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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MAINTAIN GOOD CREDIT

Did you know....?

The ability to acquire things in America turns upon having good credit, unless you can pay cash for everything you buy.  If you want to buy or lease a car, you need good credit.  If you want to own a home, you need good credit.  If you rent an apartment, the landlord will probably run a credit check.  If you apply for a credit card or a department store card, they will run a credit check.

What can you do?  Always, obtain a copy of your credit report. 

What is a credit report?

A credit report is a disclosure to you of all of the information in your credit file that is maintained by a consumer reporting company.  This information is provided to lenders who will use it to determine whether to extend credit to you.  Under Federal law and the laws of some states, you are entitled to receive a free copy of your "credit report".

How to obtain a copy of your credit report?

There are three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies that are used by most lenders.  You will need to obtain a copy of your credit report from each one. 

They are: 

Equifax

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, Georgia 30374

1-877-576-5734

www.equifax.com

Experian

P.O. Box 9532

Allen, Texas 75013

1-888-397-3742

www.experian.com

TransUnion

P.O. Box 6790

Fullerton, CA 92834

1-800-680-7289

www.transunion.com 

Also check for local credit agencies in the phone book in the city where you live:

Akron (Ohio) Credit Bureau

2641 W. Market Street

(330) 869-2842

Akron, Ohio 44333  

How much does it cost to obtain a copy of your credit report?

Under a new Federal law, upon your request, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting agency once every 12 months.  

Additional copies cost about $20 each.  Also, if you are denied credit at any time, you will receive a letter in the mail that will give you the name of the agency that supplied the information that lead to your denial of credit.  You are entitled to a free credit report form that credit reporting agency.       

How do I obtain a copy of my report?

Simply request a copy from the agencies listed above.  Requests can be made by phone, mail, or through the website for the agencies. 

Also, the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Transunion, have created a fast and convenient way to request, view, and print their credit reports in a secure INTERNET environment.  

Contact:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

P.O. Box 105281

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

www.AnnualCreditReport.com

Or make a request by phone at 1-877-322-8228 

Coming soon:

How to "repair" your credit.

How to improve your "credit score".

Love,

Mom

SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY

Did you know....?

   If you save $10 per week, you would have $520 saved in one year.

   If you save $15 per week, you would have $780 saved in one year.

   Ways to save $10 - $15 per week

1. Pack a cheap (but nutritious) lunch for work. 

    If you're spending $5 a day for lunch, that amounts to $25 per week or $100 per month.  Save that money!

2.  Drink tap water (not bottled) instead of soda pop or juices.

      Drinking water is better for you than soda pop or juices that contain sugar.  If you cut back (or completely eliminate it), not only will you save money, it will also make you healthier.

3.   Eliminate premium channels on your cable television.  The average cable bill is nearly $70 per month.  Do you really watch all of those channels.       

4.   Actually set the money aside, either in a savings account at a bank or credit union (try payroll deduction).  Or, just have it as a secret stash someplace that is safe but out of sight so you won't be tempted to spend it.     

Love,

Mom