Save Money, Get Free Stuff
I clearly remember the first big freebie I got in the mail. I had just brought my first little bundle home from the hospital, I opened a brand new package of diapers and they were all missing the tabs(you know those things that literally hold the diaper together?!), of course this resulted in tears-mine, not the baby’s. I was a hormonal new Mommy and this freaked me out. Luckily, Hubby was there to save the day with an emergency trip to the store, but I was still so upset I called the number on the back of the diaper box. I tearfully explained my woes and not only did they send me enough coupons for 3 free jumbo boxes of diapers, but they have kept me on their mailing list over the years and still send me free samples and coupons. I realized that 1 package of diapers was a big deal to me, but merely a drop in the bucket for the diaper company.That’s when my freebie journey began and it’s become a near addiction ever since.
There are some things I just don’t need to buy anymore because of all the free stuff I get.
Toothpaste:
I haven’t paid for toothpaste in years. My Hubby and I have no special dental care needs, so any free samples we get, we use. I also use coupons with sales and stock up when the combo leads to either free or nearly free. I still buy for the kids, but I always stock up when I find a sale.
Face Cream/Wash:
I have no skin issues (except for just plain old being old), so I can use any free sample I receive, I also sign up for all the product tests that are always full size products. I save up all the coupons that accompany the samples as well as those I find in the paper and buy only when I find a good sale.
Shampoo and Conditioner
My hubby has the standard Military cut, so a drop of shampoo is all he needs. A sample size will last him at least 2 washes, if not 3. I use all the samples that come with conditioner(a must for me) and keep all of those tiny samples in a plastic basket in our shower so we remember to use them. I save all the coupons and will stock up if I find a big sale, but I can’t tell you last time I actually paid for shampoo.
Baby Stuff:
My toddlers are like celebrities; they receive more free swag than you could shake a stick at. Between freebies, product tests and stuff the pediatrician hands out-I haven’t bought any shampoo, soap or wipes for them in ages.
Perfume:
I am not much of a perfume person, I tend to wear the scented body lotion, so perfume is optional. I save up all those tiny samples and when I want to smell extra special, I have a huge assortment to choose from. A lot better than paying $80 for one bottle and hating it after 2 months of daily wear.
Magazines:
Every magazine that makes it’s way to our mailbox is free. I get tons of them and I haven’t paid for a subscription or bought an issue in forever. I love magazines, so I sign up for every free subscription offer that comes my way.
Of course, I get loads of other free stuff. Samples, product tests and sweepstakes wins are always resulting in a mailbox full of goodies for me. I couldn’t even begin to estimate the amount of money all those free things have amounted to over the years, but I am sure it is a great amount. Even though a free sample or single product test doesn’t seem like that much, it all adds up!
I know I’ll be hoarding freebies away forever. I could win the lottery tomorrow and still be chasing free stuff!
Topics: Finance & Money, Freebies, Life & Family |
February 28th, 2008
I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.
Karen Halls
February 28th, 2008
Wow love your blog! I clicked over here from ecard. I’m very happy you wanted to advertise on my site because I might not have found you for awhile, lol! I’m also putting you in my rss because this is GREAT blog, thank you!
I love FREEBIES TOO!
February 28th, 2008
What a great attitude! From a fellow freebie-wealthy woman, I love, love, LOVE your site! Thank you so much for all of the freebie, coupon, and survey links and money-saving tips!
February 28th, 2008
Marly! I am so glad you like my site! I certainly do love finding and sharing all the goodies!
Take Care
LJ
February 28th, 2008
Pam!
Glad we found eachother! LOL!
February 29th, 2008
I’m with you - I’d still be signing up for freebies even if I were rich! It makes checking your mail fun!
February 29th, 2008
Amanda- I agree! I love going out to the mailbox and finding lots of goodies-much better than bills and such!
February 29th, 2008
You should check out whatsyourdeal.com We get many exclusive coupons. Stop by and drop us an email and let us know about any improvements we can make.
March 2nd, 2008
[...] Same Money, Get Free Stuff (@ Mommy Gets Paid) shares with us some ideas for getting some freebies. Nothing says frugal like getting free merchandise! [...]
March 5th, 2008
[...] shows you how she saves money with free stuff at Mommy Gets Paid. There are a lot of things she’s just not buying [...]
March 5th, 2008
[...] shows you how she saves money with free stuff at Mommy Gets Paid. There are a lot of things she’s just not buying [...]
March 5th, 2008
I love getting free stuff too. I signed up with StartSampling and get lots of free stuff from them.
March 8th, 2008
[...] took part in the 2nd edition of the Money Hackers Carnival hosted at Being Frugal and my post Save Money, Get Free Stuff was an editors [...]
March 10th, 2008
I recently got bitten by the freebie bug as well. I really like your list of things that you never buy anymore.
March 10th, 2008
Muguet-
Yes, the freebie bug will bite you and there is no turning back! LOL