A Freebie a Day Keeps Empty Pockets Away- Top 5 Free Stuff Sites

Checking the mail each day can be a chore. Who wants to pick up a pile of bills and junk mail every day? I can't remember the last time I got a personal letter. Even my 85-year-old grandfather sends emails from his wireless home network, which he set up and administers himself. So, I've developed a way to motivate myself to go out to the mailbox every morning, and I'm saving some money in the process.

Freebie sites range from scam to legitimate money saving opportunity, and I've compiled a top five list of "good eggs." When you're waiting for a free sample of a fun product you wouldn't normally spend hard-earned cash on, checking the mail is exciting again! Try one or all of my top picks, and you'll save a few bucks and get to try new brands of snacks, cosmetics, shampoo, dog treats, and more.

5. TheFreeSite.com:

This site lists only free offers that are also free of shipping and handling charges, and boasts one of the largest and most frequently updates lists of freebies on the web. Current samples offered include Dove Pro-Age products, a free diaper bag, and coffee samples. The downside is, there's no user-generated feedback system to rate the offers, and many take up to 8-12 weeks to arrive. Give it a try, but don't expect prompt results from every offer.

4. Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder:

The Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder automatically scours the internet for free stuff and filters out pyramid schemes and scams. At least a couple of new offers are added daily. Recent additions include sunflower seeds, cologne, and Gold Bond lotion. Users can rate freebies from 1 to 5, and flag freebies that no longer work or are in the wrong category. There's also a comment option. The only real flaw is that the freebie finder is automated, so occasional scams may get through.

3. Free Stuff Times:

The Free Stuff Times posts offers in blog format, with many added each day. Comments are enabled, and the site updates posts if offers expire, sell out, or seem to be no longer valid. There's also a forum to discuss offers at length. Freebies posted today include anti-perspirant, a kitchen idea book, and cigars, among many others. You can subscribe to receive new offers through your RSS Feed.

2. Start Sampling:

This one might have been number one, except that you have to register to get the best offers. That said, the site's privacy policy claims you won't receive any mail you don't request (electronic OR snail mail) unless you specifically opt in to offers from their advertisers, and that's been true for me so far. You get offers based specifically on your profile, where you're asked for your age, if you have kids, pets, etc. Targeting offers by demographic keeps you from having to weed through piles of freebies useless to you, and many of the samples on Start Sampling aren't offered on other freebie sites. There are also lots of coupons to print out, and the site includes a forum.

1. My Savings:

My Savings is a huge directory of free samples and coupons, and boasts very active community forums where most of the current offers have already received feedback. My Savings is at the top of the heap for a long list of samples, good user feedback, and for providing both print coupons and coupon codes for shopping online. Some offers are valid only in the UK, which is clearly indicated with a flag symbol by the offer listing. Recent additions to the list of free samples include a Gillette razor, Nature Made multivitamins, and Armani fragrance for men. If you only visit one freebie site, make it this one!