With a slumping economy and the highest unemployment rate in years, many individuals cannot afford to pay for certain services or luxuries. Good thing that there are alot of websites and services out there close to being absolutely free. According to Forbes magazine, if individuals would simply take the time to browse the internet a little, they can find tons of free, or mostly free lunches. Figuratively speaking, of course.
One of the most urgent services provided for "free" or almost free is in the financial industry. Here, we located three businesses offering great deals:
- Credit Monitoring -Get nine months of free credit monitoring from Chicago-based TransUnion. Also, the company is required to offer free access to credit scores, as well as free notifications of changing scores to anyone who has obtained a credit card within the last 20 years.
- Stock Trading - Zecco, an online brokerage, wants to grease your reentry by giving away 10 free stock trades per month. There's no minimum balance requirement in the first month. After that, continuing customers still get their first 10 trades per month for free, though they must maintain minimum account balances of $2,500.
- Tax Preparation - If you're over the age of 60, serve in the U.S. military or earn less than $40,000 a year, you can qualify for free tax-return preparation services, care of the IRS and tons of other trained volunteers across the U.S.
Of course, during an economic decline, luxury is almost always out of the question. However, Forbes teaches us that it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Below are three ways of catching a discounted or even free vacation on your tight buget.
- Road Trip - Auto Driveaway will let you drive someone else's vehicle from one point to another. The company has 45 U.S locations and lists about 150 opportunities per month. Requirements: You must be at least 23 years old, possess a valid driver's license and put up a refundable deposit of $350.
- Free Digs - Join the Home Exchange Network and stay in someone else's home for free. You can either swap with someone you meet on the network or host each other as guests.
- Wave Rider - Imperial Majesty Cruise Line offers last-minute deals to fill empty cabins in the hopes of winning repeat business. Lucky couples can enjoy three-day, two-night cruises gratis. If you're the spontaneous and adventurous type, why not give this a chance?!
Lastly, a common problem most Americans today face is the rising cost of pharmaceuticals. A tip to get you the medication you need: ask for free samples at your docto's office. Most doctors know which drugs they prescribe are expensive and often unaffordable if you don't have the right insurance. Hence, they will often have stocks of samples of those medication given to them by the pharmaceutical companies. Ask your doctor if your prescription has samples and see if you can cut your medical bills by half.
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