Things I like: Amazon Prime -- grab your free trial

Amazon Prime: free 30 day trial. As with all trials, I recommend setting a cancellation reminder on whatever calendar solution you use, about 3 days in advance of the trial's expiration. (You are using a calendar, aren't you?) But here's the truth: if you value the convenience of guilt-free ordering from Amazon that includes free 2-day shipping (on darn near everything), you're likely to get the annual fee's worth out of this.

Note to self: publish my calculations on how much I saved last year in shipping after the annual membership fee. (And that doesn't even begin to speak to how much gas I didn't guzzle running around town.)

Bonus material's you'll enjoy: Amazon will comp book rentals (think your local library gone digital -- except better selection and quality) and provide you with unlimited streaming of their Instant Video library. (I'm a little underwhelmed by this, but the selection is getting better every year and frankly if you have a device that plays nicely with this feature, it can quickly and easily expand your access to feature films over and above what comes with your Netflix subscription.

So sign up and in a few weeks come back and comment on your take.