8 Secrets to Scoring Amazing Freebies
Money-saving experts insist there are some things they never pay for — and neither should you! Here, their priceless tips to use while stuck at home and when we’re finally able to venture out again.
Get Free Dental Work
“Call your local dental school and ask about free cleanings. At the University of Minnesota’s dental school, for example, students nearing the end of school need patients to work on in order to get their degrees. You go for a free-screening process, then if you qualify, get free dental work! The work is supervised, so you still have the input of working dentists.” — Carrie Rocha, founder of Pocket Your Dollars
Download Software On the House
“Frugal people know there’s no need to pay $500 for Microsoft Office when you can use Open Office, which does everything Microsoft does — for free! And if you have a free Gmail account, you also get free Google Drive and Docs, which include the most commonly used programs in office software to produce and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.” — Dave Bakke, money-saving expert at Money Crashers
Take No-Cost Exercise Classes
“Gym memberships or classes at a fitness studio can run you $100 or more per month, but you can actually find quality fitness classes on YouTube! There are so many different workout sequences and videos offered on the site at no price — everything from low-impact yoga to strength-training to more intensive 30-minute HIIT workouts. Simply search for the type of workout you’re interested in and take a look at the top videos.” — Kelly Crawford, fitness expert at Hard Boiled Body
Receive Free In-Store Beauty Treatments
“I always look for special freebie days posted on websites or in email newsletters of various beauty boutiques, pharmacies, or department stores. For example, Walgreens offers free beauty consultations and sample bags at certain beauty events, Sephora recently offered free brow-shaping (which can cost up to $20!), and Ulta gave free conditioning treatments at its Gorgeous Hair Event.” — Andrea Woroch, money-saving expert
Nab Complimentary Hairstyling Services
“Expert savers never pay for haircuts or hairstyling. Not when you can become a hair model — you just need one thing: hair! Check out CraigsList under the category ‘Beauty,’ type ‘model’ in the search bar, and a list of salons that need hair models will pop up. You can find everything from free haircuts at franchises to high-end salons that offer blow-dries and even color (sometimes there’s a modest charge for the product used — usually under $20, but often free).” — Jon Lal, founder of BeFrugal
Click For Toiletries
“I’ve received free samples of everything from toothpaste to perfume by signing up for Freeflys. The key is to set up an email address specifically for that purpose so you don’t get overloaded with spam, then just check the website regularly to choose your freebies — it takes about four weeks to get samples in the mail. Also great: Every few months, sites like CouponCabin, or your Sunday paper circulars offer coupons from Schick or Bic for $2 to $3 off one package of razors. If you combine them with store discounts and gift card promotions, you can end up getting them free! ” — Kristl Story, founder of The Budget Diet
Check Luggage at No Extra Charge
“With today’s economy fares, seats may be cheap, but you pay the price in luggage later on. Sidestep the cost by signing up for credit cards with the airlines you fly most. For example, I have a United Visa card, which gives me one free checked bag when I travel on United. You might also get passes to airport lounges, which offer free drinks, food and more.” — Trae Bodge, shopping expert
Cut the Cable Cord
“Money-saving pros don’t pay to watch TV. If you have a decent Internet connection, you can say adios to pricey cable bills. I use the Amazon Fire Stick ($39.99, Amazon), and once you have it plugged in, your TV becomes a highly connected device with instant access to streaming services for movies, music, sports — even games, many of which are free. Want local channels for free too? Visit NoCable.org and enter your home address. The site tells you which HD channels are available based on your location (and topographical features). You just buy an HD antenna (they run around $25), hook it to your TV and start watching local HD channels at no cost to you.” — Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.
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