Dear Heloise: This is in regard to Vance from Topeka, Kansas, who recommended not putting credit card bills on auto-pay. I disagree. You should put credit card bills on auto pay, but for the minimum payment only.

If you ever forget to pay the bill timely, or you are incapacitated and unable to pay your bills, this will stop the card from charging you late fees and interest charges each month. If you normally pay a larger amount on your card each month, you can always make a second payment in addition to the minimum payment.

As always, check your credit card bill each month for “strange” charges. Most cards require you to report fraudulent payments within 60-90 days. — Terry King, Costa Mesa, California

RINSING THE DISHWASHER

Dear Heloise: It takes a few days for me to fully load my dishwasher. Intermittently, I run the rinse-and-hold cycle. It’s a hot-water rinse and a great way to minimize the buildup of plastic residue from the gel packs. — Steve Howard, Tarzana, California

HOLIDAY CARDS

Dear Heloise: When sending holiday cards or newsletters, be sure to include your current email address and cellphone number. So many people no longer have landlines and haven’t let their friends know of the new ways to reach them. Hearing the voice of an old friend can mean so much.

I love to read your hints in the Houston Chronicle. — Carolyn W., The Woodlands, Texas

REUSING ENVELOPES

Dear Heloise: Many of us find it necessary to wear a sanitary napkin daily. When disposing of the used napkin, I highly recommend wrapping it in the plastic of the new pad, then putting all of it in a “junk mail” envelope, which can easily be rolled up to conceal its contents when placed in the kitchen trash basket.

I keep a supply of envelopes handy in the bathroom drawer, so I no longer have to wrap the soiled product in toilet paper. That way, I put these envelopes to good use with no additional expense to me. — Barbara Hoch, San Antonio

KEEPING HOSES

AND DRAINS CLEAN

Dear Readers: Keep dishwasher hoses and drains clean and smelling fresh by adding vinegar to the rinse cycle every two to three months. This is a good idea for washing machines as well. Add a generous splash or two of white vinegar and run a small-load cycle.

I have put together a six-page pamphlet called “Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More!” that contains many helpful vinegar hints. To order a copy, go to www.Heloise.com or send $5 and a long, self addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. — 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.