Dear Heloise: I have a habit of signing up for free trials for a number of different services, subscriptions, monthly deliveries, etc. The problem is, I forget to cancel after the free term, and then I see these charges on my credit card!

Now I keep a detailed notebook about each subscription, along with the contact information for that company and the dates when things expire. I think these companies are counting on us forgetting to cancel and not checking our statements. — P.M. in Texas

Readers, be vigilant about what information you’re giving out and to whom, and only subscribe to programs from reputable companies. Most companies are operating above-board, but things move pretty quickly nowadays, and we have to be responsible for our own actions. — Heloise

TECH TALK ­TUESDAY

Dear Heloise: I love that newer cars have voice-activated phone calling ability. If you have to take a phone call, it makes it safer to talk while driving. — Carly in California

Carly, this is a good hands-free option if you’re able to do it safely. — Heloise

SAFE TRADE

Dear Heloise: I like buying, selling and trading with people in online marketplaces. But I was worried about the safety factor; meeting up with someone I don’t know or having a stranger come to my home.

Police substations are a safe, clean, well-lit and always-staffed place to meet up to trade. If we can’t meet inside, we trade in the parking lot. There are always cameras. — Jennifer R. in Texas

Jennifer, what a great idea! Meeting during the day at the police station or sheriff’s department is a very safe way to meet up. — Heloise

IT ALL “ADS” UP

Dear Heloise: I have always wondered why the manufacturers of paper towels have not used the paper rolls as advertising tools. They could be used as a coupon for future purchases or have a famous quote or riddle on them.

I know my wife would use up the paper towels really fast just to get to the coupon! — Lynn S. via email

CUT IT DOWN

Dear Heloise: Since antibacterial wipes are expensive and are getting difficult to find during the pandemic, I have started cutting them in half or thirds and then putting them in a separate container. That way, if I just want to wipe down an item from the grocery store or the steering wheel in my car, I don’t have to use a whole wipe. — M. Ellen, via email

CHECK IT OUT

Dear Heloise: The grandmother who wrote to you about learning to use her computer should contact her public library. Many libraries offer free or low-cost computer training specifically for senior citizens. — Information Maven, via email

KITTY RUB DOWN

Dear Heloise: I’ve found that a microfiber cloth works as well as a cat brush for removing the loose hair from my cat’s coat. He loves the rubdown, too! — Tessa in Virginia

——

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.