You can really get things for free, but sometimes there are rules. When we went to Universal Studios, for example, I got a free backpack. What is it? I took six minutes to fill out an application for a credit card. On the other hand, when we lived in Tucson, we ate pretty well on free sample days at local grocery stores. There were no strings attached, other than the chance of being sold a tasty new food. Check out the easy and free stuff that comes next.
Free Entertainment
Most libraries have at least some documentary films on DVD. In one library, we've even seen music videos on DVD. The only expense? time to sign up for a library card.
Want to hear free music? Most festivals have some free music to listen to. For example, during the week-long National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan, there is free entertainment every night, including many well-known bands and (often) a Beatles tribute band. To find these freebies, go to Google and type "festival" and the name of a town near you.
Vacations for free
Someone is waiting for you to come stay in their house while they are away in Hawaii, Costa Rica, or Colorado. You may have to water the plants and even get the mail for them, but you get to live in a beautiful home in a sunny place. You might even get paid for some of these trips. The only catch is that you might have to sign up for one of the newsletters that list them in order to find them.
We camped in our van for ten days at Williams Landing on Lake Talquin, east of Tallahassee, Florida. It's a beautiful place, and the showers are even hot. We don't charge you anything, and you can stay for up to two weeks. There are a lot of free campgrounds all over the United States. You can buy a Woodall's directory at any large RV dealer to find them. If you know what you're doing, camping can be almost as cheap as staying at home for a vacation.
More ways to get things for free
Many states hand out free maps of the roads. Some also give away legal forms for free, such as statutory wills. Check out the online sites for the state.
You can get free dental x-rays at some dental colleges. Be patient, because the students are still learning, but there is always a technician with them who knows what they are doing. When you're done, you'll get the x-rays to take to your own dentist, which can save you $30 to $80. Some schools charge a small fee, but it is always less than the regular cost.
A lot of utility companies offer "energy audits" for free. They will come to your house and find the places where you are wasting energy. Some even gave away free kits for weather-stripping doors and windows. phone and ask.
Want free business advice from an expert that you can keep to yourself? Go to the "SCORE" website (Service Corps of Retired Executives). These people are successful business leaders who give up their time to help others succeed in business.
On your birthday, some places will give you a free meal. Others give a free cake on their birthday. If it's your birthday, bars will often buy you your first drink. How do you find people like that? You always figure out how to get free stuff by asking.
