Americans Spent $7 Billion Dollars Last Year on Magazines They Can Get for Free

Americans spent more than $7 billion dollars purchasing magazines last year, according to Adweek.

And that’s just print magazines. Apparently, we spent billions more on digital subscriptions and e-newsletters.

That’s insane!

Listen, I love kicking back with a magazine just as much as you, but there are several ways you can get your favorite magazines for absolutely no out-of-pocket costs. Yes, I’m talking about free magazines!

A big part of getting your budget under control is weeding out all these little line items, which really add up to big bucks.

Here are two solutions to check out:

1. Your Local Library

Most public libraries have an extensive collection of magazines you can check out for free.

Yes, they have a number of 1980s Reader’s Digests, but you can also find current magazines.

My advice is to make friends with your local librarian, because he might be willing to set aside a few magazines for you or let you know when the newest copy of your favorite magazine gets added to the shelf every month.

2. Next Issue

Next Issue is a cool resource for those of you who like to read digital magazines.

However, there is a cost to this one: they charge $9.99/month for unlimited access to any magazine, including back issues. And yes, that applies to many of your favorites, like People, National Geographic, Entrepreneur and Backpacker.

Next Issue also offers the first 60 days for free, and you can cancel at anytime.

We’re not crazy about the cost, but if you read a lot of magazines, this might be a good way to save some money, rather than having a lot of separate subscriptions.