I'm used to checking the web for the yearly Google April Fool's prank, or listening to NPR for their too-outrageous-to-be-true April 1st story. But I have to admit, Starbucks snuck up on me. I started to read their press release about introducing new sizes in a limited number of U.S. and Canadian stores. And then I looked at the pictures. And then I laughed. I laughed hard. I laughed so hard that had I been drinking coffee, I'd be wearing it.

Congratulations, Starbucks. You made me snarf.

True confessions: I am a total video game hound. I like the hidden object games, the puzzle games, the arcade games, even the Lego series. If I had not found a way to get my video games relatively cheaply, my spouse would surely have gotten me an intervention by now. But since I have found ways, my marriage survives intact.

My favorite source for video games is Goozex. This website lets you trade the video games you've grown tired of for video games that you want. You're allocated points for every game you trade in; the points vary on how popular the game is. The nice thing is you can bank up your points and save them for the future; then, when a game shows up that you really want, you spend your points on that game. There is a downside. If you're someone who wants the new Zelda as soon as it comes out, this may not be the site for you. There are waiting lists for the most popular games, so it can take awhile for your name to make it to the top of the queue. But if you don't mind a wait, Goozex is the perfect way to reduce your stash and get the new games you want for free.

Another option is Gamefly. Gamefly operates alot like Netflix. For a monthly membership fee ($15.95 per month for one game at a time, $22.95 for two games), you can rent video games and play them as long as you want, returning them when you're done. This may be a good option for those who want the new releases as soon as they're released. But crunch the numbers before you decide whether this kind of membership is for you. A year's membership at the lowest price would be almost $200, the equivalent of 10 cheap $20 video games, or 4-5 more expensive video games. If you'd spend more than that in a year purchasing games, then this is a good bargain.

What other options have you all heard about for finding games on the cheap?

So what do I currently own that I have been willing to spend my hard-earned dollars on?

iPhone

Granted, this isn't exactly what one would call a "budget" item. But it has been worth every penny. When my prior phone contract ended, I was spending close to $50 a month for a phone that had no data plan, and whose only bells and whistles were a pretty nice calendar and contacts list. So yeah, I'm willing to spend $30 more a month for a phone that has become nigh indispensable to my daily life. Watch for a post soon on my favorite iPhone apps.

Flip Video Ultra

I found a refurbished Flip Ultra for $70. Consider the following. The video camera we owned prior to the Flip (and which my husband still prefers, frankly) gets dragged out on rare occasion - the recitals, school programs, etc. Once I got the Flip, however, it's so portable that I use it to tape pretty much all the time. The kids riding bikes out in the alley? Check. Opening presents Christmas morning? Check. I love that you can send video postcards through the Flip website; it added an easy and fun way to send out Christmas thank-you notes.

Wii

Our Nintendo Wii has gotten so much play over the two years that we've had it, that I figure it's pretty much paid for itself. Especially since I use it as a home gym using a lot of its exercise software. Trust me - a $30 Wii software exercise program is far more inexpensive than a gym membership. Plus, you don't have to worry about if your exercise clothes have holes, or if you're sweating like a pig. Your Wii will never talk back to you (although the Wii Fit will tell you if you're overweight). Look for a posting soon on the best Wii exercise programs.

I'm sure I'll think of more things to come. In the meantime, 'fess up - What are your favorite gadgets?

If you're reading this post, then you hopefully have something in common with me: you love all things gadgety, but perhaps also like me, you don't have the money to buy everything that sings its siren call to you.

If this describes you, then we have much to talk about, my friends. Because I am like a ferret at sniffing out deals, and I always do my homework. If I am going to shell out money which I should be putting into my retirement account or other responsible venue, then I am going to be darn certain that what I am getting is the best that my limited wallet can afford.

And I want to hear from you all as well. What's the most you've ever spent on a device, whether it's a netbook, video camera, smartphone or the like? Was it a good investment for you?

I'm looking forward to having some great conversations and helping you find some great deals. Oh, and just maybe I can win the iPad as well. That'd be nice for my wallet.