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Free Online Resources — The Suite Edition

 

Note: This post was updated in 2025 to reflect the latest pricing and features for free and basic paid productivity suites.


Hey there, Super Saver! Thinking about working for yourself or taking up a side hustle? Maybe you’re a little more ambitious and want to start your own business where you’re the chief everything officer. Are you planning to drain your savings to get it off the ground? Before you dip into your cookie jar, let’s explore some sweet free resources that can help you keep your venture in the black!


Since you'll probably handle a lot of your business on a computer, you’ll need a productivity suite. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new (or new-to-you) computer, retailers might try to convince you to buy a Microsoft 365 subscription. But why pay when you can enjoy a tasty assortment of free options? If your needs are basic—email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and cloud storage—you can find your fill at office.com, where Microsoft offers free versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and a few other apps. It's like getting a free sample of your favorite dessert!


Not a fan of Microsoft or just curious about other flavors? Google’s got your back with a delicious lineup of Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, all available at no cost. It's like a free ice cream sundae, complete with all the toppings you need.


For the more creative types who prefer decorating their projects like a gourmet cupcake, Canva is a fantastic option. While you won’t get the standard fare like email or cloud storage that Microsoft and Google offer, Canva’s free suite does include spreadsheets and offers a delightful array of design tools for jazzing up your social media posts or creating eye-catching posters. Think of it as a candy store for your creativity, all without spending a dime.


If you have a computer that came with preinstalled productivity apps, don’t let them gather dust like forgotten Halloween candy. Apple and Chromebook products come with some usable apps that work both online and offline. If they meet your needs, take advantage of these tools you've already purchased.


Now, if the free options don’t fully satisfy your business appetite, be smart with your spending. One way to stretch your business funds is to pay for your yearly subscription up front. For instance, Google Workspace’s Business Starter plan costs $7 per user/month (annual). Microsoft’s 365 Business Basic plan is $6 per user/month (annual). Canva Pro for one user is $15/month or $119.99/year ($9.99/month equivalent). If you're okay with the Home version of Microsoft 365, committing to 12 months costs $99.99/year or $9.99/month. 


And here’s a cherry on top—savvy savers can score even more during special times like the back-to-school season. With Microsoft 365, you could end up with 15 months of service for the price of 12. It’s like getting an extra scoop of your favorite ice cream for free!


So, Super Saver, before you dip into your savings, explore these free online resources. They’re the perfect recipe to help you start your business journey on a budget without missing out on any of the essential tools. Happy hustling!

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