Being organized can help make it easier to stay on budget

DEAR READERS: When you keep your bills and documents organized, you will be able to keep your budget on track. Stay on top of all your bill paying, whether it’s online or writing checks. Use these money-saving hints:

1 Pay your bills on time to prevent late fees. Use your computer or smartphone for online banking or to keep track of bills.

1 Make checklists to monitor household equipment so you won’t have a sudden or unnecessary major or minor repair bill. And set up annual or quarterly reminders about AC/heating systems, major appliances and vehicles.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: When you are going to be away for a while and cannot locate anyone to care for your dog, hire a professional sitter to pet-sit in your home. Here’s what to consider:

Contact a bonded pet-sitting service, which will be licensed, insured and provide references. The service will charge by the day or by the visit. The service will keep your dog’s normal routine. To find a service, contact your vet or your local pet shop or go online.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: Rayon, cotton and synthetic comforters and blankets get dirty and should be cleaned regularly. Read the care labels to find out what to use to clean them and the best way to do it. Here’s how to get the job done well:

For a quick fix, fluff the comforter or blanket in the dryer on ONLY the cool-air setting. Add a fabric-softener sheet for freshening.

For a good cleaning, first prespot and pre-soak stained or soiled blankets/comforters.

Then wash for about five minutes in cold or warm water on the delicate cycle with detergent. Dry them on a low, gentle heat cycle or hang to dry.

Heloise

DEAR READERS: If you’ve had a large family gathering or party, you will likely have leftovers. Some food can go right into the freezer, but any other food that has been sitting out for two hours or longer should not be saved.

Try these ideas for transforming leftovers:

1 Make a soup by tossing leftovers with chicken or beef stock and seasoning.

1 Add leftover chicken or meat into almost any pasta and add your favorite sauce.

1 Fry leftover vegetables with olive oil and seasonings to make a veggie hash.

1 Mince leftover meat to make a sandwich spread. Just mix mayo along with veggies.

1 Add cooked, crunchy vegetables to salads.