Holidays.MyNC.com

Do you have a gift card from a bankrupt retailer such as Linens ‘n Things?

Better spend it quick.

The chain, which filed for bankruptcy in May, is liquidating its 371 stores nationwide, including two in the Richmond area and seven others in Virginia.

Consumers can still redeem their gift cards. But they will be left holding  a piece of worthless plastic if they don’t do it before the stores close.  Retailers Bombay Co. and Sharper Image already left customers holding worthless, or half value, gift cards when they closed stores.

The National Retail Federation said last week that more consumers than ever wish to receive gift cards this season.
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NBC17’s Sharon Tazewell explains how to have an inexpensive holiday this season by providing information on how to save money on shipping gifts, how to budget your holiday spending and links to free online coupons and where to compare product prices.  Stay tuned to NBC17 News at 7 p.m.

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The longest-running planetarium show in the world is back at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for its 59th season. “Star of Bethlehem” returns to the weekend show schedule Nov. 22-Jan. 1.
“Star of Bethlehem,” a seasonal show, gives guests an opportunity to explore the many theories behind the legendary, mysterious star. The show presents several possible explanations - was it a comet, a shooting star or a major eclipse? Viewers can decide for themselves.
Former WRAL-TV anchorman Charlie Gaddy narrates as several UNC scholars discuss the scientific, historical and religious aspects of this celestial event.
For show times and more information, visit <www.moreheadplanetarium.org>. To reserve group tickets, call Guest Relations at (919) 962-1236. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is located at 250 E. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC.

With overall household wealth declining and unemployment rising, many families are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing any of their holiday cheer. Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern North Carolina (www.bbb.org) is providing advice on how consumers can cut down on spending and reduce household expenses without compromising the fun of the holiday season.

“The financial outlook is uncertain for many Americans this holiday season,” says Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina. “With the sobering effect of the economy looming, consumers are going to have to be creative with their dollar and be more conscious of their spending in order to avoid a holiday hangover.”

Following are six ways BBB is advising consumers to save money this holiday season: Read the rest of this entry »