1Free Information

Your mobile phone carrier very likely offers the generous 4-1-1 information service. However, along with this service also comes a hefty fee that can be avoided by utilizing other free options.

Consider looking up information and phone numbers before you leave your home; this can ensure that you have the information readily on hand right when you need it. Another option, if you have an internet-enabled smartphone is to simply look the information up online while you are out and about.

If you are not able to take the time to browse your phone’s web browser, consider using a free 4-1-1 directory information service. Free 4-1-1 (1-800-FREE-411) allows callers to get the free information that they are looking for. Keep in mind that you may have to listen to a commercial of a few seconds long. However, it is worth it to save the $3 that you might otherwise pay to your mobile phone carrier.

2Free Television Shows

Are you currently paying a rather large amount every month for cable television? When learning how to get free stuff you should look at your current monthly bills and try to find alternative options that can help you to save a bit of money every month. Your cable television bill is just one example. There are online services that offer your favorite TV shows at no cost; Hulu (www.hulu.com) is just one such website.

If there are several premium shows that you would still like to watch consider finding out if they are available to watch on the network’s websites. If they aren’t then you can pay a small fee to download them from iTunes or Amazon.

3Free Fun And Entertainment

It can be a pretty expensive venture to keep up with a voracious reading habit. Consider joining your local public library. Not only will you be able to get great new books for yourself but you will be able to instill and encourage an absolute love of reading in your children. Public libraries also offer great events and book clubs for adults and little ones to take part in. The majority of public libraries also offer a great selection of DVD’s that can allow members access to a great range of movies and television shows, all free of charge.

If you are looking for additional entertainment options, consider browsing your city’s website. Many cities host great events that don’t have an entrance fee. From car shows to Irish festival and even dog-themed events – you are sure to find something that will appeal to your whole family.

Sign up for your library’s newsletter, as well as for your city’s newsletter, so that you can be informed of all fun and free entertainment options that will be coming up.

4Free Education

Many recreation and civic centers offer free classes to those who are just looking to learn a new craft or skill. From free knitting classes to free swimming lessons, you should take the time to learn how to get free stuff that includes free valuable lessons. Remember that you can not only participate in free lessons but you can also offer free classes as a means to pay it forward. Why not share one of your skills with others?

Another method of learning for free is to contact your local universities in order to find out what free classes they may be offering. For example, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) offers practically all of their course material free of charge online. While those who download the material are not able to get credit for the material that they study, it is a great way to broaden your horizons.

5Free Photographs

Printing digital photographs has never been easier than it is today. It can, however, prove to be a pricey venture if you have dozens of photos to print out. The good news is that there are several companies that offer free prints for new customers. Take a look at the following photo printing companies. Sign up for an account with them and keep an eye out for the free print offers that they provide to new customers.

• Snapfish (www.snapfish.com)
• Kodak (www.kodakgallery.com)
• Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com)
• Mpix (www.mpix.com)
• CVS Pharmacy (www.cvs.com)

This is by no means a complete list of photo printing companies but it will certainly get you on the right path towards learning how to get free stuff; including free prints, free photo books, and even free coffee mugs with your favorite picture printed on it.

6How to Get Free Stuff - Everything Else

There are many online sources of free or low-cost items. Subscribe to your local Freecycle group and keep an eye out for free items that others simply no longer need. Craigslist is also another good source to learn how to get free stuff. Keep in mind that you may need to move rather quickly to posted ads in order to be amongst the first to express interest in the items; while one man’s trash is definitely another man’s treasure – you will not always be the only treasure hunter. Freecycle and Craigslist are great places to find just about everything that you are looking for – from gentle used baby items to appliances and even cars!

Be careful of people who change their tune about the items being free – if they start to ask for money for the items you should back out of the exchange.

Keep in mind that Freecycling your own old or unwanted items is a great way to keep items that have good life left in them in circulation.

Don’t forget to help your friends and family members also learn how to get free stuff. They are sure to appreciate it, especially in the current economic climate.