Last week I celebrated the big four-O. For you young ones: don't sweat it. Not only was it painless (except for the tattoo), it was fun!

But that's not why I'm writing. This message is for the penny-pinching, coupon-clipping, trashcan-diving (Kelly!) masses...the ones that appreciate finding a good deal and getting things for free. Beginning a week or so before my birthday, I started getting email notifications and coupons in the mail wishing me well and offering up savings. Banana Republic sent two $15 off coupons and Sephora emailed a reminder to pick up my free 2.5 oz Vanilla Cupcake Bath & Shower Bubbles. And the coupons are still coming!

Spoofee.com has a comprehensive list of restaurants offering free food or service on your birthday. You should check with the restaurant before ordering, just in case. Cold Stone Creamery will send you a coupon for free ice cream on your big day just for creating an account...so will Baskin-Robbins. If you have kids, register for coupons at Chuck E. Cheese and they will email you a coupon for 20 free tokens on your child's big day.

Make sure you register several months prior to your birthday so you can reap the rewards of having survived another year. There aren't a lot of benefits to getting older, you might as well take what you can get. Enjoy! And Happy Birthday!