To begin, lets look at some helpful pointers on how to cadge.

• Play dumb. "I didn't know I couldn't take all the cookies."
• Attend job fairs and conferences.
• Hang around during closing time for fairs and conferences. People are dying to get rid of their stuff so they don't have to haul it around. You are their knight in shining armor!
• Always say thank you--and mean it! After all, cadging is not stealing.
• Bring those gallon-sized Ziploc® bags that you cadged from the job fair. This way you can inconspicuously stow a whole pizza without the mess.
• Take advantage of networks (i.e. The Facebook, Purdue Food Sci. Sensory Evaluation, Boilermaker Butcher Block, local coupons) whenever possible.
• Always grab freebies so that you may stock up on the goods. For example, most hotels offer free toothpaste. Why can't a vacation or business trip also serve as the toothpaste aisle?
• "Go to buffet places on campus. Go in the morning on the weekend, bring all your books, eat breakfast, study, eat lunch, study, eat dinner, study. Just don't forget to bring EVERYTHING you need study because you will be there all day. But get three great meals a day for the price of one." -- Elizabeth "Lizzers" Scerbak

Cadging is not a new sport. About.com has some helpful hints for the serious cadgers. Notice they give a free newsletter to frugal living, as we don't pay for magazines, ever.

Cadging doesn't have to be getting only things for free. We take pride in the idea of skimming off the top. If you get offered a free stick of gum, ask for another. The worst that could happen is they say no. If there are unlimited refills on a drink, always buy the smallest drink. To not do so would be silly. Other examples include asking for extra toppings on sandwiches or burritos, grabbing napkins and plastic silverware for home use. Going to Subway should be like getting a free side salad!

Another instance of cadging, in which we are all fortunate to come across, is 'proximity cadging.' Proximity cadging occurs when you happen to be around someone being spontaneously generous. "Next round's on me!" or "I'm taking everyone out with my bonus" all count as proximity cadges, assuming these outbursts are not expected in return.

If you have a helpful hint from which other cadgers may benefit, don't hesitate to let us know.