What is the best (and most cost effective way) to run automated server operations on a certain day or time by it self?

I am using a load balancer (and server) to start other servers to run large database updates and analytics, etc. I am paying quite a bit for running servers. I assumed this enterprise solution would cost quite a bit but I think I might be doing things a little differently than "the norm". Any recommendations on how the "run automated function"? Any language is fine, but preferably PHP, Java, Ruby, or Python if possible. Thank you in advanced.