Good morning! Today, I’m excited to be guest posting at Work Save Live with a fresh take on how to save money when buying a new house. And don’t forget, you still have a chance to win $1,000 in our biggest giveaway ever, plus there’s an extra $100 up for grabs at the end of this post!

Let’s talk about getting things for free and making smart money choices as part of the “13 Money Resolutions for 2013” series. We’ve already trimmed down unnecessary expenses and found plenty of ways to save on essentials. But the biggest tip to save money is simply not to buy things you don’t need.

Stop buying unnecessary stuff. Shopping out of boredom or sadness usually leads to waste and doesn’t make you feel any better. Instead, take stock of what you already own. Your pantry is probably stocked for weeks, so limit your spending to just fresh items. Fix and reuse your clothes instead of buying new ones. Read the books you have before getting new ones. Plan fun and free dates instead of expensive ones. Fix your broken toaster or upgrade your computer to delay the need for a new one.

Get the things you need for free. If food is a struggle, there are food stamps, charities, soup kitchens, and free meals at some school cafeterias. If you can afford food, you can still benefit from growing your own in a garden or even just on a balcony. There’s pride in growing your own food, plus it’s healthier and cost-effective. Research what grows well in your area and mix common foods with pricier ones like bell peppers or basil. Lookout for opportunities like a friend’s surplus harvest or foraging for nuts and berries.

For entertainment, stream movies and music for free, borrow books from the library, attend free community classes, or enjoy free concerts and festivals.

When it comes to skills, you can learn almost anything online. YouTube has loads of DIY tutorials, online universities offer free lectures, and you can even pick up new languages for free.

You can also get free items through networks like Freecycle, where people give away things they no longer need. From furniture to kitchenware, you can find almost anything for free. Just ask for what you need and keep a lookout. Check Craigslist for free listings and see if people moving houses are getting rid of items.

For free clothes, especially children’s clothes, Freecycle is a great resource. Organize a clothing swap with friends where everyone brings items they no longer wear and exchange them. Any leftover items can go to charity.

Swapping services with friends is another excellent way to save. Offer babysitting, school pickups, cooking batches of food, computer repairs, help with DIY projects, car maintenance, painting, moving assistance, language exchange, tutoring, web design, or translations in exchange for services you need.

And now for the giveaway! You can win $100 in cash via PayPal or an Amazon gift card, your choice! Just follow @RFIndependence on Twitter to enter. Check out the other participants to increase your chances. Good luck!

Are there other things you can get for free? Absolutely! Keep your eyes open and make smart exchanges to benefit both your wallet and lifestyle.