Welcome back to Broke in Bristol – the blog that helps you save money, make money and live life to the full on a budget. I’m Ms Broke in Bristol and I’ve got 10 tips that will save you money this week!
Like many of you I’ve spent a small fortune over the summer holidays, so I’m now on a mission to spend as little as possible over the next few weeks. In fact, I have upped my game this week and found ten freebies – now that’ll save you a few hundred pounds!
Free courses
Now that Little Miss Diva has gone back to school, I have a bit more time on my hands. I plan to use it wisely and I’ve already signed up for a Diploma in Digital Marketing through Shaw Academy. It’s offering loads of free online courses from social media to personal nutrition and beauty – which would usually set you back £395!
Free pet food
I’ve mentioned before that I hate fussy eaters, but I can’t seem to be able to do anything about the fact that my cat will not eat cheap cat food. Well, I should be able to half the cat food bill this month as yesterday I came across a site called latestfreestuff.co.uk. There are some good offers on there and I’ve ordered a free 400g bag of Royal Canin cat food which I can pick up from Pets At Home, Brislington before 30 Nov 2016. There is also an offer for free personalised dog food – so at least my pets will be eating well this month!
Free make-up samples
My make-up bag definitely needs a refresh and, although I like a bargain, I don’t mind spending more on some items as long as they’re worth it. When it comes to make up, the best trick is to try before you buy and lots of companies offer free samples. Estee Lauder is offering free foundation samples which you can pick up from your nearest counter in Bristol (register online first) and I’ve also bagged myself a free Garnier skin care sample that will be arriving through the post any day now. Clinique is also giving away a free five-day trial foundation, just pop along to your nearest Clinique counter to pick up yours.
Free furniture
Now that summer is over and autumn is drawing in, it’s DIY season in the Broke in Bristol household. I’m decorating Little Miss Diva’s bedroom for less than £30! I’ve already picked up a 6l tin of Johnstone’s matt paint for £9.99, a roll of wallpaper for £13.99 and a lovely set of lagoon coloured curtains for £3.99 from Argos in Bedminster. However, Little Miss Diva is also going to need a new bed frame, so I’m currently keeping an eye on all the local freebie sites. The best ones are Gumtree’s freebie section and Facebook groups like Stuff for Sale or Free in Bristol. Personally, I don’t rate Freecycling – because by the time I receive the emails all the best stuff has gone! Also try Friday Ad, Loot and Snaply.
Free night out
Nothing batters your bank balance more than a night out on the tiles! But don’t worry I’m not going to tell you to stay in. If you’re new to Bristol then you could join one of the city’s bar crawls where you can check out some of our city’s best hotspots and there’s still a few free spaces left. Better still – why don’t you work for them? Become a Bristol Bar Crawl event leader, which is fun, flexible and a great job for anyone looking for a little bit more cash. Just message them on their Facebook page and tell them why you think you’d be suitable for the role.
Free days out
Visit Bristol has a section dedicated to how you can enjoy our wonderful city for free! Some of the highlights include a Banksy Walking Tour, Arnos Vale cemetery, walks along the Clifton Suspension Bridge and a visit to the Observatory. Or you can enjoy many of the museums and art galleries that Bristol has to offer for a small suggested donation.
Free fitness passes
Fitness First is offering a free three-day pass at its Aspect gym in Kingswood and Xercise4Less is giving away a free one-day pass at its venue in Fishponds. Feeling brave? British Military Fitness is giving away a free seven-day pass if you sign up to its website before the end of the year. Over the next couple of months it will be running bootcamps at Victoria Park and Clifton Downs.
Free eye tests
Why pay £25 for an eye test when you can have them checked for free? Vision Express is currently offering free eye tests at its Broadmead, Westbury-on-Trym and Kingswood stores, just book an appointment online by clicking here. Tesco also has an ongoing promotion offering free eye tests at its larger stores. Once you’ve had them checked pop your prescription details into online retailer Glasses Direct – it’ll save you a fortune.
Free meals out
You’ll have to pay for your own meal, but there are plenty of places in Bristol where you can treat the kids for free. If you do your food shop at Asda or Morrisons, time it so that you’re there after 3.30pm on a weekday and the kids’ tea is sorted! Other local offers include kids eat free every Sunday at Bottellinos between 3 and 6pm and one child can eat free every Friday at Franky & Benny’s. Always check the websites before your trip as some will ask you for a voucher or code.
Free holidays (if you’re lucky!)
If I had more time on my hands I would definitely try my hand at Comping. I’ve entered a few competitions in my time but some people actually make a living out of it! Check out Win Something for your chance to win free holidays, an Apple Ipad Mini 2, family days out and much more. You’ll be subject to more spam than you can shake a stick at but my tip is to set up a separate email address specifically for this type of thing so that it doesn’t drive you round the bend. Good luck!
That’s my 10 ways to get stuff for free in Bristol this week. Do you have any tips of your own? If you hear of a cheap local deal or event please email hi@brokeinbristol.co.uk and we’ll do our best to spread the word. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page, so that you never miss an update! We’ll be back on Thursday with our top picks of free and cheap things to do with or without the kids. See you then!
