Organizing documents helps budgets

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:

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

■ 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

NEED TO HIRE A PET SITTER?

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 petsit in your home. Here’s what to consider:

Contact a bonded petsitting 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

CLEANING COMFORTERS

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 pre-spot 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

KITCHEN SAFETY

DEAR READERS: Every house should have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, as well as others placed where they might be needed.

Check often to make sure they’re effective and haven’t expired. For a small kitchen emergency, baking soda can be used to douse a small fire. Toss a handful over the flames. Do not use flour or cornstarch, because it could be combustible.

Never toss water on a grease, fire because it could spatter and cause the fire to spread. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.