A Few Ways I Get Free Stuff

Posted on: July 13, 2009 by Matt

Over the past year or so I have been finding new and different ways to get free stuff. Some items I earn through various programs online and others are just through enrolling in certain services. Today I figured I would take a few minutes and share some of the ways that I get the occasional little item or gift card for free or with very little effort anyway:

Swagbucks: All you do is search and earn points over time. They use a Google based engine so the results are pretty good. Over time the Swagbucks add up and you can redeem them for prizes and gift cards. So far I have managed to get $15 in iTunes for free (my girlfriend was happy about that) and now there is even a $5 PayPal option. There are also relatively inexpensive $5 gift cards for Amazon and plenty of raffle like contests going on. A pretty good deal considering I have not changed my routine all that much.
CashCrate: When I have a bit more time to kill I sometimes complete random offers over at CashCrate. I have received payment from them in the past and know that they do pay out. The trick is that you have to get to the minimum payout ($20), know what to do with the offers and be willing to put up with some tedium.
Live It With Charter: I just found out about this service but if you are a Charter customer then you can get signed up to earn free reward points based on how much your bill comes to. Then they hold redemption days where you can cash in your points for merchandise. A pretty cool deal for not having to do anything.
UPromise: I have a UPromise account that I let collect money that I will hopefully apply to my Sallie Mae student loan. I have gained some cash from just going about my normal life as well as a bit from shopping online through my Upromise account.
Credit Card Rewards: My credit card has a rewards system and I generally let the balance build up until we can get something fun. Right now I am about at the point that I could cash in and get a $50 gift certificate. When the time comes to actually cash in my points I will go through it with my girlfriend and see what she wants.