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The Business Tools I've Used & Recommended Since 1978

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I've been building businesses since 1978, from my first Cuddle Carriers baby carrier business and Born to Love baby products to Frugal Freebies today. Along the way, I've learned how much the right tool can change the way you work. This is my collect...
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 (AD) This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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🖥️ Essential Business Tools

I've been running businesses for decades, and I've learned that the right tools can save an incredible amount of time, money and frustration. These are tools I use, have used, or think are worth knowing about, from social media scheduling and automat...

 
catherine watt profile picture
Facebook group posting was eating up way too much of my day, so I started using MultiGroupPoster to automate some of the repetitive work. 

It schedules posts across multiple groups with natural pacing, Spintax variations, and built-in safety features. 

It's already saving me a LOT of manual posting time, and the developer's support has been fantastic! (ad)
MultiGroupPoster: Save Time Posting to Facebook Groups
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catherine watt profile picture
CinchShare has been one of my biggest time-savers for years. 

I use it to batch and schedule my social media posts across multiple accounts, so I can sit down, get everything loaded, and let CinchShare handle the posting for me. 

On a busy day, I can schedule well over 100 posts in a surprisingly short amount of time. 

I especially love being able to organize my content into folders, reuse evergreen posts, store images, and schedule everything from one place. 

If you run a blog, deal site or social media business and feel like posting is taking over your life, this is one of the tools I genuinely couldn't imagine giving up. (ad)
The tool that saves me HOURS of social media posting
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catherine watt profile picture
I used PostMyParty for years to batch and schedule my Facebook content, and it saved me a ton of repetitive posting work. 

I eventually moved to other tools, but PostMyParty has continued to evolve and now offers Virtual Pop-Ups outside of Facebook. 

It includes scheduling, reusable content, live stream links, engagement tools and other features designed specifically for social sellers and online parties. 

I don't currently use PostMyParty myself, but if online parties or social selling are part of your business, it's definitely an option worth exploring.
PostMyParty: Take Your Online Parties Beyond Facebook
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catherine watt profile picture
I used Geniuslink for years, primarily to make sure international shoppers were sent to the right Amazon store. 

It was especially useful before Amazon offered more of its own localization tools. Geniuslink has grown into a much bigger affiliate link-management platform, with features like link localization, Amazon Link Health, Choice Pages, deep linking, detai... 

I no longer use it myself because my needs changed and I was cutting recurring costs, but for creators and affiliate marketers who need more advanced link management and optimization, Geniuslink is still worth checking out.
Geniuslink: Smarter Affiliate Links for Global Shoppers
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catherine watt profile picture
If you use Word, Excel and the other familiar Microsoft Office programs but hate adding another monthly subscription, this is worth a look. 

I use Microsoft Office constantly for my business, so having the option to buy it once instead of paying month after month definitely appeals to me. 

This version includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021, and there's currently a big discount available for U.S. customers. (ad)
Microsoft Office Without the Monthly Subscription
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catherine watt profile picture
There is nothing more frustrating than a computer that gets slower and slower, especially when you rely on it for work. 

System Mechanic is designed to clean up the clutter and common problems that can bog down a PC and help get it running better again. 

I happen to have my own in-house tech support, so Josh usually gets handed my computer when something goes wrong. 😂 

But if you don't have a "Josh," this could be a much cheaper thing to try before deciding you need a new computer. 

It's currently discounted to $19.99 for U.S. customers. (ad)
Before You Replace That Slow PC...
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catherine watt profile picture
Software upgrades can get expensive surprisingly fast, so whenever I come across a legitimate-looking deal that makes one more affordable, I take notice. 

If you've been meaning to upgrade a compatible PC to Windows 11 Pro but haven't wanted to spend $199 to do it, this offer is currently just $9.97. 
It's one I'd tuck away for the next time you're upgrading or setting up a computer. 

Available to U.S. customers. (ad)
An Affordable Way to Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro
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catherine watt profile picture
This is one of those tools I wish I had known about sooner. 

When my husband developed dementia, I suddenly had to take over things he had always handled. 

I needed to figure out passwords, bills he was paying, accounts, important documents and all those little pieces of information that one person in a family just knows. 

It was a lot to sort through at an already difficult time. 

That's why Quicken LifeHub caught my attention. 

It gives families one secure place to organize important information like passwords, financial accounts, bills, insurance, medical records, IDs and documents, and share access with the people they trust. 

Having something like this already set up would have made things so much easier for me. 

It's not something we like to think about, but making sure the people we love can find the information they need someday really is a gift to them. 

Quicken LifeHub is currently 50% off. (ad)
Quicken LifeHub: Something I Wish We'd Had
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catherine watt profile picture
When I started my baby carrier business, there was no printing postage from your computer. There weren't even computers in our homes! 😂 

My business was completely mail-order, so I would load the parcels into a wagon, strap little Josh in, and we'd walk everything down to the post office to mail it. 

Eventually my business grew enough that the post office came to us to pick up the parcels. 

But we still had to make regular trips there to have our postage meter filled. 

So when I look at something like Stamps, I can't help thinking how much easier this would have made my life! 

Today's small businesses can print postage and shipping labels right from home, arrange package pickups and skip all those trips to the post office. 

If you're running an online business that ships physical products, this is the kind of time-saver I would have LOVED to have. 

They're currently offering a 30-day trial with a $100+ sign-up offer.  (ad)
Stamps.com: I Wish We'd Had This for My Mail-Order Business!
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💰 Affiliate Marketing Tools, Programs & Resources

Affiliate marketing has been part of my online business for years, and I've learned that the right programs and tools can make a huge difference. These are platforms I use, have tried, or think are worth knowing about, from affiliate networks and CPC...

 
catherine watt profile picture
I honestly use ChatGPT for so many different parts of my business now. After decades of running businesses and Frugal Freebies since 2008, I have plenty of experience and ideas. 

What I don't always have is enough time to turn every one of those ideas into something useful! 

I use ChatGPT to help me brainstorm content, improve social posts, work through new ideas, organize projects, research possibilities, write descriptions, troubleshoot problems, and sometimes just help me figure out what I should tackle next. 

What I like most is that I can start with a half-formed idea and work on it until it actually sounds like me. 

I don't use it to replace my experience or voice. I use it to help me do more with them. 

If you're running a business, creating content, or simply have more ideas than hours in the day, ChatGPT is one of the tools I'd definitely recommend exploring.
ChatGPT: My Everyday Brainstorming & Business Assistant
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catherine watt profile picture
I've been using JoyLink since April 2025 as another tool for finding and sharing Amazon deals. 

What I like most is having so much in one place. I can browse deals and promo codes, create trackable links, organize them into folders, and see exactly how many clicks each link gets. 

Their Deal Catalog is especially handy when I'm looking for something worth sharing because I can filter offers by discount, coupons, promo codes, price drops, and even commission opportunities. 

JoyLink also has some interesting tools I haven't really taken advantage of yet, including AI post creation, DM automation, and additional commission opportunities. 

One thing I always like to be transparent about: while I've used JoyLink and generated clicks with it, I haven't earned anything from JoyLink itself yet. 

So I'm recommending it as a useful tool I've actually tried, not promising it'll magically increase your income. 😂 

If you share Amazon deals or work with affiliate links, it's definitely worth exploring. (ad)
JoyLink: One of My Favorite Tools for Finding Amazon Deals
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catherine watt profile picture
I've been using Benable to organize all the things I'm constantly recommending anyway, from business tools and money-saving resources to products and favorite finds. 

What I really like is that instead of recommendations disappearing into old Facebook posts, I can build organized lists that people can come back to whenever they need them. 

And because Benable works with thousands of brands and retailers, some recommendations can earn commissions when someone makes a purchase. 

And apparently my Benable invite link has a life of its own. 😂 

More than 200 people have joined through my link, even though I haven't actively promoted it in ages. 

I'm still trying to figure out where everyone is finding me! 

You don't need to be an influencer to use it, either. 

If you're the person your friends are always asking, "Where did you get that?" or "What do you recommend?", Benable gives you one place to save and share those answers. 

My invite link lets you skip the waitlist and get started: benable.com/i/8W1PE  (ad)
Benable: Turn Your Recommendations Into Shareable, Money-Making Lists
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catherine watt profile picture
I've been using CactusMedia to find affiliate offers I can share on Frugal Freebies, and this is one network that has actually produced income for me. 

What I like most is the variety. 

Their dashboard has offers for well-known brands and services in categories ranging from shopping and entertainment to software, subscriptions and more. 

Each offer shows the payout and where it's available, so I can quickly see which ones might be a good fit for my audience. 

One important thing I've learned: many of the offers are US-only, but there are a few that are available to other parts of the world. 

I regularly find offers worth sharing, and CactusMedia has become one of the affiliate networks I continue to check. (ad)

If you're building a website or monetizing content, it's another affiliate network worth exploring. 

Your results will depend on your audience and the offers you promote.
CactusMedia: An Affiliate Network I Actually Earn From
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catherine watt profile picture
I think Mavely is a great place to start if you're new to affiliate marketing and aren't sure how to get approved by individual brands yet. 

Getting accepted into some affiliate programs can be difficult when you're just starting out. 

With Mavely, you can join once and get access to a huge selection of participating brands and promotions all in one place, including major retailers like Walmart. 

I especially like that you can browse current promotions, search by category or brand, create your links, and start sharing without having to apply to every individual affiliate program separately. 

It's a much less intimidating way to get your feet wet with affiliate marketing! (ad)
Mavely: An Easy Way to Get Started With Affiliate Marketing
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catherine watt profile picture
CPC programs are probably my favorite way to earn online, because I don't have to wait for someone to actually buy something! 😂 

That's what caught my attention about SpeeDough. Instead of a traditional affiliate program where I only earn when a click turns into a sale, 

SpeeDough uses a cost-per-click (CPC) model. I can create links to products and offers from their participating partners, share them with my audience, and earn from qualifying clicks. 

I especially like being able to browse the different partners and see the estimated earnings per click before deciding what I want to share. 

If you're already sharing deals, products, or recommendations with an audience, this is another monetization option worth looking at, especially if you love CPC programs as much as I do! 

📌 Note: SpeeDough requires at least 500 followers to join. (ad)
SpeeDough: Why I Love Getting Paid for Clicks, Not Just Sales
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catherine watt profile picture
What caught my attention about The Scoop Troop wasn't just the commission. 

It was all the extras I could actually share with my audience! 

The Scoop Troop is the affiliate program for Denise Albright products, including planners, stickers, organizational products and other fun tools. 

And since freebies are kind of my thing, I was especially happy to discover they also provide free digital downloads I can share. 

I really need to start taking better advantage of those! 😂 

There are some nice perks for affiliates, too. 

You can earn up to 20% on purchases, give your followers a 20% off coupon, and even receive a 20% discount for your own purchases. (ad)

They also have a referral component, so you can earn when people you refer join the program and generate sales. 

If your audience is into planners, organization, budgeting, printables or colorful stationery, this could be a fun affiliate program to explore. (ad)
The Scoop Troop: An Affiliate Program With Perks I Can Actually Share
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catherine watt profile picture
Finding affiliate programs as a Canadian creator can be frustrating! 🇨🇦 

I've lost count of how many interesting affiliate programs and offers I've found over the years, only to discover they're available in the U.S. but not Canada. 

That's why I thought this roundup was worth saving. 

UpPromote put together a list of 18 affiliate programs for Canadian creators and publishers, with options to explore if you're looking for new ways to monetize your content. 

If you're just getting started with affiliate marketing, or you're like me and always looking for another program that actually welcomes Canadians 😂, this is a handy resource for discovering some possibilities you may not have considered. 

Just remember that affiliate programs, commissions and requirements can change, so I always check the individual program before applying.
🇨🇦 18 Canadian Affiliate Programs to Explore in 2026
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⏰ Save Time at Home

Some days, the best thing you can buy yourself is a little more time! These are some of my favorite ways to make meals and grocery shopping easier, from grocery delivery and meal kits to ready-to-heat meals and those nights when ordering dinner is ab...

 
catherine watt profile picture
I really learned to appreciate grocery delivery when our whole household came down with COVID and none of us could get out to shop. 

Home grocery delivery was still fairly new to us then, and suddenly it wasn't just a convenience. It was a lifesaver! 

Since then, I've ordered groceries online plenty of times when life was too busy, I couldn't get out that day, or I simply didn't feel like spending my time wandering around a store. 

Walmart InHome takes that convenience even further. 

Eligible Walmart+ members can have groceries and everyday essentials delivered to their home, with no tipping required. 

Depending on the service available in your area, InHome can even deliver inside your garage, kitchen or refrigerator. (ad)

I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for someone to come in and put my groceries away for me 😂... but these days I have Rob and Josh for that part anyway! 

For busy families, caregivers, people with mobility challenges, or those days when getting to the store simply isn't happening, I can definitely see why this service would be helpful.
⏰ Walmart InHome: Grocery Delivery When You Just Can't Get Out
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catherine watt profile picture
There are days when figuring out what to make for dinner feels like one more decision I just don't want to make! 😂 

That's why I like the idea behind Dinnerly. 
Dinnerly delivers meal kits right to your door, with 100+ recipes to choose from each week, including family-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, quick, healthy and reduced-carb options. 

🍽️ Plenty of weekly recipes to choose from 
💰 Budget-friendly Saver recipes 
🔄 Customize select meals by swapping proteins 
✨ Premium recipes when you want something a little special 
📦 Ingredients delivered so there's less shopping and planning 

For busy weeks when meal planning, grocery shopping and figuring out “What on earth are we having for dinner?” is one job too many, this could make life a whole lot easier. (ad)
Dinnerly: An Easier Way to Get Dinner on the Table
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catherine watt profile picture
I love anything that takes one more decision off my plate at the end of the day. 

With Marley Spoon, you choose your meals and the ingredients arrive at your door, so there's less meal planning, grocery shopping and wondering what to make for dinner. 

They offer 100+ recipes each week, with choices for different tastes and lifestyles, including meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan, quick, healthy, family-friendly, low-carb and gluten-free options. 
🍴 Lots of recipes to choose from each week 
🔄 Customize select meals by swapping proteins 
💰 Saver recipes offer lower-cost options 
✨ Premium recipes when you want something a little more special 
📦 Everything you need delivered right to your door 

This feels like a nice middle ground between “I want a home-cooked dinner” and “I really don't want to plan the home-cooked dinner.” 😂 (ad)
🍴 Marley Spoon: Make Dinner Easier With Martha Stewart-Inspired Meal Kits
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catherine watt profile picture
If you've ever tried to make one dinner that everyone in the family will actually eat, you know the struggle! 😂 

Home Chef's Family Menu is designed to make those busy-night dinners a little easier. 

You can skip some of the meal planning and grocery shopping and have family-friendly meals delivered right to your door. 
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Meals designed with families and picky eaters in mind 
⏰ Less shopping, planning and meal-prep stress 
👧 Kids Eat Free 

I especially like this idea for those weeks when everyone is busy and you still want to put a home-cooked meal on the table without making dinner your evening project. (ad)
🍽️Home Chef Family Menu: Easier Dinners for Busy Families
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catherine watt profile picture
Some days you want something healthier than takeout, but you also don't want to shop, prep ingredients and spend the evening cooking. 

That's where Mosaic Foods caught my attention. 

They deliver chef-crafted, plant-based meals that are packed with veggies and ready to heat when you need something quick. 
🥦 Plant-based and veggie-packed 
🍲 Chef-created meals with lots of variety 
⏰ Quick and convenient for busy days 
📦 Delivered so you can keep easy meals on hand 
🧽 Very little prep or cleanup 

I especially like the idea of having a few of these tucked away for those "I need food, but I absolutely do not feel like cooking" days. 😂 (ad)
🥦Mosaic Foods: An Easy Way to Keep Plant-Based Meals on Hand
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