Whenever I hear the word “free,” the first question I ask is: “What’s the catch?”
Unfortunately, the reputation of “free” has been sullied by scams looking to take advantage of people. But, while free may have gotten a bad rap, its definition remains the same: “Provided without, or not subject to, a charge or payment.”
In addition to meaning zero dollars, “free,” in my opinion, does not include an obligation – Whether it’s an obligation to try this or purchase that. Free is unhampered, no strings attached.
To help you navigate through the confusing and varying uses of “free,” here’s a list of really, truly FREE STUFF that you can find online. Not free as in sorta free or free as in it’s free now, but you’ll be charged later for something you didn’t want. I’m talking about TOTALLY FREE STUFF:
Free Credit Report & Free Credit Score
There are few web-based businesses that so callously take advantage of the word “free” than those that claim to offer a “free” credit report and/or “free” credit score, then require that you sign up for a trial of a fee-based service in order to get your freebie. Remember: “Free” means $0, no obligation.
While you should be on your guard when it comes to “free” credit report websites, there are spots where you can really get a report for free, no strings attached:
- AnnualCreditReport.com: The official site, as mandated by law, where you can get one free credit report each year from each of the three main credit bureaus.
- Quizzle.com: The only website that gives you both a free credit report and free credit score, no catches, no trial subscriptions, no credit card required.
Good rule of thumb: If a website requires that you enter your credit card number to get your freebie, think twice! If it’s really free, then a credit card shouldn’t be necessary.
Free Business Cards
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind design that’s sure to turn heads (or water mouths, as the case may be) like the bacon business card, it’ll cost you. But if you’re content with basic business cards that do the job – i.e. allow you to easily give out your digits – then free is the way to go:
- Vistaprint: Get 250 free full-color business cards (just pay shipping costs, starting at $5.67).
Free E-Cards
Traditional paper cards and snail mail are so 20th century. Opt to send creative – and often knee-slapping hilarious – e-cards for the holidays and special occasions instead:
Free Household Goods
Get the goods on free home-goods in your home town from these networks of people who seek to keep the good stuff out of landfills:
Free Games
If you can’t afford to shell out a few hundred bucks for the newest game system and accessories, go the way of free online games:
Free Graphic Design Stuff
Whether you like to doodle or dabble in the graphic arts, here are some free resources to help you in your pursuits:
- dafont.com: Free fonts.
- Iconspedia: Free icons.
- Photoshop: A free online version of Photoshop with some cool extras to organize, edit or enhance images.
Free Video Conferencing
It’s all the rage with long-distance grannies who don’t want to miss important moments in their grandchildren’s lives and small business owners who need to communicate coast-to-coast on a shoe-string budget. When ear-to-ear isn’t enough, get on your computer and enjoy free video conferencing with these truly free services:
- OoVoo.com: Free video conferencing (ad-supported).
- Skype.com: Free PC-to-PC calls with Skype’s free software.
Free TV and Movie Content
Axe the cable bill and get your favorite TV shows (plus movies too!) with just a click of your mouse:
Free Music
Listen to the music YOU like when near a computer or even on the go (through your iPhone or Blackberry). These free music sites use “inspiration music” you’ve entered to find similar tunes that you’re sure to jam to all day long:
Nothing beats free stuff that’s really and truly free. While you should always keep your eye out for the fake free stuff, don’t let that spoil you from enjoying the genuine finds. What are your favorite sites for free stuff?
For more money-saving tips and tools, check out Quizzle.com, where you’ll find out your potential for credit improvement and get the most affordable credit monitoring on the web.
Also, check out these other great money-saving articles from the QuizzleWire:
- Go Green: Save Money and Energy this Winter
- Save like Scrooge: Money Saving Ideas for the Holidays
- 8 Ways to Stretch Money as a College Student
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephendann/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
Quizzle.com is the easiest way to get a complete understanding of your credit. Visit Quizzle.com to get your free credit report and score. No purchase or credit card required!
