Buy gift cards guardedly
Dear Heloise: A recent experience tells me that this has happened more than once. A gift card was purchased. The cashier ran it through the register. When the card was used, it was for 60 percent of what was purchased to go on the card. The cashier kept $40 for herself!
Now when we get a gift card, we ask them to run it back through the register and show us the amount that is actually on the card. Don’t let a dishonest cashier take a portion of your gift to a loved one. — Jim F., Salado, Texas
It’s unfortunate that this happened. If this happens again, calmly ask about the discrepancy. Gift cards can be tricky. — Heloise
Cleaning system
Dear Heloise: I have two methods of cleaning. I set a timer for five or 10 minutes and work on one room at a time until the timer goes off.
I continue to rotate throughout the house until it’s all done, which means each room probably will get several timed sessions. If one room is finished before the timer goes off, I apply the remaining time to the room of my choice.
Another method is to iron or do paperwork in front of the TV and every time a commercial comes on, I put things away or work in other rooms. I enjoy these games, and they keep me on task when I otherwise might not be so inclined. — Judy, via email
Box filler
Dear Heloise: I was packing a lightweight item for return and needed additional packing material to fill the box.
I did not want to add to the weight by using dense materials (newspaper and the like), which would have added to the shipping cost.
I filled a few plastic newspaper sleeves with air, tied the ends and used them in the box. Free, lightweight and ecologically friendly! — Lisa W., Texarkana, Ark.
Lisa, thanks for writing. I have tested this hint before, and the newspaper bags did not hold up very well. However, bread bags do! Blow into one, and tie the “ponytail” end two times. Works super. — 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.