Freebies: Treat Yourself for Free

Freebies are basically anything you can get for free—complementary products, services, or experiences that companies offer at no cost to you. Think physical items like samples, swag, even free food, as well as digital stuff, like free trials, ebooks, or online courses.

Why do companies do this? Think of it as a "try before you buy" strategy. If you test out a freebie, and you love it, you're more likely to buy in the future. It's great for customers, too, because you get to try new things without risking any money. You might discover a new favorite product, learn a new skill, or just have some fun.

Let's dive into how to score some freebies.

Your birthday is a great time to celebrate you—and score some birthday freebies! Restaurants, retailers, and beauty brands love to shower customers with special treats on their birthday.

Most birthday offers come through loyalty programs or email clubs, usually requiring a quick sign-up with your birthdate. Some places even extend their birthday offers for a full week or even a month.

• AMC: There's nothing like movie theater popcorn! You can score a free large popcorn during your birthday month when you join AMC Stubs (and you can also score a large fountain drink if you're also an A-List member.)
• Chipotle: Yep. That's right—you can snag free chips and guac on your birthday if you're a Chipotle rewards member.
• Starbucks: This one is a classic freebie. With the Starbucks rewards app, you can score a free birthday cup of coffee (or food item of your choice) day-of.
• Sephora: Sephora's also got another classic birthday freebie. Any time during your birthday month, Sephora rewards members can claim a free sample or even a full-sized product from their selection alongside a $25+ purchase.
• Panera: Continuing the sweet birthday treats, rewards members can score a free pastry or dessert, no purchase required.
• REI: Calling all happy campers! REI Co-op members get a 20% off coupon during their birthday month.

Pro-tip: Some places require you to sign up for their membership or rewards program beforehand (sometimes even a week early) to score their birthday freebies. These programs are often free and an easy sign-up, but important to keep in mind before you head into the store!

• Applebee's: Enjoy a free meal on Veterans Day at Applebee's.
• Denny's: Eat up a free Grand Slam breakfast at Denny's.
• Great Clips: Get a free haircut at Great Clips on Veterans Day.
• AMC Theatres: Go see a movie with special military pricing at AMC Theatres (available year-round).
• IHOP: Enjoy free red, white, and blue pancakes.
• Dunkin Donuts: Get a free donut of your choice.
• Starbucks: Score a complimentary tall hot coffee.
• National Parks: On Veterans Day, all national parks are free to enter.

And the list goes way beyond just these! Check out your favorite stores or brands, including ones local to you, before Veterans Day to see if they'll offer a freebie. Just remember to bring your military ID or proof of service to claim these tokens of gratitude.

Here are a few examples of Nurses Week freebies you can find:

1. Chick-fil-A: In the past, some locations have offered a free Chick-fil-A sandwich, but it depends on the restaurant operator. Check with your local Chick-fil-a to see if they're participating this year.
2. Chipotle: Last year, the first 100,000 people who signed up were awarded a free burrito coupon.
3. Cinnabon: Participating locations offer a free classic cinnamon roll or a Minibon roll.
4. Dunkin': Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee. Usually one day only (May 6).
5. Samsung: They offer huge discounts on appliances and TVs with their Nurses, Medical Providers, and First Responders Offer Program.

These are just a few examples of the many Nurses Week freebies. As with all freebies, there might be more offers available in your area that week! Remember to bring your nursing ID or badge.

Here are a few examples of Nurses Week freebies you can find:

1. Teacher giveaways: Keep a lookout for teacher organizations giving away prizes and supplies during this special week! For example, We Are Teachers gives away thousands of dollars worth of prizes, including gift cards, technology, books, and (at least in 2024) a $2,500 grand prize.
2. Burger King: In past years, teachers have gotten free fries or free breakfast croissants.
3. Half Price Books: Save 10% year-round when you sign up for their Educator Discount Program— and sometimes during Teacher's Appreciation Week, you can get a free “Teachers Rule” wristlet.
4. Barnes & Noble: Teachers can get a discount on books.
5. Staples: Teachers can get 20% off in-store purchases, plus a free teacher supply kit (while supplies last).
6. Apple: Teachers can get a discount on Apple products.
7. Microsoft: Teachers can get a discount on Microsoft products.
8. Amazon: Teachers can get a discount on Amazon Prime.

Teachers can score lots of discounts and deals, but always be sure to do your research to see what's available—freebies change every year!

1. Sign up for loyalty programs and email newsletters from your favorite brands, as they often send exclusive offers and birthday perks straight to your inbox.
2. Follow companies on social media, where they frequently announce flash freebies and special giveaways.
3. Ask around. Always keep your ID handy (whether it's military, nursing, or other profession-specific identification) and don't be shy about asking if there are any special offers available - many businesses have unadvertised freebies just waiting to be claimed by those who ask!

Finding birthday freebies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can require a little bit of planning. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your haul:

Start by making a list of your favorite local and national brands, then visit their websites to join their loyalty programs about a month before your birthday. Many companies send birthday offers via email up to a week before your big day, with redemption periods varying—some are good only on your actual birthday, while others might last a whole month.

Some companies also require you to have joined their rewards program more than a week (sometimes even 30 days!) before your actual birthday, so it's good to get started early.

Many local businesses offer birthday freebies—you just need to find them! Search online for "birthday freebies near me." For example, New Yorkers can find local freebies, events, and giveaways online.

Check your local restaurants and shops' social media accounts. You can even give your local spot a quick call to ask about birthday programs. Often, local businesses have some of the most generous birthday offers but don't advertise them widely.

Pro tip: create a spreadsheet or use your phone's notes app to track sign-up dates, redemption periods, and what's required to claim each freebie (like showing ID or having a membership card).

With a little bit of strategizing, you can increase your chances of finding and claiming birthday freebies. Happy hunting!

While "free" sounds great, it's smart to look at the bigger picture before jumping at every freebie offer.

First, consider the time investment—is driving across town for a free coffee worth the gas and effort? Remember, your time has value too.

Also, consider any possible fees. Some freebies might require you to make a purchase or sign up for a subscription, turning that "freebie" item into a not-so-free experience.

Pay close attention to what you're sharing when signing up for freebie programs. Some freebies might require you to share your personal information, like your address, phone number or contact list.

Pro-tip: Create a separate email account for promotional offers to keep your primary inbox clear of marketing emails.

Looking for a convenient way to find freebies? Look no further than Moneylion! You can browse freebie offers right at your fingertips in the app.

Simply head Products and Offers and click the “freebies” tab. There you'll find different freebies you can claim, from birthday freebies and free rewards, to finding out if you qualify for unclaimed government funds.

What makes MoneyLion's freebie feature special is how seamlessly it fits into your daily routine —no need to juggle multiple apps or loyalty programs. Just open the app to see what's new, claim your freebies, and enjoy!

Freebies are a fantastic way to save money, try new things, and have fun. From birthday freebies to exclusive offers for veterans, nurses, and teachers, there are plenty of opportunities to score freebies.

To maximize your freebies, check out the Freebies tab in the MoneyLion app and start exploring how much you can save.