April is birthday month for three of the four Financial Beginnings staff and I happen to be one of them.  One of the great things about your birthday month is that many of the businesses that you have shared your contact information with start showing their appreciation, typically through free products or offering discounts. Let’s not forget they do this hoping you will redeem the free gift or deal and spend more money.  Early this month the reminders starting coming in saying happy birthday. The first birthday offer that came in was an email from Burgerville saying they added $5 on my Burgerville card. There is however a catch, I have to use the $5 before the end of the month or I lose it. I know that won’t be a problem and I am a little surprised I haven’t used it yet, because I love their smoothies! Then I received a post card for a free facial from a local skin care company that I have gone to in the past.  That one has no expiration date, but I think I will be treating myself to this one in the next few weeks.  I have also received emails from various restaurants, ranging from from Sweet Tomatoes to Arbys.  Those offers are good, but they come with a catch as well, they both require that I buy something in order to get the free item.  Sweet Tomatoes for example, is buy one meal get one free, which is around a $10 value.  Arbys will give me a free shake, but I have to purchase something and it can’t be off the value menu.  When you sign up for mailing lists from companies you might get a lot of junk mail, but pay attention around your birthday, because you just might get a nice birthday gift.