From Gas to Games, How to Get Free Stuff

Sept. 6, 2008 — -- Everything is better when it's free, especially in these tough economic times. "Good Morning America" and USA Today are one step ahead on saving.

USA Today business reporter Jayne O'Donnell dropped by "Good Morning America" today to not only share ways you can save, but also ways to get everything from gas to clothes and games for free.

Free Gas, for Ads

With gas prices through the roof, many people would do anything to cut costs. How about outfitting your car with ads in exchange for free gas?

At FreeGasHelp.com you can sign up for free gas cards, as long as you are willing to slap an advertisement, like "Joe's Plumbing," on your car. The size of the advertisement varies and is proportional with the amount of free gas received; the bigger the ads are, the more gas you receive.

There are some caveats, however. The owner must drive the car at least 1,000 miles per month, and the more attractive the car is, the more valuable the ads become.

Free Entertainment Swap

With new DVDs, music and games coming out every month, some families spend hundreds of dollars on entertainment. But according to O'Donnell, they don't have to.

Web sites like SwapTree.com provide a sort of online bazaar in which people can trade old DVDs, CDs and books with each other. Not only are thousands of entertainment options available, but trading could allow you to to unclutter your home.

Clothes for Nothing

With back-to-school season in full swing, families across the nation are heading to clothing stores to grab some new duds, and dropping hundreds as they do it.

But others have found a way to find new styles without reaching into their wallet. Their answer? Clothing swap parties. As long as the clothes are in reasonable condition, you can trade clothes with friends and redo your wardrobe by mixing and matching. This works especially well with younger kids.

Also, visit clothingswap.com. This Web site organizes huge clothing swaps with other people in your community, and even includes free drinks and manicures.

Dream Vacation, Dreamlike Cost

Even a thorough Internet search for good deals on flights, hotels and rental cars can leave a family vacation costing thousands.

But what if you only had to pay for the flight?

Using sites like HomeExchange.com, you can swap houses with other families. The Web site will vet the homeowners and the neighborhood so you know you are getting a good deal. Many families even allow you to use their car, so a rental car would be unnecessary.

The only catch? The other family gets to live in your house while you're away.

Blogging Your Way to Cash

Start a blog. Contact companies and offer to review their products on your blog in exchange for freebies. If reviewing doesn't work, ask for gratis goodies by offering to put a company's ad on your Facebook or MySpace page.

Click here to visit USA Today's web site for more tips on how to get free stuff.