Hi, I'm trying to format a numeric mailmerge field.

After many tries, I got it to retain this:
{ MERGEFIELD \# $,0 ContribTotalAmount }

Now I'm trying to add the ".00"

I go into the field and change it to :
{ MERGEFIELD \# $,0.00 ContribTotalAmount }

I preview results, or toggle field codes, and he number appears without the decimal point and last two digits. I re-toggle and I'm back to:
{ MERGEFIELD \# $,0 ContribTotalAmount }

I've also tried:
{ MERGEFIELD \# $,0.00 \*MERGEFORMAT ContribTotalAmount }

Sometimes when I toggle the first time it works, but disappears when I do the merge.

This has happened with every field I've tried to format - dates, etc. I've tried it with and without quotes. After awhile, I get it to take, but I never know why. Please help!!