Summer spending
Dear Readers: While there are still several weeks of summer left, let’s look at a few end-of-season FINANCIAL FIXES:
Summer travel expenses can add up quickly. Meals on the go, touristy souvenirs, hotel upgrades and daytrips can wring out the wallet. Set an amount that you’re willing to spend, and stick to it.
After vacation? It’s back-to-school time! Many states offer a taxfree weekend in the first part of August — waived sales tax on most clothing, school necessities and other items. This can be an almost 10 percent savings, depending on your state’s sales tax.
A written budget is critical. If you don’t write down and account for each dollar that you have, those dollars can slip through your fingers.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and let’s not “fall” into debt! — Heloise
School thought
Dear Heloise: I’m a teacher, and I’d like to take a moment to ask all parents to start getting the kids thinking about school again!
Take several minutes a day to read, read, read to young kids! Have slightly older kids read to you, and practice simple math problems back and forth.
Take turns calling out simple math problems quickly: “2+4?” “2x4?” “4/2?” This, from my work with my kids, usually ends in fits of laughter, but it’s effective!
As for even older students, talk with high school kids about current events, writing and history. — Janine in Texas
Gel pack danger
Dear Heloise: Is it necessary to print on silica gel packs “Do Not Eat”? This would not be appetizing to me! — Ron R. in Michigan
Ron, silica packs are used to absorb moisture in products, and the contents are basically sand, so they aren’t necessarily poisonous, but consumption is a temptation for kids, and the packs can cause nausea and vomiting, and can be a choking hazard. — Heloise
Super sweeper
Dear Heloise: Before running the sweeper through the kitchen, I sweep the crumbs from behind the toaster, microwave, fridge, in the drawers, etc., onto the floor. — Carol Y., via email
Top-down cleaning is always the best way to go! — Heloise
Germ warfare
Household Hints
Dear Heloise: After I have ordered from the menu at a sit-down restaurant, I go to the restroom and wash my hands, or I use hand sanitizer. The menu can be covered with germs.
I never use an ink pen that is handed to me with a clipboard with forms. I use my own ink pen. A communal pen can be germ-laden. — Mary, via email
Good “best practices” for the upcoming flu season. — Heloise
A sticky situation
Dear Heloise: I find address labels a handy way to label books, compact discs and DVDs that I am lending out to friends.
I also stick labels on the back of my business cards so I can easily give contact info to friends at a class reunion. — Tom D., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 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.