Making the Most: 5 Services You Don't Have to Pay For

Sometimes we don't have the resources we need to get things done - or we don't know they are already at our disposal. This is the main reason I started Janie Girl; to share resources, encourage and build each other up to Make the Most and live fully. I've posted services that were free in the past, but I wanted to share some others that are more basic and meaningful.

Have you ever needed a service and thought, "Ugh, I wish this was free"? Or did you have an outage and desperately needed an alternative? Here are five services you don't need to pay for... at least in a pinch!

Fax without the machine

FaxZero: Have you ever needed to fax a document from home? It's last minute and too late to mail. It's an urgent time-sensitive form and you need it there now? But who has a fax machine? Check out FaxZero. It's a free internet faxing service that lest you send faxes to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, up to three pages per fax and five faxes per day. The best part, you don't need a secondary phone line! Go to FaxZero.com

Text from your computer

Joopz: I know many of my readers don't text or don't have the option with their phone service. Offers come often that require texting, but that doesn't mean you can't participate! Check out Joopz, It's a free web-based text messaging service that enables two-way communications from the Web to any mobile phone in the U.S. and Canada.. and back! That means you can text with friends, family or even companies for coupons and offers - all for FREE without using your cell phone! All you need is an internet connection (desktop computer, laptop or tablet). Go to Joopz.com

Make a call from your email

Gmail: If you have a Gmail account, did you know you can make calls directly from an email that you send or receive. When you open an email with a phone number in the text, the number will be in blue. Click the phone number in the email. On the keypad that appears, click Call. Make sure you have speakers and a microphone installed prior to using this feature. If you want to have inbound calls, you can also sign up for Google voice. This requires a bit of registration, but offers several features and integrates your current phone. Go to Gmail.com

Use Your Smart Phone to Browse the Internet

Tethering: I'm not talking about using your smartphone to browse, I mean use your phone as a hot spot so you can see the internet on your home computer. It's called internet tethering - the method is different for each smartphone, but there are so many options, and most are FREE! This is a great option to have if your provider is known for going down from time to time. PC Advisor has some great tips on how to set this up for your devices.

Free Media Borrowing

Hoopla: We all love reading books on Kindle, which is cheaper than purchasing a hard copy. And getting DVDs from Redbox or even having a Netflix or Hulu subscription is a huge money saver over cable... but did you know there is a free service that lets you digitally access the resources from your local library online? For FREE?! Introducing Hoopla: instantly borrow digital movies, music and audiobooks by simply being a library cardholder. Titles stream instantly and are automatically returned at the end of the lending period. It's that simple! FYI: Your local public library must have an account set up with Hoopla Digital before you can use the Hoopla app. Check to see participating libraries. Go to HooplaDigital.com

Greater Phoenix Digital Library: And if you were looking for eBooks, the local Phoenix Public Library doesn't disappoint. Add in streaming video and audiobooks, here are thousands of titles to choose from without leaving the comfort of your home. PDL likely offers more than Hoopla, but is (unfortunately) regional. Check your library website, or ask your local librarian if your region offers digital borrowing. Go to The Greater Phoenix Digital Library.

And I want to throw an extra in. It's not really a service, but this is a awesome learning tool that I just had to share...

Tumble Books: While we're on the subject of reading, here's a great resource for your little ones! Check out Tumble Books: an online collection of animated, talking picture books that help children learn to read in a fun way. TumbleBookBiblioteca, a collection of Spanish books, is also available. Go to TumbleBooks.com