I remember my mother in her babushka with her purse in the crook of her arm, holler for her friend to get in the car. They were on a mission. It was that time of the month (no, not that time of the month) to receive the “government cheese”. This was a program that distributed a huge block of cheese to the elderly on Social Security. Mom was so thrilled to receive this cheese because it was delicious, she received credit for sharing with us and, well, it was free.

There’s a restaurant along the Ohio River that has a permanently painted sign placed high up on the building where everyone can see:

“Free Crab Tomorrow”.

Wow! Free! How enticing! It’s no wonder this word, a very powerful motivator, is used freely (laughter from the audience), in marketing. It gets the attention of the deal seeker in all of us.   There’s BOGO, Free Shipping, Free Sample, Free Trial, etc.

I’m no different. I love free things. Just yesterday, I received free Christmas-Themed Return Address Labels (well, I paid $2.99 shipping + tax) from Shutterfly.

There were so many to choose from and it removed a holiday chore on my to-do list, which made it worth it to me.

Here are some sources of freebies that I frequent.

• http://www.getitfree.us  Not only does this website offer daily freebies, but there are also coupons, sweepstakes entries and a blog to enjoy. When you see a freebie you’re interested in, you simply click “ADD TO MY BASKET”, then click “GO TO MY BASKET” and, finally, select “REDEEM NOW”. The only downfall I’ve noticed is that I’m unable to redeem these freebies on my phone.
• http://www.southernsavers.com Here, I just type “free” in the search box and presto! A list of free items pop up. (This is where I learned about the return address labels from Shutterfly). This is also an awesome website which includes how to coupon, printable coupons and online deals. This website is one of my favorites!
• http://www.passionatepennypincher.com To get freebies here, on the menu select “HOT DEALS”, then on the dropdown menu, select “freebies”. For free eBooks, click “AMAZON”, on the dropdown, select “eBooks”. This website also includes in-store deals, a handy coupon database and menus with associated shopping lists.
• http://www.bgr.com This is the place for free apps! Generally, these change quite frequently, so before you download, make sure it really is free. There is an app for everyone here. Everything including games, tracking your to-dos, photo editors, managing your login credentials, reminders (we middle-aged folks could probably use this) and more! Check frequently because these change rapidly.
• http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals/daily-free-samples I’ve been using this website the longest. I receive an email daily with available free samples. It’s changed a bit over the months, but I still enjoy it. I’ve received free Starbucks Coffee, make-up bags with health and beauty samples inside, teas, K-Cups and a host of other free items. Sometimes you go to the establishment and sometimes you receive things in the mail.
• http://harborfreight.com Sandy won’t go in (she can’t stand the smell of rubber from China), but whenever my husband is in the area of Harbor Freight, we stop in with our coupons for free items. We’ve collected magnetized bowls (for screws, nails and maybe, just maybe, pins for sewing), altimeters, measuring tapes, batteries, tarps and scissors. They make wonderful stocking stuffers.  These free coupons are in Men’s Magazines, and in the mail via Valpak.  http://www.valpak.com/coupons/stores/harborfreight-coupons or you can print them here http://www.clipwithpurpose.com/free-items-no-purchase-required-at-harbor-freight
• http://bookbub.com I signed up and receive a daily list of eBooks that are free (or low-cost). I’ve taken advantage of some including Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, romance novels, biographies, classics and some how-to books
• Surveys-We don’t eat fast food much, but when we do, sometimes there’s instructions on your receipt to take a survey about your experience.  I usually complete it while I’m waiting for my (fast…yeah, right).  When your survey is complete  a code is provided which you jot  down on your receipt.  You can then claim any one of many food items usually within 30-days. We’ve received cookies from Subway, Egg McMuffins from McDonald’s, hamburgers from Wendy’s, and Burger King, Roast Beef or Beef-n-Cheddar Sandwiches from Arby’s,

You have my assurance that these are quick requests, not long drawn out, page after page of questions. I can also say that I haven’t noticed spam in my email. Enjoy and feel free to share your favorite freebie sites.