Stop Overpaying: Borrow Your Way to Big Savings
If you’ve felt your paycheck shrinking as prices climb, you’re not alone. But there’s a loophole most people ignore: borrowing everyday essentials. Instead of buying pricey tools, kitchen gadgets, or equipment you’ll use once or twice, you can now access them for free or a small fee thanks to a surge in libraries and sharing apps. Here’s how borrowing, not buying, could put hundreds back in your pocket this month.
1. Tap Your Local Tool Library
The cost of a power drill, lawnmower, or even a carpet cleaner can wipe out your savings—especially on a tight budget. Tool libraries, now scattered across the U.S., let you borrow thousands of items for free or at a tiny cost.
The Chicago Tool Library offers everything from basic hand tools to kitchen appliances for residents to borrow.
- Search online for “tool library” + your city—try the Tool Library Alliance.
- Don’t just think tools—some offer sewing machines, kitchen gear, and sports equipment.
- Examples: Chicago Tool Library, Oakland Public Library Tool Lending, and Harrisburg Tool Library.
Takeaway: Borrowing a $150 drill or $80 carpet cleaner from a library instead of buying can add up to big savings each month!
Check what’s available near you—and ask about classes that some libraries provide for free.
2. Borrow Big-Ticket Kitchen Gadgets and Household Items
Buying a waffle maker or food processor for one recipe? That’s money down the drain. Many libraries—and now, some community centers—lend out kitchen gadgets, party supplies, and more. The Berkeley Public Library’s Tool Lending Library even lists kitchen appliances you can borrow.
Even kitchen appliances like blenders or food processors are available at some lending libraries, saving families from buying new for occasional needs.
- Ask your library if they have non-traditional items (kitchen gear, sewing machines, games).
- Coordinate with neighbors or look for “buy nothing” groups on social media to borrow and lend in your community.
Takeaway: Skip the one-time gadget splurge—borrowing is better for your wallet and storage space!
Call your local library or check their online catalog to see what surprises you can borrow today.
3. Try Peer-to-Peer Borrowing for Special Events and Projects
Services like Fat Llama are changing the game by letting you borrow directly from neighbors instead of big retailers. Need a camera for a graduation, or fancy props for a birthday? On Fat Llama, you rent high-end items for a fraction of the store price.
Fat Llama lets you rent kitchen gadgets, cameras, and electronics at far lower prices than retail stores.
- Create a free account and search for what you need, from tools to electronics to party gear.
- Set your rental length, pay online, and pick up locally—no shipping fees.
- Always check user ratings and message the lender about item condition.
Takeaway: Rent, don’t buy, for one-off projects or celebrations—you could save over $100 on a single event.
Download a peer rental app or browse your local listings today.
4. Check Out Community Lending and Nonprofit Exchanges
Nonprofit tool or item exchanges (like the Toolshed Exchange in Hudson, NY or Station North Tool Library in Baltimore) provide affordable access—and often training too. These places focus on empowering neighbors with free or sliding-scale tools and knowledge.
The Station North Tool Library offers over 3,000 tools and regular training classes for the cost of a library card.
- Look for local exchanges and ask what documents you’ll need (ID, proof of address).
- Take advantage of free workshops to build your skills without paying extra.
Takeaway: Community exchanges add free education to savings—you learn and save at the same time!
Check for community nonprofits or city programs focused on sharing resources.
5. Save on Yard Work and DIY with Neighborhood Libraries
Seasonal tasks (lawn maintenance, snow shoveling) often mean pricey tools bought for just a few months’ use. Places like the East Warren Tool Library in Detroit lend out lawnmowers, snow blowers, weed trimmers, and more.
The East Warren Tool Library offers push mowers, weed whips, and power tools without the cost of ownership.
- Borrow instead of buying tools you’ll use once or twice a year.
- Ask your neighbors about sharing equipment for infrequent chores.
Takeaway: Save $50, $100, or more each season by borrowing, not buying, for occasional yard projects.
Scan your neighborhood Facebook group or bulletin board for lending libraries and willing sharers.
Bottom Line: Borrowing Puts Cash Back in Your Pocket
Every time you borrow instead of buy, you avoid a big up-front cost and free up money for the things you truly need. Start with your local library, join a sharing app, and pay it forward when you can. Ready for extra cash this month? Borrow, don’t buy—your budget will thank you.