In today’s tough economic climate, many people find themselves on a tight budget with little money to spend on things they want. However, the frugal shopper will be delighted to learn that there are various places, online or in the community, that give away free stuff. Both online community forums and product sample websites are great places to save money.

Online Community Forums
FreeCycle is a worldwide organization that recycles used goods and gives them away for free to other FreeCycle members and nonprofits. The group, which has members in 85 countries, is connected to millions of people throughout the world. Their aim is to reduce landfill waste, consumption, and to encourage people to give generously. FreeCycle has helped many people save money. Members can score free bikes, furniture, clothes, jewelry, and countless other items that people donate. To become a member of FreeCycle go to the FreeCycle website, www.freecycle.org.

Online product sample websites
Want to save money but don’t want to join a group? You can find many free product samples online.

• Totally Free Stuff offers links to free samples. The site is updated daily, and customers can write reviews on the product they received and whether or not the sample is worth it.
• Another site, Thunderfap, offers similar bargains, and divides sample links into different categories (e.g. beauty and household items).
• Freesnatcher offers information about free product samples in a blog-style format. Samples include a mix of everything, from cereal to diabetes monitors to body lotion.

Things to watch out for when signing up for free offers:

• Never trust an offer that makes you fill out advertised “surveys.” This is a way for companies to get your contact information in order to call you about their service. Usually, you can spot these offers because they seem too good to be true: “Free IPod Nano,” or “Free $300 gift card.”
• Do NOT give your credit card information away. Free samples are supposed to be just that — free!

Happy shopping!