There’s a little digital “secret folder” on my phone that’s saved me hundreds of dollars—without me even trying that hard. And no, I’m not talking about some complicated coupon-hunting madness that takes hours. I’m talking about freebies—yes, actual free stuff—waiting for you if you just know where to look.
When I started paying attention to how much I spent on everyday things—coffee, skincare, random online buys—I realized something: the little costs were eating away at my budget faster than the big ones. That’s when I went on a mission to find ways to get my favorites for free. And trust me, once you know where to look, it’s addictive (in the best way!).
Imagine scrolling through your phone and seeing a folder labeled “Free Stuff,” filled with apps and links that hand you discounts, free trials, or even products just for signing up or sharing feedback. That’s exactly what I have. It’s my secret weapon when I want to spoil myself—without spending a dime.
The best part?
No coupon clipping or spending hours on shady websites.
Most of these deals are from legit brands (think Starbucks, Sephora, Target).
It feels like getting little surprise gifts every month.
Let me spill my secrets:
Loyalty Apps (The Hidden Goldmine)
Most big brands reward you for simply signing up. Starbucks often throws in a free drink on your birthday, Sephora gives mini beauty products, and Panera has surprise rewards that pop up randomly.
Pro tip: Create a separate email for these sign-ups so you can keep your main inbox clutter-free.
Free Samples & Beauty Boxes
Sephora and Ulta are amazing for this. When I order online, I always add free samples to my cart. I once got a week’s worth of luxury skincare samples that cost others $50+.
Birthday Freebies (Say Yes to Treats!)
Your birthday month is like freebie season! Ice cream from Baskin Robbins, free makeup from beauty stores, and sometimes even discounts on home goods. All I do is check my “freebie folder” to see what’s waiting.
Survey & Review Platforms
Some companies send free full-sized products just for sharing your honest feedback. I once scored a new moisturizer before it even hit the market—and I didn’t pay a cent!
You know what I love most about my secret folder? It makes me feel like I’m winning at this whole “adulting” thing. Instead of stressing about money, I feel smart, resourceful, and in control. It’s like this little digital treasure chest that reminds me that saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy.
Every time I grab a free coffee or try a luxury sample, I think, “Wow, this would’ve cost me $10, and I’m getting it for nothing.” That feeling is addictive, and it motivates me to save in other areas too.
Okay, now let’s get into the real gold. You’ve read how my freebie folder saves me a small fortune—now I’ll spill exactly how to create your own and start scoring freebies today. Grab your phone, because by the end of this, you’ll have a treasure chest sitting right there in your app drawer.
Before you dive in, make a separate email account just for sign-ups and deals.
Why? It keeps your personal inbox clean while letting you scoop up all the birthday offers, coupons, and surprise rewards.
Pro Tip: Add a fun name like “freestuffqueen@gmail” to make it feel like your savings alter ego.
Here are the apps in my secret folder that never fail to surprise me with free treats:
Starbucks or Dunkin’ – Free drinks on birthdays, points for every purchase.
Sephora & Ulta – Free beauty minis and birthday gifts (sometimes worth $20+).
Panera, Subway, or Chipotle – Free food items or drinks just for joining.
Target Circle – Not just discounts—sometimes you get store credit for free.
Fetch or Ibotta – Scan receipts, collect points, and turn them into free gift cards.
Kohl’s & Bath & Body Works – Free cash or products during sales events.
Create a mini folder in your browser with pages like:
Freeflys – A hub for new free samples.
PINCHme – Free product testing kits mailed right to you.
Influenster – Full-sized beauty products for reviews.
I literally check these once a week, and my mailbox has turned into a surprise gift box.
The real magic? Combining rewards. Imagine grabbing a free coffee from Starbucks, using a coupon for your snack, and paying the rest with a gift card earned through Fetch. That’s basically a free day out!
One week before your birthday, open every single app in your folder—most brands give limited-time rewards. I once scored:
A free Starbucks drink.
A mini Sephora lipstick.
A $10 coupon from Kohl’s.
All in the same week!
Treat checking your freebie folder like a little weekly ritual. Maybe on Sunday mornings with your coffee, scroll through and see what’s new. It feels like a treasure hunt—and trust me, the dopamine hit is real when you get something for $0.
Let’s be honest, we all have those days when we want to spoil ourselves but hate the guilt of overspending. This folder fixes that. Imagine sipping a free Starbucks latte while wearing a new lipstick sample you didn’t pay for—it feels luxurious without burning your wallet.
Right now, create that email, download 2-3 apps, and watch how quickly the freebies roll in. In a month, you’ll have a mini stash of free treats that will make you feel like a money-saving queen.