FREE! Who isn’t drawn to the bold and often colourful word? Contrary to the statement, “Nothing in life is free,” some things actually are! Why not take advantage of the opportunity? Well, in some cases the quote is true. How do you know when “FREE” actually means it’s free? Here are some pointers, and a bit of advice on how to distinguish between when free is better and when it’s not.
Good News!
The good news is; some things in life ARE free! You can find these deals everywhere, and in every part of life. Take for example, free samples; YES! I would love to try a new flavor of a popular brand of crackers, bring on the free ice cream samples! You can get free items everywhere (not just in the local market). Let’s talk about where you can get free clothes, books, kitchen appliances, and ADVICE. Your very own family is generally the best way to get stuff for free. (Of course, you shouldn’t go looking through your brother or sisters closet for a new sweater). However, when the opportunity arises to swap the blender you never use for a slightly used set of knives; don’t pass it up! Swap books, hand-me-downs, movies, games, etc. You’ll save yourself and your family heaps when you share. Does every family really need their own copies of every single Disney movie released?
When you’re shopping, you can come across great free items as well. If you went to the store (and you needed two new pairs of shoes), don’t pass up a buy one get one free deal. Or if you and a friend are both looking for shoes, split the cost of the purchased pair and save! The same idea can apply at the market, or in your favorite clothing shop.
My favorite free things are “FREE FUN!” If I ever come across the opportunity to do something fun or exciting for free, I rarely pass it up (I’d have to be crazy!!!). I was lucky enough to help with some photography for a friend, It was great fun and didn’t cost me anything. I also love “punch cards” (after buying 9 coffee’s I think I deserve the 10th for free!). I also love free advice, (in moderation, of course) it really helps to have the support of your friends and family.
Bad News!
The bad news is, there are often “free” deals that are manipulating. You see these everywhere! Here’s what to watch out for; “Buy 5 get 1 free”, “Eat the entire 6.8 kilo burger, get it free”, “FREE for 90 days”, or “FREE MONEY.”
When you see a “Buy 5 get 1 free” sign, consider this: Do you need 6 of these items? Did you need 5?? Getting you to buy more than you intended or needed originally just for one free item is a marketing scheme. The item is usually marked up enough that the manufacturer doesn’t lose a penny by giving you the free item. (Actually, they are making more money by getting you to buy more). Especially consider what you originally intended to buy when it’s food. Buying 5 loafs of bread to get one free, when you only needed one or two originally, is a bad idea. It’s likely that the additional loafs will grow mold before you get to them.
We all love a challenge, but when you see a sign that says “Eat the ENTIRE 6.8 kilo burger, get it FREE” sign, I encourage you to pass on the opportunity. Unless you are confident you can finish the burger, and that you will be satisfied when you do, you will end up paying an unheard of price for the meal (and suffer from a massive belly ache).
“Free for 90 days” usually translates to: It’s free now, but your locked in for 12 months and for the 9 months it’s not free… Well, it certainly won’t be cheap! You’ll see deals like this on credit cards (“0% interest for 90 days”), loans, subscriptions, etc. Before you buy into one of these schemes, get all the information and READ the small print! “Free Money” would likely fall under this category. If you receive an email from someone wanting to put some money in your account, all they need is your account information, I hope you can immediately realise that this is a scam!
Take advantage of the free things in life, but be aware that many times people use the word “FREE” to manipulate and scam others into spending more when they need not! What are you favorite free things? Do find it difficult to realise when the word “free” is being used to manipulate?
Teaching your child about money management is an important lifelong skill that will enable them to be financially successful later in life. According to FamilyEducation.com, everyday spending decisions can have a far more negative impact on a child’s financial futures than any investment decisions they may ever make. That is why is so important to make sure your child understands how to save and spend wisely from an early age.
By Alicia
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