Winning Free Stuff Online

There are many reasons why we are all so hooked on the internet. For me, probably on top of that list is the amount of free stuff you can get online. From free ebooks, software and games to more expensive stuff like gadgets and a trip somewhere relaxing and beautiful. I even heard of giveaways from abroad where one can win a car online! Amazing, isn’t it?

Who wouldn’t want to win FREE stuff? If you check my previous posts, you would see I blogged about prizes I’ve won online. I have won all sorts of prizes. Beauty products, mobile load, gift certificates, internet stick, Paypal funds, a mobile phone and an Apple iPad. Yes, I won an Apple iPad!

Apple iPad I won in Sulit.com.ph's Blog Contest

Giveaways you’d find online have a wide range of prizes, with mechanics ranging from really basic steps to more elaborate processes. Some giveaways require you to simply follow people or brands on social media networks, and there are many that demand some creativity from you. I happen to have won all sorts of giveaways and I find it fun to be rewarded with stuff after all my efforts. :)

Php 1,500 gift certificates from Pizza Hut's Facebook promo

So, if you’ve got time to spare, why not join online giveaways too? You might be surprised at the items you can get for almost free for joining them. Instead of wasting your time on sites like 9gag or reddit, why not try your luck in these contests or giveaways? ;)

Have you won anything online yet? Share prizes you’ve won at the comments section! :)

No to Distracted Driving

My brother and I have been contemplating on buying a car for almost a year now. It all started when we talked about putting up his own pastry business. We’re saving up to either buy a car or a house first that’s closer to the cities where his customers will mostly be located, but we thought a car would definitely be best for now since we can use it for other purposes such as traveling with our mom. A car is one of the investments we’re considering seriously now, so we’ll see if we’ll be able to save enough money for it.

To tell you the truth, we’ve both been hesitant about it since we both don’t know how to drive yet. I was supposed to take driving lessons a few years back, but I had to postpone it because I feel like I won’t be the best person to be driving around in our own car. I guess I’m a little paranoid to be behind the wheel. I might slow down everyone, thus upsetting people on the road with me. :D My friends who drive told me it’s better that I’m paranoid because that means I’ll be driving safely, unlike others who are too comfortable behind the wheel that they get distracted, which has been one of the major factors behind car accidents lately.

Below is an infographic that shows us the dangers of distracted driving. Though technology has helped us in so many ways, the usefulness of these gadgets made us forget when it’s the appropriate (and safer) time to be tinkering with them. I hope this serves as a reminder to keep your eyes on the road! Stay safe, everyone!

distracted driving infographic from ifa auto insurance
Presented By IFA Auto Insurance

Black Friday : 8 Tips on How to Save Money while Shopping

Black Friday Tips on saving money while shopping

Black Friday – it’s that time again when hundreds of retail stores offer huge discounts to deal-hungry shoppers. But, it’s also the day when a lot of people get enticed by stores to purchase items at marked down prices. At this time of the year, a few weeks before Christmas and New Year, how can you save on your Black Friday shopping? Here are some tips to save you from financial woes after Black Friday:

 

Black Friday Money-Saving Tips

1. Search for the best deals you can find.

Many stores announce their Black Friday offers as early as the third or last week of October. Subscribe to your favorite retail store’s newsletter to get the latest or even exclusive offers they have.

Compare prices between stores so you’d know where you can get the best deals. You might even be surprised that some stores offer the same discounts online.

Early bird discounts are also offered by many stores before Black Friday, so keep an eye out for them.

Find out the Black Friday 2012 store hours of some retailers and list of Black Friday early bird discounts.

 

2. Plan ahead and stay on the budget.

Set a budget ahead of time. Keep in mind how much you’re willing to spend on items you’re planning on buying come Black Friday. And make sure you stay within that budget.

Buy gift or discount cards, but make sure you’ve read or know the store policies. You might not be able to use any gift or discount coupons on items that are already on sale during Black Friday.

 

3. Don’t spend beyond what you can pay off your credit card.

This shopping day is when most people tend to overspend, especially when they’re using their credit cards. As what I said in tip #2, stay on the budget. You might be happy with your purchase, but you’d most likely end up selling those precious finds just to pay off your credit card bills. You wouldn’t want that, would you?

 

4. Make sure you’re buying those that are actually on sale.

I can attest to the psychology behind this – how retailers lure shoppers during shopping seasons around Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. Since we are already in the shopping mood during sales, we tend to forget that not all items are on sale. And trust me, those stores know this and they would even strategically place regularly priced items with the discounted ones.

Also, be careful and verify if the price tags you see are actually for the items that you’re getting. Since stores are chaotic during Black Friday, you’d see a lot of misplaced products.

Lastly, make sure you check the prices when you’re checking out. You might be surprised that there are some prices that are higher when they scan the barcodes.

 

5. Don’t be vulnerable to thieves.

Holiday shopping is not all merry, sad to say. There are many scumbags who’ll take advantage of the situation when shoppers are vulnerable. So, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings, wallet and money safely secured.

 

6. Don’t be fooled by bundled products.

Some bundled products may actually cost more than when you buy them separately. And stores will usually place those individual products away from each other, so you’d have a hard time comparing them. Well, make sure you do.

Buying bundled products usually mean that we end up with items that we didn’t really need in the first place. Don’t be tricked into buying them.

 

7. Stick to your game plan and shopping list. Avoid ending up with items you don’t really need.

This, for me, is vital. We tend to forget our budget and shopping list when we see items that are on sale and offered at huge discounts. For sure, you will be tempted to buy items that you don’t really need. Stick to your shopping list and budget. And, before you grab or ask for that item off the shelf, ask yourself if you actually need to buy it NOW.

 

8. Be patient and wait for the right time.

No, not while waiting in line during Black Friday, but there are actually items that are best purchased on any other day of the year. You have to consider the fact that since retailers expect thousands of people to go on massive shopping sprees, they won’t be offering the best deals on their most popular products. It’s supply and demand – one of the rules of economics is at play here.

So, it pays to actually be patient or keep track of the price of the item you’re planning on buying. If it’s not an immediate need, why rush, right? I personally won’t recommend buying a new TV come Black Friday.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

Those are just some tips to help you save money while you shop this Black Friday. I’m sure if you keep them in mind, you’ll have enough money saved up for your Christmas and New Year celebrations with your family and friends. :)

What other money-saving tips for Black Friday do you have in mind? Share at the comments section!

Read my other Black Friday articles: