You really can get free stuff, but yes, sometimes there are strings attached. For example, when we were at universal studios I got a free backpack. The catch? I spent six minutes filling out a credit card application. On the other hand, we ate pretty well on free sample days at local food stores when we lived in Tucson, and there really weren't any strings attached, other than the risk of being sold a delicious new food. Check ut the easy freebies that follow.

Free Entertainment

Many libraries carry movies on DVD, and most at least have documentaries. We 've even seen music videos on DVD in one library. The only cost? The time to get a library card.

Want free concerts? Festivals usually have some free musical entertainment. For example, the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan has free entertainment every night during the week-long festival, including many recognizable bands and (often) a Beatles tribute band. Go to Google and type in "festival" and the name of towns around you to find these freebies.

Free Vacations

In Hawaii, Costa Rica or Colorado, someone is just waiting for you to come and stay in their house while they are away. You may have to water the plants, and even get the mail for them, but you get to stay in a beautiful home in a sunny place. Sometimes you even get paid for these vacations. The only catch is that to find these opportunities, you may have to subscribe to one of the newsletters that list them.

We camped for ten days in our van, at Williams Landing, east of Tallahassee, Florida, on Lake Talquin. It's a beautiful place, and even has hot showers. Our cost? Zero - and you can stay up to two weeks. There are many free campgrounds scattered around the country. To find them, buy a Woodall's directory from any large RV dealer. Camping can be an essentially free vacation if done right, because you may spend less than if you stayed home.

More Ways To Get Free Stuff

Many states give away free road maps. Some also give away free legal forms, like statutory wills. Check the state's online sites.

You can get free dental x-rays at some dental colleges. Be patient, as the students are just learning, but an experienced technician is always with them. When done, you'll get the x-rays to take to your own dentist, which can save you $30 to $80. Some schools charge a small fee, but is always less than the regular cost.

Many utility companies offer free "energy audits." They'll come to your home and find the places where you are wasting energy. Some even han out free kits for caulking windows and weather-stripping doors. call and ask.

Want free, confidential business advice from a business expert? Go to the website of "SCORE" (Service Corps of Retired Executives). These are successful business executives who volunteer time to help others in business.

Some restaurants will give you a free dinner on your birthday. Others give a free birthday cake. Bars will often buy your first drink for you if it's your birthday. How do you find the ones that do this? The way you always discover how to get free stuff - just ask.