How I earned $200 from doing nothing

My Amazon.com trade in program was a success!  In fact, they actually upgraded the status of a number of my DVDs - thus earning me more money.  My Amazon.com account now has a balance of $177.00 and I have much more (and greatly needed) room on my bookshelves.  I also have the option of trading in my Swagbucks for an additional $25 in Amazon.com credit.  This money allows me a lot of freedom.  I can save it for Christmas, use it to fund upcoming birthdays, or treat myself to a new handbag or Kindle Fire.  Suffice to say that for now it's just sitting there (and the balance never expires.)

If you want to take advantage of this great program, it's easy - and best of all - free!

• Go to www.amazon.com
• You will need to log into your account.  If you don't have one, you can create one for free.
• Once you have logged in, click on the "Your Amazon Trade-In Account" link listed on the right hand side.
• Click on the "Trade-In Store" link that best describes your item (Book, DVD, etc...)
• Look up your item (by ISBN or title)
• Select the condition of your item (good, like new, brand new)
• Continue process until all your trade-ins are selected
• After your items have been submitted for trade in, print out your packing slip and pre-paid shipping label
• Box up your items, place the packing slip on the inside, and tape the label to the outside
• Drop off at your local UPS or USPS location
• Wait for your money to appear!  (Typically 7-10 days after shipping)
• If for any reasons your items aren't accepted, they will send them back to you free of charge!  Really you have NOTHING to lose by doing this.

Right now there is another great promotion going on.  Trade in $25 worth of DVDs/BluRays and receive an additional $10 Amazon.com Instant Video credit for free!  

Trade in $25 of Blu-Rays or DVDs and Receive a $10 Amazon Instant Video Discount

To Receive Your Discount:

1. Trade-in at least $25 of Blu-ray discs or DVDs on Amazon.com. For instructions about how to trade-in these items, click here. The value of trade-in items is determined by Amazon.com after receipt and verification through the trade-in program.

2. Complete your trade-in (including receipt and verification by Amazon.com) no later than 11:59 pm (PST), January 23, 2012.

3. Your $10 promotional code will be sent to the e-mail address associated with your trade-in within 7 business days after the receipt and verification by Amazon.com of your trade-in items.

4. The code may be redeemed for Amazon Instant Video titles sold or rented by Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (“ADSI”). Certain titles may not be purchased or rented using promotional codes. Generally, these titles will be identified as such on their detail pages.

First money making idea of 2012

Okay, so my first thought for making money in the new year was to sell stuff I already have in the house.  Pawn Shops are out (the only one in my area gives me the creeps) and there really aren't any local avenues to explore for selling DVDs and books.  So, you might be asking, what is a girl to do?  Turn to Amazon.

Amazon's trade in program takes more than just used textbooks.  You can sell regular books, DVDs, books on CD and video games.  They also take electronics (iPods, cellphones, etc...)  While you don't get cash for your items, you do get Amazon.com credit.  This can be used for virtually everything on their site with the exception of purchasing gift cards.

To get started, visit www.amazon.com.  Once you've logged into your amazon.com account, you will need to click on the "trade-in" link.  From here it will walk you through the item selection process.  After you've selected your items, you will need to print out the packing slip and pre-paid postage label.  You can now box up your items and send them in for free to Amazon!

After Amazon receives your items, they will go through the verification process.  This typically takes about 2-3 business days after receipt of your items.  Once your items are approved, the money is automatically deposited in your www.amazon.com account.  This is a great way to earn money on item you have in your house that you no longer use.  Worried that once you ship your items, they won't take them?  Never fear!  If the status you select is not approved (is lower than what you stated) they will ship your items back to you for free.  Really, this program costs NOTHING besides the time to look & box up your items.

So far I've earned $53 on used textbooks, and am awaiting verification on sending in $119 worth of DVDs I'll never watch again.  I think I'll save this money to purchase the new Kindle Fire - or I could leave this in my Amazon.com account until December - Christmas presents taken care of!

Introduction

My name is Suzy, and in just over 393 days I'm going to be turning 30.  I've decided that 2012 will be my year for change.  So far I've created a new blog, signed up for the weight loss program at my local gym, and am planning on being debt free by December.  The first step to all these changes is being honest with myself.

I'm not rich, I don't come from a wealthy family, and generally have poor money management skills.  I've been married for 10 years to my wonderful husband Dale, have a 7 year old daughter named Samantha, two outside cats and a deranged bird.

Currently our savings includes .07 in our savings account, and just over $4000 in our 401k plan.  We are currently about $7000 in debt (including the outstanding balance on my car) and in our checking account we have just enough money to pay rent and feed ourselves for the next two weeks. I get paid twice a month, my husband gets paid every two weeks.  We don't have any stocks (besides what's in our 401k), no savings (aside from that seven cents), and are barely keeping our heads above water.

I also have a serious shopping addiction.  Clothes, shoes, household items - if it's on sale, it's going home with me.  This year, that's all going to change.  I would much rather have a full bank account than a full closet, and a stocked pantry instead of shelves full of shoes.  I follow a lot of money saving blogs, however I feel like a lot of it doesn't apply to me.  I don't homeschool my daughter, I don't make my own bread, and I'm not religious by any means.  I decided that I would start a blog that applies to people like me and my family - wanting to get ahead, but overcoming the desire to keep up with the Jonses.

Every day between now and January 30, 2013 I will be blogging my ideas and experiences when it comes to making money.  From clipping coupons to picking up pennies off the ground, every little bit helps. My readers will also play a large part in this year's outcome - from weight loss to money making, I want to hear your ideas!