Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about people who always ask what you paid for something:

“Dear Heloise: My sister-in-law 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

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. — Heloise

FAST FACTS

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.

— Heloise

HANGER PROBLEMS

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.

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. — Heloise

SMELLY SLEEPING BAG

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.

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. — Heloise

POSTCARD POWER

Dear Readers: It’s getting down to the wire, but there’s still time to mail a holiday greeting, and here’s a money-saver: 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. — Heloise

KITTY LITTER BAGS

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

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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.