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Dear Heloise: I like to be organized, but an area I have trouble with is a big one -- my finances. Do you have some hints to help? -- Emily E., Boise, Idaho
Emily, it's important to know where all your money is, and to know that it is behaving! Here are some hints:
* Write down all of your expenses that are the same each month: rent/mortgage, car payment, cable bill and insurance.
* Then figure the amounts for expenses that can vary: Other utility bills, groceries and credit card payments would go here.
* Then write down big, unpredictable or rare expenses you might have: Household repairs and vacations go here.
* Document all the income you have for the month. Include pay, dividends, the sale of items, refunds, etc.
Note trends in all of these areas. Soon a pattern will emerge, and you can see where you can save, and where you can spend more.
It's important for you to stay on top of your finances. Writing a budget and accounting for all the money you have will help your bank account grow! -- Heloise
P.S. There are some budgeting apps and tools on the computer that you can use to help you manage your money. Find one that suits you.
A CLEANER PURSE
Dear Heloise: When I carry liquids, lotions, creams and gels in my handbag, I always seal each container in a plastic sandwich bag. I don't want to risk a spill or a messy, greasy cleanup. -- Mary C., Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
I'm all for saving those handbags! -- Heloise
HINT FROM HIM
Dear Heloise: I've solved the problem of going to the grocery store and winding up with a shopping cart that has a wobbly wheel, pulls to one side or has a clicking noise.
I do the following: I take one or two carts back up to the store from the parking lot. This way, I can "test-drive" a cart and ensure that the cart I push around the store is a good one.
This also assists the store in rounding up carts left in the parking lot. Everyone should take in a cart or two instead of walking past and leaving them on the lot. -- James A., Abilene, Texas
Wonderful, James! Alert store personnel of the bad cart, and help out the cart-pushers by bringing in a cart, especially in that Texas heat! -- Heloise
WHISTLE WHEN
YOU GET LOST
Dear Heloise: When we go on camping trips to the mountains, I bring whistles and put them on strings and hang one around everyone's neck when they go exploring.
I blow my whistle and wait for a return whistle -- no one gets lost! -- Donna in California
CALL ON YOUR
CREDIT CARD
Dear Readers: Before traveling, call your credit/debit card company and/or bank to let them know, so they won't flag your card for suspicious usage. This can save a lot of time. -- Heloise
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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won't be answered personally.