Dajia Picks

A user shared this story: a friend gave her a $4,000 Starbucks gift card that went unused for a while. When she finally decided to use it, she found the balance had dropped to zero. Customer service explained that a $2 monthly management fee is deducted from each card. Other stored-value cards operate similarly—fees steadily eat away at the balance if you don't use them, such as Wanda Cinemas gift cards.

When you know what you want, the next choices become much easier—because you understand which option brings you closer to your goal.