Shop Now, Save Later

Hi All! It's been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog, but with the holiday season quickly approaching I thought it was high time I stop by and leave a nice little shopping tip to help you out with as you begin to hit the stores in search of bargains and other exciting discoveries.

Today's tip is focused on taking advantage of store's layaway programs. Many stores such as Walmart, Target and K-Mart offer you the convenience of putting your purchases on hold within the store for a small deposit fee. Then, over the next few weeks, you pay a set amount towards the overall purchase until the items are all paid off. At this point, you will then receive your deposit back.

If for some reason you find that you cannot keep up with your payment plan, the items will be returned to the floor for others to purchase and after a inconvenience fee (and/or the deposit) is taken out, you will receive back all of your payments you've thus far made in full.

Now every store's layout plans vary, so I warn you to check out the exact payment plans, deposit and any additional fees you may have to suffer before taking advantage of your store's layaway. However, with the economy struggling this season, it just might pay to take advantage of this shopping opportunity.

As an additional tip towards savings, consider shopping for bigger ticket items while they're being offered at special sale prices. You then have the opportunity to put them away on hold for a lower price then you might get if you wait till the last minute to make your purchase.

Happy shopping!

Cheap Gift Idea For Just About Anyone

Here's an easy and cheap holiday gift idea that's especially great for co-workers, friends, and others who you don't think going all out for would be appropriate.

First, take a visit to your local dollar store (yep, you heard me right- the main item is a $1 or less!). Pick out a holiday themed mug of your choice from their selection, which is normally not all that bad to be honest.

Next, grab a box of hot chocolate packages (Land O'Lakes makes a slightly more expensive individually packaged hot chocolate that is flavored and, in my opinion, to die for). Also pick up a package of mini candies of your choice (think Hershey kisses, or mini-chocolate bar).

I think you know where I'm going with this, but place a packet of hot chocolate into your holiday mug and then add in some chocolate for good measure (YUM! haha). If you want to get super creative with your wrapping, most craft stores well holiday decorated plastic wrap that you can tie around it with a pretty bow so that the mug's contents don't spill out.

I hope this cheap little holiday gift trick finds its way into your hands in time for the "secret Santa" season :).

Books, Cds, and DVDs Tips

Every Christmas my family can count on at least three new books, DVDs, and CDs finding their way into the house. I'd have to guess that we're not the only ones. In fact Goat, my boyfriend, let me in on his little secret of buying four different versions of one specific form of entertainment for each member of his family. Sounds easy, right? In other words, his sister gets Ratatouille, his brother gets Spider-Man 3, his mom gets License to Wed and his dad gets 300.

What gets tricky about giving movies, CDs and DVDs for the holidays is finding out whether they already own it and whether the movie is appropriate for it (Hint: Knocked Up--- not appropriate for Mom or Great Aunt Sue).

So here are some tips to help you on your way:

1. Do a little spy work ;) --- That's right, its time to get your hands dirty. Make your call to dad about Mom, Grandma about Grandpa, and even lil sis about lil bro. Find out whether your house already contains one copy of the book,cd, and dvd. Who wants to go through the post-Christmas sales rush to return a CD someone bought you as a gift?


2. Find out the rating--- In the case of movies and CDs, you're going to want to look up whether the movie is rated G, PG, PG-13, or R and up. Sure you don't mind if your little cousin sneaks a few peaks at something rated a little too high for younger eyes, but your aunt and uncle probably will. For CDs check if there's a parental advisory sticker stuck on that CD. Unless you're the parent, who wants the drama?


3. Take into consideration their tastes--- I know this one sounds really obvious, but I can personally say that I've been found guilty of selecting a movie, CD, or book that I too would enjoy. Now that's not to say, find something for them that you'll absolutely hate just so you're not tempted to also enjoy it... just be careful to make sure their tastes are taken into consideration as well as your own. I'm all about sharing Christmas gifts when applicable. A little borrowing is good for the soul :)


4. Get shopping--- Now here's the fun part! Go on-line and surf the web if you're not a fan of the holiday shopping crowds. Head to your favorite Borders, or local book store and grab a cup of coffee while you peruse the isles, picking up each book to examine the cover as you go (this is the type of shopping I enjoy the most) if you prefer to do the legwork yourself. Put your skills for observation to their test. What book, movie, or DVD was last mentioned by that special someone? Surprise them by proving you pay attention and get a little something special for yourself while you're at it.

So what DVDs, books, and music are on your Christmas List?