If you have your postal cost estimated, let’s continue with the additional costs of getting started in sweepstakes. There are certain staple supplies you will need to purchase so you are always ready for whatever contest you come across. Some contests are very short running, or one entry per day and you don’t want to miss even one opportunity.

The costs listed below will help you establish your budget. Keep in mind, these costs are monthly estimates. Contest publications listed, are based on an estimated $48 a year, which is divided by twelve months.

If you are a Freshman Sweeper
1 Contest Publication $ 4.00
100 3x5 Index Cards $ .50
100 3x5 Paper $ .50
100 Envelopes-Assorted Sizes $ 4.00
10 Postcards $ 3.00
1 Pen $ 2.00
100 Stamps $ 42.00
Total Costs for 1 Month $ 56.00

If you’re sights are set a little bit higher, you’re a Moderate

1 Contest Publication $ 4.00
200 3x5 Index Cards $ 1.00
200 3x5 Paper $ 1.00
200 Envelopes-Assorted Sizes $ 8.00
20 Postcards $ 6.00
1 Pen $ 2.00
200 Stamps $ 84.00
Total Costs for 1 Month $106.00

If you are a high roller, you’re a Big Boy

1 Contest Publication $ 4.00
400 3x5 Index Cards $ 2.00
400 3x5 Paper $ 2.00
400 Envelopes-Assorted Sizes $ 16.00
20 Postcards $ 8.00
1 Pen $ 2.00
400 Stamps $168.00
Total Costs for 1 Month $202.00

As you can see, when you list your costs on paper, sweepstaking takes on a whole new dimension. I just want to make sure you aren’t so hyped up, that you don’t take the time to consider what you are committing yourself to.

The wins you will accumulate over the years will more than cover your costs, as long as you are patient and persistent. No one likes to throw money away and I would not be singing the praises of sweepstaking if I had not personally prospered from it. I believe nothing in life is free and to get what you want in life, it is going to cost you something.

Sweepstaking will cost you financially, but when you get that first big win, it is all so worthwhile. You’d be surprised how you will change your lifestyle when you begin this great hobby. You may laugh, but I now look at everything in 42-cent increments. I glance at that glossy magazine calling to me in the check out line and then I quickly compute how many stamps I can buy with that $4.95. It’s a no-brainer for me. I know that a mere 42 cents can net me a photo shoot of my own, along with an all expense paid trip to New York, a luxurious day at a top notch spa and a new wardrobe to boot.

It’s all about choices and wise investments. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather invest in myself and what my future can be, than read in a magazine about someone else’s good fortune.

That woman you see holding up the check out line—that’s me, counting out my pennies!

I want to hear from you. Do you have some creative ideas for sweeping? Share your thoughts on the Contests and Sweepstakes forum.
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To find out more about Editor and Author Sandy Lovern, please visit www.engaged-devotional.com!