How to Get Money for an XBOX 360

Do you want the XBOX 360? If you're more a PS3 or Nintendo Wii fan, then this how-to guide will apply to you as well. Since I'm an owner of the XBOX 360, this article is written from that perspective. With this strategy, you should have an XBOX 360 in your hands in the next 90 days or less. Here we go...

If you want a brand new XBOX 360, you can either beg, steal, buy, or win one. This article does not endorse stealing in any way. As to begging? Well, feel free to try that, but this author can't provide any advice there, since you'll be competing with people begging for things far more significant and worthy - like food, shelter, etc. That leaves buying one or winning one.

1. Search for a contest

Scour the local classified ads, the Internet, and ask as many friends and acquaintances as you possibly can for any information whatsoever concerning a contest for a free video game system -- especially a free XBOX 360 (assuming that is your system of choice).

Chances are that you will find several options on the Internet whereby you can sign up for several consumer offers and enlist friends and acquaintances to do the same. By doing this, you earn points toward receiving a free XBOX 360. I know a friend who did this - enlisting the help of family and friends - and who was able to give his kids a brand new XBOX 360 for Christmas!

The disadvantage with the above approach is that you will be spammed (since your email - and that of your friends who participate) will be fair game to Internet marketers who buy, sell, and rent email lists. Another drawback is that you will have to enroll as a customer in a few programs, like Netflix, book of the month clubs, etc. And so will your friends. You won't have to stay in these clubs or programs permanently, but you do need to remain with them for a set period of time - whatever they require.

If the above drawbacks don't turn you off, then this is an option. Otherwise, you want to find a local contest - a drawing or something - that will give you a chance to win a video game system. These are sporadic, but they do come up. You just have to train yourself - and others who are willing to help you - to keep an eye out for them.

Examples of the above include local church youth groups, who will occasionally give out prizes (my church is about to give away a Nintendo Wii) for growth and attendance campaigns. In my case, I found an Internet discussion board contest that featured an XBOX 360 as a third prize. I worked hard - and won the XBOX 360!

These contests are much harder to find than the consumer program offers (mentioned earlier), but they do come up. You just have to be patient - and keep looking. Obviously, if you're willing to expand your timeline from 90 days to as much as six months or more, your chances of coming across something like this greatly improve.

2. Decide what system you need

This may seem like a no-brainer, but don't skip this step. You want a clear dollar figure in mind. And you need to figure this out carefully. Unless you win an XBOX 360 via a contest (see the above step), you are going to have to buy one. (Again, this author doesn't condone stealing or encourage begging). In terms of buying, you have three options:

Option #1: the XBOX 360 Arcade -- the entry-level option

Option #2: the standard XBOX 360 - the best option for casual gamers

Option #3: the XBOX 360 Elite - the only option for enthusiastic, hardcore gamers

Check your local Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Circuit City, video game store, etc. for prices. And you can comb the Internet for special deals. You're looking at a mid to high $200 price tag for the Arcade option and a price tag of just under $500 for the Elite.

So, how much do you want to spend? Decide - and write it down.

3. Decide what accessories and games you want

You're going to need some accessories (like a second controller) and a couple games to start with. Start pricing those on EBay, your local video game store, etc. Ask around your network of family, friends, acquaintances. There's no need to pay full price here, unless you're gung-ho about getting everything brand new.

Decide on what you want. Figure out the cost. Write it down.

4. Calculate the full cost and determine your timeline

Once you've priced your gaming system (which you should buy new) and your accessories and games (which you should buy used - in my opinion), you need to write down that number. Then, determine your timeline. Do you want to buy the system, accessories, and games in 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days?

This will be the baseline determinant for your plan. And now the real work begins...

5. Develop a money-making and savings plan - and then WORK THE PLAN!

Once you have your bottom-line number and your timeline written down, you need to put together a plan by which you can earn and/or save enough money within that timeline to buy your XBOX 360 and all the accessories and games you need.

Example...Let's say you are working with a number of $600 and a timeline of 3 months, you need a plan to earn and/or put aside at least $200 per month. If you are making enough money to easily save that each month, then you're on your way. If not, then you need to figure out how you can add to your income and build up a pot of money.

Here are some suggestions for your plan...

*Get a jar. Each and every day, put every extra coin you accumulate in your pocket into that jar. At the end of 3 months, you should have a nice chunk of change (pun intended) in that jar.

*If you're earning a regular paycheck, decide on a set amount of money you can take from that check to save up for the XBOX 360. Even if it's as little as $10 per check, that's a start.

*Skip some (or all) fast food and/or restaurant meals. If you want to raise the cash quickly, start packing a lunch or eating at home every chance you possibly can. You can save a lot of money this way. Put all the savings in your XBOX 360 pot.

*Sell as many old books, computer and/or video games, household items, etc. that you can part with. Sell them at a flea market, yard sale, on EBay, or wherever. But sell them. Get some cash for those items - and put the cash in your pot.

*Do you have an old video game system to trade in? If so, this can help also.

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*Offer your services to the community. Can you babysit? Mow yards? Rake leaves? Shovel snow? Wash cars? Get some flyers out to your neighborhood - and offer to do some manual labor work for pay.

There are just a handful of suggestions for your plan. As you can see, if you implement enough of these suggestions, you can have enough money put together in 30-90 days to buy yourself a brand new XBOX 360 with accessories and games.

Good luck!