Dear Readers:

What are your uses for spare change? Asked and answered! Here are some of your responses:

I save it toward a vacation.

— Janet in New Hampshire

I saved my coins for 13 years — the total amount was $4,216.55!

A Reader, via email

Thank you for your responses!

— Heloise Dear Readers: —

I have a prescription bottle in my glove compartment that holds exactly $10 in change — for tolls or drinks. I also keep change on my dresser, which goes to the Sunday school mission. No heavy purse to carry.

— M.M. in Whitehouse, Texas

We save our change for birthday and Christmas presents.

— Betty M., Crown Point, Ind.

We secretly give spare change to someone in need.

— Sandra S., Timberville, Va.

My husband quit smoking cold turkey. He used that money for a wagon and a bike for the children.

— Jan M., Rogers, Ark.

I read your column every day in the Orange County (Calif.) Register. I have a ceramic piggy bank and use it daily toward our yearly trips to Branson, Mo.

— G.T., Midway City, Calif.

Do you know some basic sales terminology? The Federal Trade Commission says that a sale must offer merchandise at a “substantial, not merely nominal, reduction” from the original price. Here are some types of sales:

Seasonal: Seasonal sales are held to promote popular items for use right now, such as lawn furniture in the summer and sweaters in the fall.

Closeout: If a manufacturer decides to discontinue an item, the retailer can buy these items at a discount and pass on the savings to you.

Special purchase: These usually are first-quality items that were overproduced.

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

I lived in Foster Village, Hawaii, the same time you and your family lived there. In fact, your mother (the original Heloise, 1919-1977) stopped at my house one day and asked to use the phone! She had forgotten to unplug the iron, she thought. She was such a doll!

— Barbara F., now residing in The Villages, Fla.

Fabulous! I loved our time in Hawaii! Readers, what memories do you have of your mother? Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14.

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

I had trouble threading needles until I dabbed a tiny drop of clear nail polish on the tip of the thread and allowed it to dry. Now it’s no problem!

New York Florida — Mary J. in Dear Heloise:

Here is an easy and cheap facial mask that will tighten pores: I beat two egg whites until frothy, and I spread it over my clean face and throat, avoiding the eye area.

I let it dry, then rinse with cool water. This mask makes my pores feel clean and tight.

— Ana G. in