Smart Buying
Fabulous Freebies 2009
Your money's no good here. Check out these 30 valuable goods and services that don't cost a thing.
By Erin Burt, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
August 2009
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11. FREE MONEY FOR GRAD SCHOOL
On average, a year of graduate school costs $28,375 for a master's degree at a public school and $38,665 at a private school. But free money abounds, from grants and scholarships to assistantships and fellowships.
See Money for Grad School to learn more.
12. FREE REWARDS
You have to buy groceries and gas anyway, so why not use those purchases to get a little more green in your wallet? Sign up for a rewards credit card and get free money, gift certificates, airline miles or other perks. (Of course, it's only free if you pay the balance in full each month without incurring interest charges.)
When you have to make a purchase online, start at BondRewards.com to earn another cool freebie: You click on an affiliated online retailer (there are hundreds) to do your shopping as usual, and a percentage of your purchase is given back to you in your BondRewards account. You then redeem your rewards for U.S. savings bonds or cash.
13. FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE
Not to toot our own horn (okay, maybe just a little), but Kiplinger.com is a treasure trove of free financial advice. Our tools and calculators will help you get on the right financial track.
Our expert columnists will answer your personal-finance questions. For instance, Kim Lankford answers your general financial questions, Janet Bodnar tackles family and kid topics and Knight Kiplinger advises readers on ethics and money matters.
14. FREE MOBILE APPS
You spent all that money on a new iPhone. Now download some free apps to help you save money and recoup the cost. For instance, the free Mint.com or Quicken apps help you track your spending and manage your money and investments on the go. AMT Hunter can help you find a surcharge-free machine near wherever you are. And iShop can help you search for the lowest price on an item before you buy.
There are plenty of other useful applications at the iTunes App Store, with free recipes, weather updates, diet help, music, games and more.
15. FREE BOOKS, MOVIES & MUSIC
If you haven't been to the public library lately, dust off your card. It's your ticket to mounds of free books, magazines, CDs and movies.
Many libraries also offer free lectures, book readings and community clubs to residents.
16. FREE ONLINE BILL PAYING
Stop paying your bills by check and put their payment on autopilot. At many banks, including Bank of America, BB&T, SunTrust and Wachovia, you get free bill paying with every online checking account. (Be sure you read the fine print -- some banks may require you to maintain a certain balance in your checking account to get the freebie.)
But even if your bank doesn't give you this freebie, you can probably arrange for automatic bill paying directly with the parties sending the bills, such as your utility, credit-card, phone and mortgage companies.
17. FREE KIDS' MEALS
Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch -- or dinner. Kids eat free at Denny's, Lone Star Steakhouse and Roadhouse Grill every Tuesday night (and some Saturdays) with a paying adult. IHOP, Golden Corral, Marie Callender's and Chevys restaurants offer kids-eat-free deals at select locations.
You can search for eateries in your area at KidsMealDeals.com.
18. FREE DIGITAL STORAGE SPACE
With free online backup storage, you can protect your important files and photos from computer crashes, theft or natural disaster.
For instance, Spideroak.com and Myotherdrive.com each give you 2 gigabytes of free and secure digital storage space. You can also store your cherished photos and videos at sites such as Photobucket.com and Flickr.com. You can also store your pics at photo-print ordering sites such as Snapfish.com, Shutterfly.com or Walmart.com, as long as your account is active.
19. FREE TECH RECYCLING -- WITH BENEFITS
Not only is it getting easier to keep your old electronics out of the landfill, but you may even get some free cash in exchange. Services such as BuyMyTronics.com, Gazelle.com, MyBoneyard.com and GreenPhone.com recycle or refurbish your old tech and send you a check in return. They take cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, game consoles and more.
If you can't find anyone willing to pay for your dinosaur, look for other free places to recycle. For instance, Best Buy will take many of your tech castoffs at no charge. And keep your eyes open for free e-recycling days in your city.
20. FREE CAPITAL GAINS
Who wouldn't love to let their investments grow 100% tax-free? Take a pass on paying capital-gains taxes by investing in a Roth IRA. Any money you put into your Roth grows tax-free, and you won't owe Uncle Sam a dime when you cash out in retirement. It's all yours.
Reader Comments (26)
Posted by: Aya @ Thrive at 08/31/2009 02:56:14 PM
Great list of freebies - we're all about that, which is why in addition to Mint and Wesabe mentioned in #4, I'd like to make note of the free personal finance management site, Thrive (justthrive.com)! Hoping we're another consideration for the list.
Posted by: Kristina Hansen at 09/02/2009 01:01:08 AM
I like the freebies you listed, I already save money by being a member of the bondrewards program you mentioned at number 12. simple easy and when you redeem for cash instead of bonds you get the money right away.
Posted by: Kristen at 09/02/2009 02:36:06 PM
Great article! I know from personal experience that #12 on the list - www.BondRewards.com - is a FANTASTIC way to shop online at all of your favorite stores and save a TON of cash. I signed up for a free member account on BondRewards.com this past December, and I purchased all of my Christmas gifts for everyone on my list...There's definitely a lot of variety in terms of the stores that you can shop at - I was able to buy gifts from Sephora for my mom and sister, a Barnes & Noble book for my dad, Gap clothes for my cousins, etc. I ended up earning enough cash back from my purchases to buy a really nice gift for myself as well! In fact, I've been earning double the rewards by shopping online through my BondRewards account, while paying for my purchases using a credit card that provides cash back rewards as well. Double the benefits is twice as nice!:-) ... I would highly recommend it to anyone who shops online and wants to earn a good amount of cash back on each purchase.
Posted by: Dan at 09/04/2009 03:26:42 PM
I've got a Free Lottery Pool for everyone 18 years and older. Join and Play absolutely Free! MyFreeLotteryPool.Com
Posted by: kathleen at 09/04/2009 05:28:36 PM
Can you list some sites to find money for college, as was done with other items on the list? The list just said there's money out there. Thank you. Editor's Note: Kathleen, hope this helps you and others. Please check out this story on Kiplinger.com. You can cut and paste the url: http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2008/11/free_money_for_college.html
Posted by: Lori Felix at 09/04/2009 06:10:45 PM
I have over 40 birthday freebies with links on my money saving site, www.morewithlesstoday.com and my readers keep sending me more-enjoy!
Posted by: Candace Kowal at 09/04/2009 06:23:23 PM
I'm surprised you didn't mention MyPoints.com. I go thru the MyPoints site for every online purchase I make. I earn points which I redeem for restaurant certificates or any retailer. I've been a member since 1992. It's a great rewards progam.
Posted by: Robert Moskovits at 09/04/2009 07:42:48 PM
And don't forget FREE movies at MovieFlix.com
Posted by: Lisa at 09/04/2009 07:42:54 PM
YesAll4Free.com is the BEST website to get freebies!
Posted by: Tracy at 09/04/2009 07:44:36 PM
Buy and sell stuff for your wedding at Recycledbride.com
Posted by: Diane at 09/04/2009 08:41:51 PM
This is really great! I have always looked for places to save. But you have pointed out ones I had never heard of. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Danyiel McCormick at 09/04/2009 10:24:45 PM
I loved the list. I also sell MaryKay & offer a 10% discount for freecycle members...I ship for free anywhere in the US....Thanks and keep those lists coming. In this economy everything helps.
Posted by: Tatyana at 09/04/2009 11:16:09 PM
More freebies from Wells Fargo - Free rewards with new credit card - you can also earn points by using your debit card. (new credit card customers only) Free Bill pay in most states...you can also get free investment advise!...
Posted by: Lady J at 09/05/2009 12:33:03 AM
I'm 65, have a health challenge and no job,it's a blessing to have someone give this type of information to help people in this time of crisis. if there is ever any free stuff for diabetics or chronic pain or any wellness to help the elderly or ill, please post it too and God bless you.
Posted by: John at 09/05/2009 08:45:45 PM
Keep the list growing. I keep a list of free things with Spanish translation on GratisYmas.com
Posted by: Marj at 09/06/2009 01:10:43 AM
I have received help with prescription costs from my physician and my pharmacist. I receive 1/2 the cost of my two of my most expensive prescriptions thanks to them. Just ask.
Posted by: Webfloss.com at 09/06/2009 03:52:01 PM
General Savings site: webfloss.com
Posted by: Raschel at 09/07/2009 09:50:34 PM
I just signed up for the BondRewards program you mentioned... how cool, thanks for the heads up. I shop at all the places they have on their site so now I have a great way to save because that is so important to me today. Thanks Kiplinger...
Posted by: geopeach at 09/08/2009 02:19:15 PM
There is also MyPoints.com, similar to BondRewards.com. I have been using that for years now. It is legit.
Posted by: Stacy at 09/09/2009 03:08:39 AM
I have participated in a few different reward programs online, MyPoints included. But today in this economy saving money speaks loud in my life and I personally choose cash or US Saving Bonds right now over points for a gift card that's why I use BondRewards. I also noticed after I redeemed a few times that I began saving more myself so anyone looking to save money check out BondRewards.
Posted by: lisa at 09/11/2009 10:35:42 AM
thanks for the heads up. Now insted of going to blockbuster to rent movies all the time, i can watch those same movies online. I'll definitely check out the BondRewards
Posted by: Advisor at 09/16/2009 02:13:15 AM
#14 - ATM Hunter application does not show Surcharge Free ATMs - I would recommend the Allpoint or MoneyPass iPhone application if your Bank or Credit Union is a participant.
Posted by: Annie ( Property Haw at 10/07/2009 06:29:40 AM
...I am really pleased to stumble on : this it's just what I needed to know...I am really interested in Property Marketing normally and so I shall be very pleased to become a regular visitor. See you soon
Posted by: Swap Savers at 10/13/2009 01:36:21 PM
Great post. I post freebies, coupons and rewards on my site everyday...
Posted by: georgegigantana at 11/05/2009 06:11:06 PM
I need advice for buying house,im buying next year(2010) thanks
Posted by: Ron Bookbinder at 11/06/2009 01:43:47 PM
Another good example of free shipping (#3) is that you can get free shipping from Borders.com to any Borders bookstore and then pick up the book once the bookstore calls to tell you it's arrived. You can enter zipcodes of your home or workplace (if any) and the Borders.com website will list nearby bookstores. Just make sure you select this option as you're checking out. And of course be sure to use Borders online coupons when ordering to save more. You have to get a Borders Rewards card but that's free and easy to do. Enjoy those books!