HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I’m always looking for ways to save money, and a big expense for me is my medical bills. Here are some hints:
I have a yearly physical. The doctor can see potential problems and cut them off at the pass.
If the doctor finds anything, I always talk to another doctor — a second opinion is important.
Prescription medications can be expensive. I ask the doctor for samples, and I get generic medications when available. A three-month supply by mail is a way to save.
— Hilda H. in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: I don’t like when a company says, “If you’re not happy, we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked.”
I want them to ask questions, like: “What can we do to satisfy you?” “Why aren’t you happy?” “What can we do to secure your business?”
This would show that they care about developing and keeping relationships with their customers.
— Alice B. in Pittsburgh
DEAR HELOISE: I paint base-metal rings and the back of base-metal pendants and bracelets with clear nail polish to avoid, or to reduce the chance of, the ring turning green or black.
— Barbara G. in Indiana
DEAR HELOISE: When I have a mosquito that escapes all attempts to swat it, I keep a spray bottle of plain water handy, and when it appears again, a spray of water will bring it down. It won’t kill the mosquito, so I have to finish it off, but I don’t use insecticides when I don’t have to.
— Judith M., via email
DEAR HELOISE: After being awakened to strange noises in the bedroom, I learned this lesson: If you have pets, don’t leave your TV remote or cellphone lying face up on the nightstand, dresser or bed. Turn your remote away from the TV or put it in a drawer. Stand your phone up or lay it face down. That way, if little paws step on them, they won’t turn on the TV or dial the phone.
— Marty in San Antonio
DEAR HELOISE: I had trouble keeping track of how many times I used my razor. I took a toe separator used for pedicures, and I put the razor in the hole on one side, and move it to the next hole after each use to keep track of five uses. — Clover in Houston
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email