Use It or Loose It!
This morning I was sitting quietly at home working on a new project when something caught my attention. Needing that background noise while I work, I had the Today Show on and Anne Curry came on to report how The Sharper Image has declared bankruptcy. In addition to this encouraging bit of news, they will be suspending the use of any gift card purchases.
Nice huh!?!
Gift cards, to me are great gift! When I get one from a friend or family member, they rarely sit in my wallet for longer than a month. I do know people (lots of people actually) who never use them. They sit in a desk drawer or in the bottom of a file folder to collect dust and never to be redeemed.
It's like leaving money laying around, would you leave a $100.00 bill in the bottom of a drawer?
If you are one of those people who NEVER use them... my first piece of advice would be to tell those people that keep giving you a gift card to STOP! Ask for cash or something you can really use, or USE IT, don't LOOSE IT.
More and more companies are starting to charge you for not using the cards, or like Sharper Image, they will tell you that you are S.O.L and can't ever use it again.
A good rule of thumb when you get a gift card is to immediately make a date with yourself to use it. If it's for a restaurant then call and make the reservation, if it's for a store that you actually like to shop at, put the card in your wallet and use it on your next visit.
So often we get gift certificates to hotels or resorts that require a little more effort, but really can be a very rewarding treat for you and maybe a loved one to use... so what is stopping you?
But nothing comes with out a little effort from us... so tell me... are you going to USE IT or LOOSE IT?
Nice huh!?!Gift cards, to me are great gift! When I get one from a friend or family member, they rarely sit in my wallet for longer than a month. I do know people (lots of people actually) who never use them. They sit in a desk drawer or in the bottom of a file folder to collect dust and never to be redeemed.
It's like leaving money laying around, would you leave a $100.00 bill in the bottom of a drawer?
If you are one of those people who NEVER use them... my first piece of advice would be to tell those people that keep giving you a gift card to STOP! Ask for cash or something you can really use, or USE IT, don't LOOSE IT.
More and more companies are starting to charge you for not using the cards, or like Sharper Image, they will tell you that you are S.O.L and can't ever use it again.
A good rule of thumb when you get a gift card is to immediately make a date with yourself to use it. If it's for a restaurant then call and make the reservation, if it's for a store that you actually like to shop at, put the card in your wallet and use it on your next visit.
So often we get gift certificates to hotels or resorts that require a little more effort, but really can be a very rewarding treat for you and maybe a loved one to use... so what is stopping you?
But nothing comes with out a little effort from us... so tell me... are you going to USE IT or LOOSE IT?
Megan - So true! It's important to stay on top of those things - OR ELSE! I didn't realize that some companies were now making people pay for not using their gift cards - that's crazy.
Personally, I keep all my gift cards and coupons in a folder labeled "FREE MONEY," and before I head out the door to shop, I check it to make sure I don't forget something that might save me some cash.
Hey Megan - this is a great post...especially for my hubby...he takes FOREVER to spend his gift cards (as opposed to myself, who spends them practically the same day I get them!). By the way, I've TAGGED you and you're it - check out the details on my post at http://nesting-instincts.blogspot.com Have fun!
Thanks for stopping by Courtney... I will check your TAG out...
At leveragecard.com you can keep track of your gift card balances. It's a good reminder of what you have and need to spend (and you can record the card #s in case you lose them). In the meantime, you can earn interest on the balance. You can also swap cards with other folks for something you're more likely to use.