Free, Valuable, and Entertaining Goods: A Complimentary Treasure Trove
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In the spirit of saving a penny and learning a new skill, we've compiled a list of exciting offers and free online learning platforms that cater to various interests.
Celebrate Your Birthday in Style
The website The Penny Hoarder has curated over 100 places that offer birthday freebies. Some popular eateries, such as Panera Bread and IHOP, provide a free pastry or a stack of pancakes on your special day. However, some retailers and restaurant chains may require you to be a member of their rewards program and make a certain purchase before redeeming your complimentary item.
Free Online Courses for Skill Development
If you're looking to expand your knowledge in areas like finance, computer programming, or home improvement, there are several platforms offering free online courses.
| Platform | Key Features | Skill Focus Examples | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Coursera | Thousands of free and paid courses from universities; offers certificates and professional degrees; free trial available | Finance, data science, computer programming, project management[1] | | edX | Free online courses with optional paid certificates; broad topics, including finance | Finance, corporate finance, personal finance, programming[3] | | SkillUP by Simplilearn | Free self-paced courses with certificates; content created by industry experts; mobile-friendly | Various skills including programming and business-related skills[2] | | Saylor Academy | Nonprofit offering free and open courses since 2008; partnerships to provide credit pathways | General education, business, computer science, finance[4] | | Alison | Free courses across many categories; free certificates available | Computer programming, finance, home improvement, and more[5] | | Skillshare | Community-based platform focusing on learning by doing; mix of free and paid courses | Creative skills, programming, business, and personal development[1] | | Academic Earth | Free courses from top universities like Princeton and Oxford; flexible, self-paced | Business, science, humanities, law, and other fields[1] |
These platforms cover a wide range of topics, including finance, computer programming, and home improvement. All these platforms offer flexible, often self-paced learning suitable for learners of different levels, with many providing free completion certificates to support professional development or personal enrichment.
Freebies Vary by State
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, free fishing days without the need to purchase a license may be available in your state. You can find these free fishing days listed on FreeStuffFinder.com.
Summer Fun for Kids
The summer Kids Bowl Free program allows children two free daily games at more than 1,500 bowling alleys nationwide. Additionally, during workshops held by Home Depot and Lowe's, children make crafts ranging from model airplanes to miniature fire stations.
Money-Saving Advice
Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine offers advice and guidance on various topics related to saving money, such as museum visits, travel, investments, groceries, electronics, cars, clothing, and online shopping.
With this comprehensive guide, you're equipped to enjoy freebies, learn new skills, and save money all year round!
Participate in free online courses on platforms like Coursera, SkillUp by Simplilearn, Saylor Academy, Alison, and Skillshare to develop skills in areas such as food-and-drink, home-and-garden, shopping, and lifestyle, as they offer a wide range of topics and flexible self-paced learning.
Take advantage of summer activities for kids, such as the Kids Bowl Free program, and workshops offered by Home Depot and Lowe's for creative and educational experiences, which often involve food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and lifestyle projects.
