Use Your Local Library

There is a great resource that is local, multi-faceted, a great source of money saving - and you already pay for through your taxes: your public library. Now boosted by on-line resources, the public library is a 19th Century innovation that is more than a mine of information and entertainment: you can save you the cost of purchasing books and rent CDs and DVDs for a low price.

Of course, you will have to wait for the newer blockbuster movies to reach the shelves, but often the latest best-selling book is already purchased and waiting your attention - for free. And gardening and cookery books, travel guides and DIY manuals are all there for you to dip into and take away.