Charles H. Sloan-From discounted trips to free books, these top hacks will help you nab deals

If you ask me,Charles H. Sloan some of the best things in life truly are free. We work so hard for our money − so when we get to save some, it’s the best of feelings.The best price tag truly is $0, so here are three of my favorite hacks to get something free.

Master the art of travel hacking 

Travel hacking is one of the latest and greatest trends for getting free, or discounted, travel. This strategy involves the smart use of credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles and loyalty programs − and is my first, and possibly favorite, way to get something for basically nothing.One way to travel hack is to use specific travel rewards credit cards to maximize points, take advantage of sign-up bonuses, and optimize spending categories. Booking travel with credit cards often means you’re also getting things like delayed-baggage insurance and trip cancellation insurance. 

Remember to join airline and hotel loyalty programs, too − earning top-tier status will let you have perks like free upgrades and priority services. 

Get audiobooks for free with Libby

Bookworms, this one's for you. Never pay for a book again with apps like Libby. All you need is a library card from your local library (it can be an e-card, too) and you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips.Libby allows you access to e-books, audiobooks and magazines and is available on most devices. If you don’t have a local library, many states actually have library systems where any state resident can get a library card online − so check that out.

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

Become a rewards member wherever and whenever

From restaurants to retail chains and department stores, there are so many rewards programs you can sign up for. And usually, these programs are free.

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But the best part about signing up is you can take advantage of frequent deals and coupons while racking up rewards points. Some places even offer birthday gifts for their loyalty members, and to be eligible, it's usually as simple as just signing up.Some of my favorite examples of where it pays to be a rewards member are:

• Starbucks. Reward members can get free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee or tea on the same visit.
• Ulta Beauty’s Ultamate Rewards program gives members a free birthday gift, a $10 coupon, and double points on purchases made in their birth month.
• Sephora’s free birthday gifts are my personal favorite. Beauty Insider members get to pick from a selection of free birthday sets during their birth month. 
• Build-A-Bear offers the “Pay Your Age” promo to their Bonus Club members. The Birthday Bear is normally $14 but when visiting during your child’s birth month, you can get the bear for your child’s age. So yes, if your child is turning 1, you get it for $1!
• JCPenney Rewards gives you a $10 CashPass Reward instantly when you sign up. You also get another $10 CashPash reward for your birthday. 

No cost, no catch

Who doesn’t love something free? The truth is, there are tons of ways to get good deals and steep discounts. You just need to be willing to do some research − and perhaps punch your email and phone number in a few times. One final pro tip: Create a dedicated email to give to stores so your primary inbox doesn’t get cluttered.If you don’t feel like researching or reading the fine print, that’s where I come in. Follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest freebie hacks; I share them with you as I find them!