Stretching their dollars will be more important than ever for many holiday shoppers this year. They're looking for bargains and finding new ways to save.
As we all try to deal with the new reality of cutting back during these tough times, we found that many shoppers are returning to some old ways of saving money. At Sears in Myrtle Beach, many shoppers are going back to an idea that was popular with consumers decades ago: the layaway plan. "There is a minimum fee that you have to pay that is not refundable, and then you have to make payments every two weeks towards your layaway until it's paid off," said store manager Tommy Pace.
Before you try layaway, the Better Business Bureau advises you to ask the store some questions. What happens if you miss a payment? Can you get a refund if you no longer want the item after you've made payments? What happens if the item goes on sale after you've put it on layaway?
If you decide layaway is right for you, it does help stretch your dollars, said Pace. "Gives customers a way to buy merchandise without actually having to pay for it the day they come into the store."
Here's another tip that's as old as shopping itself. Make a budget for the holidays and stick to it. "We're shopping for bargains, checking sales papers, trying to keep a budget, everything like that," said shopper Steve Hornbaker.
To avoid waking up with a credit card hangover in January, use cash instead of credit for holiday shopping. There's one way to save for the holidays that's been around for years, though many folks have forgotten about it: the Christmas Club Savings Account. Susan King puts away $100 out her paycheck each month and uses the money for Christmas shopping. "Because I can't save during the year if I don't, so I try to keep it all year long."
Another tip from the National Retail Federation...make a list of everyone you need to buy for and how much you plan to spend on them, before you head to a store.
The NRF also advises getting gift cards for your baby sitter, hair stylist and other non-family members.
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