Score expert help for so much less!

Need to fix a broken clock or revive a sick garden, but holding off due to the high cost of bringing in a pro? Here, 4 easy ways to find experts willing to help while saving you big

- Gabrielle Lichterman

For household items:
Visit the library 

Love the free books, movies and music your library offers? Many also offer repair clinics where experts will fix your broken belongings for free! Their goal is to help you hold on to favorite items longer and avoid filling up landfills. In most cases, you'll be able to bring a wide assortment of items to be fixed (including appliances, bicycles, clocks, furniture, and jewelry), as well as bring in tools for sharpening. Just check your local library's calendar of events or ask your librarian when their repair clinic is held. Have clothing that needs mending? Some clinics offer to fix zippers, patch rips, sew hems and more.

If you don't live near a library that hosts repair clinics, you can find more volunteer fix-it events at Repair Cafe.org/en/visit. Or call your town's waste management office, as many offer free repair clinics too.

For cars or computers:
Head to school