Freebies and samples are a great way to stretch your family's budget. As an example, I recently received two 1.3 ox toothpaste samples and instead of buying toothpaste at full price, I was able to wait two weeks and buy the toothpaste when it came . . .

Freebies and samples are a great way to stretch your family's budget. As an example, I recently received two 1.3 ox toothpaste samples and instead of buying toothpaste at full price, I was able to wait two weeks and buy the toothpaste when it came on sale. I have also received two deodorant samples, and I have one on the way, and although these were only 30 -50 percent of a normal size deodorant, these can last me a long time, and I received them for free.

The key to freebie sampling, is to find about three to five comprehensive freebie sites, and then visit these 1 – 2 times a week to be able to get the best freebies and samples before they run out. Some freebies/free samples offers ask you to fill out a short questionnaire, while others like Walmart's free sample site often asks you whether or not you will fill out a short questionnaire about the product after you have received it. I strongly urge freebie fans to fill out these questionnaires, as my theory is that when the companies see a greater benefit to giving out free samples, then they might be more likely to use this tool in more upcoming campaigns.

Some samples and freebies take a while to get to your mailbox, but I would say that the normal wait time is about 2 to 6 weeks. Instead of waiting around for the samples to arrive, I have learned to expect surprises instead. This decreases my sense of disappointment, when an item does not arrive when I expect it. When you become a freebie pro, you will have filled out so many free sample and freebie request forms that you no longer remember all the ones you have signed up for, and it will not take long before you can start making your own "What I received in the mail today" list.

As with both survey sites, reward sites, coupons, and coupons sites I strongly encourage you to open up a separate account site for all of these online budget stretching tools, as you will often receive loads of junk mail, or just lots of email adds when you sign up anywhere on the Internet. One email can do very well for all of these sign up opportunities, but I do recommend that you make folders in order to categorize and organize your saving opportunities, as you might have to go back and look for a specific email once in a while.

This site group will be updated very frequently, so make sure to check back soon. For more ways of saving and stretching your budget check out smartmomsaves.gather.com