HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: This is a tough topic. Today we are more aware than ever before of human trafficking and domestic violence. But did you know that there’s a special hand signal out there. Someone in distress may need to communicate to you that they need help. Here is the hand signal: Hand held up, as if giving an oath, with all fingers together, then thumb folded onto the palm. Fingers fold around the thumb, symbolically “trapping” the thumb. If someone has shown you the Signal for Help, what should you do? In an emergency, call 911. If you’re able to call the victim later, ask him or her “yes and no” questions only: “Are you in danger?” “Do you need me to call 911?”

Next week: Another way to ask for help.

DEAR HELOISE: I’m confused about the computer keyboard. Why aren’t the keys in alphabetical order; wouldn’t that be easier?

— Kellan R., age 12, in New York

DEAR READER: The design of today’s computer keyboard goes back to around 1870. Before the computer, there were typewriters. Have you used a typewriter?

The keys actually used to be arranged alphabetically, but users found the keys would get jammed, or stick together. The final arrangement of the keys is a result of practice makes perfect.

The creators wanted to design a keyboard that had a good balance of commonly used keys divided up so that each hand would do its fair share of typing.

DEAR READERS: This is the third and final installment of our series on getting ready to buy a house. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to go ahead with home-buying:

■ The last two years of your personal tax returns.

■ The last two years of any business tax returns, if applicable.

■ Pay stubs showing at least 30 days of pay.

■ Copy of your valid driver’s license.

■ The last two years of W2s (wage and tax statements).

■ The most recent two months of bank statements, to ensure down-payment funding.

Check with your lender; you could need more forms, or fewer. Buying a house is a good investment, if you can afford it.

Don’t forget about taxes, and maintenance and upkeep costs. Invariably, the mechanicals will need updating or replacing. Building up a special savings account is a wise move before buying a house.

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