The Complete Guide to Using Facebook to Save Money

You might think of Facebook as a place to see photos of grandchildren or keep up with old friends. But Facebook has quietly become one of the most useful tools for saving money—if you know where to look.

This guide shows you two strategies that most people don't know about:

1. Finding hidden discount codes that companies don't show everyone
2. Getting multiple bids on local services like lawn care or pressure washing, so providers compete for your business instead of you accepting whatever price they quote

These aren't complicated tricks. Once you understand what's happening behind the scenes, the steps are straightforward. Let's start with the basics.

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Strategy 1: Finding Hidden Discount Codes

What's Really Happening When You See Ads on Facebook

When you scroll through Facebook, you see advertisements mixed in with posts from friends and family. These ads are targeted—meaning Facebook's computers decide which ads to show to which people.

Here's what most people don't realize: A company like Wayfair or Kohl's might be running 50 different advertisements at the same time. Some ads offer 10% off. Some offer 20% off. Some offer free shipping. Some offer nothing at all.

Which ad do you see? It depends on what Facebook's computers think will work on you. Maybe you see the ad with no discount, while your neighbor sees the ad with 20% off.

This is where the opportunity comes in. Facebook requires every company to make all their advertisements publicly visible in something called the "Ad Library." It's like a filing cabinet where every ad is stored and anyone can look through it.

What we're going to do: Before you buy something from a major retailer, we're going to peek into that filing cabinet and see ALL the ads they're running—including the discount codes they might not have shown you.

Is This Legal? Understanding the Ad Library

You might wonder: is it okay to use the Ad Library this way? Could this "loophole" get closed?

The answer: Yes, this is completely legal—and it's not going away.

Facebook's Ad Library exists because of transparency requirements from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and international regulators. After concerns about election interference and advertising practices emerged in 2018, Meta (Facebook's parent company) was required to make all advertisements publicly searchable and accessible to anyone, even without a Facebook account.

According to Meta's official Ad Library Report, "The Ad Library provides advertising transparency by offering a comprehensive, searchable collection of all ads currently running from across Meta technologies." This isn't a voluntary feature Facebook could remove—it's a regulatory requirement designed to increase transparency and accountability in digital advertising.

What this means for you: Companies know their ads are publicly visible. They're required to display them. You're not exploiting a glitch or breaking any rules by viewing ads they're running. You're simply using a public resource that was created for transparency purposes.

Why Companies Run Different Ads with Different Discounts

You might wonder: why would a company show different people different discounts?

Companies are constantly testing what works. They might show:

• A 10% discount to people who've never bought from them (to attract new customers)
• A 20% discount to people who abandoned their shopping cart (to bring them back)
• Free shipping to people in certain areas
• No discount to people who seem likely to buy anyway

According to research from the National Retail Federation, retailers typically test 5-10 different promotional offers simultaneously to optimize their advertising spend and conversion rates.

The good news: Most discount codes work for anyone, regardless of which ad you saw. The code "SAVE20" works whether you saw the ad or not—you just need to know it exists.

How to Find These Hidden Discount Codes

There are two ways to access the Ad Library. I'll explain both, and you can use whichever feels easier.

Option A: The Direct Approach (Easiest)

This method works even if you don't have a Facebook account.

What we're doing: Going directly to Facebook's Ad Library website and searching for the company we want to buy from.

Step 1: Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge) and type this address: facebook.com/ads/library

Step 2: You'll see a search bar. Type the name of the company you're shopping at. For example: "Wayfair" or "Kohl's" or "Bed Bath Beyond"

Step 3: A list of matching pages will appear. Click on the one that looks like the official company page (it usually has a blue checkmark or says something like "Retail Company" underneath).

Step 4: Now you'll see all the advertisements that company is currently running. Scroll through them slowly.

What you're looking for:

• Codes like "SAVE20" or "WELCOME10" or "FREESHIP"
• Phrases like "Use code _____ at checkout"
• Mentions of percentage discounts or free shipping
• Limited-time offers you didn't know about

Step 5: When you find a code, write it down. Then go to the company's website, shop as you normally would, and enter the code at checkout.

Option B: Through a Company's Facebook Page

If you're already on Facebook and looking at a company's page, you can access their ads from there.

What we're doing: Finding the "transparency" section of a company's Facebook page, which shows all the ads they're running.

Step 1: Go to the company's Facebook page. You can search for them using the search bar at the top of Facebook.

Step 2: Look for a section called "Page Transparency." On a computer, this is usually on the left side of the page. On a phone, you might need to scroll down or tap "About."

Step 3: Look for a link that says something like "See all ads" or "Go to Ad Library." Click it.

Step 4: Browse through their ads looking for discount codes, just like in Option A.

If you can't find the Page Transparency section: Don't worry. Facebook moves things around sometimes. Just use Option A instead—it always works.

A Real Example: Buying a Lamp from Wayfair

Let's say you've found a lamp on Wayfair for $89 and you're ready to buy.

Before you check out:

1. Open a new browser tab and go to facebook.com/ads/library
2. Search for "Wayfair"
3. Click on their official page
4. Scroll through their ads

You might find an ad that says: "New to Wayfair? Use code NEWBIE15 for 15% off your first order!"

Even if you've ordered from Wayfair before, try the code anyway. Sometimes these "new customer" codes work for everyone. If it doesn't work, you've lost nothing—just complete your purchase at regular price.

If the code does work, you just saved $13.35 on your lamp. That's real money back in your pocket for about 3 minutes of looking.

Which Stores Are Worth Checking?

This strategy works best with:

Online home goods stores: Wayfair, Overstock, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Lowe's

Department stores and clothing: Kohl's, Macy's, JCPenney, Old Navy, Target

Specialty retailers: Chewy (pet supplies), Warby Parker (glasses), 1-800-Flowers

Subscription services: Meal kit companies like HelloFresh or Blue Apron often have aggressive discount codes running

It's less useful for stores like Walmart or Amazon, which don't typically use coupon codes in their Facebook ads.

Making This a Habit

The key is to check the Ad Library before you make any significant online purchase. It takes about 2-3 minutes and often saves you 10-20%.

According to consumer research, the average American household spends over $5,000 annually on online purchases. If checking the Ad Library saves you just 10% on half of those purchases, that's $250 back in your pocket each year—for a total time investment of about 2 hours.

Think of it like checking for coupons in the Sunday paper before going to the grocery store—except the coupons are hidden in a place most people don't know to look.

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Strategy 2: Getting Competitive Bids on Local Services

How Most People Hire Service Providers (And Why It Costs Them More)

When you need your gutters cleaned or your lawn mowed, what do you typically do?

Most people either:

• Call one company, get a quote, and accept it
• Maybe call a second company and compare
• Ask a friend for a recommendation and hire whoever they suggest

There's nothing wrong with these approaches, but they put you at a disadvantage. When you call a business, they know you need their service. They set the price. You either take it or start over with someone else.

A Better Approach: Let Them Come to You

Facebook groups have changed this dynamic. Here's how it works:

What we're doing: Instead of calling businesses one by one, you'll post a description of what you need in a local Facebook group. Service providers who are members of that group will see your post and respond with their pricing. You choose from multiple offers.

Why this saves you money: When several providers know they're competing against each other for your business, they offer better prices. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 37% of Americans report using local online groups to find services and recommendations, and those who solicit multiple bids typically save 15-30% compared to accepting the first quote they receive.

You also get to see how they communicate before hiring them—some respond professionally, others don't.

What Are Facebook Groups?

If you're not familiar with Facebook groups, here's a quick explanation:

Facebook groups are like community bulletin boards, except they're online. There might be a group for your neighborhood, your city, or your county. People in the group post questions, recommendations, and requests.

For example, someone might post: "Can anyone recommend a good plumber?" and neighbors respond with suggestions.

What we're going to do is slightly different: Instead of asking for recommendations, you'll post your specific job and invite providers to contact you with pricing. This puts you in control.

Finding Local Groups to Join

What we're doing: Searching for community groups in your area and joining them. You only need to do this once—after you join, you can post whenever you need a service.

Step 1: Log into Facebook

Step 2: In the search bar at the top, try searches like:

• "[Your City] Community" (example: "Springfield Community")
• "[Your City] Recommendations"
• "[Your County] Buy Sell Trade"
• "[Your Neighborhood] Neighbors"

Step 3: Look at the groups that come up. You want groups that are:

• Active – Posts from the last day or two, not months ago
• Large – Thousands of members means more people will see your post
• Local – Focused on your area specifically

Step 4: Click "Join" on groups that look promising. Most groups let you join immediately. Some require approval from an administrator, which might take a day or two.

Step 5: Once you're in, read the group's rules. Most groups have rules about what you can post and when. Look for these in a pinned post at the top of the group or in the "About" section.

Writing a Post That Gets Good Responses

Now for the important part: writing a post that gets you multiple competitive offers while protecting your privacy.

The goal: Describe what you need clearly enough that providers can give you accurate pricing, without revealing your exact address to strangers.

Here's an example of a good post:

"Looking for someone to pressure wash my driveway. It's a standard two-car driveway, about 20 feet wide and 40 feet long, concrete surface in decent condition. I'm located in the Oak Hills neighborhood (zip code 12345).

If you're interested, please leave a comment and I'll message you privately with more details.

I'd like to know: your business name, your price for this job, and when you'd be available. Licensed and insured preferred.

Thanks!"

Why this post works:

• Specific enough to get real quotes: You've described the size and condition, so providers can estimate accurately
• Location is general, not specific: You said the neighborhood and zip code, not your street address
• You're asking them to comment first: This lets you check out their profile before sharing private information
• You stated your requirements: "Licensed and insured preferred" filters out people who aren't

What NOT to include in your public post:

• Your street address
• Your phone number
• Times when you won't be home
• Any other personal details strangers shouldn't have

What Happens After You Post

If the group is active, you'll start getting responses within hours. Here's how to handle them:

Step 1: Read the comments

Providers will comment on your post. Some might say "Interested! I can help with this." Others might give you pricing right in the comment. Some might just say "PMing you" (meaning they're sending a private message).

Step 2: Check out each responder before engaging

Before you message anyone back, click on their name to see their profile. Ask yourself:

• Does this look like a real person with a history on Facebook? Or is it a brand-new account with no information?
• Do they have a business page linked? If so, does that page have reviews?
• Does anything feel "off" about their profile?

Step 3: Send private messages to the promising ones

For responders who seem legitimate, send them a private message with more details. At this point—and only at this point—you can share your address so they can see the job or give a more accurate quote.

Step 4: Compare your options

You might get 3-5 responses with different prices. Don't automatically choose the cheapest—consider:

• How professional was their communication?
• Do they have positive reviews?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do you feel comfortable with them?

Protecting Yourself: How to Vet a Service Provider

Anyone can respond to your post—including people who aren't qualified or trustworthy. Here's how to protect yourself:

Check Their Reviews

If the person has a Facebook business page, look for the "Reviews" tab. Read what previous customers said. Look for:

• Specific details about jobs they completed (more trustworthy than vague praise)
• How they responded to any negative reviews (defensive or professional?)
• Recent reviews, not just old ones

Search the Group for Their Name

Here's a useful trick: Search within the Facebook group for the provider's name.

How to do this: Go to the group, find the search bar (on a computer, it's near the top; on a phone, there's usually a magnifying glass icon), and type the person's name or business name.

What you're looking for: Have other group members mentioned them? Recommended them? Warned about them? This gives you honest opinions from neighbors.

Ask for Proof of Insurance and Licensing

For any job where:

• Someone will be working on your property
• There's a chance something could get damaged
• There's a chance someone could get hurt

...you should ask for proof of insurance.

What to say: "Before we schedule, can you send me a copy of your insurance certificate?"

A legitimate professional expects this question and can easily text or email you a picture of their certificate. Someone who gets defensive or evasive is showing you a red flag.

What to look for on the certificate:

• Their name or business name should match
• The dates should show the policy is current (not expired)
• It should show "general liability" coverage

For certain trades, also check licensing:

Some jobs require a state license—plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, for example. Lawn care and pressure washing usually don't.

How to check a license: Search "[your state] contractor license lookup" in Google. You'll find an official state website where you can enter a license number and verify it's valid.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if someone:

• Won't provide a business name – Legitimate providers are happy to tell you who they are
• Has a brand-new Facebook profile – Could be a scam account created recently
• Pressures you to decide immediately – "This price is only good today" is a high-pressure tactic
• Wants full payment upfront before starting – Most legitimate contractors take partial payment or payment upon completion
• Gets defensive when you ask about insurance or licensing – Professionals expect these questions
• Only wants to communicate off Facebook – They might be trying to avoid leaving a trail

What If Something Goes Seriously Wrong?

The guide so far has covered how to vet providers and protect yourself. But what if you hire someone from a Facebook group and they do poor work, don't finish the job, damage your property, or worse?

It's important to understand what recourse you have and what Facebook's role is (and isn't) in these situations.

Understanding Facebook's Limitations

Facebook is NOT a hiring platform or marketplace with buyer protection. Unlike platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Angie's List, Facebook doesn't:

• Verify or background-check service providers
• Hold payment in escrow
• Provide mediation for disputes
• Offer refunds or financial protection
• Guarantee the quality of work

According to Facebook's Terms of Service, "We are not a party to transactions between users. Any dealings you have with other users through our services are solely between you and that user."

What this means: Facebook Groups are simply a way to connect with people in your area. The responsibility for vetting, hiring, and managing the relationship with a service provider rests entirely with you.

Your Recourse When Things Go Wrong

If you hire someone and they do poor work, don't finish, or cause damage, here are your options:

1. Try to resolve it directly first

Contact the provider, explain the problem clearly, and give them an opportunity to fix it. Many issues can be resolved through direct communication. Document this conversation in writing (via Facebook Messenger, email, or text message).

2. File an insurance claim

If the provider damaged your property and you verified they had liability insurance before hiring them, file a claim with their insurance company. This is why checking for insurance beforehand is so critical—it's your main financial protection.

3. Report to state licensing boards

For licensed trades (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, contractors), you can file a complaint with your state's licensing board. Search "[your state] contractor licensing board complaint" to find the official process. The board can investigate, issue fines, suspend licenses, or require providers to fix problems.

4. Small claims court

For financial disputes (you paid for work that wasn't completed or was done poorly), you can file a claim in small claims court. According to the American Bar Association, small claims courts handle disputes typically ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on your state, with simplified procedures that don't require an attorney.

What you'll need:

• Written documentation of your agreement (Facebook messages, texts, emails)
• Photos showing the work or damage
• Receipts or proof of payment
• Records of attempts to resolve the issue

5. Contact law enforcement

For theft, fraud, or criminal activity, contact your local police department. Provide them with all documentation, including:

• Screenshots of Facebook conversations
• The person's Facebook profile information
• Any contracts or receipts
• Photos or videos as evidence

6. Report to Facebook

While Facebook won't mediate disputes or refund money, you can and should report users who violate Facebook's Community Standards. This helps protect others in your community.

How to report someone on Facebook:

• Go to their profile or the message thread
• Click the three dots (•••) or the menu icon
• Select "Find Support or Report"
• Choose the appropriate category (harassment, fraud, impersonation, etc.)
• Follow the prompts to submit your report

Facebook may remove the user's account if they find violations, preventing them from scamming others in the group.

7. Warn the community

After attempting to resolve the issue privately, post about your experience in the Facebook group where you found them. Stick to facts, not emotions. Include:

• The provider's name and business name
• What service they were hired for
• What went wrong (be specific and factual)
• Whether you've filed complaints with authorities or licensing boards

Example: "I hired [Business Name] for pressure washing on [date]. They collected $200 upfront but never completed the work and stopped responding to messages. I've filed a complaint with [relevant authority]. Wanted to warn others in the group."

This serves two purposes: it warns your neighbors and creates public accountability that may motivate the provider to resolve the issue.

8. Leave honest reviews

If the provider has a Facebook business page, leave an honest review describing what happened. Also check if they're listed on Google, Yelp, or other review sites.

According to research from Northwestern University, online reviews significantly impact consumer decisions, and businesses are more likely to respond to negative situations when they're publicly visible.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The best protection is thorough vetting before you hire anyone:

• Always verify insurance for any job with liability risk
• Check licensing for trades that require it
• Search for the provider's name in local groups
• Read reviews on their business page
• Ask for and check references
• Never pay the full amount upfront (30-50% deposit is standard; final payment upon completion)
• Get written agreements even for small jobs (Facebook messages count)
• Trust your instincts – if something feels off, move on to another provider

What Services Work Well for This Approach?

Great for:

• Lawn mowing and landscaping
• Pressure washing
• Gutter cleaning
• House cleaning
• Window washing
• Junk removal
• Snow removal
• Moving help (small jobs)
• Pet sitting
• Minor handyman tasks

Use extra caution for:

• Electrical work (must be licensed)
• Plumbing (must be licensed)
• Roofing (high liability—verify insurance carefully)
• Tree removal (high liability—verify insurance carefully)
• Any job requiring a permit

For bigger jobs like these, you might still use Facebook groups to find providers, but do extra vetting. It's also wise to get at least one quote from an established local company for comparison.

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Using Business Page Reviews to Research Any Company

Whether you find a business on Facebook, through a Google search, or from a friend's recommendation, Facebook's business page reviews can help you decide if they're trustworthy.

What Are Business Page Reviews?

Many businesses have a Facebook page where customers can leave reviews and ratings. This is like Yelp or Google Reviews, but on Facebook.

How to Find and Read Reviews

Step 1: Search for the business name on Facebook

Step 2: Go to their official business page (not a personal profile)

Step 3: Look for a "Reviews" or "Recommendations" tab near the top of the page

Step 4: Read through what customers have said

What to Look For

Good signs:

• Mostly 4-5 star ratings
• Specific details about what the business did ("They replaced our water heater quickly and cleaned up after themselves")
• The business responds to reviews—especially to complaints—in a professional way
• Recent reviews, not just ones from years ago

Warning signs:

• Multiple complaints about the same issue (a pattern of problems)
• The business responds defensively to criticism
• All the reviews are vague ("Great service!") with no details
• Many reviews posted around the same time (could be fake)
• The business ignores complaints entirely

Don't Rely on Reviews Alone

Reviews are one piece of information, not the whole picture. Combine them with:

• Searching the business name in local Facebook groups
• Asking for references
• Verifying licensing and insurance
• Your own gut feeling from how they communicate

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Other Ways to Save Money on Facebook

The two strategies we've covered in detail—using the Ad Library and posting in community groups—are lesser-known approaches that most people don't use. But Facebook offers several other ways to save money:

Facebook Marketplace

What it is: A platform for buying and selling items locally, similar to Craigslist but integrated with Facebook.

How it saves you money: You can find used furniture, appliances, tools, electronics, and more at significant discounts compared to retail prices. Because it's local, you can pick up items yourself and avoid shipping costs.

Safety tips:

• Meet in public places for small items
• Bring someone with you for furniture or large items
• Inspect items before paying
• Use Facebook Pay for transactions (creates a record)
• Check the seller's profile and marketplace history

Buy Nothing Groups

What they are: Hyperlocal groups (usually covering just a few streets or a single neighborhood) where members give away items they no longer need, completely free.

How it saves you money: Instead of buying household items, furniture, kids' clothes, or tools, you might find them for free. Common items include:

• Moving boxes
• Kids' toys and clothes (children outgrow them quickly)
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Gardening supplies
• Books

How to find them: Search for "Buy Nothing [Your Neighborhood]" on Facebook. These groups are very location-specific—there might be separate groups for different parts of the same city.

Local Deal-Sharing Groups

What they are: Groups where members share sales, coupons, and deals they've found at local stores.

How it saves you money: You learn about sales you might have missed. Someone might post: "Ground beef is $2.99/lb at Kroger this week!" or "Dollar General has laundry detergent for half price."

How to find them: Search for:

• "[Your City] Deals"
• "[Your City] Couponing"
• "[Your Store Name] Deals" (some stores have dedicated deal groups)

Garage Sale and Estate Sale Groups

What they are: Groups where people announce upcoming garage sales, estate sales, and yard sales in your area.

How it saves you money: You can find quality items at very low prices, especially at estate sales where families are clearing out an entire household.

How to find them: Search for:

• "[Your County] Garage Sales"
• "[Your City] Estate Sales"
• "[Your Area] Yard Sale"

"In Search Of" (ISO) Posts

What they are: Posts where you describe an item you're looking for, and group members offer to sell or give you theirs.

How it saves you money: Instead of buying new, you might find someone who has exactly what you need sitting unused in their garage.

Example: "ISO: Kids' bike, age 5-7, any color. Willing to pay up to $30." Someone might respond: "I have one my daughter outgrew. $20 and it's yours."

Facebook Events for Free Community Activities

What they are: Free events posted on Facebook—community concerts, festivals, library programs, parks and recreation activities, and more.

How it saves you money: Entertainment and activities that cost nothing, especially valuable for families with children.

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Do I Need a Facebook Account for This?

For Finding Discount Codes: No

You can access the Ad Library at facebook.com/ads/library without a Facebook account. Just go to that web address and search for any company.

For Using Facebook Groups and Other Features: Yes

You need a Facebook account to join groups, use Marketplace, and participate in other community features. The good news: you can create an account and use it only for these money-saving purposes. You don't have to post personal updates, share photos, or engage socially if you don't want to.

Creating an Account with Privacy in Mind

If you decide to create a Facebook account, here's how to protect your privacy:

What we're doing: Setting up an account with minimal personal information and strong privacy settings.

Step 1: Go to facebook.com and click "Create new account"

Step 2: Enter only the required information:

• Your name
• Email address or phone number
• Date of birth
• A password

Step 3: After your account is created, go to Settings & Privacy (click the small down arrow in the top right corner on a computer, or the menu icon on a phone)

Step 4: Go to Settings, then Privacy, and change these settings:

• "Who can see your future posts?" → Change to "Friends" (not "Public")
• "Who can see your friends list?" → Change to "Only me"
• "Who can look you up using your email/phone?" → Change to "Friends" or "Only me"

Step 5: Don't fill in optional profile information. You don't need to list your workplace, schools, current city, or any other personal details.

Step 6: Be selective about friend requests. You don't have to accept requests from people you don't know.

What you can skip: You don't need to post anything, share photos, or add personal information. You can simply use Facebook to access the Ad Library and participate in local groups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About Finding Discount Codes

Q: Is the Ad Library free? Yes, completely free. Anyone can access it.

Q: Can companies see that I looked at their ads? No. Your browsing is private.

Q: What if the code doesn't work? No harm done. Just complete your purchase at regular price. Sometimes codes expire or have limits you can't see.

Q: Should I check this every time I shop online? For significant purchases, yes. For a $10 item, it's probably not worth the time. For anything over $50, the few minutes of checking can really pay off.

Q: Do all companies use the Ad Library? Only companies that advertise on Facebook, Instagram, or other Meta platforms have ads in the library. But according to Meta's 2024 investor reports, over 10 million businesses actively advertise on their platforms, including most major retailers.

About Using Facebook Groups

Q: Is it safe to post in Facebook groups? Yes, as long as you follow the privacy guidelines in this guide. Never share your exact address or phone number publicly. Only share those details in private messages with people you've vetted.

Q: What if no one responds to my post? The group might not have many service providers in it. Try posting in a different local group, or try a slightly different time (weekday mornings often get more responses).

Q: How do I know if someone is trustworthy? Check their profile, look for reviews on their business page, search for their name in local groups, ask for insurance and license information, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, move on to another provider.

Q: Should I always pick the cheapest bid? Not necessarily. Consider how professional they are, whether they're properly insured, and whether they have good reviews. Sometimes paying a bit more for a vetted professional saves you headaches.

Q: What if I hire someone and they do bad work or damage my property? This is why insurance verification is so important. If they have liability insurance, file a claim. You can also file complaints with state licensing boards (for licensed trades), take them to small claims court, report them to Facebook to protect others, and warn the community by posting about your experience in the group. See the "What If Something Goes Seriously Wrong?" section for full details.

About Facebook Accounts

Q: I'm worried about privacy. Is Facebook safe? With the right settings, yes. Follow the privacy setup steps in this guide. Don't accept friend requests from strangers. Don't share personal information in public posts.

Q: My children/grandchildren say Facebook is "for old people." Should I use something else? For these money-saving strategies, Facebook is actually the best option. It has the largest local groups and the Ad Library feature. Use whatever works for you.

Q: What if I forget my password? On the Facebook login page, click "Forgot password?" and follow the steps. They'll send a reset link to your email or phone.

Q: Can I use Facebook without my family seeing my activity? Yes. With the privacy settings described in this guide, your posts will only be visible to friends (or you can set them to "Only me"). You can participate in groups without posting on your own timeline.

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Quick Reference: Key Steps

To Find Hidden Discount Codes:

1. Go to facebook.com/ads/library
2. Search for the company you're buying from
3. Browse their ads for coupon codes
4. Write down any codes you find
5. Try the codes at checkout

To Get Competitive Bids on Services:

1. Join local Facebook groups (search for "[Your City] Community" or similar)
2. Post your job description without revealing your address
3. Wait for providers to respond
4. Check each responder's profile and reviews before engaging
5. Send private messages to promising candidates
6. Verify insurance and licensing before hiring
7. Compare offers and choose the best overall option (not just cheapest)

To Check Reviews on a Business:

1. Search for the business on Facebook
2. Go to their business page
3. Look for the "Reviews" tab
4. Read both positive and negative reviews
5. See how the business responds to complaints

To Save Money on Facebook Marketplace:

1. Search for items you need
2. Filter by location to find local sellers
3. Check the seller's profile and marketplace history
4. Message to ask questions and negotiate
5. Meet safely (public places for small items, bring someone for large items)
6. Inspect before paying

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Final Thoughts

The strategies in this guide—using the Ad Library, posting in community groups, using Marketplace, and participating in local deal-sharing—take a little time to learn but can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

The Ad Library trick works because companies show different ads to different people, and you can view all of them. The group bidding strategy works because it puts you in control and makes providers compete for your business. Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups give you access to used items at significant savings or even free.

None of these approaches require you to be a technology expert. You just need to know where to look and what questions to ask.

Start small. Next time you're about to make an online purchase over $50, spend 3 minutes checking the Ad Library. Next time you need a service like pressure washing or lawn care, try posting in a local group instead of just calling one company. When you need furniture or household items, check Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups before buying new.

You might be surprised how much you save.

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Sources and Further Reading

• Meta Ad Library: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - Online Shopping and Advertising: https://www.ftc.gov
• Meta Transparency Center: https://transparency.fb.com
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Contractor Vetting Guide
• American Bar Association - Small Claims Court Information
• Pew Research Center - "Social Media Use in 2024"
• National Retail Federation - Digital Advertising Research