HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: When purchasing a vehicle, what is it that we all want? Most likely, dependability. When we turn that key or fire up the push-button ignition, we want to be safely on our way to our destination.

During the sale, we might be encouraged to purchase an extended warranty that could cover repairs outside of the vehicle’s standard warranty. This is sometimes called a Vehicle Service Contract or Vehicle Service Plan. But, hold the phone.

Here are some things to think about:

What will this warranty cover, and what won’t be covered?

How much is the deductible?

Which repair shops will honor the warranty?

Will a rental car be provided while the vehicle is being repaired?

Is the contract or plan transferrable to the next owner?

Experts agree that these types of protracted warranties can be expensive. Our best bet may be to follow the maintenance schedule on the vehicle and sock away some cash to pay for repairs as they become necessary.

P.S. Extended warranties also can be offered with major appliances, computers, etc. The same advice applies here. We must do our homework, know how much the coverage will cost and exactly what it covers.

DEAR READERS: While on your computer, have you seen a verification code that consists of several letters of the alphabet written in a distorted, odd way, that humans can still discern, but a computer cannot? This is a CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart). This code is a type of verification you enter that will allow you to visit a website. The website wants to make sure that an actual person is online, and not a computer program that is trying to hack the website.

P.S. “Turing” refers to mathematician Alan Turing, developer of the Turing test used in CAPTCHA.

DEAR HELOISE: I store my pierced earrings on an old necktie and hang it in the closet. This also works for pins and broaches. A washed foam egg carton can work, too. Also, I run my necklaces through a bathroom tissue core and lay them neatly in a drawer to keep them from getting tangled.

— Hazel in Washington Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email