If you ask random people on the street to tell you their opinion about the state of the American economy, the answers you get will most likely be rehashed news propaganda mixed with personal experience, resulting in an answer that will vary from person to person. A mom who is out of work from another retail casualty may certainly agree that the economy is dragging its heels recovering. However, a woman who is carving her way, creating her own unique niche with her small business, selling handmade handbags may be seeing positive sales trends and argue that the economy is on the upswing. The point? The state of the economy is subjective.

Now, let’s take those same women and ask them if they love saving money. Yes! Let’s ask them if they feel flushed, slightly orgasmic at the thought of winning a free trip, a free car, or, quite frankly, free anything. Yes! Yes! Yes! Whether it is rough economic times or times of sustenance, the desire to get a deal never wavers.

Sweepstakes Make Sense for Our Wallets

The need to feel victorious at winning a bottle of shampoo or scoring movie tickets half price is universal. Given the desire of so many people to be victors in the battle of the freebies and the deeply discounted, it is no wonder that cable networks score big with shows about extreme couponing. It isn’t surprising that the internet is inundated with millions of websites that lure you in with flashing marquees, promises of big winnings and a life lived completely free. The internet is like Vegas for the sweepstake hungry, the prize may be cash winnings that rival the waterfall of coins that fall from a Vegas slot machine while sometimes the prize may be simply coupons you printed this morning, assuring that you will keep your grocery bill under $30 this week.

If you think that I am making fun, I need to stop you right there. I am not. In fact, I actually admire people who have the tenacity and energy needed to participate in daily contests, sweepstakes and give-aways. I have personally known people who have furnished an entire room from their winnings. I have also known friends who seem to always taking amazing, exotic trips because of these glorious giveaways. No, I am not being facetious. I am jealous that I am too lazy to make the effort for a stellar life filled with amazing goodies.

Do Contests Have to Be Time Consuming?

Entering sweepstakes is a daily job. It requires effort and the ability to carve out enough time to scour the internet looking for the best deals. But – drum roll, please – my friend Beth, who has won three Alaskan cruises (because one wasn’t enough?) told me about a website where all you do is enter your email and you have a plethora of daily sweepstakes, grocery coupons, rebates and even restaurant coupons! No official joining or membership fees. The website, for all you contest fanatics, is Free-Goodies.com. I haven’t actually entered my coveted email address yet. I have a slightly addictive personality, so I am not sure I want to take that first sip just yet. However, for those of you who can hold your contests, this site has giveaways for gas, cash for your opinions (hmmm. . . I have a lot of those), rebates, coupons, etc, etc, etc. This site looks a bit like the Mecca for sweepstakes lovers.

If your one of those mother’s who are ALWAYS looking for ways to save on grocery bills, a site called Freebies is giving away an entire ebook entitled “How To Cut Your Grocery Bills” simply by signing up for newsletters from them for even more free samples and free products in the future!

So, ask me what I think of the state of our economy? I have friends and family that are struggling while some are seeing a rebirth of their personal economic state. My response is I don’t know what the true state of our economy is. I am not an economist and, thank goodness, not a politicians. What I do know is that saving money always makes a person’s situation better. The more money you have in your pocket at the end of the day, the more choices you have in life. Sweepstakes, daily giveaways, contests; these are fun, innovative ways to add joy to your life, bring thrills into your day and add a little extra money into your pocket. I suppose what I am saying is that free never hurt no matter the state of our economy.

Tell me why giveaways and contests are important to you? Are they just for fun? Or, do they help you and your family sustain a certain lifestyle?

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