When you go somewhere to pick up a free item for your child do you end up buying something anyways. Like when you go to Barnes and Noble to pick up a free book if your child participated in the reading program do you end up buying anything or can you get out with only the free book?

Yes. They bank on that. And it keeps the programs going, as they don't always do it out of the goodness of their hearts.

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It depends on how much money is left in the budget. If it's somewhere like Barnes & Noble I may be really tempted but if I can't afford it I won't put it on a CC just to buy something.

Sometimes I buy something else, but I really try not to. I usually tell my kids "we're getting X, X, and X." So they know not to expect more. And it's good bc if I start getting more, they'll say "mom, i thought you were only getting x, x, and x." Going in with cash only, no debit cards, etc, helps alot with that!

it depends if its something we feel we can use or not to buy just becuase nope i have pretty good will power these days with those types of things.

I usually try to buy something - I like programs, like Barnes and Noble's summer book program, and like to support them.

Also, if I have a free meal at a restaurant, awhile back we got a gift card from some place, I usually try to leave a large tip. Just trying to share my good fortune and I'm still saving money!