Financial Jungle

A post by my adorable Financial Jungle Gal.

This year, my birthday falls adjacent to Mother’s Day. While jostling through Mother’s Day crowd presents its own challenges, I’m happy to have uncovered many birthday freebies with some help rummaging the Internet and our Entertainment Book for tips. Here are my findings:

1. Denny’s – Free meal. The only catch is you need to have a second meal of equal or lesser value and purchase two drinks. Cost: $17 (one Grand Slam Breakfast, tea, coffee, and tips) + $2 for 1 hour of street parking (no free spots in the parking lot after circling for a bit). Save: $9 (one breakfast)
2. Blenz Coffee – Free beverage. This depends on the independently-owned franchise. The two Robson Street locations honored this special, while I heard the Yaletown location does not. Thanks Miss604 for the tip! Cost: $2.21 (Felt guilty just getting a free coffee, so bought a rice crispy square). Save: $4.10 (one beverage)
3. Cineplex Entertainment – Free movie at Famous Players, Cineplex Odeon, or Galaxy, Theatres. If you’re lucky to have a connection who can purchase corporate discount movie tickets (thanks FJ’s brother!), you can take advantage of the free movie on your birthday coupon that’s included when you purchase four movie tickets. Cost: Pack of 4 tickets $27.32. Save: $12.50 (one movie ticket)

Honorable mentions:

1. Entertainment Book – 2-for-1 coupons. If you purchase the Entertainment Book, there are valuable 2-for-1 coupons inside and online. We used the discounted 50% off baked goods to a maximum of $5.00 at Fratelli Bakery on Commercial Drive. They have mini éclairs and individual mini cheesecakes. Perfect as I love cheesecakes and FJ doesn’t! More for me!
2. Japadog Hot Dogs. Well, there was no discount at this fabulous hot dog stand on the corner of Smithe and Burrard Streets. However, if you get a craving for a Japanese style topping hot dog (try the Terri-Mayo Dog, my favourite) and your best friend wants to treat you out for your birthday, then it could be free! Average hot dog price is $4.50.
3. eCards – Free greeting cards sent to your email. Environmentally-friendly and a quick way to stay in touch with friends scattered over the world. It brings a smile to my face just knowing that a friend was thinking of me and took a few minutes from their hectic schedule to create and send a card. Of course, phone calls are welcome too! Check out: www.bluemountain.com, www.hallmark.com, www.123greetings.com, www.greetings.yahoo.com

Possible discounts to be investigated later (Sources: Miss604.com and redflagdeals.com)

• Dairy Queen → Email coupon for your birthday - possible 2 for 1 16 oz. Blizzard?
• Orange Julius → 2 for 1 20 ox. Fruit Smoothie for sign up and receive “special coupon” on your birthday (Must set location).
• Old Spaghetti Factory - → Free entrée
  Need to fill out an in restaurant registration in advance of birthday and will be sent a complimentary meal coupon for the entire month of your birthday.
• Tony Roma’s – join birthday club for coupons.

Last thoughts: We spend my birthday prowling around Vancouver for the freebies and honorable mentions. Highly recommend the movie “Iron Man”. With the thrill of the hunt, we went home happy and satisfied that we saved $30.60.