It’s free! What Budget Smart Girl doesn’t love hearing or reading those words. Just the other day I was talking to someone who said the days of getting something for nothing were long gone. That got me thinking, so I set myself a challenge to find items that wouldn’t cost you a penny. Before you send for any free items, read the small print. Yes, most giveaways are completely legitimate, but just like everything else, some bad apples find their way into the mix. And I found some that want lots of information from you before they hand over the freebie. I’m never comfortable with that so always proceed with caution.
Freebies From the Government
You might have heard me mention this before it’s the Consumer Information Catalog. Not everything is entirely free…some publications only cost a couple of dollars or so. However, if you want to go the free route, here are some of the brochures you can send for…many of which will save you money in the long run. How to Maintain Your Car Tires, Online Security and Safety Tips, Ten Ways to Make your Health Benefits Work For You, Helping Your Child Understand Money, 401K Plans, Savings Fitness, Top Ten Ways to Prepare for Retirement. www.pueblo.gsa.gov.
Consumer Action Handbook
I also found this neat resource that’s updated every year. It’s called the Consumer Action Handbook and while it doesn’t have freebies to give away, it contains a ton of information covering topics like credit and travel that could save you some money. It also has contact information for all the major companies, food, etc. Remember about sending them nice letters, singing their praises, and who knows some coupons might just come your way. This is definitely something to keep with your reference books. www.consumeraction.gov Note here: looks like they’re currently out of copies, so keep checking back.
Free for Businesses
If you’re a Budget Smart Girl who runs a business you know it’s yet another area of our lives where we like to save money. I found this site which offers free tips on building a Web site etc., and also has forms you can download.www.smartbiz.com. And remember Budget Smart Girl buddy, The Mogul Mom? Heather had a great article listing 22 free things for your business. Just in case you missed it, here’s the link www.themogulmom.com/2009/05/28/another-22-free-things-to-manage-your-business
For Those With a Green Thumb
And some carpentry skills. I came across this site www.backyardspaces.com. Free plans on various backyard projects and just in time to build that backyard gazebo you’ve always dreamed out.
Freebies
Here are three sites that seem to offer no end of goodies, search around until you find something that catches your eye.
www.freestuffchannel.com
www.thefreesite.com
www.getfreethings.net
Free Samples
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t got time to sit at the computer and search the Internet for all the companies offering free samples, so here are two sites that have done some of the legwork for us. And remember when a product’s new the manufacturer is likely to be offering free samples.
www.get-free-samples.com
www.freefamilysamples.net
Laundry Detergent, Shampoo and Baby Care Products
Here are three offers I found on line,
www.tide.com/en-us/offers.jspx
www.dove.us/haircare
www.babykit.productsamples.org
Sample Before You Buy
You might not consider this getting something for free, but it can save you money. When you go to the deli and see all the goodies sitting in the bowls and plates, sometimes the urge to order a half pint of this, or a half pound of that is just so tempting. But how many times have you got it home, taken a bite, and well, maybe it looked better than it tasted. Always ask for a sample taste before you buy it. Don’t assume just because they don’t offer it to you, you can’t do a taste test. They might assume you’ve had it before, enjoyed it, and that’s the reason you’re buying it again. Remember one of the golden rules of being a Budget Smart Girl; it never hurts to ask!
