If you ask me, some of the best things in life really are free. We work so hard for our money − so when we can save a little, it's the best feelings. The best price is really $0, so here are three of my favorite tricks to get something for free.
Master the art of travel hacking
Travel hacking is one of the latest and greatest trends for getting free or discounted travel. This strategy involves the smart use of credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and loyalty programs—and it’s my first, and perhaps favorite, way to get something for next to nothing. One way to hack travel is to use travel rewards credit cards to maximize your points, take advantage of sign-up bonuses, and optimize your spending categories. Booking travel with a credit card often means you also get things like delayed baggage insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
Don't forget to join airline and hotel loyalty programs as well: achieving premium status will earn you perks like free upgrades and priority services.
Get Free Audiobooks with Libby
Bookworms, this one's for you. Never pay for a book again with apps like Libby. All you need is a library card from your local library (this can also be an e-card) and you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. Libby gives you access to e-books, audiobooks, and magazines and is available on most devices. If you don’t have a local library, many states actually have library systems where any state resident can get a library card online − so check them out.
Learn more: The Best Credit Cards of 2023
Become a member of the rewards program wherever and whenever you want
From restaurants to retail chains to department stores, there are plenty of rewards programs you can sign up for. And usually, these programs are free.
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But the best part about signing up is that you can take advantage of frequent deals and coupons while earning rewards points. Some places even offer birthday gifts to their loyalty members, and to qualify for them, you usually just have to sign up. Here are some of my favorite examples of when it pays to be a rewards member:
- Starbucks. Reward Program Members you can get free refills of hot or iced coffee or tea during the same visit.
- Ulta Beauty's Ultamate Rewards program gives members a free birthday gift, a $10 coupon, and double points on purchases made during their birth month.
- SephoraFree birthday gifts from are my favorite. Beauty Insider members can choose from a selection of free birthday boxes during their birth month.
- Build-A-Bear is offering a “Pay Your Age” promotion to its Bonus Club members. The birthday bear normally costs $14, but if you visit the site during your child’s birth month, you can get the bear that matches your child’s age. So yes, if your child is 1 year old, you get it for $1!
- JCPenney Rewards gives you a $10 CashPass reward instantly when you sign up. You also get another $10 CashPass reward on your birthday.
No cost, no catch
Who doesn’t love free stuff? The truth is, there are tons of ways to score great deals and deep discounts. You just have to be willing to do a little research, and maybe enter your email address and phone number a few times. One last pro tip: Create a dedicated email address to forward to stores so your primary inbox doesn’t get cluttered. If you don’t feel like doing the research or reading the fine print, that’s where I come in. Follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest free hacks; I share them with you as I find them!
