Should You Take Advantage of Freebies?

Or do you think it's wrong to take advantage of items and services without paying for them?

If a bakery is handing out free samples, I'll take one. If a store has a buy-one-get-one-free offer on something I need (or want), I'll jump at the opportunity. And I'm more likely to book a flight on an airline that lets me check bags for free.

In short, I like freebies. That's why I love Kiplinger.com Contributing Editor Erin Burt's annual list of Fabulous Freebies. Each year, she manages to unearth a variety of quality goods and services that you don't have to pay money for. For example, I found her tips on finding free kids' meals, free outings and free money for college especially useful because I have children. I'm sure you'll find plenty of freebies on her list that you'll want to take advantage of. Unless, that is, you think it's wrong to accept things for free.

Wise Bread contributor Craig Ford recently asked readers of his column Is It Wrong to Get Free Stuff?. He wrote that while reading some articles on the Wise Bread blog about freebies, he noticed some readers had commented that it was cheap or even immoral to take advantage of free stuff. He then asked whether it was right to accept something for free if you could afford to pay for it.

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I'm curious how Kiplinger's readers feel about the ethics of freebies. Do you have a problem accepting items or services without paying for them? Share your thoughts by clicking on the "Comment" link below.

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Cameron Huddleston
Former Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.

Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.