suggest essential seo tools

disclaimer: I thought i just posted this, but perhaps i didnt hit submit. either that or it was deleted for some reason. i have read the site rules. i think this is the right forum, and i dont think im breaking any rules. if it was deleted or moved, please let me know why or where. thanks


hi all
been dabbling with websites for a while, never knew much about SEO and how important it was. now i want to totally dive in.
im looking for a good list of free tools i could use as i learn the art of SEO.
i was hoping to get everything i need for free, but then i came across market samurai. now, i realize market samurai isnt free, but i am willing to pay the $67 one time fee. i am not yet willing to pay the expensive monthly fees for the the various other similar software (semrush, whatever).
so, can you guys help me come up with a list of essential tools for my SEO toolbox? i have a bunch of sites bookmarked already, but i have too many bookmarked and want to cut back and prevent confusion.(i think that makes sense?).
if you want to come up with a tool list for me, feel free to include either market samurai or free tools to replace market samurais functionality

thanks!