This is a guest post from Kelli at FreebieFindingMom.com. Read on to get tips and tricks from her!

I often get asked how Freebie Finding Mom was born. Well, before the blog, there was just me, and trust me, I walk the talk, and have always been good at finding freebies online. I’ve always been a saver and a bargain hunter. Then, after my son was born, I discovered FreebieFindingMom.com. I noticed the owner had abandoned the blog several months prior which I thought was unfortunate because she clearly had established good content and invested time into developing the site. I reached out to her, and I discovered she was simply too busy with her two kids and another one on the way to maintain the blog. Since I was looking for a fun and creative outlet that would fulfill my desire to help people score freebies online and save money, I bought the blog from her. Thus I went from being a freebie finding mom being to the Freebie Finding Mom.

Like I said, prior to becoming the Freebie Finding Mom, I always had a passion (some may say an obsession) for saving money. I cannot confess to being an extreme couponer, though I do appreciate the all mighty coupon. I would describe myself as someone who loves a bargain, loves finding freebies online, hates paying retail (actually, I think I’m allergic or something) and expends a lot of energy to save money on the stuff I have to buy in order to spend on the stuff I want to buy.

One of the perks of being the Freebie Finding Mom is that I score new freebies online every week, usually 2-3. A few of my faves include a free water bottle from Nature’s Bounty which is perfect for my spin classes, a variety pack of Snapea Crisps and Lentil Snaps from Calbee that my 1 year old inhales and a Nivea Vanilla Macadamia Kiss lip butter.

The thing is, you don’t have to be me (or a bargain blogger) to get free stuff. If there’s something you’d like a sample of, just ask the company. Sure, you might have to wait a bit to get a response, but a lot of companies are more than happy to send small samples in order to entice you to buy the full sized product later on down the road.

Over the years, I have amassed a stockpile of "secret weapons" to help me save money. Here are a few I’m particularly fond of:

1. Always price compare before making a purchase, especially if the purchase is sizable.
2. Never buy anything online without searching for a coupon code.
3. Ask for what you want. A retailer cannot read your mind.
4. Approach every transaction as an opportunity to negotiate.

Oh, I would be remiss if I did not include a final bit of advice: Follow your favorite money saving blogs (hopefully that includes FreebieFindingMom.com) to find the best bargains, coupons, and freebies online. Blogs like mine and BeFrugal spend countless hours searching for and posting the best coupons, bargains and freebies online, so you can save big without much effort.

Personally I discover some of the best freebies online by following companies I like on Facebook or Twitter. Social media is a superb way to stay up to date with the companies who make the products you love; plus, you’ll be one of the first to know when a hot new offer is released. I also frequent freebie and deal forums for great offers.

As awesome as it is to save money, I always get super pumped when I stumble across a hot deal or freebie I can share, and I recommend you do the same. I am quickly becoming consumed by the wonder that is Pinterest which is a great way to spread the word. Saving money is fun and rewarding but helping others save is priceless.

Image thanks to Kelli at FreebieFindingMom.com.