Free stuff can save you some money! Duh!

Yes, I know that headline sounds like spam, a late night infomercial, or a scam.  Fortunately, the reality is that one can really get some free things via the internet (occasionally it will cost you a couple of stamps).

One of my favorite places here in the Bay Area to find out about free things is a segment on KGO Television (channel 7, the local ABC affiliate).  The segment, on most Fridays, is called “Finney’s Friday Free Stuff.”  Most weeks they offer 2 free things that you can get for just the price of a couple of stamps (one stamp to mail an envelope to them, and a 2nd stamp for the return self addressed stamped envelope).

I’ve received coupons for full sized products including juices, smoothies, light bulbs, etc.  I’ve received coupons for free food at restaurants and fast food places.  I’ve received free tickets to attractions like Raging Waters, Great America, and Gilroy Gardens.  I’ve received $5 gift cards to places like Starbucks as well as other stores.  And I’ve received various samples of things (items like shirt collar stays).  The variety is immense.

You never know what will be on each week (note that some weeks they do not offer any products).

There also is a blog that lists other free things available on the web (which have been reasonably checked out to avoid the scams).

• Finney’s Friday Free Stuff - This is the current link to the Finney’s Friday Free Stuff page.  I’m actually not sure if it changes weekly or not, but if it does, you can find the page by going to www.abc7news.com and clicking on “7 On Your Side” on the left menu of the page.
• Michael Finney’s Consumer Blog – This is a general consumer blog which, on most Fridays, features free stuff (sometimes more than can be found on the newscast and/or regular web site).  Also contains a link to the regular free stuff site at the top of this particular web page

So, save your hard earned money and try out Finney’s Friday Free Stuff.