For shoppers, the recent revival of layaway plans makes holiday spending a little easier.

But they're not always without a hitch. While layaway plans let you set aside merchandise and make payments over time, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to look carefully at the terms.

Some layaway plans may charge a cancellation fee, lock in the price or not refund any fees if you change your mind.

"It's extremely important customers take note of the fine print and know what to expect," said Gary Almond, president of the Better Business Bureau serving Northeast California.

Retailers such as Sears, Target and Wal-Mart have revived layaway programs in recent years. Wal-Mart, for instance, recently announced a Christmas layaway plan for electronics, jewelry and toys on purchases of at least $50. Customers put down 10 percent, pay a $5 service fee and must complete payments and pick up their merchandise by Dec. 16.

When buying items on layaway, the BBB recommends getting everything in writing and suggests consumers ask these questions:

• How much time do I have to complete payments?

• When are the payments due?

• How much do I have to put down?

• Are there storage or service fees?

• Are there penalties if I miss a payment?

• Can I get a refund or store credit if I change my mind?

• What happens if the item goes on sale after it's put on layaway?

– Claudia Buck

MONEY MATTERS

Groups warn of big risks in wildfire funding cuts

Environmental and forestry groups are sounding the alarm about proposed cuts in federal funding for wildfire prevention.

Appropriations committees in the U.S. Senate are proposing to slash the Hazardous Fuels Reduction program to $411 million in the new fiscal year, a 24 percent cut. The House proposes $518 million, near current levels, said Christopher Topik, who works for the Nature Conservancy.

The money pays for logging and brush-clearing on public land to keep small fires from turning into explosive ones.

"California gets the most money. … Virtually all that money goes to local contractors, so you're going to have a sizable economic impact," Topik said.

Similar cuts are proposed in a related State Fire Assistance program, which helps thin vegetation in and near rural communities. The Senate proposes $45 million for this program, a cut of $20 million. The House proposes $61 million.

Forests are so overgrown that even current funding levels are not adequate, Topik said. The nation needs to thin about 100 million acres, he said; current funding covers only about 3 million acres.

"It's going to reduce our ability to control the fuels that are driving these catastrophic fires," said Bob Mion, spokesman for the California Forestry Association. "I don't know that it's going to save money in the long run."

- Matt Weiser

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