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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
  • Member Hub
    • Getting Started
    • 31 Days of MOO Hub >
      • MOO Month 2026 Learn to Make Your Own and Save
      • How to Learn to MOO
      • 2026 Daily MOOs
      • 31 Days of MOO Forum
      • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • SUPER SHOPPER 2026 >
      • Super Shopper 300 a Month Challenge
    • No Spending Month
    • Handmade Christmas Hub >
      • Make It Monday
    • Articles
    • How to Build Your Stockpile >
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 1
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 2
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 3
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 4
    • Take A Pause
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Simple Bulk Pasta Sauce
      • Back to Basics Ep 1
    • Add a Recipe
  • Saving Money
    • Member Wins Money Smiles
    • LATEST TIPS 2026
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Bill Paying System
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Newsletters
  • Join the Club
    • Why Members Come Back
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • About Us >
      • Cath's Story
      • Ask Cath
      • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
    • Help Files >
      • Help File TOTD