I’ll pause now
Public libraries
They are a literal treasure trove of information and resources if you know how to use them.
It’s why I’m gonna donate to them once I can find or make a tech job/company
Ours gives us access to a number of online databases. I use the Chilton database for automotive repair procedures, specs, and wiring diagrams.
Best part about them is that various ones might have more than just books. Someone already mentions databases, but I’ve seen DVDs at one in my town and I know I’ve heard of them lending tools and certain appliance as well.
Too funny - we were writing the same thing as the first comment. Libraries: two out of two Internet commenters agree!
Honestly, the library. They’ve been mostly forgotten in our digital present, but borrowing books for free is practically utopian in today’s enshittified, monetized world. You often can do it digitally if you like your devices.
Even if you never go to your library again after joining, a library card will usually get you free access to a streaming service like Kanopy or Hoopla that often has a not at all terrible selection.
Community.
I think from a free advice perspective, it’s worth talking to your local pharmacist? While not a substitute for doctor visits, my experience is that their advice on minor maladies is way more on-point than what I get from relatives, co-workers, etc. And they are super well-versed on the pitfalls of off-the-shelf remedies. Yet a lot people only approach them to pick up a prescription.
I know in my country (which is experiencing a very bad homelessness epidemic), post offices provide services to register a permanent address and collect mail from them. This isn’t very well known sadly, and if it was more widely advertised we could have seen better voter turnout in our most recent election for example. Not without mentioning access to education and jobs that require permanent addresses, which would help homeless people out of the poverty cycle.
Democratic representation in government. A bunch of yahoos basically just voted to give it away to billionaires.
