Stay out of the red

How to survive the shopping season -- with your budget intact.

The Christmas Countdown has begun. Black Friday* is five days away. For the next month you will be charmed, pitched and enticed. Your emotions will be tugged upon. Eyelashes may be batted. And that's just from retailers. There's no telling what your loved ones may try just to ensure that their wishlists are fulfilled.

We know about wishes. We also know that many budgets are tight -- and even if they're not, who doesn't love a bargain? So as an early Christmas present -- or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa if you prefer -- here are some tips that could make the next few weeks easier on your budgets.

Consider Layaway

Sears has brought it back. Kmart has never forgotten it. And small local retailers think it's a fine thing, too.

Layway, the original frugal way to buy, is being rediscovered by those who have been seduced away by credit cards.

There's a lot to like about it -- like no interest charges. A side benefit is you don't have to worry about snoopers finding their gifts early.

Most stores that offer layaway require a small down payment that's usually a percentage of the total and a fee upfront, usually around $5. Some have a cancellation fee. There are restrictions, like no beer or wine, perishables or plants. Some stores won't let you layaway pricey electronics or obvious Christmas items after a certain date. Sears has a list of things you can't layaway and requires all items be picked up by Dec. 23. It won't accept any new layaways after Dec. 22.

You have to sign a contract and you have to pick the items up by a certain date.

Others offering the service include chains such as Marshalls and Burlington Coat Factory and local boutiques Galatea and the Eclectic Garden, both in Raleigh.

Eclectic Garden, which offers a variety of funky gifts, requires 50 percent down and gives you 60 days to pay it off. You can pay in increments as small as $2, said co-owner Chrissy Pressley. The store originally offered the layaway option only on its furniture. Now anything can be put on layaway. They don't do refunds but if you change your mind you can convert what you've paid into store credit.

Galatea, which sells women's apparel, has offered layaway ever since it opened 12 years ago. You'll need to put 30 percent down and you have two months to pay it off.

If you're not sure a store offers layaway, just ask.

If you do choose layaway, check for: fees on returns or cancellations, make sure the item is set aside, find out how refunds are handled as well as price adjustments (can you get the better price if it goes on sale?).

Always read the terms carefully and make your payments on time.

Plan ahead

If your gift doesn't fit, is the wrong the size or doesn't work, your gift recipient will be ever so grateful if you've taken return policies into consideration.

Most stores have 30-day return policies, but find out if they're extending those terms for the holidays. Most policies are posted on the store receipt but if you've already bought it that's too late. If the return policy is not posted, go to customer service and ask.

Also request gift receipts, and remember to include them with the gift. If the item you're buying has a warranty, make sure it doesn't expire before the gift is unwrapped.

Try haggling

Retailers want sales this year, so if you have a lower price in mind, see if they'll accept your offer. Ask for the manager as most clerks don't have the power to negotiate. Never haggled before? Just smile and ask if a lower price would be entertained. Be polite and don't make an offer that's insulting. If your offer is refused, ask if you can be contacted if the item goes on sale.