The best things in life are free... and a whole lot of other stuff too!

We're so used to always paying, paying, paying that we forget about all the useful things that are available at no cost whatsoever. We're in a recession, but you don't have to forgo all the pleasures you can no longer afford simply because you're pinching pennies.

I know it's hard for honest people to imagine getting something for nothing, but I assure you that I'm not referring to illegal downloads or stealing electricity.

There most definitely is such a thing as a free lunch, if you know where to get it.

Here are 20 things you don't have to pay for:

1. The news

   It's no longer necessary to pay for news. Since I'm obviously preaching to the converted, I'll say no more on this subject.

2. Computer software

   You don't need Microsoft, you need cash in you pocket. Instead of buying Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Paint or Access, rather go to www.openoffice.org and get their equivalent — Calc, Writer, Impress, Draw and Base — for free!

   All of these programs have a feature whereby you can save files in a format that your paying friends and colleagues' computers can read.

   Need help budgeting, but don't have anything left in your, uh, budget? No problem! Try Quicken Online, Mint or any one of a host of free budgeting software options available on the web.

   For free anti-virus software, look no further than AVG Anti Virus.

   Got no money for Photoshop? Try Gimp instead!

   The list of complimentary open source software is almost endless, so don't shell out before researching what's on offer for free.

3. Books

   We seem to have forgotten completely about that wonderful place that'll lend you their books for free: the library.

4. A pet

   Your local SPCA or animal rescue centre has hundreds of pets waiting to be rescued.

5. Packing supplies and moving boxes

   Shipping out? At least some of your packing supplies should be free. Go to any business that gets their stock in boxes, such as supermarkets for example, and ask nicely. You could also scour paper recycling dumpsters where you'll almost certainly find boxes of all shapes and sizes.

   I've even noticed ads on Gumtree where people advertise their moving and packing supplies for free.

   Imagine paying R30 for a box you're going to throw out anyway. Seems crazy, doesn't it?

The '35-25-35' principle How the '35-25-35' budget principle can ensure you effectively spend your monthly income...

Scam-proof your savings Dodgy investment schemes abound, but there’s one surefire way to scam-proof your savings...

How to build wealth Why can't we retire comfortably? Because we shun shares and wait too long to start investing...