Dear Heloise: Not all gift cards are as good as they might seem. My husband bought me several $50 gift cards for a trip I was taking, so I did not have to carry a checkbook or other credit cards. We would only be out that amount, if stolen.

However, I have had nothing but trouble using them. They are constantly declined. Only occasionally did I find a vendor who would use them. I now have four cards with small amounts of money left that I can’t seem to use. I have called the company several times. I keep being told to try this or that, and I get put on hold forever. Very frustratin...

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