frugal living

7/31/26 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

In our continuing frugal escapades this summer, today The smaller kid and their friend and I are headed off to SeaWorld. I scored a free educator pass, and Groupon had discount tickets.

I used my MyPoints points from surveys to get a Groupon Gift Card to lower my out-of-pocket.

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 Backpacks and School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Ade Electrolyte Drink Mix Sample Pack
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
FREE LEGO Pokemon Event at Target
Get Free Catalogs by Mail: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Mini Cooler Cup at Lowe’s on August 22nd
FREE GREENIES Original Dog Dental Treats
Starbucks – Free Drink or Food Item During Your Birthday
FREE Corona Sunbrew Juicy Twist Reality TV Watch Party Kit
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE Destination Dessert Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE IAMS Proactive Health Core Pouch after Walmart Cash
FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Narcisse Fragrance
FREE $25 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Samples from The Apothecary Tea
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Cooling Towel, Stickers & More
We Rounded Up The Best Free Samples for Men: Check Them Out
FREE Toy Story Woody Action Figure at Walmart
FREE Tillamook Melty Hour Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Sample of YISE Beauty Xtreme Glow Peptide Serum
FREE Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
FREE Mtn Dew Baja Blast Every Time an MLB Player Hits a 420+ ft Home Run

Deals:

Bikes for the Whole Family From $48 at Walmart
Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men ONLY $3.43 (Reg $8)
The Children’s Place Graphic Tees ONLY $5 (Reg $13) + FREE Shipping!
Purina Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Pet Food from Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies and More
Top 10 Grocery Store Coupons This Week
Back to School Jeans Sale at Carter’s: Buy One Get two Free
Skip Name Brand Products and Save Big with Off-Brand Foods Instead
Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit ONLY $16.94 (Reg $30)
Pioneer 40-In LED Full HD (1080p) Smart RoKu TV ONLY $99.99 (Reg $170)
Cooks 6-Qt Stainless Steel Slow Cooker ONLY $26.99 (Reg $60)
Boho Fringe Thatched Tiki Patio Umbrella ONLY $79.99 (Reg $200)
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Get Senior Discounts at These 13 Grocery Stores in 2026
Carote 5-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cooking Pot Set ONLY $21.99 (Reg $80)
LOCO 2-Burner Classic Flat Top Grill/Griddle ONLY $99 Shipped (Reg $298)

2026 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your August Utility Bill!

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s that time again! On your August California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $49.36. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit is directly related to the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires polluters to pay for their climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for over seven years, saving thousands of dollars on our power bill and earning thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal.

Free Backpacks & School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!

7/24/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Comic Con is this weekend, and while the littler and I aren’t going, the big guy is going with his dad on Sunday.

The rest of the week is full of gym visits, swimming at night, and playing video games during the day to avoid the heat. I’m so tired of it being hot and humid.

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:

Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE Internet for 5 Years and a FREE Hotspot for Students
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Night Cream and Neck & Face Roller
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE Coffee Mate Situation-Sip Mixed Fruit Flavored Creamer on July 27th
FREE Lunchables Snackables Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher After Walmart Cash
We Rounded Up The Best Free Stuff for Senior Citizens: 20+ Freebies
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
FREE Sample of Halo Holistic Dog Food
Free Charburger at The Habit Burger Grill for Your Birthday
FREE Whopper at Burger King with the Whopper Guarantee
FREE e.l.f. Hair Collection Event at Target
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Wireless Zone & TCC Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
3 FREE Boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese Restaurant Edition
FREE Sample Pack of Saba Pads or Liners
FREE Moonpig Greeting Card + FREE Shipping
FREE Sample of Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser
Get Free Travel Guides: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Set at Walmart
FREE Tree Hut x Lisa Frank Sugar Scrub at Target After Cash Back
FREE Maison Aurélle Designer-Inspired Fragrance Sample
FREE Pure Leaf Mental Focus Iced Tea
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens

Deals:

Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for July and August
Up to 30% Off Sandals at Target
P&G brandSAVER Coupons: Get Digital & Printable Coupons From Your Favorite P&G Brands
Kate Spade Gemini Mini Bag ONLY $69 (Reg $189)
Get The Latest Upside Promo Codes: Instant Discounts & Cashback
Craftsman 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum ONLY $39.88 (Reg $70)
Bogg Bag Accessories on SALE – Score Phone Holders, Dividers & More | Prices Start at $5.99
Moving? Sign up for these RARE Coupons
Reebok Back to School Sale: Up to 40% Off + Extra 50% Off Sale Styles
Huge Walmart Furniture Clearance – Prices From $19.60
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks 30-Pack ONLY $7 on Amazon
Victoria’s Secret Sale – New Coupons, Freebies & Deals on Panties, Bras, & More as low as $2.99
Eureka Max Swivel Deluxe Upright Vacuum ONLY $49.86 (Reg $90)
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer 3-Qt ONLY $31.97 (Reg $50)
Save on 12-Pack Coca-Cola & Pepsi with These New Soda Deals For as Low as $0.33/Can
Disney Store: 20% Off Back to School & Sleepwear Orders of $60+
Ninja 10-in-1 Everyday PossibleCooker Multi-Cooker ONLY $66 at Walmart + Free Shipping!
Blink Wired Floodlight Camera ONLY $29.99 (Reg $100)
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Melamine 4-Piece Bowl Set ONLY $9.35 (Reg $21)
Spider Man Toy Organizer ONLY $14 (Reg $35)
Home Expressions Bath Towels From $3.24 at JCPenney (Reg $12)
3-Piece Comforter Sets as Low as $19.99 (Reg $80)

6 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples

Abby H.Leave a comment

It says 7 weeks, but the first week has already passed.

Enjoy 6 weeks of FREEBIES with Staples! From now through September 12th, Staples is offering a series of weekly freebies with a qualifying purchase, both in-store and online.

Plus, find classroom essentials as low as 25¢ all season long!  Available in-store and online.

Here’s the freebies:

  • July 12-18th: Free Astrobright Solar Spark colored paper (100 sheets)
  • July 19-25th: Free Sharpie S-Gel pens (2-pack)
  • July 26-August 1st: Free Post-it Pop-up Notes Dispenser
  • August 2-8th: Free Eccolo Password Journal
  • August 9-15th: Free Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens (2-pack)
  • August 23rd (Sunday Only): Free NeeDoh Groovy Glob
  • September 6-12th: Free Staples Tote Bag

About Staples Rewards: Staples Rewards is a free loyalty program that lets members earn points and cash back on purchases made in-store, online or through the Staples app. Members earn 1 point per $1 spent, with opportunities to double or triple points by selecting bonus categories tailored to their shopping habits. Points can be redeemed at checkout, and active members enjoy perks like exclusive deals, free delivery, and rewards for recycling ink cartridges

It’s Sample Thursday with PinchMe!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Love samples? Check out PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offers samples just for you.

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is a box that I recently received.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

 

Kevin’s Natural Foods for Breakfast – New TryaBox

Abby H.Leave a comment

Kevin’s Natural Foods is back and ready for breakfast in this Tryazon Featured TryaBox opportunity, from Kevin’s Natural Foods! Try two of the following incredible freezer scramble starters: Denver-Style Ham & White Cheddar and Spinach & Bacon Florentine. Just add eggs for a clean, delicious & filling start to your day!

Tryazon has 275 sampling spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a TryaBox with two coupons for FREE Scramble Starters from Kevin’s Natural Foods to be picked up at Target, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Giant Banners, or Hannaford from the freezer aisle to sample and review at home – no party needed!

Learn more and apply here.

 

Fetch: Score 6,000 points per friend!

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s back! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points. Earn an extra 6,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch, and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 7/19/2026.

I cash out my Fetch Rewards points for gift cards that help me stretch my budget- grocery stores, Amazon, even Bath and Body Works!  I cashed out about $120 in rewards in 2025. I’ve been doing a lot more shopping at Aldi, so I don’t usually score the extra points for buying name brands, but every little bit helps.

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

 

 

 

7/17/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

This is the point in the summer when the kids are bored, I’m bored, and there isn’t a ton of money left in the budget.  We’re looking for a bunch of fun free events, and I may have found some!

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 Sample of Puppy’s First Shampoo
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Sample of Miles of Moisture Cocoa Body Butter
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Young Washington
FREE Toys R Us Play Day Event on July 18th
FREE Full-Size Snoot to Toot Digestive Chews for Dogs
FREE Starbar EZ Trap Fly Trap
FREE Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Workshop Event for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = FREE Item
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Sample of Moroccanoil Lumiere du Jour Eau de Parfum
FREE simplyFUEL Fueling Families Party Pack
FREE Vacation Classic SPF 50 Lotion at CVS After Cash Back
FREE Full-Size STUCK SOAP Dog Shampoo
FREE Red Barn Creamery Premium Butter Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Blue Buffalo Nudges & True Chews Minis Chatterbox Kit
Take a Sip! Discover How You Can Get Free Drinks
FREE Carando Meatballs
FREE Jose Cuervo Margarita + Win $1,500
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
7 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Hot Dog at QuikTrip
Free Full-Size Products from Home Tester Club
FREE Box of Jelly Drops
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
FREE $20 Purchase at Ulta After Cash Back
How to Score Free P&G Samples Like a Pro
National Ice Cream Day Freebies and Deals on July 19th
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
$1 Million in FREE Chipotle on July 19th
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
FREE Sample of TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE Coffee Mate Situation-Sip Mixed Fruit Flavored Creamer on July 20th & 27th

Deals:

Up to 70% Off Men’s Suits, Blazers and More at Macy’s
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up To 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
Mechanical Pencil Set with Case ONLY $5.39 (Reg $9)
Step Into and Step Out In These Golden Goose Dupes
Disney The Big One Minnie Mouse Buddy & Throw ONLY $12.59 (Reg $35)
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 All-Terrain EZ Fold Wagon w/ Canopy ONLY $90 (Reg $168)
Dream On Me Flora Baby Bassinet ONLY $63 (Reg $175)
PowerXL Vortex Pro Air Fryer ONLY $49.99 (Reg $120)
Women’s Boots as low as $6.71 at Walmart
Amazon Haul Sale: Tech & Gadgets From $3 on Amazon
Travelhouse 4-Piece Luggage Set ONLY $89.98 (Reg $200)
CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – 65% Off Drinkware, 65% Off Posters & More
Armani 2-Pc. Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette Gift Set ONLY $25 (Reg $50)
Get Red Seal Coupons and Save on Smokeless Tobacco
Wayfair 72-Hour Clear-Out Sale Is Live: The Best Cheap Finds for Your Home
Dad Gang Co. Discount Codes – 20% Off, $10 Credit & More
How to Stack Coupons on SHEIN + Coupon Hacks (Save Up to 80%)
How to Coupon: An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide to Couponing
Up to 70% Off Women’s Dresses at Old Navy – Prices Starting at $5.99
COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ONLY $5.00 on Amazon (Reg $14)
Home Expressions Microfiber Sheet Set as low as $9 (Reg $35)

JCPenney- $12 Haircuts for Students and Teachers!!

Abby H.

This is a great deal! Now through 9/19/2026, students and teachers (with a valid K-college student or teacher ID) can get a $12 haircut at their local JCP Salon!

And to sweeten the deal for educators, score an extra 10% off your purchase with a valid school ID.

If you know of a teacher/educator who could use a little pick-me-up in the form of a haircut, please share this deal!