Freebies and Deals- 7/20 is National Ice Cream Day!

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National Ice Cream Day is next week!! I recommend that you download any apps required for these deals at least 1 day prior to ensure that you have the app and are all signed up for any clubs or offers. Not all of these offers are available in my specific area, but I included them because I have readers outside of San Diego.

From July 13-19, DQ Rewards members can score the classic treat with any $1 purchase made through the DQ App. https://news.dairyqueen.com/announcements/details/2026/DQ-Celebrates-National-Ice-Cream-Day-All-Week-Long-with-Free-Dilly-Bars/default.aspx

Dipping’ Dots: Dippin’ Dots is giving away FREE mini cups of Dippin’ Dots (any flavor!) during a two-hour window at their franchise locations. Find your closest location here.

Baskin-Robbins: Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can get 31% off scoops on July 31, 2026, at participating shops. Waffle cones, toppings, sundaes, and delivery orders are excluded.

Marble Slab Creamery: Download their app because on July 20, loyalty members will receive a free small Ice Cream offer, valid for seven days. Find your closest location here.

Del Taco: From July 17 – 19, Del Yeah! Rewards members can get BOGO free regular shakes at Del Taco for National Ice Cream Day.

And while there are no deals right now, check the following apps in the days before the 20th for possible freebies and deals: McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, and Yogurtland.

And if you want to make your own ice cream at home, you can find my recipe here. It’s very easy, and you can make it your own with a few tweaks!

7/20/2026 National Lollipop Day- Celebrate with See’s!

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Visit any See’s Candy location for National Lollipop Day on July 20, and you’ll receive a free lollipop — no purchase necessary.

Flavor availability may vary by location, but here are the flavors you may have to choose from:

Chocolate
Vanilla
Butterscotch
Sugar Free Butterscotch
Café Latté
Cinnamon

7/12/2026 PRC Research Study Round Up!

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PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

 

Topic: Business Decision Makers
Who: Adults
When: July 20th – Aug 14th
Where: Via webcam
Length: 60-minute interview
Incentive: $300 digital incentive

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Club Store Members-July 2026
Who: Adults, 18+ yrs old who have a club store membership
When: July 21st-24th, 2026
Where: Virtual interview from the comfort of your home
Length: 30-mins
Incentive: $100

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Small Business Owners & Decision Makers
Who: Adults, 25-65 yrs old
When: July 15 or 22 – 29, 2026
Where: Online virtual Interview
Length: 1-Hour
Incentive: $300

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Fidelity, HealthEquity or Optum Health Insurance spending/reimbursement account holders
Who: Adults, 18-64 yrs old
When: June 24 – July 17, 2026
Where: Online virtual Interview
Length: 1-hour
Incentive: $125

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Their surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.

7/15/2026 is National Give Something Away Day

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This upcoming Wednesday, July 15, is National Give Something Away Day. This is a great opportunity to share things that you no longer need from your home. Here are several ways that I will be celebrating this day.

I will be posting items to my buy, nothing group. I am not in an official by nothing group, but there are several offshoots of the official group in my area, and I participate in them regularly.

Speaking of Facebook, there are several local Facebook groups. I’m in for specific hobbies and causes that I care about. And I will definitely be posting some items to give away in those groups as well.

Is there a local nonprofit that you support? This would be a great time to reach out to them and see if there’s anything you have that you’re looking to get rid of that they might need.

Even though school is out, if you have a teacher in your life, and you have some excess office/school supplies, definitely hit them up. When school starts back up at the end of August or beginning of September, teachers will be needing school supplies, such as number two pencils, markers, Crayons, and lined notebook paper.

Helpling Neighbors without Breaking the Bank

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There are a lot of people around us who need help right now in our communities. There are so many ways to help neighbors, and I’ve collected a few of the ways that my family helps in the hopes it will inspire you to do the same.

You’re probably aware of mutual aid sites like GoFundMe, but do you know that there are other ways that you can help your friends and neighbors without breaking the bank or charging on your credit card?

Mutual aid is more than giving cash. It’s giving your time, goods from your home, or offering to help with chores or errands.

Blessing Boxes/Free Little Pantries. When I go to the grocery store, I allot $5-$10 to pick up canned goods or shell stable foods that are either ready to eat and have a pop top or require just the addition of water and heat. Things like chili, canned soup, water, only mac & cheese, Ramen, peanut butter, bread. These items are donated to our local Blessing Box, which helps our neighbors in need.

Filling a Free Little Library.  You probably have a couple of books around your house that you read once, maybe twice, and you’re never gonna read again, or your kids have leveled up beyond picture books, and you’re not quite sure what to do with them. Look for a little library in your area. There are tons of them in my town, and I am always putting a paper back or two or a couple of kids’ books in when I see one that needs a couple more books in it

Check out your local Buy Nothing or Buy Nothing Like group. Check and see if there is a neighbor in need who needs something that you have. Either something in your home that is physical, maybe they need assistance with a project, or they are asking to borrow a tool.

I just finished up doing some summer cleaning and posted all sorts of items to share. I have gotten rid of a broken computer (someone was excited to use it for parts), an extra monitor, some blankets, and old sheets that are in great repair, but my son does not like the texture.

There are all kinds of ways that we can help our neighbors with what we have and the skills that we possess.

Talk Back: How have you helped in your community?

June 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals!

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Quests require compasses and treasure chests, right?Why am I referring to them as “quests” and not “hustle“?

Hustling indicates moving quickly to earn money. This year, I’m doing a little bit every day, approximately 20 minutes on small surveys and small tasks. I may earn less daily, but overall, I can use small tasks to earn more through compounding.

June was a busy month for me to work on Side Quests. I sat down and really buckled down, as my regular day job was ending for the next two-ish months, and I wanted to ensure I had the funds for adventures with the kids.

  • MyPoints:  $30 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $34.20 Venmo
  • G2:  $10 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Fetch:  $10 Target Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $23.50 in Aisle Rebates
  • BrandClub:  $10.50 Venmo
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. I spent a lot of time over the summer making/uploading educational materials to my TPT account. $23.70
  • Verasight: $20 via Venmo

I spend about 20-30 minutes a day completing surveys, scanning receipts, and other tasks. It doesn’t take long, and it helps take a small load off our summer budget.

As always, the links above may be affiliate links, and I might earn money or points if you join any of the above apps or activities. This helps support my blog and family.

If you are interested in my full list of money-saving/money earning activites, I encourage you to check out:

Free Slurpee Day is here on 7/11/26!

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7-Eleven is celebrating its 99th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the Slurpee by handing out free small Slurpees nationwide on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The giveaway runs from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary.

To find your closest location or for more details, visit their website.

Talk back: What is your favorite Slurpee flavor? I love a frosty Coke Slurpee, but any citrus flavor is a close second.

7/10/2026 Friday’s Freebies and Deals!

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This week I’ve been binge-watching The Pitt and doing what seems like endless laundry.

The love affair with shaved ice continues… If you are looking for a good electric shaved ice machine, this is the one. 

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies

FREE Blue Buffalo Wilderness Bone Broth Boosted Chatterbox Kit
FREE Sample of Cielo Negro Coffee
1 Million FREE Boxes of Betty Crocker Cake Mix
Free Cold Treats & Frozen Drinks to Help You Beat the Heat This Summer 2026
FREE 20 oz. Mountain Dew
National French Fry Day Freebies & Deals Round Up
FREE Shark FlexBreeze Fan
FREE $5 Uber Credit
FREE Food at Select Restaurants on July 14th – Sign Up Now
FREE Hallmark Card Every Month
Get Free Condom Samples Online and In-Person From Your Favorite Brands
FREE Backpack Giveaway at TCC & Wireless Zone Stores
FREE Sample Mail Call for July
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
Prime Members Score GrubHub+ FREE ($120 Value a Year)
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE $20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
Score a Free Babylist Hello Baby Box Filled with Samples & Full Sized Products
FREE Body Armor Flash IV Strawberry Kiwi at Love’s Travel Stops – Today Only
FREE Karuna All Day Firming Serum – a $23 Value
FREE MyLowe’s Money Day Giveaway at Lowe’s on July 11th & 12th
10 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at Walgreens from 1-3pm EST
FREE Rocket Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Girl Scouts Cookie Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
2 FREE Sliders at Krystal
FREE Boots & Barkley Coloring Sheet Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Dippin’ Dots at Chuck E. Cheese on July 19th
FREE Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Chomps Nashville Hot Seasoned Chicken Stick
We Rounded Up Our Favorite Free Samples for Women
FREE Mini Cup of Dippin’ Dots on July 19th
FREE Bedsure 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Duvet Cover
FREE Medium Waffle Fries at Chick-fil-A
FREE $15 at Walgreens After Cash Back
FREE Box of Banza Pasta After Walmart Cash
FREE Can of Red Bull with FREE DoorDash Delivery
FREE Huggies Bodysuit
FREE Arrae Wellness Essentials
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Haus Dog at Dog Haus on July 15th

 

Deals:

Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls ONLY $3.74 Shipped (Reg $8)
Kobalt 24V Brushless Circular Saw Starter Kit ONLY $129 (Reg $248)
The Top Sam’s Club Hacks to Save More in 2026
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray for Hair ONLY $8 (Reg $20)
Total Wine Deals: 15% Off, Free Delivery, Rewards and More
Michael Kors Women’s Flat Sandals ONLY $39.80 (Reg $100)
Top Wednesday Food Deals: Midweek Dining Discounts to Devour
The Pizza Hut BOGO Hacks You Need to Know (Yes, You Can Score FREE Pizza!)
Inflatable Pools up to 50% Off at Walmart
Celebrate Fri-Yay with These Fun Friday Food Deals
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2026
Victoria’s Secret Beauty Gift Sets Sale – Up to 60% Off + Extra 25 Off Sale
Sandals For The Family Buy 1 Get 2 Free at JCPenney
Women’s Pajamas ONLY $13.49 at JCPenney
Ends 7/10: Uniform Pants ONLY $8 at Old Navy (Reg up to $23)
COLOR WOW Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo ONLY $15.20 (Reg $32)
Amazon Haul Flash Deals: $2 & Under
Fashion Nova Discount Code and Coupons: Save up to 80% Off on Dresses, Jeans, Tops, and Accessories
Thursday Food Deals to Kick Off the Almost-Weekend
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer 3-Qt ONLY $31.97 (Reg $50)
Craftsman 20V Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill ONLY $69 (Reg $129) + Free Shipping
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Tide Detergent, Gain Plus, Swiffer Power Mop & More
Little Sleepies Coupon Codes and Promotions
School Supplies From 25¢ at Target
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes for Face ONLY $3.41 (Reg $9)

July 14th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a!

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Are you ready? Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A is coming up on July 14th! The kids love it, so we are prepping to go. You can check out my past post here on how to DIY a quick costume using items you may already have around the house.

Every customer who dresses like a cow can receive one free entrée from the following list, subject to availability*:

Breakfast: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit (Original) or 4-count Chick-n-Minis®.
Lunch/Dinner: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich (Original or Spicy); 8-count Nuggets (Original or Grilled); or 3-count Chick-n-Strips.
Kids: A 5-count Nuggets Kids’ Meal (Original or Grilled), which includes a side, drink, and premium.

Please check with your local Chick-fil-A to confirm participation.

San Diego Area Upcoming Free E-bike Safety Courses!

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There are so many kids (and adults) in my area riding e-bikes and scooters as of late and some of them aren’t wearing helmets. It’s scary! As a parent and someone who works with kids, I’ve seen the injuries that can happen from e-bikes and scooters. That’s why when I saw this email in my inbox, I had to share. This is a free series of events all over the county.

The YMCA is partnering with Scripps Health, the San Diego Bicycle Coalition and local leaders to offer free, hands-on e-bike safety courses for youth ages 12–16. The training will be hosted across five YMCA locations and is designed to help young riders build confidence, learn the rules of the road and develop safe riding habits. Every participant will receive a free e-bike-rated helmet provided by Scripps Health. Learn more here.

Choose the day and location that works best for your family:

Saturday, July 11 at 1:00pm | RSVP here
T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA
4390 Valeta St, San Diego, CA 92107

Saturday, July 25 at 1:00pm | RSVP here
Rancho Family YMCA
9410 Fairgrove Ln, San Diego, CA 92129

Saturday, August 08 at 1:00pm | RSVP here
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
8355 Cliffridge Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Saturday, August 22 at 1:00pm | RSVP here
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
200 Saxony Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024

Please note that registration is required and limited to one child per family. Spots are limited and are expected to fill quickly, so we encourage families to register early!