I know free weights and good diet would be the best for excerise with toning, but I don't have the time really for a good gym membership or money for that matter. I'm thinking about a Total Gym...anyone have an opinion on this machine?
i used something like that in the past. And i did notice a difference in my arms, but not so much with the rest of my body. ( i didn't use it a whole lot though) At first it's cool using your own weight, but eventually you will get stronger and the only thing you can do is raise it higher and higher. And if that's the case, shouldn't you be doing pull-ups on some cheap pull up bar you can setup in the frame of your door?
If you wanna get cut, maybe try Bowflex (with monthly payments since you're on a budget)
If you're looking for bigger all around, there all sorts of new home gyms for weights. I was originally gonna go with a Powertec Fitness Workbench. But i'm gonna do some more research. Some dealers in your area might be able to work out monthly payments for you.
