Testing testing

Recently my camera has been playing up ... some days it wont recognize the memory card ... other times the batteries only last 6/7 shots ... im constantly polishing it's connecting areas but still it's being temperamental ... I know I should take it to someone but fear the cost ... I carry my camera around whenever possible and hate its erratic state at the moment ... on a number of occasions I have missed such great opportunities ... this love hate relationship is incredibly frustrating ...