HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: In a column last week we discussed what should go in your safe deposit box. Today, the subject is what should stay out of the safe deposit box. Let’s check it:

Your original Will and Letters of Instruction — When you die, the bank will secure your safe deposit box, and the executor will have to affirm their right to access your information.

Cash — If you need it in a hurry, you may not be able to get at it. Put cash in an interest-bearing checking or savings account. Passport — In case of an emergency trip, you might not be able to get it quickly.

Spare keys — Since you can only get into the bank during certain hours, it’s best to leave an extra house key with a trusted neighbor or family member.

Anything illegal, combustible or dangerous — It’s probably against bank regulations.

Your bank representative will supply you with the rules and regulations of safe deposit boxes. Read the information carefully and ask questions.

FYI: The nomenclature: Safe deposit box or safety deposit box? Each is acceptable.

DEAR READERS: Here is one way wire frauds and fake money transfers happen:

In attempts to gain access to bank accounts in the United States, scammers, primarily from other countries, will attempt to defraud good-hearted, lonely and vulnerable people who they find on dating websites.

The scammer will romance and sweet-talk someone to the point where the person drops their defenses and gives up their banking information, after a request is made for money. The scammer will impart a sense of urgency; this transfer has to happen right away. Be smart and don’t fall for this. But if you do, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Contact law enforcement.

DEAR READERS: A fiduciary is a person, usually a family member, financial adviser or attorney, who has a responsibility to manage another’s monetary and business affairs, with that person’s best interests at heart.

Are you up for the task? The person you’d be representing is giving you their trust. That person may be ill, a minor, an elderly person or a disabled person … it really is a huge task and should be taken seriously.

DEAR HELOISE: Got lots of keys and hate sorting to find which one goes to which lock? I mark the top of the key on both sides and around the keyhole with nail polish. Different colors for every lock!

— Sharon W., via email