Mind your own money!

DEAR READERS » Today’s SOUND OFF is about people who always ask what you paid for something:

“Dear Heloise: My sister-inlaw has a habit of asking what I paid for nearly everything I buy. I find it irritating and rude. Sometimes I tell her I don’t remember, or I’ll ask, “Why do you need to know?” We recently bought land in another state where we plan to retire, and she keeps asking us what we paid for it. Am I wrong in thinking she’s rude and it’s none of her business?”

— Lynn in Missouri

DEAR LYNN » Lynn, she really shouldn’t keep asking what you paid for items you buy, but some people don’t see anything wrong with asking. Readers, what do you think? Drop me a line and let me know.

DEAR READERS » Here are some new uses for bread tags:

• Use to ID extra keys. Write what each key opens on the tag.

• Tag your computer cords.

• When playing bingo, use for markers.

• Paint and decorate to use on small Christmas trees.

DEAR HELOISE » My hangers will not slide over the wooden pole in my closet. What can I do to get them to glide easily?

— Jerrie S., Belle Fourche, S.D.

DEAR JERRIE S. » Jerrie, there are a couple of things you can do: You could take a candle and wax the wooden pole. Another solution is to paint the pole in a high-gloss paint. If painting or waxing doesn’t appeal to you, try furniture polish on the pole.

DEAR HELOISE » My son and I love to go camping. The problem is, our sleeping bags don’t smell very nice — in fact, they stink. How do we get rid of the “musty” smell?

— Jim B., Eugene, Ore.

DEAR JIM B. » Jim, you might consider taking your sleeping bag outside on a sunny day and letting it air out. And before storing, try placing two dryer sheets inside it. It should smell fresher the next time you use it.

DEAR READERS » It’s getting down to the wire, but there’s still time to mail a holiday greeting, and here’s a moneysaver: postcards! A “regular size” postcard (6 by 4 inches) costs just 35 cents to mail; the maximum size of a postcard, 11 by 6 inches, is 55 cents to mail! The front of a greeting card works nicely as a postcard.

DEAR HELOISE » After emptying bags of fresh kitty litter into the litter boxes, I save the bags. It provides bags when emptying the litter pans for cleaning and refilling.

— Stacey in Pennsylvania

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 782795000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@Heloise.com.