Check your local library. Mine (Toronto) has a feature that you can link your card and via the library portal and get full access to the NYTimes (except for the crossword). Works with the native NYTimes apps, too. Only annoying thing is you have to re-login via the library portal every 3 days.

This, on top of a lot of other products (Lynda.com, Safari books online) means you may have a lot of free resources. And check your local major city if you're in a suburb. You can have a Toronto library account if you live, work, or go to school within the city.

Just remove all nytimes.com cookies and refresh the page.

NYT is one on the short list I don’t mind paying for.