I’m a budgeting expert – seven easy ways to get freebies worth £100s, from food to kids’ essentials
THE end and start of a new year is an expensive time – but it doesn’t mean it needs to be months without perks.
After the Christmas excesses come the belt-tightening month of January, when the credit card bills drop like festive decorations.
To help you stretch your pennies, Vicky Parry, editorial chief at money making and saving site MoneyMagpie, told The Sun how you can get a lot of free stuff for little or no effort.
So, if you fancy anything from free skincare products to kids’ clothes, some or all of Vicky’s MoneyMagpie tips could be just what you need.
1. Online freebies
Gone are the days of rocking up at your local school when they are emptying out their lost property cupboard, or attending PTA social meetings to swap old toys, books and clothes.
Thanks to technology, it’s really easy to search for specific items you need.
As Vicky explained: “I would say one of my favourites is the YoungPlanet app for parents, from which you can request what you need and also browse what kids’ stuff is on offer.
“All listings are free and the app offers everything from school uniforms to bikes and toys.
“It’s fantastic around Christmas and birthdays, and a great way for parents to both declutter and help each other out.
“In this ilk, Oliox is also fantastic, as it offers free food.
“In fact, you can get anything you need from here.”
2. Get films for free
If you’re thinking of cancelling your expensive TV subscription to Netflix, Sky or other, but can’t face the long winter nights without something to get stuck into, free film channels may be a good alternative.
Vicky said: “Yes, you have to own a television or computer to watch, unless you sit in front of a computer at your local library or watch on your phone.
“But you can watch films for free on streaming services such as YouTube, which shows films that are in the public domain.”
Vicky pointed out that switching to Freeview is another option.
The Internet Archive is another useful resource, offering a wealth of old films, TV programmes, even games and digital books.
3. Free books
Bookworms can visit their local library for a physical book or download the Borrow Box app.
This gives you access to a huge number of books that you can read on your Kindle.
If you’re an avid reader you might also like to turn your hand to reviewing new books, as Vicky explains: “Readers First is an online book reviewing community.
“Each week, they run prize draws where you can win a free copy of a book.
“All you need to do is register on their site and start reviewing.
“If however you just want to borrow books we recommend Borrow Box for your Kindle and your local library for the physical copy.”
4. Free fast food
There’s no shortage of ways to get free food while you’re out and about, including from some big high street names.
All you need to do is sign up to their apps and you’ll get a free item from the menu whenever you visit them
“I did this and gave all the freebies to homeless people I saw on the streets,” says Vicky.
“I really can’t see why people wouldn’t take advantage of such an offer.
“Greggs offered a free sausage roll and hot drink, McDonalds and Burger King offered free burgers and a drink.
“There are so many more of these too. You could eat for free for a whole week by signing up.“
5. Be in it to win it
Some people steer clear of competitions, thinking they’re too much effort for a scant chance of any win.
But Vicky reckons they’re worth the effort, and even if you don’t want the prize you’ve won, you can always sell it.
“Don’t turn your nose up at competitions,” said Vicky.
“They’re a great way to get free stuff. You might not think you’ll win, but your chances of success are usually a lot better than you think.
“People rarely bother to enter competitions because they think they won’t win.
“This opens the doors for you to swoop in and claim all the big prizes.”
6. Be a guinea pig
Product testing goes hand-in-hand with competitions, as it involves a bit of effort.
But by putting time aside to try out and review a product, you could find yourself on the receiving end of some really good products.
Vicky said: “If you’re over the age of 18 you could try your hand at doing some cosmetic research online with Clicks Research.
“It’s really easy, you just try, review and keep new hand creams, moisturisers, children’s products and all sorts of other goodies.”
7. Rewards for your opinions
Completing surveys is a popular way to earn extra cash or get online vouchers for the likes of M&S or Amazon.
“At MoneyMagpie we’re big fans of online surveys as they’re an easy way to make some extra cash.
“We’re particularly fond of Inbox Pounds as they give you £1 just for signing up.”
“As you take more surveys, save your Inbox Pounds earnings to put toward your holiday.”