I'm a pro at getting free things for my kids, including bikes and a swing set. Here's how I found my best scores.

• 05/21/2025, 8:21 AM
• businessinsider.com

Courtesy of Mary Kearl.

Several years ago, my husband and I did a "year of no shopping" challenge to save up to travel with our oldest daughter when she was a baby. During that time, we bought nothing new unless what we had was broken or worn out beyond repair or we had a new need.