Gift Cards

While in the grocery store yesterday, an announcement came on:  "Cash in your unused gift cards at the coin machine!  Cash for unused gift cards!"  At first, I felt a twinge of resentment, thinking of needy people trading in well-meaning gift cards from churches or community organizations for cash, then using the cash for unsavory purposes.  My mind then went to the fact that the coin machine always keeps a percentage.  Then, in ADHD fashion, I thought, "Why not?  If you have a gift card to a sports store and you don't need any cleats or badminton racquets, get cash for what you want!"

Retail businesses push gift cards because a large percentage are never redeemed.  If you have gift cards in your home from this past Christmas, or Christmases past, USE them!  If it's been six months or more, you should just spend them on whatever you wish.  Don't hoard them for a future unknown date.  My son bought me a 5x7 inch pouch with dividers.  I file my gift cards in it and keep it in the glove compartment of my car.  That way, if I'm out and about and take an impromptu trip into a retail store or restaurant, I have the card with me.

Practice what I preach…I have had an Amazon gift card sitting on my desk for, well, let's say a VERY long time.  I've been meaning to check and see if I loaded it onto my Amazon account.  I just checked this morning, and yes, I've used it and it's been dead for a L..O..N..G time.  Now it is in the trash.

Today, take stock in your gift cards and make a plan!