HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: What are your uses for spare change? Asked and answered! Here are some of your responses:

My husband quit smoking cold turkey. He used that money for a wagon and a bike for the children.

— Jan M., Rogers I save it toward a vacation. — Janet in New Hampshire I saved my coins for 13 years — the total amount was $4,216.55!

— A Reader,

via email I have a prescription bottle in my glove compartment that holds exactly $10 in change — for tolls or drinks. I also keep change on my dresser, which goes to the Sunday School mission. No heavy purse to carry.

— M.M. in Texas We save our change for birthday and Christmas presents. — Betty M., Crown Point, Ind. We secretly give spare change to someone in need. — Sandra S., Timberville, Va. I have a ceramic piggy bank and use it daily toward our yearly trips to Branson. — G.T., California Thank you for your responses.

DEAR READERS: Do you know some basic sales terminology? The Federal Trade Commission says that a sale must offer merchandise at a “substantial, not merely nominal, reduction” from the original price. Here are some types of sales:

Seasonal: Seasonal sales are held to promote popular items for use right now, such as lawn furniture in the summer and sweaters in the fall.

Closeout: If a manufacturer decides to discontinue an item, the retailer can buy these items at a discount and pass on the savings to you.

Special purchase: These usually are first-quality items that were overproduced.

DEAR HELOISE: I had trouble threading needles until I dabbed a tiny drop of clear nail polish on the tip of the thread and allowed it to dry. Now it’s no problem!

— Mary J. in New York

DEAR HELOISE: Here is an easy and cheap facial mask that will tighten pores: I beat two egg whites until frothy, and I spread it over my clean face and throat, avoiding the eye area.

I let it dry, then rinse with cool water. This mask makes my pores feel clean and tight.

— Ana G. in Florida