Instructions
Go to your local stores and check in their clearance areas for almost expiring boxes of XBOX live gold memberships (I usually find them at Walmart in their clearance carts for like 20 dollars - thats a 30$ savings)
If you already have xbox live account that still hasn't expired you can get a free XBOX diamond card, this card gets you discounts at merchants stores like Target, you can use this discount to purchase a new subscription at a lower price. Hint if you use the Target subscription and purchase through Amazon you can often get free shipping too!
You can trade in games at your local Gamestop, and use the tradein value to get you a new Live card.
Sometimes AMAZON has bundle deals where you will get free points, and free live games, check places like www.dealnews.com to get deals on these bundles... If you never used a google checkout account your first purchase will often get you 10$ off at a google checkout store.