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Category: Free Stuff

  • Dealerships Hate This One Simple Trick to Save Money on Car Repairs

    Dealerships Hate This One Simple Trick to Save Money on Car Repairs

    The Smart Way to Save on Car Repairs: Get Diagnosed at the Parts Store

    Tired of shocking repair bills at the dealership or mechanic? There’s a trick that can save you money and give you more control over those fixes – get your car diagnosed at an auto parts store first!

    Places like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and others often offer a surprising range of free diagnostic tests. These can include checking your battery, alternator, starter, and even reading those pesky “Check Engine” light codes. Why pay over $125 at the dealership for something you can often get done for absolutely nothing?

    Free Tests Typically Offered:

    • Battery Testing: Checks battery voltage, state of charge, and cranking power.
    • Alternator Testing: Ensures the alternator is properly charging the battery.
    • Starter Testing: Verifies whether the starter is engaging and operating correctly.
    • Check Engine Light Scanning: Reads onboard diagnostic codes, which can pinpoint problems in various systems.

    The beauty of this strategy is that you walk into the repair shop armed with knowledge. Instead of a mechanic vaguely saying “there’s something wrong with your electrical system”, you can confidently state that “my alternator is faulty” and ask for a repair quote. This helps you avoid unnecessary work and potential overcharging.

    Sure, auto parts store employees aren’t always certified mechanics, but these tests are fairly straightforward. Their goal is to pinpoint the potential problem area, giving you a great starting point. And, of course, the hope is that you’ll buy the replacement part from them right there.

    Before you schedule that expensive dealership appointment, check what free diagnostics are available at your local auto parts store. A little bit of research could save you a bundle on your next car repair!

    Why Don’t Dealerships Advertise AutoZone’s Free Tests?

    Ever wondered why your dealership charges a hefty fee for diagnostic tests, while AutoZone happily does many of them for free? There’s a few reasons this information isn’t widely advertised.

    Firstly, it’s all about competition. Dealerships and auto parts stores like Pep Boys are direct rivals with AutoZone. Promoting a competitor’s freebies isn’t exactly smart business. Secondly, dealerships make good money from those diagnostic fees. Why would they highlight a way for you to save that cash?

    Dealerships might also try to convince you that their diagnostic services are superior to those at AutoZone. They might highlight certified technicians, fancy equipment, or access to specialized tools that AutoZone doesn’t have.

    Red G37 Infiniti stalled while the check engine lights blinking.

    Sometimes, it might be as simple as the employees at the dealership not being fully aware of what AutoZone offers. And finally, dealerships prefer to be your one-stop shop – they want you to rely on them for both identifying the problem and fixing it. Sending you for free diagnostics elsewhere risks them losing out on the repair work.

    It’s not that dealerships are being sneaky by keeping this quiet – businesses naturally focus on their own services. The key takeaway is to be a savvy consumer – do your research and compare options to get the best deal for your car!

    How Do Other Auto Parts Stores Compare?

    It’s important to note that AutoZone isn’t alone in offering freebies to help with car troubles. Competitors like O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, and others often provide similar services like battery testing, alternator checks, and code reading. It always pays to shop around and see who’s offering the diagnostics you need, completely free of charge.

    My Real-Life Savings Story

    Think this is all just theory? Let me share a personal experience. We had a family car that mysteriously refused to start, and that dreaded “Check Engine” light was glowing ominously. I was bracing for a wallet-crushing trip to the Infiniti dealership, knowing diagnostic fees alone could run into the hundreds, especially for something sounding as complicated as a “camshaft.”

    Instead, I took a chance and headed to AutoZone. They plugged their diagnostic tool right into a port under my dashboard and pinpointed the problem within minutes. Turns out, it needed both a new battery and some kind of “camshaft” part. Not only did I buy the parts right there (saving even more with my Cash App card), but AutoZone even installed the new battery for free!

    Armed with this knowledge, I went to my trusted mechanic for the camshaft fix. I avoided the huge dealership markup on diagnostics, had control over where I sourced the parts, and likely saved myself a small fortune.

    The Secret to Cheaper Car Repairs That Nobody Tells You About

    The lesson here is that a little effort and knowledge can go a long way in slashing car repair costs. Don’t automatically head to the dealership when trouble strikes.

    Start with the Free Tests: See what your local auto parts store can diagnose for free.
    Shop Around for Parts: Once you know the issue, compare prices between the store, online retailers, and even your mechanic for the best deal on the parts you need.
    Consider Your DIY Skill: If you’re handy, some repairs are easy to tackle yourself with resources like YouTube tutorials. Otherwise, having the diagnosis done for free will still help you get a fair quote from a mechanic.

    • Dealerships:
      • Simple Code Reading: $50 – $100+
      • Comprehensive Diagnostic: $100 – $200+ (and potentially much higher for complex problems)
    • Independent Mechanics: Prices often slightly lower than dealerships, but still highly variable.
    • Chains (Pep Boys, etc.): May be the most affordable option, but services could be more limited depending on the specific location

    Tips:

    • Always call and ask: The best way to get a sense of cost is to call a few shops in your area, describe the problem, and ask about their diagnostic fees.
    • Check for coupons: Some shops offer coupons or occasional promotions that reduce the diagnostic fee.
    • Consider the “Free” Option: Remember that many basic tests are offered for free at auto parts stores, serving as a starting point before paying for more in-depth diagnostics.

    Stacking the Savings: Using Cash Apps and Credit Cards

    Getting your car diagnosed for free is a great money-saving move, but why stop there? You can often squeeze even more savings out of your auto parts purchases by using apps like Cash App or the right credit cards.

    Cash App saved me 10% at Autozone using "add offers"

    Cash App frequently offers discounts or “Boosts” at various retailers, including auto parts stores. Before heading to AutoZone, check your Cash App to see if there’s a current offer. I was lucky enough to snag an extra 10% off recently just by paying with my Cash App card!

    Many credit cards also offer rotating categories for cash back or bonus rewards points. Keep an eye out for quarters when your card is giving extra rewards at auto supply stores. Those points or cashback can add up quickly, making your repairs even cheaper.

    Combining these strategies with the free diagnostics at an auto parts store is a recipe for serious savings on car maintenance!

  • Get $70 in Bonuses With Invstr App ($30 BTC + $40 Bonus)

    Get $70 in Bonuses With Invstr App ($30 BTC + $40 Bonus)

    The Offer

    Direct Link to offer

    • Swagbucks is offering 4,000 SB (worth $40) when you sign up for the Invstr banking and investing app and deposit $5.
    • Invstr also offers new users $30 worth of bitcoin when you fund a new account with $100 or more.

    Swagbucks.com is offering a $40 Amazon Gift Card + $30 in Bitcoin for Free with the Invstr app. Follow the instructions below.

    Directions

    • Click the link to Sign Up for Swagbucks and claim deal
      • Returning users login first, then click the link to claim deal
      • New users: You will need a mobile to verify your account.
      • New users: Check email to verify and create a password for Swagbucks
    • Install Invstr via download link by Email, SMS, or QR code
    • Deposit $5 or more in your Invstr+ account to receive the $40 Bonus
    •  Get Free $30 Bitcoin if you Deposit $100 or more within first 5 days of opening account
    • Get 4,000 SB within 32 days
    • Redeem your 4,000 SB for $40 worth of Amazon or PayPal gift cards
      • Note: This offer is only available to new Invstr customers.

    About Swagbucks

    Swagbucks is an online rewards program that allows members to earn gift cards and cash back through their online activities. So far, Swagbucks has already paid out over $664.3 million in cash and free gift cards. If you’re new to Swagbucks then please read our review. 

    About Invstr

    Invstr is a financial app similar to Robinhood and Sofi offering self-directed trading, digital banking, educational resources, and market analytics. The app is best for active traders looking to place commission-free investments in stocks, ETFs, crypto, and ADRs. You only need $5 to start investing, and you can purchase fractional shares of stocks and other investments.

    Our Verdict

    I’m not sure it’s worth opening a new financial account for $40, though with the $30 crypto bonus it gets more interesting. In any case, it’s a good deal for someone who is interested in trying out the app, one which I don’t know much about. Compare more investment bonuses here.

  • No Proof Required Class Action Lawsuit Settlements

    No Proof Required Class Action Lawsuit Settlements

    You can get free cash payments from Class Action Lawsuit Settlements for qualified consumers when you submit an online claim form.

    Many of these settlement funds do not require any proof of purchase, so you can still file a claim, even if you don’t have any receipts for your purchases.

    Submit your claim for these current class action settlements to get free cash payments, coupons, and other forms of reimbursement. See past class actions here such as the highly popular Equifax and Ticketmaster settlements.

    Class Action Lawsuit Settlements

    Here are some currently available class action suits that are generally open to a lot of consumers:

    Go here for the latest settlements including from Zoom at ATM Fees for 2022.

    Trader Joe’s Class Action Payout ($29+ no proof needed) – new class action settlement that is available for anyone who purchased qualifying Trader Joe’s Tuna products from January 5, 2012 – March 2, 2020. The best part is there is no proof of purchase needed to claim what is owed to you, so you wont need to go through old receipts. The deadline for signing up for this settlement is 7/1/20. Claim up to $29 with no proof of purchase required. https://kccsecure.com/tjtunasettlement/Claimant/UnknownClaimForm

    Kotex Class Action Payout ($30+ no proof needed) – U by Kotex Click Tampons, and U by Kotex Security Tampons in Regular, Super and Super-Plus Absorbency between March 8, 2013 and November 19, 2019. The best part is there is no proof of purchase needed to claim what is owed to you, so you wont need to go through old receipts. The deadline for signing up for this settlement is 8/18/2020. Claim up to $30 with no proof of purchase required. https://secureforms.heffler.com/DynamicForms2/396/Form/e59afd33-d4b3-4445-bb07-1020158f3a44

    McCormick Black Pepper Class Action Settlement – Receive $8 Cash with No Proof Required – If you are a California, Florida, or Missouri resident who purchased McCormick or private label brand black pepper products between January 1, 2015, and January 27, 2020, you may claim up to $8 per household with no proof required. Those with proof may claim $4 per container for an unlimited amount. File claim by deadline on May 15, 2020. https://secureforms.heffler.com/DynamicForms2/375/Form/e59afd33-d4b3-4445-bb07-1020158f3a44

    Chipotle Non-GMO Class Action Settlement – Receive $10 Cash with No Proof Required – If you purchased food or beverages containing meat and/or dairy ingredients from Chipotle between April 27, 2015, and June 30, 2016, you can claim up to $2 per meal for up to $30 per household. Without proof of purchase, you can claim 5 meals for a payment of $10. With proof of purchase, you can claim 10 meals for a payment of $20. Each household can claim up to 15 meals total for a maximum payment of $30. File claim by deadline on May 30, 2020. https://www.chipotlenongmoclassaction.com/submit-claim.php

    Califia Farms Dairy-Alternative Class Action: If you purchased certain Califia Farms brand dairy-alternative milk, cold brew coffee, non-dairy creamer, yogurt, and/or yogurt drinks from August 7, 2014 through March 20, 2020. You may be eligible for a payment of $1.00 per product, up to a maximum of 20 products with proof of purchase or $0.50 for each product purchased, up to a maximum of 10 products without proof of purchase.
    The deadline to file a claim online is October 07, 2020. Head over to the Class Action at https://kccsecure.com/nondairysettlement/Claimant/UnknownClaimForm.

    The Children’s Place Class Action Settlement – Receive $6 Voucher with No Proof Required – If you shopped at any The Children’s Place store or online at the store’s website between February 11, 2012, and January 28, 2020, you can receive an in-store voucher for either $6 off a purchase (no minimum) or 25% off a purchase (of the first $100) with no proof of purchase required. Those with proof of purchase can claim additional vouchers. File claim by deadline on May 30, 2020. https://kccsecure.com/raeltcppricingsettlement/Claimant

    Ocean Spray Class Action Settlement – Receive $20 Cash with No Proof Required – If you purchased select Ocean Spray products between January 1, 2011, and January 31, 2020, you can claim up to $20 per household ($1 per bottle) with this settlement. In order to qualify, you must provide the dates and locations of your purchases (no receipts needed). File claim by deadline on July 10, 2020. https://noartificialflavorslitigation.com/file/

    Experian Public Record Class Action Settlement – Free Credit Monitoring with No Proof Required – This settlement is available to individuals who requested and received a copy of your credit report from Experian between January 15, 2011, and September 21, 2018, which included a public record (bankruptcy, judgement, or tax lien), as well as to individuals who had a credit report communicated from Experian to a third party (such as a lender) between January 15, 2014, and September 21, 2018, where it inaccurately reported a tax lien or civil judgement. You can get 2 free years of Experian IdentityWorks Plus credit monitoring with no proof required, or you can participate in the mediation program if you have documentation available. File claim by deadline on August 22, 2020. https://secure.onlineclaimfilings.com/EXP/landing

    Swisher Sweets Cigars Class Action Settlement – Receive $5 Voucher with No Proof Required – If you purchased Swisher cigarillos under one of the eligible promotions in one of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico: “5 for the price of 3”; “3 for the price of 2”; “buy 1 get 1 free”; or “buy 4 get 1 free”, you can claim a $5 voucher with no proof of purchase required. File claim by deadline on October 4, 2020. Head over to swishersweetssettlement.com.

    Cuisinart Food Processor Blade Recall Class Action – Replacement Blade or $15 Check with No Proof Required (full model number needed) – Anyone with a Cuisinart food processor whose model number begins with the following may qualify: CFP-9, CFP-11, DFP-7, DFP-11, DFP-14, DLC-5, DLC-7, DLC-8, DLC-10, DLC-XP, DLC-2007, DLC-2009, DLC-2011, DLC-2014, DLC-3011, DLC-3014, EV-7, EV-10, EV-11, EV-14, KFP-7, and MP-14. You can receive a replacement blade and a 3-year warranty on your replacement blade, but if you do not receive your replacement blade by the applicable deadline, you will receive a $15 check instead. File claim by deadline on December 13, 2020 at recall.cuisinart.com.

    Bell + Howell UltraSonic Pest Repellers Class Action Settlement: ultrasonicpestrepellerlawsuit.com -scroll down and fill out the form to file a claim. You qualify if you purchased any variety of Bell + Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repellers in the following states and time periods. No proof of purchase is necessary:

    This settlement is particularly interesting as a popular youtuber Shaun Woods made a video stating it was a scam. He went on to say that Viewers are constantly asking if ultrasonic pest repellers work. In this video I share motion camera footage proving they do not work and are a scam. Some brands have even faced class action lawsuits for fraud and false advertising.

    Johnson & Johnson Infants’ Tylenol Class Action Settlement – Receive $15.05 Cash with No Proof Required – If you purchased Johnson & Johnson Infants’ Tylenol between October 3, 2014, and January 6, 2020, you can claim $2.15 per bottle for up to 7 bottles with no proof of purchase required (unlimited with proof of purchase).

    TikTok and Musical.ly Class Action Settlement – Receive $10-$15 Cash – If you registered for or used TikTok or Musical.ly while under the age of 13 (including qualifying individuals’ parents), you can receive between $10 and $15 with this settlement. File claim by deadline on April 16, 2020.

    Atkins Net Carbs Class Action Settlement – Receive $100 Cash with No Proof Required – If you purchased Atkins products, including Chocolate Covered Candies, Chocolate Peanut Candies, Milk Chocolate Caramel Squares, Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Caramel Mousse Bars, that contained any sugar alcohol or polyol from January 1, 2013, to the present for purchases in New York, Missouri and/or California, and from January 1, 2014, to the present for purchases in any other state, you can claim up to $100 with no proof of purchase required. With no proof of purchase, you can receive 10% of the purchase price of the products that you claim for up to $100 in reimbursement (25% with no limit if you have proof of purchase). File claim by deadline on April 27, 2020.

    Grove Square Coffee Class Action Settlement – Receive $275 Cash with No Proof Required – If you live in Alabama, California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee, and you purchased Grove Square Coffee in the single cup version between September 30, 2019, and September 30, 2014, you can claim up to $275 with no proof of purchase required. Alabama residents will receive a maximum of $100 regardless of the number of products purchased. New York residents will receive a maximum of $275 regardless of the number of products purchased. California, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee Class Members will receive at least $25 per product purchased for up to 3 products or a total of $75. File claim by deadline on May 7, 2020.

    Take advantage of these current class action lawsuit settlements to get some extra cash if you are a qualifying consumer.

    There are many other ongoing class action settlements available right now, which are generally available to specific consumers in select states who have proof available to verify your purchases, and although we don’t post them all here, you can check out the free services listed below that will help you find more class action lawsuits for which you qualify.

    What Are Class Action Lawsuit Settlements?

    Class Action Lawsuit Settlements offer consumers reimbursements from businesses that have settled class action suits that were brought against them.

    A class action lawsuit may be filed against a business by consumer organizations on behalf of consumers for many reasons, including misleading advertising, faulty products, or some other type of misrepresentation.

    Businesses will usually settle these representative actions by offering some type of reimbursements to the affected consumers in the form of checks, coupons, rebates, or otherwise.

    How Can I Participate in Class Action Lawsuit Settlements?

    In most cases, the consumer must submit an online claim form to receive the distributions.

    Sometimes, you must provide proof of purchase in the form of a receipt showing that you were in fact an affected consumer.

    Other settlements do not require that you have any proof of purchase, and any qualified consumer can simply submit a claim form to receive your reimbursements from the settlement.

    It’s free and easy to find out what class action lawsuit settlements you may be qualified to claim.

    You may also wish to check if you have any Missing Unclaimed Money listed in the government database.

    Bottom Line

    If you qualify for any of these class action lawsuit settlements, this is a great way to earn some extra cash and become reimbursed.

  • Get 20% Cashback on DoorDash, Netflix, Disney+ using SoFi Money

    Everyone is at home streaming and ordering takeout so why not get the best prices in a time of no income from working.

    With people across the country stuck indoors more than ever before, SoFi Money is offering a major deal for some of the most useful services during this era of quarantines and isolation. Through June, you can earn 20% cashback on food delivery via DoorDash and nearly every streaming service: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Now, and many more.

    SoFi Money has been pushing to become a mainstay in travelers’ wallets with a new debit card offering no ATM fees or foreign transaction fees worldwide. It gets even sweeter, with a $75 sign-up bonus after making two direct deposits of $500 or more and $25 for each friend you refer.

    Breaking Down SoFi’s Latest Offer

    This latest offer just boosts SoFi’s appeal at a time when travel is largely off-limits. Call it the quarantine special.

    DoorDash is the only food delivery service included in this offer. New SoFi Money members can earn up to $100 in cashback on DoorDash orders, while current members can earn up to $40. This is a great deal for our favorite food delivery service – look here at the comparison to UberEats.

    Movie, show, and music streaming services included in this cashback offer include:

    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Hulu
    • HBO Now
    • CBS All Access
    • Spotify
    • Pandora
    • Google Play Music

    All new and current members can use the SoFi card with multiple eligible streaming services and earn up to $75 cashback through the streaming service promotion. Cashback caps for DoorDash and the streaming services are calculated separately.

    All About SoFi Money

    SoFi Money boasts a fee-free online account service. Here are all of the perks that come with a SoFi account:

    • No account fees
    • ATM fees reimbursed worldwide
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • No overdraft fees
    • No hard credit pull when you apply
    • Transfer money via mobile from major U.S. banks or check deposit
    • $75 sign up bonus when you make two direct deposits of $500 or more

    To make sure you get the $75 sign up bonus, here is what you need to do:

    1. Use a bonus link, the only way to get the bonus.
    2. Sign up for a checking account
    3. Make two direct deposits of $500 or more
    4. A $75 bonus will be deposited into your account in 1-2 days!
    5. Refer friends and family and earn $25 for each referral!

    Once you have a SoFi Money account, you can earn $25 for every single friend, family member, or anybody else you refer (up to $10,000 annually) after you sign up for an account. This is a no-brainer and the $25 cash posts within 24 hours of the approved referral. The $25 referral link is in your profile within the SoFi phone app. Read more about setting up your SoFi Money account.

    Get 20% Cashback on DoorDash 

    If you’re ordering delivery while at home, this is the perfect excuse to support your local restaurants – and use your SoFi debit card to do it. Here’s how to earn cashback on your DoorDash orders:

    1. Add your SoFi Money debit card to your DoorDash account.
    2. Set SoFi Money as your default payment.
    3. Earn cashback within 2-4 days of your purchase.

    A few things you need to know about this DoorDash promotion:

    • Your SoFi Money account must have at least a $50 balance.
    • DashPass subscription transactions are excluded.
    • New SoFi Money members can earn a maximum cap on cashback bonus of $100. Current SoFi Money members can earn a maximum cap on cashback bonus of $40.
    • Promotional period ends June 30, 2020.

    Get 20% Cashback on Streaming Services

    Watching a few more shows than usual right now? Make the most of it by paying your monthly subscriptions with your SoFi debit card and earn 20% back! Here’s how:

    1. Add your SoFi Money debit card to your account with any of the eligible streaming services.
    2. Set SoFi Money as your default payment for subscription payments.

    Things to know about this streaming services promotion:

    • Eligible services include: Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video, CBS All Access, Pandora Music, and Google Music.
    • Cashback is eligible for ongoing monthly subscription payments to these services
    • The maximum cap on cashback earnings is $75 per member.
    • You can use a SoFi Money card with more than one of the above merchants to earn cashback.
    • Promotional period ends June 30, 2020

    Bottom Line

    If you have any video or music streaming service and are ordering delivery, now is a great time to get or use the SoFi Money debit card and link your account. Earn 20% cashback on two of the arguably hottest stay-at-home commodities right now through June 30.

  • Send A Penny To A Friend & Both Earn $10

    Send A Penny To A Friend & Both Earn $10

    The Offer

    • PayPal is offering existing users $10 when they send 1¢ to a friend without PayPal, if they set up and link their bank account/debit card and spend $5+ by October 10th both you and them will receive a $10 bonus

    The Fine Print

    • Limit of $50 in referral rewards
    • You may only refer family and personal friends and acquaintances. Additionally, you must not publish or distribute the invitation to participate that you received from PayPal in public locations (online or otherwise) where the audience is likely to include people who are not your family or personal friends/acquaintances. If you do so, PayPal may disqualify you from participation in the Program and any successful referrals will be void, in PayPal’s sole discretion.

    Direct link to offer

    It may not be too hard to find somebody without a PayPal since many seem to use Venmo and Cash app to send money.