The Good, Bad and the Ugly of Stores with Layaway
Layaway reminds me of when I was a kid in the 70s.  Everyone seemed to be using layaway back then and our economy was in the dumps. Sounds like the situation our country is in right now. Layaway is very appealing when credit is hard to come by and the idea of more debt is depressing. I went on a little search to see the pluses and minus of layaway. 

Using layaway is ideal for someone who doesn’t have a credit card. You get to make payments for 8 weeks.  That would be about the same as taking two months to pay your credit card for holiday purchases, and the fee of $5 to $10 for layaway is similar to the interest amount on your credit card. It’s also often harder to save the same amount of money in those two months than to pay a little each week or two at the store.  Knowing that you’ll lose the fee and you’ll be charged an additional cancellation fee is another big motivator to pay off your layaway. 

So why would someone with a credit card want to use layaway?  No debt! January’s credit card statement can be painful to look at.  The panic of how do I find the right gift for Aunt Suzy in December gets turned into the panic of how am I going to pay for that gift for Aunt Suzy in January–and sometimes February, March and April.  Heck, some people are still paying off their credit card charges from last Christmas.  Stores will also take credit cards as a form of payment, but don’t get trapped with double fees from the layaway plan and the interest on the credit card.

Here is one of my favorite reasons to use layaway: free storage!  I have lived in small places in the past, and those bags and bags of gifts were not well hidden.  Once I had children, finding good hiding places was even harder.  Kmart has an 8 week layaway contract, so if it’s scheduled right you can pick up your gifts just before you are ready to wrap.  This wouldn’t work as well with Walmart, because you have to pick up by Dec. 16.  You also won’t have as long to pay it off at Walmart if you are just starting.

Shopping early and avoiding the last minute Christmas crowds is reason enough for some to use layaway. Think back to Christmas past.  I remember angry moments in the parking lot after someone stole my parking spot after waiting for it, never ending lines at checkout and always being sure I picked the wrong line (I get that feeling all the time Christmas or not).  How about digging through what seems like hundreds of Zuzu pets to find the pink one that your child pointed out to you a few weeks ago only to find that it’s sold out.  I don’t want to make the holidays sound horrible, but shopping early really does have its pluses!

Here’s the lowdown on what’s not so great about layaway:  You have to pay a fee just to participate.  That’s $5 to $10 you could spend on something else which goes to the store and never gets put toward your purchase.  You may miss the best deals.  Door buster prices won’t apply once your items are on layaway.  If  you are not able to make your payments in the 8 weeks (with a 7 day leeway at most stores) you’ll have a cancellation fee of about $15 on top of the $5 to $10 you already gave the store. Many stores have a minimum purchase amount,  At Walmart each item has to be at least $15–so stocking stuffers will have to be bought separately–and your total purchase must be at least $50.

Layaway can be a great tool to get through the holidays smoothly. You’ll enter the New Year with a lighter load.

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Mrs. Money: Save Money with Easy Vegetarian Fall Recipes
I love the fall, and one of my favorite parts is the yummy comfort food.  Recently my husband and I decided to re-visit our budget, and we noticed that we were spending a lot of money on both our grocery budget and eating out.  We decided to drastically cut back on our dining out expenses, and try to control our grocery budget at the same time.  One of the biggest budget busters was that we were buying a lot of organic, free range, and grass fed meat.  That stuff is expensive! 

One of the easiest ways we can save money on groceries is to cut back on that spending.  I’ve found some recipes that are yummy and vegetarian.

I love the fall, and one of my favorite parts is the yummy comfort food.  Recently my husband and I decided to re-visit our budget, and we noticed that we were spending a lot of money on both our grocery budget and eating out.  We decided to drastically cut back on our dining out expenses, and try to control our grocery budget at the same time.  One of the biggest budget busters was that we were buying a lot of organic, free range, and grass fed meat.  That stuff is expensive! 

One of the easiest ways we can save money on groceries is to cut back on that spending.  I’ve found some recipes that are yummy and vegetarian.

• Squash.  Squashes are plentiful in the fall.  One of my favorite squash is the spaghetti squash.  It’s very easy to make:  Cut it in half, place it in a roasting pan with the cut side down, and roast for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.  When it’s done, the squash will come out easily.  Add some marinara sauce to the squash and serve like spaghetti! It’s super healthy and tastes great.  It’s also naturally gluten and dairy free!
• Broccoli soup.  I made broccoli soup for the first time last weekend, and I was shocked at how quick and easy it was.  Take a few cups of vegetable broth, cut up a bunch of broccoli, and add some onions and garlic.  Let it simmer for about half an hour, remove from heat, and add 2 cups of milk.  Top with cheese, and you’re done!
• Potato soup. Potato soup is very similar to broccoli soup.  Prepare the same way except for mashing the potatoes once they’re cooked.  After they are mashed, add your milk or cream, and stir. 
• Lentils and rice.  Lentils are a nice alternative to beans, and are so easy to prepare.  You can use basically any spices you want!  Some of my favorites are curry and cumin (but not at the same time!).

Cooking in the fall can be so wonderful.  You can save money and eat healthier by replacing one or two meals each week with a vegetarian meal.  Try it- you’ll be glad you did!

What are your favorite vegetarian fall recipes?

Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green, and living a simpler life.

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Easy DIY Halloween 2011 Makeup Ideas
Halloween is the best time to play around with makeup and use it in ways that you never have before. There are lots of different ways you can incorporate staple makeup products into your fright night look.

Before you go out and buy face paint and fake blood, dig through your train cases and cabinets to see if you can re-create these Halloween effects:

• Bruised or Dirty Skin — Create bruised and dirty skin with black, blue or brown matte eye shadows. You can also use them for contouring. Be sure not to use anything with glitter or shimmer or it will ruin the effect. Bronzers are also a good way to create the dirty look.

• Blood Effects — Red or burgundy lipstick is the easiest way to create the look of blood without having to go out and buy fake blood. It’s also good for making scratches and cuts. Use a sponge and smear some red lipstick over it, then dab it onto your skin.

• Pale Skin – Get a quick, easy pale skin look with some foundation and baby powder. Apply a thick layer of the lightest shade of foundation you have on your face and neck. Then, apply a thick layer of baby powder using a makeup sponge or brush. If you want a more ghoulish look, try grinding up a little bit of black or dark blue eye shadow and mixing it in with the baby powder.

• Bloody Nails — I came across this really cool idea for creating blood splatter nails and it’s really easy to do. All you need is white and red nail polish, some paper, and a straw. First, paint your entire nails white. Pour a little bit of the red nail polish onto some paper. Then, dip the straw into the red polish and do one quick blow onto the nail. Keep dipping the straw in the red and blowing until you get the desired look. Repeat this procedure for the rest of your nails. The blog post says to use a topcoat, but I think it would look more realistic without a glossy finish.

• Veins — Cut a small piece of a loofah or a mesh bath pouf to make the look of pop up veins. Rub a little bit of lipstick on them and stamp onto the skin.

• Glitter Eyelashes — If you’re not going for a scary look, try jazzing up your favorite pair of fake eyelashes. Apply some glitter nail polish onto the lash bone and let dry. Apply a second layer for a more dramatic look.

Remember that black eyeliner pretty much goes with any costume. Use it to draw whiskers if you are going to be a cat or any other feline animal. Other costumes that require heavier use of black eyeliner are witches, zombies, Egyptian goddesses, punk/glam rockers, clowns and mimes.

Do you have any easy makeup tricks for Halloween? Share it in the comments below!Add a Comment

Savings Experiment: Bagging the Best Deals on Groceries

Filed under: Saving Money, Savings Experiment

When it comes to saving money on groceries, using coupons can cut your bill in half. But in this fast-paced digital age, who has time to find the deals? We’ve consulted the coupon experts to help you save money on food without giving up your social life.

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Savings Experiment: How to Cut Costs on Cookware

Filed under: Macy’s, Saving Money, Savings Experiment

Is the cost of your cookware leaving you with no funds for food? Celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and Marcus Samuelsson endorse their own expensive lines of kitchen tools, but you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment to create a delicious meal.

We asked the experts which items warrant a splurge, and which are simply overpriced.

Fork Over the Cash for a Few Nice Knives

The most important thing to splurge on is a good set of knives. But you don’t need the big box set, says Aaron Baer-Harsha, line cook at Ouest in New York City. “The average home cook only needs two knives: a chef knife somewhere in the range of six to 10 inches, and a paring knife.

Baer-Harsha recommends the Wusthof brand of knives. You can find a six-inch chef knife for $75 on Amazon.com, and a 3.5-inch paring knife for $35 at Macy’s (M).

If you’re investing in good knives, it’s also important to take care of them. You will need two things: a sharpening steel and a good cutting board.

Baer-Harsha recommends buying your sharpening steel — also called a honing steel — from a reputable store like Williams Sonoma (WSM), where the staff can teach you how to use it properly. The diamond sharpening steels can cost as much as $100, but it’s OK to buy the cheaper, metal sharpening steel. You will still have a useful tool to keep your knives sharp.

Aside from sharpening your knives, you also should buy a good cutting board to protect your tools. “Bad cutting boards do a lot of damage to knives,” says Baer-Harsha. “So if you’re going to buy nice knives you might as well buy a good cutting board as well.” He recommends wood, not glass or plastic.

Pass on Pricey Pots and Pans

When it comes to pots and pans, our experts say a big expense is unnecessary. Paul Vandewoude, head chef at Miette Culinary studio in New York City, says that it’s important to have a pan with a thick bottom but also one that is light enough to hold comfortably.

Vandewoude warns against using nonstick pans: They release potentially toxic gases when heated to high temperatures. He also doesn’t recommend pans with plastic handles. “It should be able to go in the oven,” says Vandewoude. “So if you’re cooking a large meal you can use all surfaces of your stove top as well as your oven.”

Baer-Harsha also recommends going for cheaper pots and pans. He identifies All Clad as a solid brand for home cooks, but at about $90 for a 10-inch stainless steel frying pan at Macy’s, the prices of this line are at the upper limit of what it’s worth spending on them. As an alternative, Consumer Reports found that Bonjour is a top quality brand — and it’s cheaper. For an eight-inch skillet, you’ll pay about $40 at Macy’s.

At the end of the day, you have to prioritize your kitchen purchases. Spend your extra cash on knives, and go with a cheaper set of pots and pans. You’ll have the tools for a successful meal without paying professional prices.

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Savings Experiment: Hide Your Grays for Less

Filed under: Saving Money, Savings Experiment

Aging gracefully is a thing of the past — and, for many Americans, so are gray hairs. Roughly 75% of U.S. women color their hair, and trips to the salon don’t come cheap.

Buy Yourself More Time

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Savings Experiment: Ink the Best Deal on Printer Toner

Filed under: Saving Money, Savings Experiment

It’s Saturday night. You’re printing out pictures of your dog wearing costumes (or is that just me?) when suddenly the “Toner Low” message flashes on your printer. Your heart fills with dread. How much will you have to shell out to have a print of Sheba in a tutu?

Never fear. We’ve consulted printing industry experts for tips on how to get the most for your money and get you back to printing … what ever it is that you print … in no time.

The Savings Challenge: Brand Name vs. Remanufactured Toner

Buying remanufactured toner cartridges are an environmentally friendly way to recycle your cartridges and get more prints.

First, the cartridge is completely disassembled and every part of the cartridge is cleaned and inspected for damage. After replacing the parts that are damaged or worn, the cartridge is reassembled and filled to capacity with toner specific to your cartridge requirements.

“Most people’s biggest concern is that they don’t get the real amount of toner,” says Volker Loeper, owner of Cartridge World San Jose. “It’s baloney. We often fill the cartridge to a higher level then the original.”

Although the environmental benefits of buying remanufactured cartridges are unmatched, prices vary by product and seller, and are sometimes higher than the brand name retailers.

The HP 85A LaserJet Black Toner Print Cartridge, a toner that yields about 1,600 pages is available for $67.99 online at Staples, Office Depot and Office Max. The remanufactured version of this cartridge is available online ranging from $17.99 at colortonerexpert.com to $79.99 at inkcloners.com.

Whether you prefer to stick with your brand name cartridge or go green with a remanufactured cartridge, you can get the best deal by logging off the Internet and going into the store.

“When you buy local, you can negotiate and get better deals,” says Loeper. “Almost every cartridge retailer I know offers discounts for students, teachers, and nonprofits.”

Do-it-Yourself

If you’re feeling brave, try refilling the toner yourself. Toner refill kits are available online and range in price from $12 to $15 depending on the yield of cartridge you are re-filling.

A typical kit Includes one bottle of toner, one pair of latex gloves, a plug (if applicable) and detailed instructions. According to ToneRRefillYourself.com, you can refill a cartridge up to three times without disturbing its performance. Brother toner cartridges can be refilled up to five times.

If you spill while refilling, be very careful with clean up. The tiny particles in printer toner create a static charge when vacuumed and can explode your vacuum bag.

You can remove toner from your skin with a harsh soap, but it will not come out of your clothes, so refill with caution.

Set the Right Tone with Draft Mode

Your printer toner should last about two months per cartridge. If it’s running out after three weeks, set your printer to Draft Mode. That can cut cost-per-page can by half or more.

“If you are printing documents for your own reference, like homework or e-mails, put the printer into draft mode,” says Loeper. “You will get a decent quality printout and save 60% of your toner.”

Consumer Reports tested printers from Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark to see whether printing in Draft Mode saves money. They discovered that all the printers use less toner when printing in draft mode. They also print faster.

Draft Mode does not produce the highest quality printout but it may be good enough for your personal printing needs.

The Bottom Line

It’s time to atone-r for your spending sins. Follow these tips and you’ll never overpay for printer toner again.

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Savings Experiment: Get the Best Bling for Your Buck When Buying a Diamond Ring

Filed under: Savings Experiment

Say your honey is on the hunt for an engagement ring that’s a smart buy, but doesn’t look like something that came out of a Cracker Jack box.

Or perhaps you’re honeyless, at the moment, and just want to treat yourself to something special and sparkly — but sensibly priced.

Here’s what you need to know to find a good-quality diamond ring that gives you the best bling for your buck.

A Good Time for Diamond Deals

The overwhelming majority of diamond rings are purchased as engagement rings, with anniversary rings coming in second.

Still, this most coveted gemstone is not just for special occasions.

“A lot of women buy diamond rings for themselves,” Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for The Gemological Institute of America, tells DailyFinance. “Fashion-oriented pieces are a big thing in the market now.”

Whatever the occasion, if you’re looking for a diamond ring at a good price, your time has come.

“New sources of mined diamonds are coming into the global market,” Paul Swinand, a stock analyst with Morningstar, who covers the jewelry sector, tells DailyFinance.

And the U.S. is benefiting from a broader mix of suppliers, “which makes for more competitive pricing from the low-end to high-end diamond,” he says.

Save by Knowing the “Four Cs”

A common spending benchmark for a diamond ring is the equivalent of two-months salary.

But be guided by your particular financial situation — not social pressures or high-pressure sales pitches — to determine what you can afford.

To get a good deal on a diamond ring, remember the letter “C.” Four C’s, actually.

The Four C’s refer to carat, color, clarity and cut, the four characteristics that determine a diamond’s quality. The GIA’s diamond-grading system, which factors in those C’s, has become the industry standard for professional jewelers.

Understanding these grades before you make a purchase will end up saving you money.

1) Carat

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. And it’s no secret that the bigger the diamond, the higher the price.

Generally speaking, “If you’re on a tight budget, a one-carat diamond will be out of your [price range],” Shor says.

So by opting for a 0.5 carat diamond, for example, you could save a bundle.

What’s more, once the diamond is mounted, the difference between a 0.5 carat diamond and a .44 carat diamond, for example, will be negligible in terms of looks — but it will be notably less pricey, Shor says.

2) Color

In a white diamond, this measures how close the diamond is to white.

Colorless diamonds, which get the highest grades of D, E, and F (Z is the lowest grade on the scale), are considered premium because they allow for the greatest reflection of light and, therefore, emit the most dramatic sparkle, according to the Diamond Buying Guide. They also command a higher price.

But if you go down the scale and pick a ring with an H, I, J or K rated stone, which will still look good, the price will drop between 25% and 35% from that of a D, E or F rated stone, Shor says.

3) Clarity

The GIA’s 11-grade clarity scale quantifies a diamond’s blemishes, both inside and outside. (Keep in mind that most jewelers have never seen a flawless diamond.)

Grades range from F for Flawless — which is extremely rare — to Included 3, or I3, the lowest clarity grade.

But a diamond can still look luminous even when it falls below the four highest grades. (These are F for Flawless; IF for Internally Flawless; VVSI-VVS2 for Very, Very Slightly Included; and VSI-VS2, which means Very Slightly Included, according to the Diamond Buying Guide.)

A lower-clarity stone will save you a bundle. These include SI1 and SI2, which are “slightly included.” They are a notch above the lowest clarity grades of I1, I2 and I3.

A SI2 stone will still look “unflawed to the naked eye” — and will cost you far less than the higher grades, Shor says. And if you really want to save big, an I1 diamond is likely to cost a quarter of the price of a top-quality diamond, he says.

This grade does, however, connote that flaws are visible, although they’re difficult to see, he says. But opinions differ. The Diamond Buying Guide argues that even nonjewelers will spot the flaws in I1 to I3 diamonds.

If you’re happy with it, that’s what counts.

4) Cut

Experts agree that this is where you don’t want to cut corners: the cut. That’s because the cut has a huge influence on the diamond’s reflective qualities.

“You don’t compromise on the cut; it’s what really makes the diamond look good,” Shor says.

A good cut makes a diamond sparkle and gives it its brilliance, he says. Choose a cut in the top two “excellent” and “very good” ratings on the GIA scale, and avoid “good,” “fair” and “poor” cuts.

Although a “very good” and “excellent” cut will cost about 10% more than a “good” stone, it’s better to save on the other Cs, Shor says.

Ask For Diamond Grading Reports

During the shopping process, if you’re interested in a particular stone, ask the retailer to see a diamond-grading report, such as one from the GIA or the American Gem Society, which includes an assessment of each diamond’s four C’s.

These reports come from what the jewelry industry considers to be the most credible diamond-rating labs, Ken Gassman, president and founder of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute, tells DailyFinance.

Grading reports offer an impartial evaluation of the diamond’s quality, making them the most concrete way to know what you’re getting. They serve as proof of the grading claims a jeweler might promote on its ads or product tags.

Jewelers themselves depend on grading reports when buying gemstones for their businesses. What’s more, a report will also serve as an identification document in case your ring ever gets stolen.

Know How Quality Affects Price

When purchasing a diamond, you’ll typically buy it with the complete ring, although some independent jewelers might market them separately.

The average cost for a diamond engagement ring is $3,250, according to Gassman. The average price for all diamond rings, not just engagement rings, is $1,050.

The Diamond Buying Guide’s Diamond Price Guide estimates what you can expect to pay, and what you’ll get for your money. (But keep in mind that with the recent rise in gold prices, the prices on the market now could be a little higher, Gassman says.)

o. The minimum price you can hope to pay for a diamond engagement ring is between $125 and $500. But, in this range, the diamond quality will be a mystery, because it won’t be GIA or AGS certified, according to the guide.

o. In the $500-to-$750 price range, the diamond quality will still be unknown, but the carat weight will be slightly larger than the lowest price range.

o. The $750-to-$1,000 range is where “you start to see value for your diamond dollars,” the report says. In this range, you can find smaller stones that have been certified by the GIA or the AGS, so you’ll be aware of the value of what you’re buying. These rings will likely come in 14-carat gold, 18-carat gold or platinum settings.

o. The $1,000 to $2,000 price range will get you high-quality and mid-to-high-quality stones, certified by the GIA or the AGS, with carat weights of roughly between 0.30 and 0.75. They’re available in 14-carat gold, 18-carat gold or platinum settings.

o. Finally, in the the $2,000 to $3,500 price range, you can snatch up “absolutely exquisite quality diamonds,” according to the report, which recommends that buyers stick with a low-carat ring at these prices. In this price range, bigger is not necessarily better. Stones of 1 carat and more tend to have drawbacks, such as a lower-grade cut or low color quality, according to the price guide.

Where to Shop

Shop for your diamond ring at a well-known jewelry chain, such as Kay Jewelers (SIG) or Tiffany & Co. (TIF); a respected independent retailer; or a well-known online store, such as Blue Nile or Ice.com, Gassman says.

“Most consumers have little or no knowledge about a diamond — its characteristics, the ‘right’ price,” he says. “Thus, it is imperative that they shop with a merchant that they can trust, and who will likely be around for many years after the sale.”

Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a lower price. At specialty jewelry chains, such as Zales or Kay Jewelers, as well as at independent jewelry stores, “almost always, prices are negotiable,” Gassman says.

That means you can either ask for a price discount or ask for an upgraded setting for the same price of a less expensive setting, he says.

But keep in mind, “the cheapest price is not usually ‘the best deal,” Gassman says. “You usually get what you pay for.”

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Savings Experiment: Pay Less for Household Paper Products

Filed under: Savings Experiment

They are the everyday essentials — what my mother would call those “necessary nuisances” — that no household can do without.

Toilet paper and paper towels are the kind of purchases that won’t give you a shopping high, but they sure can cost you a bundle.

So where can you get the best deals on your paper goods? We’ve rolled out the cost-saving options.

Continue reading Savings Experiment: Pay Less for Household Paper Products

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Savings Experiment: What’s the Right Price for Pet Food?

Filed under: Wal-Mart Stores, Target Corp, Saving Money, Savings Experiment

Your pets are like family, but are you seriously overspending when it comes to their food? Here are some tips to consider when picking your pet’s nutrition.

Avoid Filler Foods

Early this year Petco created a new “Certified Nutrition” program that divides pet foods into three categories — essential foods, natural foods, and advanced foods. Each of these groups fulfills a different requirement: essential foods include basic fillers like wheat or corn, while natural foods contain many familiar ingredients like meat, fruits and vegetables. Advanced foods, finally, are formulated for pets with special medical needs.

According to Petco dog trainer Somers Pierre, natural food brands like Wellness, Halo or Natural Balance are the best choice because they promote health and longevity for your pet. On the other hand, they cost a little more than the basic kibble with fillers. For example, a 30-pound bag of a filler-based essential brand like Beneful costs between $26 and $35, while a natural brand like Wellness costs between $46 and $54.

Pet expert Arden Moore emphasizes nutrition: “It is vital these days that the very first ingredient is a real protein — not meat byproducts and definitely not wheat or corn,” she says. “If you get high-quality, nutritional food, you’re going to have fewer pet bills, and your pet is going to live a longer healthier life.”

You can save on natural food by purchasing a less-known brand like AvoDerm. On average, that will save you about $10 to $15 per bag.

Pierre points out another great benefit of natural food: Your pet will eat a smaller quantity of it. This helps cut down on your bill as well as your pet’s risk for obesity.

Shop at Pet Supply Stores

Consumer Reports found that stores like Target (TGT) and Walmart (WMT) had better prices than Petco, Petsmart (PETM), or online retailers like petfooddirect.com. However, you won’t find natural food brands at general merchandise retailers. Stick with pet supply stores like Petco, which also offer price matching if you find the product cheaper at another store.

Petco has a points program that provides discounts to returning customers. And, if you buy 10 bags of food within a year, you’ll get the next one free. There’s even a Pet Birthday Club, which sends yearly discounts to celebrate your pet’s special day.

Stock Up Safely

You may be tempted to stock up on pet food during a great sale, but Moore recommends you don’t buy more than a month’s supply at a time. “Don’t go crazy and stockpile,” she says. ” You can buy a lot, but unless you have an airtight container, that food can become stale and not be as nutritious and cause stomach upsets.”

She also recommends supplementing dog food with leftover veggies from your dinner — your dog will get extra nutrition and you won’t have to feed him as much kibble.

So in the end, you’ll have to pay more for natural food, but you’ll be providing your pet with necessary nutrients. And in the long run, you’ll have a healthier pet and lower veterinary bills.

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