3 Ways to Get Stuff for Free!

I wanted to enlighten you all about some rewards programs that I use to snag free money or prizes.  Did you think there was no such thing as a free lunch?  Well, you're pretty much right, because you do have to do at least a little something for these rewards programs, but if a few clicks a day gets me closer to a giftcard or cash I'm willing to do it! Here are my 3 favorites:

Perhaps the easiest rewards program is Ebates.  All you have to do to earn cash through Ebates is log into your Ebates account before you do your online shopping.  Search their database for the online store you will be shopping at, and click on it.  You will be redirected to your store's website, and Ebates will track to see if you ordered.  You will earn money according to the percent of rewards Ebates is offering.  Sometimes the percent cash back will change - your store may be running a bonus %!  Ebates also houses coupon codes, so you may score even more savings!  Here's a peek at some percentages:

It may not seem like much, but it adds up.  I have earned $36.87 since sometime in 2010.  So it's not the quickest way to earn rewards, but it's easy (if you remember to go to Ebates first).  Of course, the more online shopping you do, the more money you earn.

If you would like to set up an Ebates account to start earning, please click HERE.  You will get a bonus $10 giftcard to Target, Barnes & Noble, Magazines.com, or Home Depot when you sign up.  (And I will make $5 - only if you click through my link!)

Swagbucks is a points-based rewards program.  You earn points for using swagbucks as your search engine, taking a daily poll, viewing special offers, taking surveys, and other ways I haven't explored much of yet.  If you use Firefox, Internet Explorer, or (recently added) Google Chrome as your web browser you can install the Swagbucks toolbar, which gives you quick access to ways to earn and your rewards points total.

Once installed, just hover over the "Earn" tab on the toolbar and choose the way you want to get points.  Each day I try to take the "Daily Poll" (1pt), view the "NOSOs" (this stands for No Obligation Special Offers - all you have to do is click Skip or See Next Offer a few times and you can collect 2pts without giving out your info to any of the offers listed), and search a few separate times through Swagbucks.  When you make a search, you are awarded points at random.  I've received as many as 33 points to as few as 3 points per search.  And you don't get points for every search - again, it's random.  So next time, instead of Googling, use Swagbucks and work your way to a freebie!
So far I have earned 1,155 points since November 2011 (granted, I have just recently started trying to earn more points once I realized how easy it is).  I've cashed 450 points in twice to get Amazon gift cards - the ultimate reward prize in my opinion. (You can get anything off Amazon!)  There are many other prizes/giftcards to choose from.
Also, you earn points off of every person you refer - so if you would like to start an account, please click HERE!

My next favorite rewards program makes me smile twice - once for freebies, and once for promoting ways to better our environment!  Recyclebank rewards you for recycling and taking time (usually a couple of minutes) to learn about ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle. I've learned some surprising things about products through the activities I've completed so far, such as: Pantene now makes some of their bottles out of sugarcane to reduce the amount of plastic used in production and make the bottles more biodegradable. You can also earn 50 points by recycling Kashi cereal boxes!  Once you sign up for an account, you can start earning points by clicking on the "Earn Points" tab and taking quizzes (very short, promise!) or making pledges.  You can use you points to purchase coupons or giftcards.   I cashed in 100 of my points for $10 off $30 purchase at Bed, Bath, and Beyond!  You can also score free magazine subscriptions, such as Woman's Day or Good Housekeeping for only 125 points!
Click HERE to set up a Recyclebank account!

If you have any questions about any of these sites or how to earn points, leave a comment below!