Some Things In Life Are Free
During the past 20 years, Linda and Bob Kalian have enjoyed the best that America has to offer - free.
They wrote a bestseller about it, titled “The Best Free Things in America.” “Both of our sons have been able to go through college by taking advantage of $120,000 in free money,” Linda Kalian said last week in an interview. Reached by phone at her home in upstate New York, she impressed upon me, “These were not loans. The money didn’t have to be paid back.
“And you don’t have to be an A-plus scholar. But you have to ask.”
When one of their sons was diagnosed with lymphoma, doctors prescribed injections of a revolutionary drug costing $1,600 a day. Their insurance wouldn’t pay.
No problem.
The manufacturer picked up the tab.
“Our son filled out some forms saying he was unable to afford the shots which he needed,” she said. “The pharmaceutical company sent him the medication free.”
Now in their mid-50s, the husband-and-wife team has just come out with a new book. It’s called “The Best Free Things for Seniors.”
If you’re over 50, say the co-authors, “it’s your time to enjoy all the wonderful free things and amazing discounts that America has to offer.”
For example, the book offers tips on how seniors can:
Buy a car for $125 over cost.
Stay in the best hotels for half price.
Save thousands of dollars on a new mortgage.
Enjoy free cruises although some work may go along with the “free” ride.
“Cruise lines always need people to conduct craft classes, teach ballroom dancing, instruct aerobics - whatever it is that you do,” Linda says. “It takes an hour a day. I lead an aerobics class. A son who recently attended a computer seminar teaches online investing.”
The authors say they themselves have received more than 8,000 “terrific things” free, including tons of computer supplies.
During the interview, Linda Kalian repeatedly stressed the availability of lifelong education for little or no cost. “Often seniors need only pay the price of a student activity fee,” she said. “Contact the colleges in your state to find out what they offer.”
“Don’t forget to ask for a discount wherever you are and whatever you are doing,” Linda says.
“Companies give away all sorts of things free as their way of getting people to try their products and create a positive image,” she added. “We send for everything, and verify that the claims of free things or discounts are legitimate,” Linda said. “Or we don’t use it in the book.
“Companies may not have the exact item as in the book, in which case they are happy to substitute to make good the claim. They get a lot of publicity, and they want to make sure it is good publicity - that’s the whole idea of giving things away!
“Also, government agencies have hundreds of programs that help seniors,” she said.
Just one phone call can bring dozens of needed services right to a senior’s front door, including health care, meals, legal assistance and help with housing problems, the book says. The magic digits are 1-800-677-1116 - the nationwide toll-free number for Eldercare Locator.
All phone numbers and claims made by sources in the book have been checked out and verified, Linda Kalian assured. But numbers and programs change rapidly in today’s fast-moving society.
The guide lists dozens of drug companies with free prescription programs and tells readers how to get the drugs they need. A 30-page section, beginning on 295, also provides the names of free drugs and other helpful information about each program.
The guide tells how to get free legal help (323), free Internet service (145), free and low-cost dental care (357), and on and on - including “three free gifts from the President of the United States.”
The 388-page book is available in bookstores nationwide. And, by the way, it’s not free - it costs $14.95. The publisher is Roblin Press, 405 Tarrytown Road, Suite 414, White Plains, NY, 10607. The book is also on the Web at www.freethingsusa.com.