Mmmm Mmmm Free Stuff

As a cheap ass, I love nothing more than free stuff. The question is how do I get free stuff? You might want to try a free stuff forum (yes, they are out there). These forums usually list free samples that are found all over the net and most only need a name and address to send the sample to. However, these forums aren't just packed with free stuff; they also list contests, coupons, deals, etc. I like the forums better than just googling "free stuff" because I can find out whether or not other people who signed up received their free samples. One forum that I find useful is at FatWallet.com. This site offers a cash-back program and some other mess, but the forums are what I'm lookin' for. This forum is especially awesome because each sample offer is rated, meaning that the very good samples can be separated from the very spammy and bad samples without having to open and read through each thread.
"Very spammy?" you might ask; indeed. Be prepared to sort through the spam; newsletters you don't remember signing up for, credit card offers, weight loss tea ads, "hey baby, whatchu doin' tonight?" messages, the works. Unless, of course, you do as I do and set up a separate email account for your free sample escapades. This way, you won't accidently delete something important from your business or personal email account. You'll also want to keep your phone numbers to yourself; it only takes one bad click of the "submit" button to fill your voicemail inbox. What I've found to be a good rule of thumb is to skip the sample offers that need a phone number. If the phone number box is optional, just don't put your digits in; if it's needed to complete the offer, it's not worth the headache it may cause later.
While that last paragraph may scare some of you, it's really not that terrible. The free stuff you'll get definately out-weighs the irritation of emptying that spare email account's inbox once a week. I can't even remember the last time I bought shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, or razors; I just use my free samples. If you're picky about your shampoo and whatnot, this might indeed just be a way to sample some new products. However, I'm too broke to be picky so the free stuff works for me. I also save the samples for if/when I travel by air; 3 ounces of shampoo is all I can carry on?! No problem! I'll just throw a few of my samples in a clear sandwich bag and keep rollin'.