I subscribe to several money saving magazines, blogs and newsfeeds. Every one of them has at least once every few months an *exciting* article on "Free Stuff" and how you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
This month, in All You, there is an article " Grab 25 Fabulous Freebies". Some of these freebies, well, are not useful, or actually free. Before you say, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth", I am of the belief that when writers offer advice, it should be tested, useful and one shouldn't have to go out of their way to obtain a free item or service. If I have to drive for 2 hours for a free sample or service, it is no longer free (especially with gas at $4.17/gallon in my neighborhood!)
1- Free WiFi: Awesome. Free internet is great. But if I have to leave home and go to "bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants and libraries" any time I want to surf the net, that's not free. I have to spend money on gas and potentially have to buy something (in the case of coffee shops and restaurants). That also means any time I want to surf the net, I have to leave my house. Not ok unless I have a laptop or tablet device. My suggestion- Shop around for the best deal on internet service.
2- Unlimited texts from your PC: I love to text. Its great to shoot off a quick reminder or check in with someone when you are on the go. "Sign up for a free email account with google or AOL and as long as you have access to a computer, you can text any mobile number (and receive texts) through your account for free." But... When I'm not home (or at a computer), I can't do that. Most of the time when I text, I'm not at home, and that is the same for many adults. So, this may not be a super Freebie for everyone. My suggestion: look into inexpensive cell carriers or an unlimited texting package you ca afford. Or- don't text!
Skipping ahead because some of these freebies are good suggestions, like Vista Print business cards (What the article doesn't tell you is that if you get the free cards, Vista Print puts their logo on the back. They are free, but you are advertising for Vista Print). Other good ideas include joining the Aveda Pure Privilege program. Aveda has tons of freebie offers throughout the year, and you get a full sized freebie the month of your birthday.
11- Makeup Application: Now at day spas, most do offer complimentary makeup application after a spa service, however, at Department stores, the idea behind the makeup application is that you will buy one of the products that are used on you. Not buying anything is.. well, crappy. Here's why: As a former Macy's Makeup Counter Girl, you are expected to sell makeup. Shocker! When people come in for a free "make over" and don't buy anything, that wastes the counter girl's time, when they could be selling makeup to walk up clients.
Also, on an related note: people stick their dirty fingers in the makeup testers that are used to do those free makeup applications. People also put the lipstick on their mouths, and mascara on their eyelashes with the tester wand instead of using the disposable applicators. People have cooties, and pink eye and herpes. EWW.
Those are the high (or low) lights of the article.
Remember- just because something is free, doesn't mean that you have to go out of your way to obtain it. There are a lot of freebies that I signed up for, but later wasn't able to redeem them, so in the end, I could of spent that time with my family or friends, instead of chasing down a freebie.
Example: Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club. The local Godvia shop doesn't participate, so I spent 15 minutes signing up and validating my email for no reason. However, I can just walk into my local See's candy shop and get a free piece of candy. No club, no sign ups.
This post wasn't meant to bash All You Magazine. Overall, they have great articles and information that helps woman all over the US save money. I want to make frugalistas and freebie seekers aware that not everything that is labeled "free" actually is free. Caveat Emptor (Yeah, ever when it's free!).
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