Take Advantage of Community Programs

It's one thing to learn a new skill from a pricey workshop or class, but it's quite another to get that same experience while paying next to nothing. Fortunately, we live in the age of DIY (do-it-yourself), and many stores and local organizations are putting the power into the hands of the consumer - at a price that makes sense. So, whether you're looking to brush up on your culinary skills or learn how to better care for your home, look no further than your own neighborhood businesses:

• Stop by the supermarket. Whereas healthy eating used to be the act of a few fearless trendsetters, these days it's all the rage. Supermarkets are taking their cues from consumers and jumping on this bandwagon. For example, Whole Foods, a supermarket chain in the USA and Canada, offers inexpensive, and sometimes even complementary, food tastings and cooking lessons at many of its locations. If you have a Whole Foods in your area, stop in and ask about what's available. Or find out right now if your local Whole Foods has a Culinary Center on-site. Located in over 30 stores nationwide, these instructional kitchens offer affordable education for foodies of all ages.
  
  But don't put all your eggs (or any food, for that matter) in one basket. Many other supermarkets (such as Kings, Wegman's, and ShopRite, provide these types of hands-on experiences - often led by some of the country's most accomplished culinary experts.
• Look to your local library. Almost all libraries have a myriad of workshops and classes available on topics ranging from smoking cessation and weight management to basic computer training and building your own business. Some locations even host free movie nights, along with complimentary refreshments after the film. Don't forget about free literary programs featuring poets and authors, too. All you have to do is inquire at the front desk - and a few hours of free education could be yours.
• Hurry over to the hardware store. Confused about how to replace a shower head? Wondering which floors will stand up most against your three kids and two dogs? Look no further than your local hardware store, where instructional clinics are commonplace. This type of training is priceless because it may end up saving you big bucks in the long run. Sure, some big jobs call for experts, but you'd be surprised at how easy certain home maintenance tasks can be after some basic training. Think about how much money you'd save if you were able to fix your leaky faucet yourself instead of calling in a plumber to do the job?
  
  In addition to how-to training, some stores even have free classes on fire safety and energy efficiency. And don't forget about workshops for kids. Lowe's, the well-known chain hardware store, offers free Build and Grow^TM clinics in which children can build their very own object out of wood. Upon completion of the project, each participant receives a complimentary apron, pair of goggles, project-themed patch, and certification of merit.
• Get educated at a health expo. In an era of soaring health care costs and staggering prevalence of serious diseases, government health organizations regularly sponsor free health expos or fairs. These events frequently feature complementary health screenings (blood glucose checks, cholesterol tests, and more) along with cooking demonstrations, product exhibits, and presentations on disease prevention and management. Oftentimes, many kid-friendly activities are available, as a fun way to get the whole family excited about better health. To see when one of these expos will be taking place in your area, log on to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or other government health websites.

By taking advantage of free and inexpensive resources in your community, you won't have to give up a lot-but you'll certainly take a great deal away.

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