So the Free 2012 Hello Kitty Calendar is back this year!

Thank you, Sanrio!

This is the best thing they give away every year.

It’s cute and printable. Print as many times as you want!

This year, every month features Hello Kitty, not her friends, finally!

All you have to do is go to Sanrio Email Signup.

Enter your birthday first.

They have to verify that you’re 13 years old or older. If you mess up this step, the site will lock you out.

I forgot to enter the year for my birthday and got locked out! If this happens to you, don’t worry. Just try another browser window like Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome.

Once it verifies your birthday, you enter the rest of the info.

If you have already signed up for their email signup, then the system will let you know and provide a link to the pdf for the calendar.

I just pinned this to my fridge. I will use it to track what foods my daughter has eaten.

I love month to month calendars too. You can see what’s coming up ahead instead of being surprised.

Enjoy! Love this! It’s also great for sharing with friends, kids, co-workers, or any big Hello Kitty fan.

Don’t need to buy a calendar when you can print it yourself with a color printer!

* If you love this calendar, please share by pinning it on Pinterest or liking it on Facebook through the links above. Thanks!

Get your Free 2012 Hello Kitty calendar here!

Who doesn’t like free? Sometimes the consumer wants to try a product before purchasing, and companies know this. Enter the free sample.

Getting free samples has never been easier. Most times all you have to do is sign up your email, but if you feel iffy about that, there are forums dedicated to providing the links to the freebies.

While the sites offering links to free samples are endless, and also at times, redundant, the sites below range from surprising to quite obvious. Most of the free sample websites below are meant for people in the United States. In many cases, you must also be 13 years or older to receive a free sample.

1. Slickdeals.net

Slickdeals.net is a forum filled with posts by users like you. Anyone can sign up and submit great deals from around the web. Once submitted, the deals or free samples are voted on by other users. Posts with the most positive votes make it to the front page.

You don’t have to submit deals to get free samples. Just go to slickdeals.net and browse the front page offers. If you see an interesting free sample, click “buy now” to head to that product’s website. Consider signing up to warn others of expired deals or post free samples of your own.

2. Reddit.com

Reddit.com is another user-generated content website. It’s a forum where popular posts make it to the front page by upvoting. This website is separated into categories.

Check out these categories for a list of samples:

/r/frugal

/r/freebies

/r/thrifty

/r/coupons

Getting to these categories is easy. Simply type reddit.com into your address bar, followed by the category. For example, reddit.com/r/freebies directs you to that category.

3. WinPrizesOnline.com

WinPrizesOnline.com isn’t the sleekest website, but it has a regularly updated list of free samples. The listed samples are varied, from green tea to anti-chafing lubricant offers. Unlike most other websites, WinPrizesonline also states when the offer expires.

If you manage to claim all freebies on the website, consider joining WinPrizesOnline’s sweepstakes. Acting as a sweepstakes directory is the primary purpose of the website.

4. Google.com

Searching for “free sample” on Google gives more than 125 million results. Pay attention to the sponsored ads and website URLs. In many cases, the first search page leads directly to at least one company website offering free samples of their latest product.

What does this mean for you? Well, you don’t need a directory of free samples. In addition, you can easily narrow a search by adding words like “makeup” or “food.”

5. Sayvings.com

Created in 2009, Sayvings is a free sample and coupon directory. Samples are sorted into categories like free computer stuff and free stuff for women. It also has coupon codes and grocery coupons when you absolutely need to buy something.

This guest post was written by Ashyia Hill is a social media advocate with CreditDonkey, a credit card deals website.  Remember that few things in life are free. You’re exchanging an email address, physical address and perhaps more to get a free sample. If you think a company might use this information for nefarious purposes, think twice before requesting a sample.

Photo Credit:  TheDigitel Myrtle Beach

There are a lot of sites that claim to offer free baby stuff but make you complete offers in order to get your “free stuff”. That’s too much work.

After all, as parents we don’t have much time to ourselves anyway.

Here is a list of 5 legitimate ways to get free baby stuff with no strings attached.

It’s a compilation of what I’ve found and used.

Hope this helps you!

1. Free Baby Formula – Get full size cans of formula, formula samples, and formula checks. Formula companies want you to get started on their formula so they’re willing to send you the first can.

2. Free Nursing Cover – Yes, the nursing cover is free but the catch is you’ll have to pay $9.95 for shipping. That’s cheap compared to how much nursing covers cost elsewhere – at least $30. I ordered one and got my nursing cover with no problems.

3. Free Stuff from Freecycle – You can find free baby stuff like used cribs, toys, clothes, and more by following your local Freecycle group’s emails.

4. Amazon Mom Free 2-day Shipping – Get free Amazon Prime shipping on diapers, formula, wipes, and more by joining Amazon Mom.

5. Amazon Credit Card Rewards – Sign up for the Amazon credit card and use your reward points to get free baby stuff. Amazon has the biggest selection of baby stuff and reviews of these products. Earn points instantly with no minimum to starting using them to buy stuff.

Check out Living Richly on a Budget’s Resources page for more free stuff and money saving tips.

Amazon recently announced that you may now use your Amazon credit card rewards towards purchases on Amazon.com. Yes, there’s now a way to get free stuff on Amazon.com!

I’ve had the Amazon visa credit card by Chase for a few years, since I frequently shop at Amazon.com for their great prices and fast shipping. I was so excited about this that I used my racked up rewards to buy something right away. It’s like getting free stuff on Amazon!

First, you have to set it up in your Amazon.com account to use your Chase Amazon credit card rewards for purchases. If your Amazon card is already stored in your account then it’s just one click.

After that, you can choose to use all or some of your reward points towards purchases. An instance of this is when you want to use an Amazon gift card and reward points in one transaction.

How to earn points:

• 3 points for every $1 spent on Amazon.com
• 2 points for $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, drug stores, and office supply stores
• 1 point for every $1 spent

How to shop with points:

• Every 100 points = $1 towards your purchase
• Pay for all or part of your purchase – there’s no minimum

Amazon recently cut off all of its affiliates in California so that includes me. Sadly, I no longer receive affiliate income from them. This is just an honest review.

I still love Amazon and wanted to share this great rewards program if you’re a frequent Amazon.com customer.

Also, if you’re a parent or are expecting a child, check out Amazon Mom for deep discounts on diapers and baby stuff.

It’s nice to have a supply of baby formula if you don’t breastfeed, want to supplement, or just want a backup supply of baby formula. If you can get free baby formula and coupons, why not take advantage of it?

During pregnancy is a good time to apply to for free baby formula and formula checks, which are coupons for dollars off baby formula. Baby formula is expensive so everything helps.

Baby formula companies want you to buy their brand of formula so they are more than happy to send you free samples of full size cans of formula as well as formula checks.

How do you get free baby formula? Simply register your info on their site. Keep in mind that it may take at least 6 weeks to receive cans of baby formula and formula checks. That’s why it’s a good idea to register as soon as possible.

Baby formula companies will send you one or two cans to get you started. And formula checks can range from $3.50 to $11.50 towards your purchase of formula.

Here are the big 3 baby formula companies and registration info:

Gerber Good Start – get formula checks

Enfamil – get free cans of baby formula and formula checks

Similac – get free cans of baby formula and formula checks

Formula checks have your name printed on them and your ID may be required when using them. These checks are redeemed at the store like a coupon. Then the store deposits it like a check.

Also, after you deliver your baby, your hospital will also send you home with free baby formula.

It is now harder for men and women to obtain free checking accounts from normal banks. For example, Wells Fargo stopped free checking accounts for customers on July 1, 2010. Since then a lot of major banks have raised the minimum balance requirements. In addition, extra fees are added in order to obtain checking accounts. If you are having a hard time obtaining a checking account, you could try an online checking account or going to the credit union.

Try a Credit Union

The first thing that you should do is try out a credit union. Credit unions are normally great towards customers because everyday men and women own credit unions. The credit union version of a checking account is a share draft account. Share draft accounts feature extremely low minimum balances. In addition, share draft accounts normally do not have a fee that customers need to pay in order to get the account. In addition, share draft accounts feature reasonable policies and overdraft fees.

The only thing about share draft account from a credit union is the fact that credit unions are normally not available to the public. You must be a member of a certain group in order to take advantage of what credit unions have to offer. The good thing about this is the fact that credit unions normally service a specific geographic area. You may be able to find a credit union in your area that will accept you into their group. Credit unions offer more than just free checking. For example, credit unions offer low car loan interest rates, low mortgage interest rates, and competitive fees.

Try an Online Checking Account

If you are not able to join a credit union, you will need to try an online checking account. Online checking accounts from an online bank normally feature no fees, no minimum deposits, and there is even a nominal interest rate. Online checking accounts feature many different benefits. For example, online banks feature a lower overhead. This is mainly because online banks do not have to pay a lot of money for managers, tellers, or branches. You do not have to pay many fees in order to cover these services.

If you already have a high interest savings account, you may want to check for different online checking accounts. They may actually feature better advantages. For example, ING Direct offers Electric Orange checking. This Electric Orange checking account features no opening fee and no minimum deposit. In addition, it features a .24 percent annual percentage rate.

No matter what you decide to do, you should make sure that you do your research about each option. Doing research ahead of time will save time and headache because you already know everything you need to know.

Need recommendations? Check these Totally Free Checking Accounts.

Marc Mackenzie is a freelance writer who normally reviews checking accounts over at CheckingAccount.Org. He recently wrote about the best checking account promotions available right now.

Photo Credit: heidielliott

Featured in the Festival of Frugality – Money Index Edition hosted by Money Index.

Increase Your Knowledge About Personal Finance Topics with Free Online Courses

Would you like to learn more about personal finance subjects for free? You can by taking free online courses. Some of these courses provide detailed information about a particular topic while others provide a basic overview of personal finance. Here are some of the quality free courses available online:

1. Financial Security for All at eXtension

eXtension is comprised of 74 universities in the United States. According to the organization, they offer objective and research-based information and learning opportunities. You have the opportunity to learn about specific financial issues and strategies.

2. Personal Finance at the Learning Center for American Financial Solutions (AFS)

AFS is a national non-profit counseling agency. Check out some the courses offered by the organization:

• Your Banking Relationship
• Introduction to Borrowing
• Setting Financial Goals & Making a Budget
• Introduction to Investing
• Understanding Credit and Credit Reports
• Identity Theft & Predatory Lending
• Children & Money Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Your Financial Life – For Young Adults

3. Money 101

If you’re interested in money basics, this website, provided by CNN Money, is worthy of your consideration. Here’s a sampling of the 23 lessons offered:

• Basics of banking and saving
• Setting priorities
• Investing in stocks
• Basics of investing
• Investing in mutual funds
• Planning for retirement
• Investing in bonds
• Asset allocation

4. Planning for a Secure Retirement

This program is provided by Purdue Extension. It offers a suite of useful modules to help you plan your retirement.

5. Fundamentals of Personal Finance Planning

These courses are offered by the University of California, Irvine through OpenCourseWare. Let’s take a look at what’s available:

• Figuring Out Where You Are
• Your Financial Goals
• Defense – Keeping Things From Interrupting Your Goals
• Taxation
• Funding Retirement
• Funding Education
• Investing
• Estate Planning

6. MoneySkill

Developed by the AFSA Education Foundation, MoneySkill is a personal finance course designed for young adults. The interactive, 34-module curriculum is designed for the millions of high school and college students who graduate every year and don’t have a basic understanding of money management fundamentals. The course includes audio narration and written text. In addition to students, it is available to parents, teachers, government agencies, employers, and nonprofits.

Taking free online courses is a great way to enhance your knowledge about personal finance topics.

Brian Jenkins has been a member of the BrainTrack.com writing staff since 2008. He contributes feature articles about careers in financial analysis, among other college and career topics.

Photo credit: Alan Cleaver

Did you know that if you register your Starbucks gift card, you can earn rewards? You can earn free refills for coffee or tea, free soymilk add-ons, and a free drink on your birthday!

All you have to do is go to Starbucks.com and register your card. The minimum balance to get started is $5.

How it works

Every time you use your gift card to make a purchase you earn a star. As you collect stars, you’ll move up to bigger rewards.

Once you register your Starbucks gift card, you are automatically eligible for a free beverage of choice on your birthday.

Green Level = 5 Stars

Once you’ve earned 5 stars, you advance to the Green Level.

Free Beverage with Whole Bean Purchase

Get a 12 fl oz beverage when you buy one or more pounds of whole bean coffee. Offer not valid with Pour Over, Starbucks Reserve™ or Clover® Brewed coffees or Starbucks Reserve™ whole bean coffees.

Free Trial Offers

Stay up to date with free trial offers from Starbucks.

Gold Level = 30 Stars

Collect 30 Stars and get the benefits of Gold level for one year. Earn another 30 stars keeps you Gold for the following year. You get all Welcome and Green level rewards plus:

Free Drink Every 15 Stars

You’ll get a free beverage with every 15 Stars you collect.

Personalized Gold Card

Receive a special Starbucks Card.

Personalized Offers and Coupons

Receive special offers.

Featured in Festival of Frugality #270: Spring is Coming (One of These Days) hosted by Money Beagle.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

If you don’t have time to buy Valentine’s Day cards, what’s the next best thing?

Free printable Valentine’s Day cards!

I did some searching and found some stylish yet totally free Valentine’s Day cards that you can print at home.

I still can’t believe these 10 supercute cards are free!

There’s something for boys and girls or guys and gals.

Print on heavier card stock to make better quality Valentine’s Day cards.

1. Skip to My Lou has this intricate yet supercool ladybug Valentine’s Day card.

2. One Charming Party offers super stylish printable Valentine’s Day cards designed by Sarah Westbrook.

3. OMG, Living Lucurto designed an iPhone Valentine’s Day printable to wrap around a heart candy box. Genius! OK, it’s not really a card but you can’t deny that you want one too, right?

4. Also, here’s a guitar-themed Valentine’s Day card for boys (or girls) by Living Lucurto.

5. Zakka Life designed this rockin’ guitar lollipop cover, perfect for the Rock Band fan.

6. Presentation Magazine offers free printable Valentine’s Day cards in PowerPoint or PDF in A4 or letter size. You can even customize your card and message.

7. A Fanciful Twist provides this unique and adorable Valentine’s Day mini-cards.

8. Stylish Crush designed these cute mini-cards for Valentine’s Day.

9. Ruffled Blog features this vintage Valentine’s Day card along with a matching envelope.

10. Just for kids, here are the top 10 Disney Valentine’s Day cards to print for their classmates.

Birthdays aren’t about becoming a year older, it’s about getting free stuff! Yes, and who doesn’t love free stuff?

You are entitled, so don’t be afraid to let people know it’s your birthday, when you go out.

Here is a list of free birthday stuff to help you celebrate! Enjoy your special day and have a Happy Birthday!

Free Birthday Stuff

Baskin Robbins – Receive a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream and a discount off your birthday cake on your birthday when you sign up for their birthday club

Ben & Jerry’s – Get a free ice cream treat on your birthday when you become a ChunkSpelunker member

Benihana – Join the Chef’s table and receive a $30 Benihana Birthday Certificate to use during the month of your birthday

Bennigan’s - Join their e-club and get a buy one get one free entree coupon on your birthday and free brownie bottom pie coupon upon signing up

Cattlemen’s – Receive a free dessert on your birthday when you sign up for their E-club

Chevy’s – Get a free dessert and sombrero on your birthday

Claim Jumper - Sign up for their E-club and get a free dessert on your birthday

Dairy Queen – Get a free ice cream on your birthday and a buy one get one free coupon upon joining the DQ Blizzard Fan Club

Famous Dave’s BBQ – Join the P.I.G. (Pretty Important Guest) Club and receive a free food coupon on your birthday

Hana Japan – Get a free birthday lunch or dinner on your birthday when you bring 4 or more people

Hometown Buffet – Get a free birthday coupon to use on your birthday when you join their eClub

Houlihan’s – Join their email club and get a coupon for a free entree on your birthday, valid only in participating locations

IHOP – Get a free meal upon signing up, on your birthday, and on your membership anniversary when you sign up for the Pancake Revolution

Marie Callendar’s – Sign up for their e-club and get a coupon for $5 off your meal and a piece of pie during the month of your birthday

Outback Steakhouse – Get a free dessert when you go to Outback on your birthday

Panera Bread – Get the Panera Card and receive the Panera birthday surprise – a free pastry or sweet anytime during the month of your birthday and a treat upon signing up

Red Lobster – Join the Fresh Catch club and get a surprise for your birthday

Red Robin – Get a free burger on your birthday and a free gift upon signing up for Red Robin news

Round Table Pizza – Register on their site and receive a free personal pizza on your birthday

Sephora – Join the Beauty Insider and get a free beauty product during the month of your birthday

T.G.I.Friday’s - Receive a free appetizer on your birthday when you sign up for their e-club

Feel free to print this Free Birthday Stuff list by using the Print button next to “Share This” below.

What else can you get for free? How about free checking?

Featured in Festival of Frugality with Celebrations 267th Edition, hosted by Money Obedience.