Surprising things you can get for FREE (or almost free)
As much as we all love the word, most of us are skeptical when we hear that we can get something for nothing. Most of us have gotten the emails saying that someone's rich relative has died and left them millions of dollars, but they need you and your bank account number to help them claim the money. They generously offer to share half of the funds with you. Well, if it sounds to good to be true, it's because IT'S NOT TRUE! IT IS A SCAM. But there are a few things of value that are indeed free - no hidden agendas, no strings attached. Our staff has checked and our favorites are:
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
If you are tired of paying a fee each time you dial 411, here's a free alternative. Dial 1-800-FREE-411 (1-800-373-3411). Then follow the prompts to get your desired number by phone or text message. It works for home and business numbers throughout the U.S.
Why is it free?
This service is paid for by advertisers. You dial in, listen to a 10-second sponsored message, then proceed to get the number you need.
SILVER JEWELRY
This is going to have you scratching your head. The SILVER JEWELRY CLUB (www.silverjewelryclub.com) offers high-quality jewelry including silver rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets (most of them with genuine gemstones). It really is free, provided that you pay the modest shipping charge of $5.99. We are not talking junk jewelry that will turn your skin gren. We are talking remarkable quality.
Why is it free?
Giving away jewelry is The Silver Jewelry Club's way of introducing their products. They also sell their jewelry through wholesalers and stores.
Credit Report
If you haven't done this already, do it now. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus each year. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com and follow the directions. You will be offered many options for which you may be charged, but stay on target for the free report.
Why is it free?
It's mandated by law and the site is sponsored by the three major companies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
Cookbooks / Recipes
Check out the popular website www.Allrecipes.com. It features free downloadable cookbooks for many occasions (listed under "Tips & Advice"). Great pictures. Great recipes.
Why is it free?
The site gets its income from advertisers and other sources, so members pay no fee.
Business Cards
www.vistaprint.com is an online printing company know for its amazing offer of 250 free business. They're good quality. All you have to pay is about five dollars for shipping.
Why is it free?
VistaPrint would like to join their 12 million customers who buy printing online, so they offer this as an enticement.
Business Classes
Learn everything from how to write a business plan to how to finance your business venture through the Small Business Administration's website (www.sba.gov). Online cources are free and self-paced. They take about 30 minutes each to complete. Free in-person classes are also offered.at SBA district offices around the country.
Why is it free?
The SBA was created by the federal government to help U.S. citizens learn how to become successful entrepreneurs. Support comes through financing of SBA loans.
Radio Service
www.pandora.com is like your own personal radio service. You type in an artist, and the service plays songs by that artist and others with a similar style. You can't download the music, but you can listen and manage your own "stations"
Why is it free?
The site offers a free ad-supported service as well as a paid option where you don't see ads.
I hope you have found this information helpful.
Love,
Mom
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