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​That Four Letter Word "Free" - May 2017

​Is It Really Free - May 2017

That four letter word "free" is an ambush for anyone looking to live life debt free, cashed up and laughing.  As a Cheapskate you need to be able to differentiate between a true free item and a pseudo free item.

When you see "free" attached to any item, before you get excited, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I have to pay anything for this item? What is the exact amount in dollars this item will cost me if I accept it?

2. Are there shipping and handling costs?

3. How much are the shipping and handling costs?

4. What is the total cost of the item when shipping and handling costs are added?

5. If I choose multiple items, what is the total cost when shipping and handling costs are added?

6. After adding the shipping and handling costs, is the item really worth this amount?

7. Is there a long-term, on-going commitment if I accept this "free" item?

8. How much will this long-term, on-going commitment really cost (factor in item cost, shipping and handling on an on-going basis)? This is especially important for book, wine, CD type clubs.

9. Is it a reputable company?

10. What is the average cost per item on-going?

11. Is this cost reasonable or can you source the item cheaper yourself?

12. What will accepting this offer cost you in terms of time and energy?

13. Do you really need or want this item?

14. If you don't need or want it can you pass it on to someone who does? 
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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2023
    • Newsletters 2022
    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
    • Newsletters 2019
    • Newsletters 2018
    • Newsletters 2017
  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2023
    • Latest Tips 2022
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files