Layaway Plans - 2009 - BV on Money

It's that time again when the stores will be crowded with thousands of consumers all vying for the same toy, special sweater, hottest electronic device. How do you plan to purchase it?

The current crumbling economy has sparked interest in a form of retail purchasing that became popular in the early 1900s, that of Lay Away. How does it work? It's simple. You, the consumer would like to buy something but don't have the money. All you do is make installment payments on the merchandise. The merchant stocks your item away until your last payment. You receive it once your tab is paid in full. Of course this is different than a credit card purchase which allows you to take home your intended product and make payments while using it.Although stores like Walmart did away with this form of procurement years ago, Kmart stayed in the game. Stores currently offering layaway plans are:

Burlington Coat Factory (See policies here)
Kmart (See policies here)
Marshalls (at select locations - See policies here)
TJ Maxx (at select locations - See policies here)
AJ Wright (at select locations - See policies here)
Benny's (New England)
Sears (through December 23 - See policies here)
Cato - (offering 30-day plans - See policies here)
Men's Wearhouse (See policies here)
Boscov's (See policies here)
Footlocker (at select locations)
Best Buy (See policies here)
Dress Barn (See policies here)
Toys-R-Us (See policies here)

Plan on taking advantage of this service? Be sure to READ THE FINE PRINT.

1. Get a copy of the store's layaway policies
2. Understand ALL of the policies - schedule of payments, rules regarding late fees, refund and exchange policies, markdowns on sale items, etc.
3. Keep a good record and all receipts of payments (in case there are any disputes later).

Until you make all the payments, the store has your merchandise AND your money. For this reason, I prefer to use cash, debit or credit cards OVER layaway, any day. Assuming I can pay off the balance in a short period of time. It's true, credit card companies charge interest, therefore depending on the length of time it takes you to pay off the debt and the interest charged, your purchase which was originally on sale could potentially cost you much more in the end. However, I just can't bear the thought of someone using MY money while I have nothing to show for it. Also, sad to say in these critical times retailers are closing doors for good, left and right. If you have something on layaway, on which you've been faithfully making payments and the store closes, you're out your goods as well as your cash. Of course the choice is yours.

If you know of other stores, please let us know in your comments.

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Cheap, Great Gifts for $5

The gifts are inexpensive, festive, fun and cool! Didn't know you could get all that for five bucks? Read on for all the shopping details.

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Cheap, Great Gifts for $5

DVDs

Much like a book exchanges, giving funky movies and TV shows on DVD can be a great, and inexpensive way to share with your inner circle. Check you local Wal-Mart, among other retailers, to pin down great DVD bargains.

Creative Candle Garden

A candle garden is created by artfully arranging various types of candles on a plate (not pictured here), and accenting the design of this gift with colored pebbles or other touches. You can get really inventive with this item, taking findings common to most dollar stores and transforming them into a versatile and romantic offering. Women of all ages will love the look and scent of this votive decoration.

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Day Planner

You can find a day planner to suit the taste of almost every person on your holiday shopping list for as little as one dollar! Your chosen gift recipients will love getting an organizational tool the matches their favorite pastime or profession. Friends will love using your gift to get a jump on planning the new year.

Bath Gel and Lotion Set

Who can have enough bath gel or body lotion? Even men are jumping on the personal grooming bandwagon in recent years, making this gift applicable to both genders – as long as the scent is right! You can find this 12-piece gift set at Wal-Mart in stores for $14 and divide it into three gifts. Shop around online, or in your local outlets, to find more sets for a great price.

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Boxers

Interesting boxers make a versatile gift for men. You can go campy and funny for your dad, or silky for a love partner. These items are often available in sets for a low cost that can be divided to create individual gifts.

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Homemade Soap, Bath Salts & Lip Gloss

Most women love bath and body products, and home made versions of these pampering treats always seem extra special. Much like fresh baked cakes and cookies, the ingredients it takes to make these products are super-cheap, and you can make several gifts with one bulk purchase. You can create dozens of flavored lip glosses from a $3 jar of Vaseline, or two pretty jars of scented bath salts with a carton of Epsom salt. You major investment will be in the containers you choose for your creations,, but these can be had for pennies per gift.

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Puzzle Books

Puzzle Books make great gifts for travelers, children, and people who love to relax at home. There is really no limit to the kinds of puzzle books you can find for five dollars and less. Shop around to find just the right items for your favorite companions.

Soft Slippers

Soft slippers will make a welcome addition to any woman's winter wardrobe. As the economy shrinking is making for many more nights spent cuddling at home for entertainment, soft are a perfect complement to an evening of soothing snuggles.

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Custom-Printed Stainless Steel Water Bottle

What a great way to take care of your whole holiday list at once. If you buy 25 or more pieces from Discountmugs.com, you can give a custom-printed stainless steel water bottle to all your family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends for five dollars or less (the more you buy). The custom saying you print on the bottle will be a positive reminder of your feelings for your loved ones every time they take a sip.

Five Below Sports Items

Get a variety of cheap gifts for all the sports fans on your list at a wonderful site for thrifty shoppers called Five Below. This site features an array of wonderful items from a wide variety of teams, all for five bucks or less!

http://www.fivebelow.com/sports