Layaway is Back at Walmart!

Personally I hate to rush the holiday season-I really enjoy taking each one as it comes and savoring it rather than rushing through to be on to the next. But when you’ve got a budget to think about and a family to craft, DIY and shop for it actually is NOT too early to start thinking about Christmas.

This year budgets for so many folks are tight, really tight, and heading out with credit card in hand to purchase everything in December and then be faced with a huge bill in January is not really a winning plan. That’s why I’m happy to announce for Walmart that they are continuing the Walmart Holiday Layaway Program.

Actually, they aren’t just continuing it, they are expanding it! Walmart customers can start putting items on layaway September 16th–that’s a full month earlier than last year. But that’s not all, Walmart’s Facebook fans will get early access-starting today, September 14th! To avoid the crowds and have first dibs on the best items to put on layaway, just “Like” Walmart on Facebook and use their special layaway early access app!

Layaway is just for the holiday season, September 16–December 14 (but NOT on Black Friday), and will be available electronics (minus wireless phones that require contracts), toys, jewelry, small home appliances and select sporting goods.

How does it work? Here are the specifics!

$10 or 10% down, whichever is greater
$5 open fee (which is refunded in a gift cardwhen you pick up your layaway)
$15 minimum per item; $50 minimum total purchase
Start a Layaway at the Walmart.com Services desk in your store
Make payments at any Walmart register
Make final payment and pickup by December 14
Ad match is available for all layaway items

(note: If the order is cancelled, the open fee is not refunded but unlike last year there will be no additional cancellation fee.)

I’m not sure yet what I’ll be putting on layaway for Yankee Bill and the kiddos. I know that if Princess had her way there would be a shiny new iPod Touch in her stocking, and Buddy would just love the Lord of the Rings “Battle of Helms Deep” Lego set.

Do any of you plan to use layaway this year?