn to for advice that won’t be charged by the hour. Businesses can get free help and advice through the Service Corps of Retired Executives. You can arrange to meet in person or simple chat over email.
34. Best Business Freebies: This site has collected a number of great freebies for business owners. And better yet, it tells you want to look out for when cashing in on freebies and how you can tell when a deal really is too good to be true.
35. Free Business Education: Who says you need to get a fancy MBA to know what’s what in business? These sites will help you improve your know-how without taking away from your profits.

Style and Beauty

Who doesn’t want to look their best for less? Now you can try out a wide variety of beauty products and accessories at little or no cost to you with the links from these sites.

36. iVillage Beauty: Get links to the best makeup samples out there from this website. When you’re done browsing freebies you can read up on celebrities, style and fashion as well.
37. Sassy Sue: This sassy lady provides readers with links to all sorts of products but her listings of free beauty products are not to be missed. Find discounts, coupons and freebies that will help you look your best.
38. Freebies 4 Ya: Among the many other freebies offered on this site is a listing of places where you can go to get clothing freebies. From pantyhose to t-shirts, you’ll find lots of loot to satisfy your freebie appetite.
39. Beauty Freebies at About.com: About.com has put together a list of several places you can go to get free cosmetics, moisturizers, deodorants and more.

Music and Ringtones

Keep yourself hip and up to the minute without spending a dime with these sites that can give you free music and free ringtones for your phone as well as a host of other freebies.

40. Berklee Shares: If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar or keyboard, or a variety of other instruments, this site could be your chance to do so for free. Just download the lessons and you can start learning on your own and with no out of pocket expense.
41. SampleSwap: Those into mixing their own music or DJing will find this site to be a great resource. Visitors can download over 12,000 different sounds that they can use for free.
42. Archive.org: If you’re a lover of old music you’ll appreciate this site. It has loads of free songs that are free, and legal as they are out of copyright. Visitors will even find a few newer songs that have been licensed under Creative Commons.
43. Epitonic: There are more than a few indie rock lovers out there who will enjoy the free songs on this site. Epitonic allows users to download free and completely legal tracks from artists like Pavement, Peaches and Zero 7.
44. Myxer: Myxer allows you to download a variety of free ringtones and wallpapers or make your own with songs and photos from your computer. The site is free, but you will have to pay whatever fees are associated with using the features on your phone to get the ringtones and wallpapers.
45. Ear Training Software: For the less musically inclined, understanding pitch and being able to play things by ear is a daunting challenge. These free and open source programs can help build your skills without you having to pay for expensive software or numerous lessons.

Guides

Want more information on how to get things for free? These guides can help give you the 411 on being a savvy freebie hound.

46. How to Get Free Stuff at Trade Shows: Trade shows and conferences can be great places to pick up all kinds of free swag, if you know how to play your cards right. This guide from John Chow will give you the ins and outs of getting the most out of your next trade show.
47. Making Free iPods Pay Off: If you’ve been using the Internet in the past 5 years or so, you would doubtless have noticed the many ads that pop up promising free iPods. This article from Wired lets you know if these offers are legitimate and if they’ll actually pay off and get you a free iPod.
48. The Geek’s Guide to Getting Free Stuff: All you geeks out there can indulge in getting some free stuff with the suggestions given in this guide.
49. How to Get Comped in Vegas: Cut your losses on your next Vegas trip by not spending much of anything on your trip. It’ll give you more to gamble with, if that’s your thing, or just provide you with a cheaper, more enjoyable vacation.
50. The Ultimate Guide to Free Travel: If you’re feeling a little wanderlust but don’t have the funds to take a pricey all-inclusive trip check out this guide on how you can get most of your trip paid for.

By Heather Johnson

One of the great things about open source is that you know the software you’re using is made by real people, who understand real needs. In financial software, we see a great application of this “real people” effect, offering high levels of customization and ease of use. In this software collection, you’ll find tools that were made with you in mind, and are often completely free to boot.

Finance Managers

With these finance management packages, you can stay on top of all of your accounts in one convenient place.

1. My Money: Use this financial software that works with online bank statements to stay on top of your accounts.
2. PyCheckbook: This simple finance manager offers easy to use checkbook registering.
3. jGnash: JGnash offers a lot of the same features as commercial finance management software, such as reports, account reconciliation, and transaction entry, but in a free, open source format.
4. NetWorth: This program offers functions similar to MS Money, with a checkbook register, bill scheduling, forecasting, and more.
5. Chump Change: Manage your personal finances with this budget-oriented tool.
6. KMyMoney: This manager is very reminiscent of Quicken, with a similar user interface and exporting.
7. GPF: Get reports, data, and more from this personal finance manager.
8. Money Manager Ex: With this personal finance manager, you can track your income, net worth, and more.
9. GnuCash: This popular financial accounting software is great for personal and small business finance management.
10. RQ Money: Use this household finance manager for reports, data, and more.
11. Grisbi: With this personal accounting software, you can manage accounts, currencies, and even juggle multiple users.
12. Mjrz Personal Finance Manager: This simple tool is great, even for those that aren’t familiar with accounting principles.
13. Monex: Organize your accounts and transactions using this money management tool.
14. eMani: With this software, you can record and analyze your finances.
15. Wampum Personal Finance: This personal accounting program integrates with tools like GNUCash and OpenOffice.org.
16. Common Cents: Track account balances, statements, and more with this household accounting program.
17. Penny Pincher: This tool will make it easy to create weekly, monthly, and more budget types.
18. Where my money go?: Find out where your money goes and adjust your spending habits with this application.

Business

These finance tools were made with businesses in mind.

19. Dolibarr: Manage your finances, customers, and invoices in this program.
20. PyRM: If you’re a freelancer, you’ll love this open source bill manager.
21. Gnuaccounting: Write invoices, do double entry bookkeeping, and more, all with the option to embed in OpenOffice.org.
22. jbilling: With this billing solution, you’ll be able to handle just a few customers or millions.
23. LedgerSMB: Stay on top of business accounting using this double entry system.
24. phpBMS: With this business management system, you can quote, order, and invoice.
25. Lokad: Forecast your cash flow with this tool’s sales forecasting, inventory optimization, and staff planning.
26. LA/OpenBP: Use this billing platform for easy integration.
27. Lodo Ruby: Use this financial tool for multi-tenant accounting.
28. Simple Invoices: Use this simple, open source invoicing system for easy invoicing.
29. Turquaz Financial Accounting: This double entry finance solution was made for small and medium size businesses.
30. Mifos: With this suite, you can administer loans to customers.
31. eZ Authorize: Use this payment gateway to process payments through Authorize.net.

Investing

Use these tools to make investing and growing your money easier and more profitable.

32. StockManiac: With StockManiac, you can stay on top of all of your investment accounts.
33. Auge: This application will make it easy to manage your portfolio of stocks and mutual funds.
34. QuantLib: Consider modeling, pricing, trading and risk management with this tool.
35. OSCurrency: Manage alternative currencies such as time with this online system.
36. Finance::Quote: With this tool, you can fetch online stock quotes from NYSE, ASX, and more.
37. iTrade: Using this trading and charting system, you can manage quotes, data, analysis, and a lot more.
38. GD Stock Portfolio Calculator: Use this Google Desktop gadget to track the worth of your investments.
39. Stock Returns: Perform advanced calculations for stock and security returns and more.
40. Advanced Stock Tracker: Use this tracker to stay on top of the historic prices of stocks and more.

Calculators

These calculators make it easy to compute everything from mortgages to currencies.

41. ObjectLab Kit: Use this business and financial day calculator to stay on top of holidays, weekends, and more.
42. Interest(ing) Calculator: Calculate the financial parameters of loans and deposits based on four variables with this calculator.
43. CompoundCalc: This simple calculator will figure out your return based on principal, rate, term, and compounding percent.
44. mort: Calculate your mortgage, with amortization, using mort.
45. College Cost Calculator: Calculate the cost of college, and enjoy features like saving and loading of data with this cool tool.
46. Loan Payment Matrix Calculator: Determine the best loan for you with this calculator.
47. MarketCalc: Calculate investment purchases using this calculator.
48. Finanx: Get an online emulation of the HP-12C financial calculator with this program.
49. xfcalc: This calculator makes it easy to perform financial calculations in two currencies at once.
50. GeItCalc: This simple finance calculator allows for time value of money and more.

By Heather Johnson

Does the term “space tourism” make you think of The Jetsons? Well, put those cartoon reruns out of your mind, as interstellar travel is now a reality for the common man. Unfortunately, private space travel isn’t cheap. However, you now have a better chance at reaching the stars than ever before. Assuming you don’t have a few billion dollars to spend on building your own space shuttle, we have compiled some alternatives for anyone wishing to explore the final frontier. Your six cheapest options for traveling into space are listed below, organized from least to most expensive.

1. Simulate Your Space Travel

There are various ways to simulate a spaceflight from the safety of Earth. The power of film at an IMAX theater, for example, can make you feel as if you are really in space. In 2002, Space Station was released in theaters. The first 3-D IMAX film ever made, Space Station took viewers 220 miles above the Earth, thanks to official footage from NASA. Narrated by Tom Cruise (insert space cadet and/or Xenu joke here), this was one of the most successful IMAX films ever produced. Traveling through space with the help of this film will cost you under $10.

Another simulated expedition through The Milky Way can be taken via the Internet, specifically on Frontier Multimedia’s site. One of their most extraordinary productions includes The Good Earth. This production uses stock photos taken from satellites, space shuttles, and the International Space Station. Shot from high above the planet, these high-resolution pictures showcase the Earth as a strange and colorful place. This site can be enjoyed for absolutely free, although it is better viewed with a fast Internet connection.

2. Reach the Stars in Your Afterlife

No, we don’t mean figuratively. You really can go into space after you die, thanks to Space Services Incorporated. For as little as $495, this company offers what they call “Memorial Spaceflights,” whereby your cremated remains can be placed aboard a satellite and launched into space. The cheapest package, however, is only for a suborbital flight. This means that your ashes will reach the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, then return to the ground where your remains will be found and given to your loved ones. For a permanent stay in orbit, you must pay at least $1295. Deep space launches cost $12500. This company launched the remains of Star Trek actor, James “Scotty” Doohan, in 2007.

3. Take a Suborbital Spaceflight

Although your dream may be to travel to the moon or beyond, it is much more affordable to go on a suborbital spaceflight. A company called The Zero Gravity Corporation offers flights aboard their specially modified Boeing 720-700 aircraft. Known as the G-Force One, this aircraft takes a nosedive between the altitudes of 34,000 and 24,000 feet in order to recreate the weightlessness that astronauts experience in space. The company calls them “Zero G Flights”, although the technical term is “parabolic flight” and it is what Ron Howard used to film select scenes in Apollo 13. A seat on the G-Force One can be reserved online with a credit card for only $3500.

4. Become an Astronaut

It is the dream of many children to become an astronaut; and, if you are wanting to travel through space, this is the most conventional way to go about it. Mind you, becoming an astronaut is neither easy nor cheap. Only an elite few will picked by NASA to enter their rigorous, two-year astronaut training program. In fact, out of the thousands of applications NASA receives each two-year period, only about 100 men and women are chosen. As you can imagine, very few of them complete their training. As for cost, only college graduates can become astronauts. Applicants must have at least a bachelor degree, which is expensive in itself, and the best candidates have a post-graduate degree.

5. Fly With Virgin Galactic

Owned by eccentric billionaire Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic heralds itself as “the world’s first spaceline”. The company is set to carry six paying customers into space at a time using a commercial spacecraft. Although Virgin Galactic has yet to take its maiden voyage with customers, there have been several successful test flights with the spacecraft in question. Many people are already on a waiting list to go into space with the company and become astronauts from the private sector, including celebrities and politicians. Tickets are currently set at $200,000 each and, although a bit steep, it is the cheapest option for public travel in what is technically known as “outer space”. Using your credit card, you can book a reservation with Virgin Galactic on their official Web site. A minimum deposit of $20,000 is required.

6. Become a Cosmonaut

Since Virgin Galactic won’t serve the public for a few more years, the only way that you can currently buy a ticket to outer space is through the Russian Federal Space Agency. Assuming you can pass required physical and mental examinations, you can accompany the Russians on a trip to the International Space Station for a reported $21 million. However, that price is expected to climb quickly and on the outside chance that you can actually swing it, you should be aware that you will be sitting on a waiting list for at least two or three years.

Granted, some of your “cheapest” options for space travel aren’t that cheap. However, you should consider the fact that a NASA space shuttle costs $1.7 billion to construct. So, even though you can’t use your frequent flyer rewards card to get a discount on your trip to outer space, the cost is quite small considering the price of constructing a spacecraft. If you still can’t afford a trip with Virgin Galactic or the Russian Federal Space Agency, you can always wait until you are cremated, try to become an astronaut or merely live the experience through film for free. Whatever you decide, it is nice to know that those who dream of reaching the stars have a good chance at making that dream come true.

You felt like crap when you woke up this morning, didn’t you? You know that poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle contributes to your malaise, but you continue to ignore a healthy lifestyle because of the perceived price. Those Jenny Craig moments, plus the price of a gym membership and its inherent contract will make a huge dent in your credit. But those are lousy excuses. You can enjoy a healthy diet for about the same price as a fat-filled series of meals (compare the price of an apple to a bag of french fries, for instance). And, you can begin an exercise program now for the price of a good pair of gym shoes.

Another excuse that people often use to avoid a healthy lifestyle includes the perception that exercise consists of rigorous weightlifting and breath-taking aerobics. Face it now; you can’t begin at those levels if you sit in an office chair all day and on a couch all night. The exertion would strain your body and you could injure your muscles. Therefore, you don’t need all the gadgets that the advertisements say you must own for your exercise routines. In fact, even professional athletes avoid expensive equipment whenever possible, as they know that resistance, not expensive equipment, is the key to toned muscles.

But, no matter if you’re skinny or overweight, a healthy diet needs to be balanced by an exercise routine. This is where the home gym comes into play. There are four main advantages to creating a home gym: 1) You can enjoy privacy, 2) You can create one for free from items that you have around the house, thereby saving money on gym memberships and exercise equipment, 3) If you create a home gym, you’ll be more inclined to use it (or suffer guilt), and 4) You save even more money by eliminating the drive to the gym and the obligatory gym clothes.

What You’ll Need

Start any program slowly to avoid strain on your body. In fact, you could accomplish many of the exercises listed below without “weights” in the beginning until you feel comfortable with additional resistance:

• Two canned goods. Look at the weight on the cans to determine that the cans are balanced evenly. You can start without the cans or begin with small cans and work your way up to larger cans that you can grip with one hand (like asparagus). The point is to create resistance so the cans represent items that you “push” against as you lift or lower them in your routines. This resistance helps to build muscle tone.

• Two milk jugs filled with water. Once you get to the point where you want more resistance, you can graduate to milk jugs. You might begin with quart sized jugs, which will weigh about 64 fluid ounces, or four pounds. If you want to proceed from there, a one-gallon milk jug filled with water will weigh approximately 8.5 pounds when full. While the handles on those jugs make them easy to hold, don’t use this easy grip to avoid adding resistance to that weight (one guy uses buckets filled with gravel that equal about fifty pounds each!).

• One large book (like a telephone book). The large book is better, as it’s not as flexible as the telephone book, but use the telephone book weight as a comparison.

• One five-pound bag of food. Use flour, sugar, potatoes, or whatever you find in that pantry.

• Carpet remnants. You will need cushioning for some routines if your stairs aren’t carpeted. You can also use old towels if you fold them so they supply padding.

• A mat or some beach towels. You’ll need these if you don’t feel comfortable lying on the floor without padding.

• A sturdy chair. A dining room chair is perfect, as that chair will have a back that you can use for support and a seat that isn’t so cushy that you don’t want to leave it.

• A pair of gym shoes with grips so you don’t slip or slide. This is the most expensive item on your list. You don’t want to skimp on them as you’ll need good support for your feet. Even if you don’t continue with your exercise program, you can use these shoes to drive to the nearest fast food restaurant, as they’ll last a long time.

Your Exercises

The list below will get you started on your journey toward free fitness… just turn on your favorite tunes and get started.

1. Cardiovascular

One of the best ways to begin your new routine is to get out and walk. If you can walk for 30 minutes at least three times per week, you’ll begin to notice a difference in your stamina. But, if your chest hurts even when you talk on the phone, you might begin very slowly with stretches until you’re comfortable with movement. The point is to get up off that chair and/or couch so you can begin to strengthen your heart.
Eventually you might want to walk faster, or you might want to jog if your legs and feet can stand the impact and stress. One way to begin to begin that cardiovascular workout at home is to utilize stairs to shape your heart and legs:

• You need: Stairs (actually, just one step), located either inside or outside. If you live in an apartment complex and you only have access to outside stairs, you can plan to do this exercise at a time when you know you won’t interrupt your neighbors.

• What to do: Face the stairs and hold the rail for balance if you need it. Take one step up with the right or left foot, then step up with the second foot. The cadence is: up, up, down, down, using only one step in the stairs. Keep your upper body upright and centered over your legs so that your back is straight.

• Routine: In the beginning, step for just one minute, stop for 15 seconds, and then repeat. Work up to 30 minutes for one session before you take a break, but always warm up for a few minutes before you head into a heavy workout. A warm up for this routine could use the beginner’s routine where you step for one minute and rest for 15 seconds for about 10 reps. Or, you could stretch so you can get that blood moving before you tackle the stairs.

• Physical Benefits: Your heart (cardiovascular system) gets a workout, but so do your quadriceps and calves.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase a stair stepper.

• Disadvantage: If you use concrete steps, the hard surface may stress your feet and legs. Since you’re only using one step, you can use inexpensive carpet remnants or folded beach or bath towels to cushion the impact.

2. Arms

Triceps are located in the back of the upper arm, and they’re primarily responsible for extending the elbow. You can tone these muscles with this exercise:

• You need: A sturdy chair with a back.

• What to do: Sit on the edge of the chair and hold the front corners of the seat with your hands, palms down. Walk your feet forward until your derriere is three to five inches away from the chair’s front edge. Lower your body by bending your arms to about 90 degrees, and then press your arms against that chair bottom to raise your body.

• Routine: Beginners may find it difficult to do more than one to three repetitions before resting. Try to work up to two sets of ten repetitions with a fifteen second rest between reps.

• Physical Benefits: Your triceps will get a workout, but your shoulders will benefit as well.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase weights or a triceps machine.

• Disadvantage: You might find this exercise too taxing at the beginning if you’re extremely out of shape. If you can manage to hold your body up with your arms, that’s a good first step. Don’t push your body when you feel uncomfortable.

Your arms also contain biceps, the large muscle located at the front of the upper arm. This next exercise can tone biceps so your arms will look limber and younger:

• You need: Start with two cans of food and work up to milk jugs over time.

• What to do: Hold a can in each hand with your arms slightly bent and palms facing upward. Lift (curl) the can to your shoulder while you squeeze your biceps. Return your arms slowly to the start position.

• Routine: Do two sets of 10 reps with each arm.

• Physical Benefits: Your biceps will benefit, but your wrists also will become stronger.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase weights or circuit machines.

• Disadvantage: None - this is an extremely easy exercise that will produce results quickly if you’re consistent.

3. Shoulders

Yes, your shoulders hold your arms to your body. While this is an important job, many people take their shoulders for granted. The exercise below will help strengthen your shoulders with added bonuses:

• You need: A chair and two cans of food (work up to milk jugs).

• What to do: Sit in the chair and hold a can in each hand with your arms at your sides, elbows slightly bent. Raise the cans outward, arms extended but bent, and keep your palms down. Don’t raise your arms higher than shoulder level, and raise and lower them slowly.

• Routine: Do two sets of 10 reps with a 15-second pause between reps. Don’t use more weight than you can handle.

• Physical Benefits: Your shoulders will thank you, and your chest muscles also will benefit.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase weights, a chest press machine or a weight bench. Plus, you don’t need a spotter to help you out.

• Disadvantage: None. This is another easy exercise that will produce results with your persistence.

4. Stomach & Chest

The following exercise will work on your “core” as it strengthens your lower abdomen:

• You need: A large book.

• What to do: Sit on the floor with your legs extended and heels together. Place the book between your ankles and shins and lie back flat. Keep your legs straight and raise your feet (and the book) about 5 inches off the floor. Hold it for 30 seconds or as long as you can. Lower your feet slowly.

• Routine: Three sets.

• Physical Benefits: This exercise benefits your lower abdominal muscles.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase a fitness ball, and the book may serve a dual purpose if you read it.

• Disadvantage: If the floor proves too hard, use beach towels or a mat for cushions.

The following exercise works your chest and shoulder muscles if needed:

• You need: Two cans of food.

• What to do: Lie on the floor and hold one can in each hand straight up over your chest with hands a few inches wider than your shoulders and elbows soft. Bend your elbows and lower the weight until your elbows reach no more than 90 degrees (going below that height will involve your shoulders). Press the cans back up, and make sure you don’t lock your elbows. Work up to milk jugs filled with water.

• Routine: Do 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps with comfortable weight resistance.

• Physical Benefits: This exercise benefits your chest, but if you lower your arms further than 90 degrees you’ll also strengthen shoulders.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase weights or a chest press machine.

• Disadvantage: Once again, if the floor proves too hard, lie on a mat or on several beach towels.

5. Back

The following exercise can be completed with canned food if you cannot lift and hold the five-pound bag in the beginning:

• You need: A five-pound bag of food.

• What to do: Hold the bag in front of you and stand with your legs a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. Push the weight up and to the right. Squat down and to the left, and “pull” the bag with you. Repeat on the opposite side.

• Routine: Work up to 10 on each side.

• Physical Benefits: This exercise benefits your lower back and obliques (otherwise known as your waist and hips).

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase a medicine ball.

• Disadvantage: You may need to use support in the beginning as you start with squats. Use the back of that chair as support until you feel confident to let go, and then add weights that you feel comfortable with until you can do the squats with the five-pound weight.

Stretch that back for strength…

• You need: A door.

• What to do: Stand about 2 feet away from an open door and hold one door knob in each hand. Bend forward with your legs slightly bent. Tuck your head between your arms while slightly pulling on the door.

• Routine: Do five times, a few seconds per bend.

• Physical Benefits: This routine will strengthen your upper and lower back and your shoulders.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase an exercise or body bar.

• Disadvantage: None. In fact, this exercise can help you build balance for those squats.

Lie face down on the floor and place hands behind head (advanced) or fold them behind your back. Contract your lower back to lift your chest a few inches off the floor and lower back down. You can simultaneously lift legs for more intense exercise.

6. Legs

The following exercise will tighten that derriere and the backs of your legs:

• You need: Two canned goods and work up to milk jugs.

• What to do: Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold cans in front of your thighs. Bend your knees slightly and bend your body from your hips to lower torso towards the floor. Keep the cans close to your legs and stop when those cans reach mid-shin, Squeeze your butt and hamstrings to raise your body back to standing position. Make sure your back is flat throughout the movement and that you tuck your abs in. This isn’t a squat, so don’t bend your knees.

• Routine: Work up to three sets of five reps.

• Physical Benefits: You’ll strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and back.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase a medicine ball.

• Disadvantage: You may discover you can’t get up once you go down! You might want to substitute a chair back for the weights as support until you strengthen those glutes and hamstrings.

Calf stretches and presses

• You need: Stairs.

• What to do: While holding the stair rail for balance, position the balls of the feet at the edge of the step. Slowly lower your heels to stretch the calves; then slowly raise yourself to your toes.

• Routine: Do two sets of 10 to 20 reps slowly.

• Physical Benefits: Your calves and foot muscles will become stronger with this routine.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase step boards.

• Disadvantage: None. Just hold onto that rail if you can’t balance your body when you begin this exercise.

Walking lunges will make you look silly, but they’ll also shape your legs…

• You need: Canned goods and graduate to milk jugs.

• What to do: Stand with one foot about 12 to 15 inches in front of the other foot. Hold the milk jugs in each hand and your arms next to your body. Keep your upper body straight and inhale as you slowly lower yourself until the thigh of your front leg is parallel to the ground. Exhale and take a big step forward with your other foot and repeat the lunge.

• Routine: Work up to two to three lengths of your living room.

• Physical Benefits: Your calves and foot muscles will become stronger with this routine.

• Advantage: You don’t need to purchase weights.

• Disadvantage: You might want to forgo the weights until you can take those strides with ease. Further, if you can’t walk with lunges, practice lunges without walking until you feel comfortable with taking a stride. These progressions will help you avoid injury.

Finally…

As you begin your exercise routine, you might become curious about what others are doing to get in shape. You can find blogs about weight lifting, running, cycling, and yoga online, or you can search through books at the local library. Remember that stretching routines (like those used in yoga) are different than cardio routines (cycling or running) and strength routines (which you can find in resistance training or with weights). A combination of routines that you enjoy is key to your commitment to these programs.

A sweet plus includes sites that contain ideas about how to continue your exercise routines if you travel for business or pleasure. If you don’t want to pack those milk jugs, you can use the hotel pool instead. Often, the hotel might offer an exercise room filled with machines that you could use for no extra charge. In fact, hotel treadmills often provide a preferable alternative to walking in unfamiliar areas that may be unsafe.

Eventually, you might check out the local exercise scene to see if you can join in on a routine. You can, for instance, join these guys for a beach workout at no charge if you live in the area. Also, you can become an exercise fanatic at the office. Check out local yard sales and second-hand shops to find perfectly good home gym equipment. Look for smaller equipment you can carry home in the car instead of paying for shipping. You could buy new equipment, but few people fail to make good use of the euipment that they’ve purchased (which may be the reason why they’re selling it), so you can often find excellent equipment for half the price.

The point is to get started, as the key to a successful home gym is to build one that you will continue to use with enthusiasm. If you aren’t going to use your equipment, at least the canned goods won’t go to waste, as you’ll eventually consume the contents. However, you may begin to see results from your routines quickly and these results may help you to continue to build a healthy lifestyle.

One blogger discovered recently that a family member’s funeral cost a little over $12,000 for a modest ceremony. One way to avoid costly burials is to plan ahead while you’re still alive so that you can save your family money. In almost every state in the U.S., you can bypass the undertaker depending upon the circumstances surrounding a death. Since funeral homes and traditional burials represent the most costly way to leave this life, why don’t you take charge now to plan a final memorial that’s both smart and frugal?

In the past, entire families were involved with the funeral process, which allowed family members to express grief as they participated in various activities. The trend is to return to that family-oriented aspect and move away from undertakers who take control of everything from casket choices to catering. You take control when you plan your funeral and this activity allows you to plan a more personal and less commercial affair. But how do you go about planning a DIY funeral, and how much can you save?

Warning: If you’re not ready to read about how to plan your funeral, stop here. This article is not for the faint-of-heart.

1. Decide What You Want to Do

Do you want to donate your body to science? Or, would you rather honor religious leanings and strive for a natural burial without embalming? Perhaps you want a traditional funeral but you just don’t want to pay full price. If you don’t know how you want to conduct your funeral and the disposal of your body, you can search for options on the Internet and at your library. You can also consult the organization, Funeral Consumers Alliance. This nonprofit group maintains offices in numerous states, and it’s dedicated to providing information about funerals and dispositions at little to no cost.

You may discover that your choices boil down to one option - whether or not you want your friends and family to view your body after death. If you donate your body to science, for instance, you will be whisked away as soon as the proper papers are finalized - usually within hours. The only option in this case is for the family to hold a memorial service, as they won’t have the option for after-death visitation. If you don’t want to donate your body and you want a viewing, you can still hold one in most states even if you avoid the embalming process. But, you will need to pull everyone together quickly, as you must be cremated or buried usually within two days. Some states, however, will not allow a public or private viewing without embalming (more about embalming in #2).

Cremation isn’t a DIY option, as you must use a licensed crematory for this process. While laws regarding Viking funerals and funeral pyres are unknown, you can expect some problems if you decide to go that route in most western countries. Even though you must use a licensed oven for cremation, nationwide costs for this option can range from $300 to $3,000. These prices are much less than the costs of a traditional funeral, as you don’t need a casket [PDF] for the cremation process - although you may need a permit and your family may need to wait two days for the cremation to take place. The container you use - in most instances - can be as simple as a cardboard box, although some states may require a label that states what’s in that box.

2. Check Legalities

After you decide how you’d like to send your body off after you die, you’ll want to check local and regional ordinances about burials so you understand your options. You can learn more about state regulations through religious sites that advocate natural burials and through the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll learn that more states are leaning toward consumer choices except when certain circumstances prohibit those decisions.

For instance, although you may want to avoid embalming, if you die in a foreign country or if your body needs to be transported across long distances, you may be required to endure that process (not that you’ll feel it). Even if you die in England as a U.S. citizen, your funeral choices might be complicated by several legalities and time delays that will prevent you from avoiding the embalming option. Additionally, some airlines and other public carriers require bodies to be embalmed before transporting. However, your family members may have the choice of placing your body in a refrigerated room or container for transportation in certain instances.

Even if you don’t travel frequently, it’s good to provide options for unusual circumstances so that your loved ones will know how to fulfill your wishes. While you might envision a peaceful death at an old age, the chance that you’ll die a violent or accidental death is just as valid. In the latter instance, laws surrounding the cause of your death may require an autopsy or some other action that will run afoul of your best-laid plans.

Once again, refrigeration can save the day, especially if your body needs to be “kept on ice” for investigations or for other reasons beyond anyone’s control. Check commercial morgue prices vs. hospital morgue prices, as you might be able to make a choice about refrigeration choices before you die (note that most nursing homes do not carry refrigeration capabilities). Additionally, you might want to check about legalities surrounding contagious or lethal diseases. Even if you don’t expect to contract AIDS, you might contract some other disease that legally requires body handling by professionals.

3. Earth Burial, Scattered, or Entombed?

Your choices will include how you want your disposition conducted once your body is prepared for that final journey. If you want an earth burial and you’re lucky, a grandparent might have paid for a family plot years ago and you have dibs on one of those plots by family understanding. But, you may discover along the way that you have access to an available plot that was forgotten by family members. Don’t think you can use it without question, however. You’ll need to confer with cemetery or graveyard management to fulfill legal obligations before you can lay claim to that vacant space.

Even with this ‘traditional’ earth burial you can save money on various options. State laws do not require a vault or liner that keeps the ground from sinking in through the decomposition process and funeral providers may not tell you otherwise. However, many cemeteries might require some type of outer burial container in the future to prevent the grave from sinking. In that instance, you can choose a concrete grave liner rather than a full vault. Plus, it may be less expensive to purchase that grave liner from a third party rather than from a funeral home or cemetery.

The casket is another issue, as some caskets are claimed to be watertight, others don’t contain seals and now you have the option to purchase “green” caskets. If you want your body to be well-preserved, you’ll pay for it. The caskets that are designed to be watertight are much more expensive than any other option. Some green options are more expensive than others. This market is just gaining a foothold, and supply and demand issues might drive some companies to inflate their prices. Check with the Green Burial Council to learn more about your choices in this category.

If you decided on the cremation option and you want your ashes to be scattered, you might need to meet certain laws that prevent scattering ashes on some properties or in certain bodies of water. But, outside some restrictions, the sky’s the limit - literally. You can hire a pilot to scatter your ashes from a plane, be shot up in the air with fireworks, or - at the other extreme - be buried at sea. Realize that any commercial option will add serious cha-ching to your funeral’s bottom line.

You can also decide against scattering, as you can keep ashes in any container and bury it in your yard (check local ordinances first), or you can make your family carry you around forever. I knew a woman who kept her husband’s ashes in a large plastic Donald Duck container in her office, as she couldn’t (or didn’t want to) afford a commercial urn or a burial option.

Finally, you can choose entombment for your body or ashes. This choice, like that watertight casket, is probably the most expensive out of all possibilities. But, if you have a family tomb or you want to share a crematorium space with loved ones, then this is a choice best made with preplanning. Preplannning your funeral will allow you to find the least