You don’t need to be a magician to get something for nothing, just be aware of the possibilities that are all around you every day. Many people have no idea of the potential bargains to be had by spending a bit of time researching all options before breaking out the wallet. Here’s some top tips on how to get what you want, without spending any money!
Are you looking for free…..
Haircuts?
There are some 80,000 hairdressing positions in the UK, with around 4,000 vacancies every year. That’s a lot of recent graduates and trainees who need to practise their scissor-slinging, so by keeping your eyes peeled whenever you pass a hairdressers, you can usually find the offer of a free, or at least reduced price, haircut in most towns. Of course you run the risk of a disaster, but at least there’s usually an experienced hairdresser on-site too who can help put things right.
Bingo?
Ever wanted to try one of the UK’s most popular activities? Go online with meccabingo.com and for the first week, newbies can join a special room where they play for free, and best of all, you can still win big prizes! That way you can decide if bingo is the game for you, before paying any membership fees.
Shopping Deliveries?
One of the biggest challenges for online retailers has been overcoming customers’ dislike for delivery charges. Many of the biggest players in the market now offer free delivery to a choice of locations such as your home or a bricks and mortar store. And if you prefer to do your food shopping online as well for convenience, then many supermarket delivery schemes offer one or two deliveries free of charge after you first sign up.
Entertainment?
Major shows such as The X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice, as well as lots of comedies and game shows on TV and radio, always need an audience. It’s easy to book them online and so all you need is your transport which, if you’re lucky enough to live within a short distance of the venue, could be next to nothing. Hey presto, you could see a different show every week!
Fitness?
Thinking about joining the gym? It makes sense to have a free trial before you sign up, and most places will allow you, and maybe a friend also, to come and have a tour of the premises and facilities. Once that’s over with and you’ve been through the sales patter, you should also be able to wangle a day on-site where you can workout, or relax in the health suite. If you’ve just moved into a new city (or are just a bit cheeky) you could try this technique at every gym you can find until you settle on the right one for you.
Holidays?
There are many ways to reduce the cost of a holiday if you’re smart about it. If you’re alone you can try couch-surfing, and if you’re a couple or family, why not sign up for a house-sitting program? If you’re flying during peak periods and don’t mind hanging around the airport for a few hours, you may be able to do the airline a favour by giving your seat to someone else and taking the next flight for free.
Most flights are overbooked during the holiday season, so this opportunity is quite common. Then there’s the ‘driveaway’ scheme popularised in the USA by Jack Kerouac – many people need cars delivered across-country during the year – you can put yourself forward to do the driving and pick up a free vehicle, plus a free tank of fuel – all you need to do is get the car safely from Point A to Point B in a set timeframe.
Anything?
Ever heard of Freecycle? It’s a website that allows you to take all manner of pre-loved items, from gym equipment to old computers, baby clothes to books, free of charge from strangers. It’s a great way to prevent perfectly good items from going to the tip, and you only need to collect.