Gift card balances

I have to admit I am such a miser that I use every penny on any gift cards I receive. Living on disability has turned me into a real frugal Franny and I can't afford to waste or lose even one penny so those gift cards get used up completely!

I think that that is really interesting. It is a way to avoid waste and help the needy at the same time. My only concern is if the money would be used to actually supply the stranger's essential needs. Putting in a proper perspective, I can think of many ways to insure that stranger's receive the funds and use the funds for good like donating them to senior programs or homes for orphans.

hi sender as a senior citizen, retired with lots of time but little money any gift card I get is used up, nothing left over. I am as needy as the next and more needy than most. I do not waste money like that, I always use it all one way or another.

Hey sender! I very rarely get gift cards, but it's funny that you ask because I did get one in today's mail! I got a $10 gift card from Kohl's Department Store, which is a Department Store right down the hill from where I live! I had gotten one a few months ago and I gave it to my bf and then was angry and myself for giving it to him because he is cheap and selfish and would never have given me one if he got it! So, this one is staying with me! And if I did have any balance left over and there was someone in need, and I really believed that they needed it I would certainly give it them! (long before the bf would ever get it!)!

I think that's a neat idea - to give the small balanced gift card away to a stranger in need!! I am usually good about using up our gift cards . . . there's always something I can get for myself for even the littlest of balances - so although it maybe left in limbo in my wallet for some time, I will end up spending it. I think my Ralph's (grocery store) gift card has a 2 dollar or so balance - you're right that I can always give that to someone in need. However, I also have similar low balances on cards like Macy's, The Gap, or Gymboree . . . and the person would need a lot more money to actually buy something in addition to using the gift card - so it probably would not help them.