5 Genius Ways to Get Something for Free

Everyone loves frees stuff, you know it is true. Saving money in general is already a thrill, but when you get something for nothing it is an added satisfaction. That is even more true when you genuinely like and can use. Even if the item itself isn’t traditionally ‘exciting’. If that weren’t the case, people wouldn’t be so eager to join sweepstakes.

According to Coupon Code Lady, They have met families that have won literally tens of thousands of dollars worth of free stuff in contests. I have met others that manage to save hundreds per month just by knowing about the right places to go and the right things to do to get something for free. Don’t even get me started on those extreme coupon junkies that can get a whole month’s groceries without paying a dime.
Now, I can’t promise you that if you use these tips you will be finding as much success as those above. Living that way is a full time job, after all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save a fair amount and get some great free stuff in less involved ways.
Here are five genius ways to indulge in your free-stuff addiction, and without having to spend all of your energy getting there.

1. Go On Your Birthday

It is an old tradition in the US that when you go into certain establishments on your birthday, you are given some kind of free item for it. Many restaurants and niche food places offer free meals.
To find places in your area that offer free birthday meals and coupons, check out Favorite Candle. All you need is to enter your zip code for a full list. When you find one you would like, there is a link that takes you to the site of the business in question for more information. You don’t even have to sign up.

2. Join a Point Earning Site

These are becoming very popular, and for good reason. You perform tasks, shop, do surveys and even just use their search engine. This gives you points, which can then be redeemed for cash, prizes and gift cards. While these sites used to be kind of shady, demand has increased and so good sites have been created. The most popular is probably Swagbucks, which allows you to get big prizes, gift cards from sites like Amazon and more for as little as watching video clips or searching on their search engine. Other popular ones are the survey based MySurvey, and InboxDollars, which awards you actual cash.

3. Start Freecycling

You can find people all over the web that are looking to get rid of things from their home right now, and don’t want a penny for them. This is called freecycling, and it can be a great way to get rid of things you have lying around, as well. You can find a group anywhere in the world, getting in touch with over nine million members currently a part of The Freecycle Network. I have been doing this for years, and not only have I managed to get a like-new crock pot, treadmill, stroller and vacuum, but I have given away furniture, little unopened packaged items, and a whole lot more. Just think of how much is being kept out of landfills, this way!

4. Check Classified Ads

Most classified ads through newspaper sites, as well as Craigslist, will have a section for free stuff people are looking to get rid of. Sometimes this is as simple as a lot of dirt they have after landscaping and moving boxes, and sometimes it is something like a coffee table or even car parts. I have seen TV’s, mountain bikes, gaming consoles, computers, office supplies and a lot more advertised.

5. Trade-In Old Products

Of course, you can always trade in something you don’t use anymore for credit towards something new. Amazon is very popular about this. They take books, electronics, video games, music and movies. But there are also sites like Paperback Swap, Gazelle, and stores such as BestBuy. Some will give cash, others points that can be redeemed for new items, or gift cards. Be sure you find a site that pays for shipping.
Do you have a genius way to get free stuff or free apps? Let us know in the comments!