Want freebies? They’re easier than ever to get, thanks to deal/freebie bloggers and social media.
“Free samples: Candy to condoms,” my most recent personal finance column at MSN Money, is a primer on filling the mailbox. Note that not all of these things are sample-sized. Some companies are giving away full-sized products. [Edited to add: MSN Money switched platforms and old articles are no longer available.]
The pickings are good for several reasons:
- You can try a new product at no risk. Ever bought a new laundry soap that made your family come out in hives?
- Sample sizes and other products (makeup, pens, sweets) are good stocking-stuffers.
- Tight budgets can be boosted considerably with an influx of toiletries, household items and food products.
Bonus: The folks I interviewed say that high-value coupons are often included with the stuff that gets mailed.
Cheap tickets
Over at my other day job, Get Rich Slowly, I focused on my $1 fare between Philadelphia and New York City. Yes, I did say “$1.”
“Why I love the Megabus” explains how bus companies are getting us from Point A from Point B for considerably less than planes, trains or automobiles.
Tickets for two lines, Megabus and Bolt Bus, start at a buck. I got three such fares but wound up using only one after Hurricane Irene spooked us all so badly. It was a lot easier to eat the cost of two $1 tickets than to deal with getting credit for a couple of discount airfares.
Bus travel isn’t for everyone but Megabus, Bolt Bus and other services might be just the ticket, so to speak, for people who want to save big.
As always, I’d appreciate any feedback on these articles.
I enjoyed your article about the Bolt and Megabus. I do plan to try it in the future. I go to Philly a few times a year- from DC I guess I have to find a place to park though. Its looks a fun thing to try~
@Suzanne: Could you get someone to drop you where Bolt or Megabus pick up? Or take public transit there?
If you need a place to stay in Philly and don’t mind the college-dorm atmosphere, I recommend Apple Hostels of Philadelphia. It’s cheaper if you join Hostels International; can’t remember what that costs. But it’s pretty cheap either way, and perfectly located: in the historic district (near 3rd and Market), and the $5-all-day “Philly Phlash” bus that runs to 27 museums/sights stops about half a block away. You may already know Philadelphia pretty well, but if you don’t the hostel is near the big new visitor center around 6th and Market.
And if you don’t want to share a room, I think there are private rooms with baths as well.
Like the article on samples as MSN Money. I save samples of toiletries to use for traveling also. So much easier/lighter to carry around and I don’t have to worry about leaving behind a full-size container of toothpaste/shampoo, conditioner, etc.
I loved the piece on the Megabus. It has solved my problem of how to take a small vacation this month.
My college-age kids have been using Megabus and Bolt for a while. Overall it’s been a good (and cheap) experience, but if you have to make a connection with another bus, it can be nearly as bad as trying to get on the next flight. There is almost always some reason why the buses are running late, so missed connections have happened frequently. And they have never been able to get a fare cheaper than $15 (though I’ll admit that’s good!). Just wanted to air a caution for those who like more certainty in their travel…