In almost every case, the store wins.  Think about it. If someone gives you a $25 gift card to a restaurant, and you and a friend eat meals there that costs $33 — you will have to spend an additional $8 just to use your card.  “But,” you protest, “I’m too smart to fall for that trap — I’ll not exceed the card’s face value of $25.”  Not so fast, my dear Einstein.  Unless you’re a real genius you probably won’t spend the full $25 dollars. Instead, you’re check will be for $23.47.  You go home with a card that has $1.53 left on it that you will probably never use — thus making the restaurant that much more profit.

Here is Steve’s solution: Give cash. You know, it’s that green paper folding stuff with pictures of dead Presidents on them. You will note that there’s no fine print mentioning penalties, activation charges, or expiration dates. As far as I’m concerned, cash is king.  And, if you consider giving cash too tacky or impersonal, remember that all it takes is a little creativity and time. Why not design a specialty-made card complete with a beautifully handwritten note to contain the cash.  This personalizes an otherwise cold (as in cold-cash) gift. Pretty good. Pretty simple. Pretty thoughtful.

A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters
• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster
• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way
• How to save, invest, and retire wisely
• How mutual funds work
• How to stop fighting over money
• What to teach your kids about money
• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.
• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!
• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.

Click here to learn more or to order.