Where can I find ideas in recycling cards into new cards? Like birthday cards, etc. June

I had a Sears card many years ago, didn't use it. A year ago last Fall, I bought a freezer and to get an additional discount + sale price, signed up for and put the freezer on a new card that day (they said the old card no longer valid). I was surprised to find myself with another MasterCard, not a Sears card. Paid the bill in full when it arrived, and just before the holidays a few weeks ago I called and asked them to cancel the card, I kept getting mailings, offers, and there was very little chance I would ever use the card. I have one for business, one household, and one I keep in my desk for online orders, booking reservations, more than enough. They argued slightly, then agreed to cancel the card for me.

Concerning gift cards, be sure to check to see if they have an expiration date (many of them actually do!). If you have a daily-reminder wall calendar, mark the expiration dates down. I'd put a note on, say, 6 months in advance and other sporadic dates saying "You have a $50 Borders card to use up!" so that they remind you that you've got them tucked away and need to redeem them. There's nothing worse than realizing too late that you've lost out on $50 of shopping power. For all those store "preferred customer cards," here's what I do. Most of them I put on a keyring. For cards I use frequently that didn't offer a keyring version, I punch a hole in the corner (away from the bar code or swipey strip). In my purse, I also carry a small rectangular zip pouch that I carry coupons, receipts, paint chips, etc. in, and I tuck in most of the other cards I have and the Bed Bath & Beyond 20%-off coupons (I never shop there without one!). Sometimes I'm tempted to just leave that pouch in the glove compartment (as long as none of those receipts have my full credit card number on them!), so it's there if I need it. Always happens that if I leave the pouch at home, that'll be the time that I need something in it.

This is so awesome!!! You are so generous to post and share! I am trying to figure out if these are the same recipes from a magazine that my late mother bought me a subscription for when I got my firsta partment in 2001. The only recipe I have handy s is the Secret Chocoalte Chip Cookies (still a hit). I'm tyring to find the lasagna recipe...it was like "Grandma's Best Lasagna" or something...had cottage, ricotta, parmasean, and moz cheeses. I had so much fun with these magazines, and exploring the recipes each month was such a great way to learn how to cook!! Thanks again!