In the days of the Great Depression, if people wanted something they saved their pennies and Christmas money from grandma and after months of yearning and careful savings, were finally able to buy that precious doll, bike or dress. Another option was to put items on layaway, "reserving" the item for about 10-20 percent of the original cost and making interest-free payments and receiving the item when it was completely paid off. But then a magic piece of plastic called a credit card (first called a diner's card) rolled around in about 1950 and just about anything could be purchased instantly on credit, with a little bit of interest. Why penny pinch or wait to buy something when it could be yours right away? Over the years, the infrequent occurrence of buying what you couldn't afford on credit has turned into an addiction to swiping the Visa daily.

However, as jobs are being lost, budgets are being cut and the economy has been sliding like a freshman walking down Old Main Hill in a snowstorm, it seems that people are trying to get out of debt and return to only purchasing things they can afford (or so we hope). As they try to pull out of credit-card debt, many people are going without, but an increased number of shoppers are returning to the old adage of layaway.

According to an article printed in The Standard Examiner in August 2009, layaway has become increasingly popular as people have been "shut off" from their credit cards. Tom Aiello, a spokesperson for K-mart, said a record number of shoppers were relying on layaway as means of purchasing their kid's back-to-school supplies. This was surprising because in recent years, K-mart's layaway program was really only utilized for Christmas shopping. Customers were setting aside seemingly small purchases like calculators and backpacks on layaway, confirming that people had limited budgets and spending power. The article concludes by predicting this Christmas season to be a record-setting layaway season.

So what about layaway in Logan, and how layaway can be helpful for students? I talked with Michael Bierwag, manager of Kings Discount Store in Logan. Bierwag said Kings has been offering layaway for many years but has seen an increase since Wal-Mart did away with the program a few years ago and an even larger increase as the economy has worsened.

"People don't want to give up shopping, so they do some advanced planning and do layaway," Bierwag said.

Bierwag said Kings' layaway plan requires a 10 percent down payment and a minimum 10 percent monthly payment. Bierwag said customers typically bring the interest-free payment in each month and receive their item after full payment. If the payment isn't made or a layaway cancellation is made, a $2 restock fee is charged.

Bierwag said the layaway program is most often used by parents and grandparents purchasing toys for Christmas or birthdays but that in this economy he would recommend it to anyone.

"You can have the things you want without going in to debt," he said. "I would strongly recommend it."

After talking with Bierwag and reading more about layaway, I considered times I could use layaway as a student. It certainly seems helpful (and much better than going into credit-card debt) but would require advanced planning for gifts or large purchases and diligence in making monthly payments. And, as far as I am aware, K-mart is the only other retail store in Logan that offers a layaway program. Are you aware of any other layaway programs in Logan? What experience do you have using layaway? Would you recommend it to others? Comment below. I'd love to hear your input.

Sources: http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_13194749#at

Bargain of the Week: Snow = skiing. Can't afford new skis? Hit up the Ski Swap November 5,6 and 7 at the Stan Laub Center on 1400 N 1000 E.

Each week I'll be sharing a tip or bargain of the week- ways to save money or make the most out of it. Got an idea or heard about a discount? Please comment below or send me an e-mail.

Karlie Brand is a junior in public relations. "Watching Your Wallet" will appear online each Wednesday. Questions or comments can be sent to karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu