Q: Recently, I bought a coffeepot as a gift for a friend. She found it defective. When I returned to the store to ask for a replacement, the customer service representative refused, saying, "Discounted items are not returnable." I asked to speak with the manager. The clerk said she was not working that day. I picked up the gift and took a hike. Do I have other options?

A: Yes. A store's policies are not set in stone. Did you use a credit card? If so, notify the card issuer your reasons for wanting to cancel the charges. Card issuers have more influence than an individual, and in some cases are able to resolve issues. If that does not work, try returning to the store and insisting on speaking or making an appointment with the manager.

In today's highly competitive retail battleground, managers are more sensitive about keeping regular customers happy. They are acutely aware that unhappy customers will relate their grievances to family and friends.

Q: Recently my wife and I woke up to the fact of how negative we have become since our retirement. We were so excited about retiring, and believed we were headed to nirvana. We had a plan, money, and were looking forward to great times. Today, following the loss of nearly 37 percent of our net worth, we find it difficult to remain positive. We hear things will get worse. Is that true?

A: We have all learned the "good old days" are gone and may never return. The combination of our need for instant gratification and the availability of easy credit misguided us.

We are fearful and depressed because we cannot predict the future. Change is inevitable, but which road will we be forced to take? Remember the acronym "FEAR" stands for False Evidence Appearing Real."

Even though we might still have jobs, we know friends who have or may lose theirs. As prices go up, we find paying mortgages and health insurance can be a challenge.

Frugality and thrift are in. Easy credit is out. Cash is king. The mall is out. Hunkering down includes using coupons, driving smaller cars and focusing on our necessities: food, clothing, shelter and transportation. Frugality and dieting are alike. To make a successful turnaround, goals and commitment are mandatory.

By focusing on positives and remembering the experience of previous generations — who survived much worse conditions than we are experiencing - we will overcome. It takes believing we are blessed, remembering to support our family and friends, and understanding our common needs, to get through these hard times. Remember, we are still the luckiest citizens in this world!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life after work in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.