Frugal Column October 16, 2011

Layaway plans are back for the consumer just in time for holiday shopping. I remember as a little girl going with my mother into the store where she would pay a little bit towards her holiday presents purchase. Layaway started to phase out when stores started offering their own store credit cards. This allowed consumers to overspend making millions for retailers. What is layaway? It’s putting money down on items at the store that are then saved for you in the storeroom allowing you to make payments over time. Interest isn’t charged but some stores do charge a nominal layaway fee of around $5. With consumer budgeting and wallet tightening, layaway looks to be a popular option.

Here are some tips for buying on layaway:

· Be realistic in what you can afford over time and that is what you should put on layaway.
· Make sure you keep a record of your payments. (Staple your receipts to your original receipt)

· Get a copy of the store’s layaway policies and staple to your original receipt.

· When making a payment towards your layaway remember do not buy anything you don’t need when you enter the store. Just go in and out.

Kmart Layaway Program http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/dap_10151_10104_DAP_Kmart+Layaway?skwcid=TC20080kmart/layawayS7746783657&sid=KSx20070515x00001a&psid=42x2887481
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
$20 or 10% deposit (whichever is greater).
Layaway contracts may be initiated online with eligible products identified.
Contracts are 8-weeks. For purchases of $300 or more, a 12-week option is available in-store.
8-week contracts require (4) payments. 12-week contracts require (6) payments.
May make online or in-store payments.
Must make payments every two weeks.
$15 cancellation fee.
Cancelled layaway customers will receive a refund of all payments made minus the service and cancellation fees.$5 for 8-week contract and $10 for 12-week contract.

Sears Layaway Program- http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Sears+Layaway?sid=ISx20070515x00001a&psid=13x31273#tab2
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
$20 or 20% deposit (whichever is greater).
Layaway contracts may be initiated online with eligible products identified.
Contracts are 8-weeks. For purchases of $400 or more, a 12-week option is available in-store.
8-week contracts require (4) payments. 12-week contracts require (6) payments.
May make online or in-store payments.
Must make payments every two weeks.
$15 cancellation fee.

Toys R Us Layaway program- http://www.toysrus.com/helpdesk/index.jsp?display=payment&subdisplay=options#layaway
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
Only available on select merchandise. Check website.
20% deposit.
50% of total payment must be made within 45 days of layaway initiation date.
Total must be paid within 3 months of Holiday Cutoff date.
Merchandise will be made available within 14 days of final payment.
Any changes in the layaway will result in the cancellation of all merchandise in layaway.
$10-$25 cancellation fee (amount is dependent upon state the layaway is initiated).
Cancelled layaway customers will receive a refund of all payments made minus the service and cancellation fees.$5 for 8-week contract and $10 for 12-week contract.

Walmart Layaway program- http://www.walmart.com/cp/Layway/1088466
Valid between October 17 – December 16.
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
10% deposit.
Layaway total must be $50 or more and only available on on toys or electronics.
Each item must be worth at least $15.
Total payment must be made by December 16.
$10 cancellation fee.
Cancelled layaway customers will receive a refund of all payments made minus the service and cancellation fees.

Burlington Coat Factory Layaway program- http://corporate.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/store_policies.shtml
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
Pay a 20% deposit.
Additional 20% payment must be made within 14 days of layaway initiation date.
$10 cancellation fee.
Refunds as a result of cancellations or return of layaway merchandise will be placed on a store gift card.
No cash refunds will be made.

Marshall’s Layaway program- http://www1.marshallsonline.com/tjx/faqresults.asp?topic=198
$5 non-refundable initiation fee.
10% deposit.
30-day contract.
Not eligible on jewelry and clearance items

There’s a NEW Crock-Pot Rebate at Meijer! Just buy any Crock-Pot priced $24.99+ before 11/30/11 and $5.00 mail-in-rebate form will print at the register. Same offer is being made at Kroger’s.

From now until October 31, 2011, you can get $10 back on your OfficeDepot.com order when you check out with your American Express Card. Simply enroll your eligible Card and start shopping. They will automatically credit your statement. https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/en/OfficeDepot10/

Spend $10 on a combination of Milky Way or Life Savers Gummies to receive a Chocolate Cupcake Body Lotion from Dylan’s Candy Bar. Mail original receipt including your name and address to PEOPLE Halloween Treats, P.O. Box 4928, New York, NY 10185.

Upload and tag photos for points when you earn 20 points and receive a FREE Planning Calendar from Snapfish. Expires on November 15th. http://fall.snapfish.com/

Enjoy a savings up to $10 on Playtex Diaper Genie. http://www.playtexbaby.com/DGCoupon

Receive a $10 reward (your choice of prepaid card or donation) from Energizer when you collect three codes from participating Energizer brand products. https://www.facebook.com/EnergizerBunny?sk=app_110787638986451

You could receive a $150 Fiesta Pack from Nestle products. Nestle is looking to help 300 people who will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner at their home on November 24. Hosts will receive a large Thanksgiving Fiesta Pack. https://www.facebook.com/ElMejorNido?sk=app_214282628604143

Get your limited edition Healthy Pop Pedometer from Jolly Time Popcorn. Just send in two Jolly Time Pop Corn proofs of purchase with $2.99 for shipping and handling. https://www.jollytime.com/promotions/three

Pemmican Beef Jerky is giving you 24 bags of free jerky all year long. For every bag you purchase, they will give you a free bag, up to 24 bags in total. 2 bags per month. http://www.youbuywebuypemmican.com/

Go into any Chipotle after 6pm this Halloween dressed in a costume inspired by The Family Farm (think farmers, animals etc.) and you can get a burrito, bowl, salad or an order of tacos for only $2. http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/html/boorito.html

Today only deal: Helzberg Diamonds is giving you $25 off a $25 or more purchase when you enter promotional code LOVE. You also will receive a free jewelry travel case when you enter promotional code 28 ($20 value). You do have to pay shipping and taxes but could make a great present. http://www.helzberg.com/category/clearance/clearance/shop+all+clearance.do?sortby=priceAscend&sortType=1

Don’t forget about the free haircut at your local Ultra Salon with a $10 donation to breast cancer. http://www.ulta.com/salon/ultasalonhaircare.html

FLU SHOTS:
CVS is offering free flu shot vouchers for existing patients who lack health insurance while supplies last. Voucher is redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy. http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvscontent/landingpages/rx/rx11021_flu/clinic.pdf

Get your flu shot at Rite Aid and you will receive a free coupon book with $100 in coupon savings. http://www5.riteaid.com/pharmacy/get_your_flu_shot

Buy any one Lysol product and receive $5 towards your flu shot www.lysol.com/flufree123