Many of you may remember the Hallmark slogan, “When you care enough to send the very best.”

These nine words were the brainchild of Ed Goodman who was a sales and marketing executive at the card company.

While there is no one I know who wouldn’t want to send a quality message, it is getting challenging to find a card that doesn’t break the bank.

And just when I was about to payoff all the charges on my credit card for Christmas, here came Valentine’s Day.

With a large family, every holiday seems to put a bind on the pocket book. So, unfortunately this year, I chose not to send out Valentine’s cards to all my family members.

Just the youngest, unmarried and hubby got cards.

And to cut costs even more, I didn’t even buy chocolates.

Instead, I put gift cards inside the Valentine’s cards in an effort to cut back on postage fees.

I realized even if I had found a box of candy for less than a $15 gift card, by the time I mailed multiple boxes to all the grandchildren, it would have cost a bundle.

And for hubby’s gift, in addition to the $8.95 I spent on the card, I just signed his name to the Valentine’s cards with gift cards, I mailed out!

With Valentine’s Day behind us, most may be in the clear of buying cards for a bit, but not me.

Cha Ching!

I call February and March the birthday season because three of my four children, my Dad, husband and both nephews have birthdays in these two months.

So as much as I enjoy working for the Vicksburg Post, I have thought it may serve me well to try and get on with Hallmark.

Then at least I may qualify for a discount.

However, it may be somewhat of a challenge for me to write poetry, but I could give it a try.

Roses are Red.

Violets are Blue.

Here is a card, just for you!

I wonder if card costs would also be reflective of my salary?

While purchasing cards can get expensive, I know there are probably some out there like my mom who feel the need to also slip a little money into the card for their loved one, because otherwise, as my mom says, “it’s just a card.”

Well it is “just a card,” but it’s more than likely a card with a nice little price.

And for those who go all out with the cards that serenade, the dollar signs can add up, especially since it will more than likely require more than the standard postage rate.

So the next time you are standing there on an isle perusing through all the cards and trying to find the one that shows you care, don’t forget to flip it over to the back.

There you will find in very small print the price of the card, which will of course indicate whether or not it’s the best!

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.