MoneySmart

Free shakes at Friendly's Saturday

To celebrate its 76 years in business, Friendly's is giving away free 12-ounce Fribbles Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The extra thick, signature milkshakes will be available in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry while supplies last. There is a limit of one per customer.

Click here to find your closest Friendly's location.

Kids eat free on Halloween

At least two restaurants will feed your little goblins for free on Monday:

Kids in costume will eat free after 5 p.m. at Old Country Buffet at 3048 Sheridan Drive in Amherst. When one adult dinner is purchased, up to two costumed kids get free dinner. Call 832-1773.

Kids 10 years old and younger can eat free at any Applebee's in Western New York. They can choose from chicken fingers, mini cheeseburger, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, fried shrimp or hot dog and will receive a coloring sheet and a free Oreo Cookie Sundae card to be used on their next visit. Up to two kids' meals are free per each adult meal purchase. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Free prints from Kodak

Starting Monday Oct. 17, Kodak will give users who "like" it on Facebook a coupon to print free photos at one its kiosks.    

The coupon will be good for up to 20 free 4x6 instant prints of Facebook photos through Oct. 23. Since Kodak prints usually cost from 14 to 28 cents, you could save up to $5.60.

Enjoy!

 

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann 

 

Free pancakes at IHOP Friday

Kids age 12 and under can enjoy a free Scary Face Pancake at area IHOP restaurants Friday October 29 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

The Scary Face Pancake is an oversized buttermilk pancake with a whipped topping mouth and strawberry nose, served with two mini OREO cookies and candy corn on the side which kids can use to finish decorating their creation.

 

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Kids Eat Free July 4

Applebee's will let you fill your babies' bellies for free this Independence Day.

The restaurant is giving out two free kids' meals per adult entree purchased July 4. Kids must be 10 years old or under and dining in the restaurant (no takeout).

Meal choices include chicken fingers, mini cheeseburger, grilled cheese, Kraft macaroni and cheese, fried shrimp and hot dog. Each child's meal comes with choice of a side dish and drink.

Find your nearest location here.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Free Stuff for Early Birds Saturday

Pac Sun fans will have something to look forward to at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls and the Boulevard Mall Saturday May 29. That's when the surf and skate casual wear store hosts Pac Up for Summer Saturday, to kick off a week of summer sales and specials.

The first 50 people in the store Saturday will receive a free "Monster Swag" bag which could include anything from music and clothing to headphones or even a trip to Australia.

You can call the store for more information at 297-0026 (Fashion Outlets) or 837-4641 (Boulevard Mall).

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Give Your Stuff Away Day

Saturday (May 15) is Give Your Stuff Away Day, which could be really cool or a big disappointment, depending on how many people participate.

Started by a guy named Mike Morone from North Chili, Give Your Stuff Away Day is an unofficial movement to help people get things they need, help others get rid of things they don't need and reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

Morone encourages folks to spread the word among their neighbors and municipalities, then put out valuable items in good condition they would like to donate. If you're in the market for new stuff, you can take a stroll yourself and check your neighbors' curbs for things you can use.

For all the details, including guidelines and prohibited items, check out http://giveyourstuffaway.com/.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Free Sephora Samples

The Eastern Hills Mall is cutting the ribbon on a new Sephora location inside JC Penney Friday April 30. To celebrate, Sephora will give the first 750 shoppers (whether they're actually spending money or just browsing) a bag filled with free samples.

The new 1,500-square-foot Sephora will be located at the center of the store and feature high-end makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care lines.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Free Coffee Today

Starbucks is pouring out rewards for making it to Tax Day.

Several Starbucks stores are offering free coffee all day today to customers who provide their own cup or purchase one in the store.

Not all locations are participating, though, so find your closest locations here and call ahead to see if they're taking part.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Kids Eat Free on Easter

I'm not sure if you want to spend your Easter at Applebee's, but if you do, the restaurant chain is offering free entrees to children ages 10 and under on Easter Sunday, April 4.

As long as they are accompanied by a parent paying for an entree, kids can choose from a menu of six meals, including macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and fried shrimp. A drink and side dish are also included.

To find your nearest location, click here. Applebee's restaurants in New York State and Connecticut are participating.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann