Way to Save #130: Free Cell Phones Aren't Free

Normally you’re better off getting a cheaper plan and buying your own cellular phone. Plans that include “free” phones often also come with long contracts and higher monthly costs.

By Life or Debt on November 25, 2009

Normally you’re better off getting a cheaper plan and buying your own cellular phone. Plans that include “free” phones often also come with long contracts and higher monthly costs.

New! Solutions to Common Financial Struggles for People 50 and Older

We've partnered with the largest nonprofit consumer counseling agency in the country to offer solutions to the most common financial struggles facing seniors including Medicare assistance, debt and budget counseling, Social Security maximization, help with paying bills, reverse mortgage counseling and foreclosure prevention.

1,678 Active Deals

SanDisk Outlet Store: Up to 75% off + 17% off + free shipping w/ $75

SanDisk Outlet Store takes an extra 17% off its selection of items, already reduced by up to 75% off, via coupon code "LABORDAY17". Shipping starts at $6, but orders of $75 or more qualify for free shipping. Items on offer include flash drives, memory cards, and cables.

SanDisk Outlet Store: Up to 75% off + 17% off + free shipping w/ $75

SanDisk Outlet Store takes an extra 17% off its selection of items, already reduced by up to 75% off, via ... Read more.

Updated: September 2, 2017

P.F. Chang's Entree: Buy 1, get 2nd free

At P.F. Chang's, buy one entrée and get a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free when you fill out this short form. (You'll receive this offer via email.) That's tied with our mention from a month ago as the best entrée freebie we've seen from P.F. Chang's. (We've seen BOGO entrées several times before, but it's usually restricted to specific entrées.) It's valid for dine-in only for 14 days from offer sign-up date. Click here to find a location near you.

If you'd rather dine solo (or maybe just make your lunch buddy buy their own darn meal for once), you can also get an entrée salad paired with a cup of soup for $10. It's also only valid for dine-in; just mention the offer to your server to redeem. (Offer only applies to the Asian Caesar, Mandarin Crunch, and Vietnamese Noodle salads.) This deal ends September 26.

P.F. Chang's Entree: Buy 1, get 2nd free

At P.F. Chang's, buy one entrée and get a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free when you ... Read more.

Updated: 4 hr 56 min ago

Abercrombie & Fitch clearance: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $75

Abercrombie & Fitch cuts up to 50% off sale items and up to 70% off clearance. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $7, but orders of $75 or more net free shipping. Women's swimwear starts at $4.40, men's fragrance at $3.60, women's jeans at $18, and men's jeans at $35.99.

Abercrombie & Fitch clearance: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $75

Abercrombie & Fitch cuts up to 50% off sale items and up to 70% off clearance. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read more.

Updated: 2 hr 2 min ago

Jet.com Patio and Garden Warehouse Blowout: Up to 30% off $100 + free shipping w/ $35

Jet.com takes an extra 20% off a selection of patio furniture, grills and smokers, storage, outdoor decor, and more via coupon code "GARDEN20" during its Patio and Garden Warehouse Blowout. Alternatively, cut an extra 30% off orders of $100 or more via coupon code "GARDEN30". (A $100 maximum discount applies for both coupons.) Shipping adds $5.99, but orders of $35 or more bag free shipping. Some exclusions may apply. Deal ends September 26.

Note: You can also receive additional discounts during checkout by waiving free returns or by choosing select payment options.

Jet.com Patio and Garden Warehouse Blowout: Up to 30% off $100 + free shipping w/ $35

Jet.com takes an extra 20% off a selection of patio furniture, grills and smokers, storage, outdoor decor, and more via ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 9 hr ago

Moosejaw 96-Hour Sale: Up to 90% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $35

Moosejaw takes up to 90% off a selection of clothing, shoes, and camping gear during its 96-Hour Sale. Plus, coupon code "CHEESYTOTS" cuts an extra 20% off. Shipping starts at $5.95, but orders of $35 or more bag free shipping. Some exclusions apply. Deal ends September 25.

Moosejaw 96-Hour Sale: Up to 90% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $35

Moosejaw takes up to 90% off a selection of clothing, shoes, and camping gear during its 96-Hour Sale. Plus, coupon ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 8 hr ago

Kobalt Garage Storage System for $7 + pickup at Lowe's

For in-store pickup only, Lowe's offers the Kobalt Garage Storage System for $7.49. That's $22 off and the lowest price we could find. It fits on on Kobalt garage tool bases and measures 27" x 18". Deal ends October 18.

Kobalt Garage Storage System for $7 + pickup at Lowe's

For in-store pickup only, Lowe's offers the Kobalt Garage Storage System for $7.49. That's $22 off and the lowest price ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

Today, Apple announced its new iPhone X, which includes an all-new 5.8" Super Retina OLED display that stretches nearly edge to edge without a bezel. You can now tap the display to wake up the phone, and unlock it using Face ID. It has an A11 Bionic chip neural engine, 12-megapixel dual rear camera with dual OIS, wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.0, and water and dust resistance. It comes in 64GB and 256GB models from $999.

It can be ordered beginning October 27 for delivery by November 3.

Apple Unveils New iPhone X from $999

Today, Apple announced its new iPhone X, which includes an all-new 5.8" Super Retina OLED display that stretches nearly edge ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

Khombu Men's River Sandals for $5 + free shipping

For its members, Costco offers the Khombu Men's River Sandals in Black or Brown for $4.97 with free shipping. (Non-members pay a 25-cent surcharge.) That's a very low price for men's sandals, especially Khombu brand. (For further comparison, used pairs start at around $10 before shipping on eBay.) They come in select sizes from 11 and 12 9 to 13.

Khombu Men's River Sandals for $5 + free shipping

For its members, Costco offers the Khombu Men's River Sandals in Black or Brown for $4.97 with free shipping. (Non-members ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 6 hr ago

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 55% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $50

Backcountry cuts up to 55% off a selection of The North Face men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, take an extra 20% off when you add to cart. That beats August's mention of just an extra 15% off and is the best sale we've seen on these items all year. Shipping starts at $5.95, but orders of $50 or more qualify for free 2-day shipping. After discount, accessories start as low as $10.38, men's T-shirts at $11.17, men's jackets at $41.58, and women's jackets at $55.41. Size availability for many items is limited.

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 55% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $50

Backcountry cuts up to 55% off a selection of The North Face men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 15 hr ago

Charvat v. Carnival Class Action Lawsuit

As part of a class action lawsuit, those who received pre-recorded telemarketing calls from Resort Marketing Group (RMG) between July 2009 and March 2014 may be entitled to monetary compensation. The suit alleges that RMG violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by making pre-recorded calls without express consent. Click here to read more about how to make a claim. Claims must be filed by November 3.

Charvat v. Carnival Class Action Lawsuit

As part of a class action lawsuit, those who received pre-recorded telemarketing calls from Resort Marketing Group (RMG) between July ... Read more.

Updated: August 14, 2017

As part of a class action lawsuit, customers who purchased certain Honest Diapering, Cleaning, or Personal care products between January 17, 2012 and July 10, 2017 may be entitled to cash compensation. The suit alleges that Honest engaged in deceptive practices in their advertising and labeling of products. Eligible customers can receive $2.50 for each item with proof of purchase, and up to ten items without proof of purchase. Click here to find out more information. Claims must be submitted by October 23.

Honest Products Class Action Settlement

As part of a class action lawsuit, customers who purchased certain Honest Diapering, Cleaning, or Personal care products between January ... Read more.

Updated: August 26, 2017

Walmart continues to discount thousands of items as part of its End of Summer Clearance Sale. Opt for in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee, or receive free shipping on orders of $35 or more. A couple of best bets:

Rotor Remote Outdoor Amplified HDTV Antenna for $28.99 + $0 s&h (low by $6)

Skywalker 14' Round Trampoline and Enclosure Combo for $189 + $0 s&h (low by $41)

Walmart End of Summer Clearance Sale

Walmart continues to discount thousands of items as part of its End of Summer Clearance Sale. Opt for in-store pickup ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 10 hr ago

Kenneth Cole Men's Tag Em Leather Sneakers for $32 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole New York Men's Tag Em Leather Sneakers in Cognac for $31.98. Coupon code "STOCKUP20" bags free shipping. That's $24 under last month's mention and the lowest price we could find by $17. They're available in select sizes from 7 to 10. Deal ends September 27.

Kenneth Cole Men's Tag Em Leather Sneakers for $32 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole New York Men's Tag Em Leather Sneakers in Cognac for $31.98. Coupon code "STOCKUP20" bags ... Read more.

Updated: 7 hr ago

Walmart continues to discount a selection of apparel, furniture, toys, appliances, and more as part of its Warehouse Clear-Out. Choose in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee, or receive free shipping on orders of $35 or more. (Larger items may incur additional shipping fees.) A couple of best bets:

Fire Pit with PVC Cover for $77.58 (low by $16)

Torin Adjustable Table Tool Cart for $82 ($17 off)

Walmart Warehouse Clear-Out

Walmart continues to discount a selection of apparel, furniture, toys, appliances, and more as part of its Warehouse Clear-Out. Choose ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week ago

The North Face Sale: Deals from $11 + free shipping

The North Face discounts a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes, with prices starting at $10.50. Even better, all orders receive free shipping. A couple of best bets:

The North Face Men's Folding Travel Rain Jacket for $97.50 (pictured, low by $12)

The North Face Women's Terra Metro Jacket for $126 (low by $54)

The North Face Sale: Deals from $11 + free shipping

The North Face discounts a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes, with prices starting at $10.50. Even ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 5 hr ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

Upcoming: Netflix 2-Screen Subscription: free w/ T-Mobile

Beginning September 12, T-Mobile will offer its customers a Netflix Standard 2-Screen Monthly Subscription for free when they sign up for two or more lines on a T-Mobile One wireless family plan. That's a savings of $10 per month. Customers can activate and link their existing Netflix service within their T-Mobile account. (T-Mobile will pay Netflix directly.) Click here for more information.

Note: The $9.99 monthly value can also be applied to other Netflix plans.

Upcoming: Netflix 2-Screen Subscription: free w/ T-Mobile

Beginning September 12, T-Mobile will offer its customers a Netflix Standard 2-Screen Monthly Subscription for free when they sign up ... Read more.

Updated: 2 weeks 5 days ago

Tommy Hilfiger Towels & Washcloths from $3 + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's discounts a selection of Tommy Hilfiger All American II towels and washcloths via coupon code "VIP", as listed below. Pad your order with a beauty item (they start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95. (Orders of $99 or more also get free shipping.) Each size is at least $4 off and the lowest price we could find. The deals, ending September 25, with prices after coupon:

Tommy Hilfiger All American II 13" x 13" Cotton Washcloth for $2.99 ($3 off)

Tommy Hilfiger All American II 16" x 26" Cotton Hand Towel for $4.49 ($6 off)

Tommy Hilfiger All American II 27" x 52" Cotton Bath Towel in Block or Stripe for $5.24 (pictured, $9 off)

Tommy Hilfiger Towels & Washcloths from $3 + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's discounts a selection of Tommy Hilfiger All American II towels and washcloths via coupon code "VIP", as listed below. ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 12 hr ago

Patagonia Sale at Steep & Cheap: Up to 65% off

Fall is on the horizon and we're restocking our closets with all things warm and wintry in preparation for the cooler weather. That's made all the easier this month thanks to the wide selection of end-of-season sales coming your way. Steep & Cheap is leading the pack too, not only with The North Face sale we listed yesterday, but again with big discounts on last season's Patagonia apparel.

The store is knocking up to 65% off a wide selection of Patagonia outerwear, pants, backpacks, and more in last season's colors, with prices starting at $11.60. Shipping starts at $6.31. A couple of best bets from the sale (you will see these prices in the drop-down menu when you select your color on the product page):

Patagonia Ironwood 20-Liter Backpack for $37.95 + $6 s&h ($7 low)

Patagonia Women's Sidesend Jacket for $71.52 + $7 s&h (pictured, $10 low)

Patagonia Men's Nano-Air Insulated Jacket for $87.15 + $7 s&h ($65 low)

See more from Steep & Cheep's Patagonia Sale

Patagonia Sale at Steep & Cheap: Up to 65% off

Fall is on the horizon and we're restocking our closets with all things warm and wintry in preparation for the ... Read more.

Updated: 11 hr 38 min ago

Retail chain Toys"R"Us has filed for bankruptcy in the United States and Canada. Per reports from several news outlets, the 60-year-old company has racked up nearly $5 billion in debt. There are currently 1,600 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us retail locations worldwide, which are expected to operate as usual for now.

Toys"R"Us Files for Bankruptcy

Retail chain Toys"R"Us has filed for bankruptcy in the United States and Canada. Per reports from several news outlets, the ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 13 hr ago

The Walking Company End of Season Sale: Shoes from $10 + free shipping

The Walking Company discounts a selection of its men's and women's shoes as part of its End of Season Sale, with deals starting at $9.99. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all orders bag free shipping. That's the best sale we've seen from The Walking Company in a year. Some exclusions apply. Among the discounted brands are Ecco, Dansko, and OluKai. Deal ends September 25.

The Walking Company End of Season Sale: Shoes from $10 + free shipping

The Walking Company discounts a selection of its men's and women's shoes as part of its End of Season Sale, ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 12 hr ago

Men's Graphic T-Shirts at JCPenney from $4 + free shipping

JCPenney offers a selection of men's clearance graphic T-shirts with prices starting from $3.75 via coupon code "48GOSHOP". Plus, all orders bag free shipping. Deal ends September 27. A couple of best bets with prices after coupon:

Star Wars Men's Death Skull Graphic T-Shirt for $6.75 ($13 off)

Spiderman Men's Faces Graphic T-Shirt for $6.75 ($13 off)

Men's Graphic T-Shirts at JCPenney from $4 + free shipping

JCPenney offers a selection of men's clearance graphic T-shirts with prices starting from $3.75 via coupon code "48GOSHOP". Plus, all ... Read more.

Updated: 8 hr 23 min ago

Clearance Hats at Lids: Up to 75% off, from $5 + free shipping

Lids takes up to 75% off a selection of NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other clearance caps, with prices starting at $5. (Select styles may have an even larger discount.) Plus, all orders bag free shipping. (It usually adds $5 for orders under $50.) That beats yesterday's mention (which lacked the free shipping offer) and is the best sale we've seen on these items at Lids this year. Deal ends September 27. A couple of best bets:

Men's Clemson Tigers NCAA Circle Stretch-Fitted Cap for $5 ($28 off)

New Era Men's Neo 39Thirty New England Patriots Stretch-Fitted Cap for $15 (low by $15)

Clearance Hats at Lids: Up to 75% off, from $5 + free shipping

Lids takes up to 75% off a selection of NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other clearance caps, with prices ... Read more.

Updated: 10 hr 27 min ago

Jos. A. Bank Men's Spread Collar Dress Shirt for $12 + free shipping

Jos. A. Bank offers its Jos. A. Bank Men's Executive Collection Tailored Fit Spread Collar Stripe Dress Shirt in Blue or Purple for $12.49. Plus, Bank Account Rewards members get free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to join.) That's tied with last week's mention, $57 off, and the lowest price we could find. It's available in select sizes from 15.5x33 to 16x34 16.5x34. Deal ends October 1.

Jos. A. Bank Men's Spread Collar Dress Shirt for $12 + free shipping

Jos. A. Bank offers its Jos. A. Bank Men's Executive Collection Tailored Fit Spread Collar Stripe Dress Shirt in Blue ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 10 hr ago

Oakley Clearance Sale: 50% off + free s&h w/ $50

Oakley takes 50% off a selection of men's and women's clearance apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $5. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $8, or bag free shipping on orders over $50.

Oakley Clearance Sale: 50% off + free s&h w/ $50

Oakley takes 50% off a selection of men's and women's clearance apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $5. (Prices ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 11 hr ago

JNBO Big September Sale: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $99

Joe's New Balance Outlet takes up to 70% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' shoes as part of its Big September Sale. Also, men's and women's final markdowns receive an extra 15% off. (All prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $6.95, but orders of $99 or more bag free shipping. Deal ends September 26. A couple of best bets:

New Balance Women's 574 Urban Twilight Shoes in Yellow for $38.25 ($42 off)

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 80v3 Trainers in Black/Gold for $38.25 (pictured, $53 low)

JNBO Big September Sale: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $99

Joe's New Balance Outlet takes up to 70% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' shoes as part of ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 6 hr ago

Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray Movies: Buy 1, get 2nd free + pickup at Best Buy

At Best Buy, buy one select Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray movie and get a second movie of equal or lesser value for free. Plus, get an additional $1 off, dropping prices to as low as $6.99, when you order via in-store pickup using the instructions below. Eligible titles include The Secret Life of Pets, Jason Bourne, Jurassic World, Baseketball, and several multi-movie sets. To get all discounts:

Select two Blu-ray movies from $7.99

in cart, select "Shipping" for your delivery method (do not choose in-store pickup at this time)

proceed to checkout

at checkout in the shipping section, "$1 off" should appear in green text beside the "Today ... at a Best Buy store" option

change your delivery method to this in-store pickup option get an extra $1 off your order

Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray Movies: Buy 1, get 2nd free + pickup at Best Buy

At Best Buy, buy one select Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray movie and get a second movie of equal or lesser ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 20 hr ago

HBQ i7 Twins True Wireless Earphones for $30 + $3 s&h

StackSocial offers the HBQ i7 Twins True Wireless Earphones in White or Black for $29.99 with free shipping. That's $20 off and the lowest price we could find. They feature 4-5 hours of play time, hands-free calling, and lag-free connections. Deal ends October 6.

Update: Shipping is now $2.99.

HBQ i7 Twins True Wireless Earphones for $30 + $3 s&h

StackSocial offers the HBQ i7 Twins True Wireless Earphones in White or Black for $29.99 with free shipping. That's $20 ... Read more.

Updated: 13 hr 57 min ago

BustedTees takes 50% off select regularly-priced T-shirts via coupon code "FCKQHNP". Shipping adds $6.99. Some exclusions apply, including sale items.

BustedTees coupon: 50% off

BustedTees takes 50% off select regularly-priced T-shirts via coupon code "FCKQHNP". Shipping adds $6.99. Some exclusions apply, including sale items. Read more.

Updated: 4 days 22 hr ago

Apple Unveils New iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus from $699

Today, Apple unveiled its new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models. Available in Silver, Space Grey, and Gold, it now has both a glass front and back, with an overall steel-reinforced design. They have a 4.7" and 5.5" Retina HD display, respectively, as well as a new A11 Bionic 6-core CPU. Also included is a 12-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization on both models (dual camera on the Plus model), Bluetooth 5.0, wireless charging, and water and dust resistance. It'll come in 64GB and 256GB options, from $699 for the iPhone 8, and from $799 for the 8 Plus.

It can be ordered starting September 15, for delivery on September 22.

Apple Unveils New iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus from $699

Today, Apple unveiled its new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models. Available in Silver, Space Grey, and Gold, it ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

Pop Chart Lab 18" x 24" Posters for $10 + $7 s&h

Pop Chart Lab cuts a selection of 18" x 24" posters to $10 via coupon code "5PRINTS410", as listed below. (Choose "Print Only" under finishes to see this deal.) With $6.95 for shipping, that's $19 off list and the lowest price we could find. Each poster is printed on 100-lb. archival stock. The deals:

Splendid Structures of New York City (pictured)

The Cocktail Chart of Film & Literature

The Genealogy of Wine

The Chart of Famous Eyewear

A Plotting of Fiction Genres