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Rent to own furniture vs layaway

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rent to own vs layaway

Rent to own furniture gives you immediate access and flexible payment plans.

Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck thus payment to payment especially when it comes to home furniture, refrigerators, washer/dryer combos and other large purchases for the home. Two payment options out there are rent to own stores and furniture stores offering layaway plans. So, what’t the difference?

The basic premise of a layaway plan is that the customer picks an item, let’s say a couch and puts a deposit on it to secure that the product is theirs once completed payments are made. The furniture store lays away, in other words, sets aside that couch until you finish the payments. When you finish, the couch is yours.

Payment plans vary from eight to sixteen weeks. The catch to consumers are the service fees, potential cancellation fees, re-stocking fees and the delivery fees if you pay it off. Layaway plans, fees and prices vary from store to store and from state to state.

Rent to own is different in many ways. The biggest difference is you get the item immediately with your first payment and many times that same-day delivery. Delivery is included in the rent to own plan so no extra fees there. That’s the most important distinction.

Payment schedules are in the customers control. Pick weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. And change during the course of payments if you want. Smaller payment schedules range from one year to two years. Remember, though, the longer the payment schedule, the more the overall cost. Try to use their early purchase option or their 90-days or 180-days same as cash.

If you can’t make payments, the store will retrieve the furniture and keep it for awhile to give you a chance to get back on track. If you do reinstate payments, you shouldn’t lose any previous payments but make sure you check with the store on their policy. Many states mandate payment reinstatement rights. But, conversely, many rent to own stores offer lifetime reinstatement payments.

Both options are about payments and the lack of legal debt. Layaway plans are somewhat restricted in their use, have shorter payment schedules and you have to wait, sometimes months, to get the furniture in your home. With rent to own, you get the product immediately. The payments last longer but the flexibility of the payment schedule is way beyond layaway and credit cards for that matter.

Just another ShopRTO rent to own furniture tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living, finance tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

 

Small, affordable audio speakers are the hot trend

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small speakers for the home

Speaker systems have come a long way to small way.

Not only are audio speakers going small and efficient. They’re going like crazy. That’s due to several very appealing factors.

They’re affordable. If you just want to casually listen to your tunes or the radio, small speakers can be as low as $30. And they’re still good to listen to. If you’re an audio snob then start rolling your eyes right now.

They’re wireless. With anywhere to 8 to 20 hours of battery life, take them to the beach, lake or outside in the backyard while you’re mowing your lawn or jumping on the trampoline with your lil one.

They’re durable. They’re water proof, drop proof and can withstand some tough times.

They’re cool looking. What’s the joke about suitcases? We found a way to land on the moon in 1967 yet it took until 2000 to figure out to put wheels on our suitcases. Why did it take so long for designers to get employment at speaker companies? They come in all sorts of high tech colors and shapes.

They’re wi-fi and bluetooth. Play your songs from your phone or iPad wherever you go.

Which one to choose? It’s mind boggling the choices you have but if you’re going for the $100 and below, you have plenty to choose. Best thing is to go to one of the many sites that have done some reviews and show you the latest audio speakers out there in the market.

CNet’s a good site. Tech Radar is another. Or JGI! You know, just google it. Before going to the reviews, you need to prioritize what you want from your wireless speakers.

How much bass are you willing to sacrifice because that’s key with the smaller speakers. Water proof or not? Just because they say they’re water proof, it’s really a question of how water proof they really are.

The size? Some you can put in your pocket. Seriously. In your pocket.

Decibel level. Are you going to be using it in your small dorm room or for the out door pool party? That will be key for your choice.

Price. For mobile, wireless, durable speakers save your money and go $100 and below. If you’re willing to bump it up to $200, your choices and quality are doubled. But, these little guys are like computers and phones. Today’s $200 version will be tomorrow’s $75 version. These types of speakers become more advanced and affordable on a yearly basis.

These mini, portable, wireless speakers have made it where you can take your music library wherever you want to go. So, get some and rock out wherever you want to go.

Just another Shop RTO home audio and computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Check out these ShopRTO ‘back to school tips’ on a budget

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Back to school meal tips

Make fresh meals to take to school.

Millions of students are heading back to school. ShopRTO.com offers these tips to make the best of returning to school on a budget.

Shop RTO releases its “Back To School Tips On A Budget” for the best way to prepare for the upcoming school season and how rent to own home furnishing stores may be an option.

Shop RTO reminds all parents that the school season consists of non-stop activities and with proper preparation, the transition can be smooth. Shop RTO explores each room in the home that is vital to the school season.

For home studying, experts recognize computers as one of the most important learning tools. Even at kindergarten. Shop RTO recommends to make sure all apps and programs are updated to their latest version. Many users ignore update alerts until it is too late when one has to pay for the most recent version because they no longer are compatible.

Computer technology advances rapidly leaving the user constantly needing to stay updated. For low income families, that creates a digital divide leaving those students at a potential disadvantage.

Renting to own computers is one way families address the issue being able to rent computers at a low weekly or monthly price. Shop RTO recommends if families go the rent to own option, try to exercise the early purchase option as quickly as possible to make the final price as affordable as possible.

Preparing the student’s room is also critical. Make sure to thoroughly clean the room as well as bed sheets, pillow cases and blankets. Be sure to wash and iron all school clothes prior as well.

The student’s room should also be decorated to the student’s liking. Whether posters, paintings, photos, etc. Plants and lighting are important. Studies show plants are good at lowering anxiety.

Lighting should contain three vertical tiers of lighting. With ceiling light, a standing lamp then desk lamp. Lighting is good for studying and creates a calm ambiance. If the room is small, such as a dorm room, then use two tiers of lighting.

It’s important that students get good and healthy meals. School breakfast and lunches can get expensive. Try to use Sundays to prepare large quantities of quality cooked meals to refrigerate or freeze for the next week.

Experts say try to avoid frozen foods. Some easy dishes can be soups, pizza, beans and chilli. Pizza crusts can be bought at the store. Tomato sauce is easy to prepare then store bought cheese and vegetables. Chilli and soups can be filled with all sorts of vegetables and is easy to freeze for later uses.

Home made pinto or black beans can also host a variety of fresh vegetables. Beans can be blended to create beans for burritos, chalupas and nachos for easy, quick and fresh dinners as well. Each of these dishes are traditionally garnished with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions and peppers.

Preparation with technology, a prepared room and week long menu can make the school year manageable, healthy and productive.

Shop RTO also reminds families that each room’s furniture can be upgraded at an affordable monthly or weekly price through local rent to own stores. If families choose to shop at a rent to own store, make sure to follow Shop RTO’s best shopping tips to ensure that the family makes the purchases as affordable as possible.

About Shop RTO:
ShopRTO.com provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

Prepare for your Super Bowl TV party now

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Rent to own TV for Superbowl

It’s all about the TV

Super Bowl 51 is February 5th. Just around the corner so start preparing now. First of all, do you have that Super Bowl TV that will live up to the party and game?

If not, you have several options. New TVs were just introduced at the CES show so you could go with the latest and really upgrade to the latest technology. But, since new TVs are hitting the markets that means the TVs that were yesterday’s hot item are now available at reduced prices. And if you really want to go big but just for the game or the playoffs, rent one at your local rent to own store.

Make sure you talk to your rent to own stores now because you’re not the only one who thinks renting a TV for the Super Bowl is a good idea. This is rent to own’s biggest weekend so prepare now if you go that direction. And, remember, you can use rent to own for all of the above options. ‘Try before you buy’ is one of the biggest advantages to renting to own because you’re never obligated to buy it. Just have them pick it up when you’re done at no penalty.

If you like it that TV you’ve been renting during the playoffs and/or for the game then buy it outright with the early purchase option.

When shopping for the HD TV, it’s important to compare rental prices, rent to own payment options and inventory. Many times, different rent to own stores carry different brands, sizes and types. Don’t assume one company has the same inventory as the others. And, don’t assume each company does short term rentals the same.

If you go rent to own, they’ll deliver and set it up for you which is another reason to prepare in advance. You want that HD TV hooked up correctly especially if you have cable boxes, Apple TV, Play Station and/or Blue Ray players needing to be plugged in. If you’re going to have that big screen HD TV for a couple of weeks or a month, you might as well take full advantage.

Remember, Super Bowl TV parties are not meant to be taken lightly so start now because others are as well. Renting the big screen for the big game at RTO stores is becoming more and more popular so be wise to start now.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle, Rent to Own and Holiday tip. Yes, we are designating Superbowl Sunday as a holiday. So shoot us, Okay!

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and how rent to own stores can upgrade your party.

Arranging furniture for entertaining

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Arrange your furniture for entertaining.

Create an inviting space.

The holidays may be the busiest time of year for entertaining guests and if you’ve opened your door to host this season, we have a few tips that will help make the most of your space. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to create an ambiance that is comfortable and stimulates conversation and interaction among your guests.

Creating an open space upon walking into your home is key. It is the first impression your guests have upon arrival so clear the way and remove any extra clutter. If you have a coat closet, encourage guests to leave coats or handbags at the door. If you don’t have a coat closet, consider getting a coat rack, using a bench or designating a room in the house for coats.

If your entry way overlooks the living room, be sure that the back of furniture isn’t facing people as they walk in. Instead, create a walk through or pathway by splitting two seating areas. If you have a large living room, placing couches or sofas back to back. This can also create two different seating areas similar to that of a hotel lobby or lounge. Place smaller furniture around larger pieces, just be sure not to set them too far apart so people can hear each other comfortably.

It’s possible you might not have more than one coffee table or side tables to accommodate the extra seating you’re creating. Sufficient side tables or coffee tables are important for communal seating and eating. Consider using a trunk as a makeshift coffee table or covering a sturdy stool or box with festive linens for additional table tops.

If you’re hosting more guests than you have place settings at your dinner table, consider setting up a buffet instead. Remove chairs and add them to other areas of your home, like the additional seating areas we mentioned earlier. Move your table closer to a wall to open up the space but also providing enough space to walk around so your guests have more access to the buffet. Providing small plates in combination of communal seating are also good ways to keep the commiserating going.

Don’t underestimate your space, get creative and experiment with it. You’d be surprised with how many different ways you can arrange your furniture and the difference it makes when entertaining.

Just another Shop RTO holiday and lifestyle tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Maximizing space for holiday guests

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Tips for maximizing your space

Accommodate guests in any space.

The holidays are here so you may host some out of town guests. Holiday season calls for warmth and laughter and we can oftentimes agree that during impending celebrations the more really is the merrier. So whether you have enough bedrooms to accommodate everyone or not, we can certainly assist with some tips on maximizing space.

Assuming privacy isn’t a prominent factor, any room in your home can be transformed to sleep more than a couple of people. Most guests crashing for the Holidays are typically content with simply having a soft place to lay their heads at the end of the day.  Sofa beds, day beds, couches or sleeper chairs are good options for transforming a living room into a guest room. They can also create a suite that sleeps a family when adding to a bedroom with an already existing bed.

Do your children have bunkbeds? If so, they too are great for guests and if not, it might be a good time switch out the standard twin for fun and space saving bunkbeds. You can read more about bunkbeds on Buddy’s Home Furnishings article, “Saving Space in Your Kids Room with Bunkbeds”.

Other obvious options are laying out air mattresses. You can use the back of a couch to act as a headboard for an air mattress and you might even consider placing a side table or stack of books to act as a nightstand. Creating a private space out of an open space can make your guests feel welcomed and at home. You can also create multiple personal spaces out of an open room by using a folding screen or setting up a fabric curtain. Setting up an indoor tent can also create a private space and can be fun for kids and adults alike.

Shop RTO offers a rent to own store locator, let us help you find a store that offers affordable options near you so you can clear some space and embrace the holiday cheer.

Just another Shop RTO Holiday tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Get money rebates for replacing home appliances

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Go to rent to own stores for kitchen renovation

Save money. Update your kitchen.

If you think you need new appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators and dish washers then make sure you take advantage of the rebates being offered.

Old appliances waste a lot of money and energy. That waste hurts both your pocketbook, your local power grid and further pollutes the air. As such, the government and our society would benefit if you would upgrade to energy saving appliances.

Through their energy star program, you can find out what products are eligible and what type of incentives are offered. Most common are rebates. You mail in the proper paperwork and get a check back.

Depending on the size and cost, the amounts can range from $25 to $100. If you’re talking about a new AC unit the rebate can be  in the thousands. No matter what, any rebate is worth the postage or labor sending in.

You’re going to have to deal with the old appliances. If they’re still good, try to sell them. If not, you may have to pay a recycle fee or a fee to get rid of them. Depends on where you live.

Some appliance companies will do it for you. Rent to own stores will because that’s what they do. They’re in the service business so take advantage of their services that are a part of their fee.

And if you do go rent to own appliances then they’ll set it up for you. Again, part of their service. Try the product before you buy it. You’re not obligated to make the next payment and it’s a legal debt-free transaction so you won’t get in any trouble.

And, make sure you exercise the 90 or 180 days same as cash option. Gives you the flexibility of payments over the months and still with no legal, financial obligations. Again, it’s a part of their service. And, best of all, going with “same as cash option” saves you a lot of money while getting those services that retailers don’t offer. And, remember, when you buy it and get the receipt send it in to get your energy saving rebate!

Just another Shop RTO home finance tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

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