Merge tags not functioning in Campaigns

Merge tags not functioning in Campaigns

I have read the instructions for inserting the First Name merge tag about 25 times and followed them to the letter. I still get $[FNAME]$ showing in my test emails.

The instructions say copy and paste the merget tag you want and then click save and close.
When I reopen, and send test email it still does not merge from the mailing list.

Help! Need to personalize the emails so they will be received and opened!