Money

Getting the best deal

Save £100s on...freebies

Man and a pile of pound coins

If you know the right places to go and have some time on your hands, you can get almost anything for nothing, writes Teena Lyons

Step one: Be quick. Most freebies are samples of products given away in the hope that you will become a loyal customer for the full-sized version.

Another useful site is www.rpoints.com which as well as offering a guide to the best offers and freebies on the web, helped by feedback from members, also awards cashback for shopping online. One cautionary note – some freebies sites do have a lengthy signing up process so grabbing a freebie is not always for the faint-hearted.

Step two: Think big. Credit card companies offer all sorts of freebies such as MP3 players as incentives to sign up. Beware though, if you apply for too many cards it will effect your credit rating, but you should be fine if you just go for the occasional freebie. Gifts are not automatically given out to newcomers on acceptance - you sometimes have to spend some cash to trigger the gift.

Thankfully, very few set a minimum spend. So, take advantage of the fact that most large supermarkets will accept card payments for any amount, treat yourself to a bar of your favourite chocolate and wait for the freebie to arrive. Oh, and don’t forget to pay off the balance in full at the end of the month. These freebies do come and go very quickly, so keep an eye on the press for new offers.

Step three: Chill out. You can find a free place to stay almost anywhere in the world through websites which create networks of people sharing free accommodation. We are not talking millionaires' playgrounds like Necker Island - it might very well be space on someone's sofa - but what a way to travel.

Step four: Don't be greedy. Don't forget to ask yourself if you really need what is on offer - if you don't it is a waste of time and harmful to the environment to transport unwanted goods.

 
 

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.
The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.