Heloise

Dear Heloise: Mattresses keep getting thicker and more expensive, and they require special deep-pocket sheets on top of this. Are they actually more comfortable or just harder to get into, especially for shorter people and those who have mobility difficulties? — Marlene K., in Regent, North Dakota

Marlene, over the past 20 years, mattresses have gotten thicker mainly because of marketing trends and additional foam layers. For people who are shorter or have difficulty moving around, these tall mattresses can be challenging to use. Getting in and out of bed shouldn’t feel like balancing on a tightrope.

Keeping a step stool next to your bed can help make things safer. Thicker mattresses require fitted sheets with pockets that are at least 15 inches deep; otherwise, the sheets won’t stay in place. Be sure to check the pocket depth before you buy new sheets to avoid any hassle. Some newer, higher-end mattresses also come with handles, making rotation or adjustment easier. Your bed should be comfortable and fit your daily life. — Heloise

DOUBLE-DUTY COFFEE FILTERS

Dear Heloise: My daughter and I have a plant sale each spring, and this year, it took place at the end of April. We save old 4-inch square pots when we buy plants and also buy more for the new plants that we sell. These pots have a lot of holes in the bottom, so here is what I do to keep the new soil from coming out when I water them:

This is an “aha” moment I had the first time we did the plant sale. I go to the kitchen and grab the large, round, paper coffee filters I use when I brew a pot of coffee, as well as some scissors. I fold the filters in half twice, then cut along the lines, making 4 triangles out of this water-filtering paper that fit nicely in the bottom of each new plant pot.

Then I put the soil and plant in there, and when I water them outdoors for future sales, the coffee filter paper lets the excess water out — but not the soil. Voila, no soil comes out of the bottom! — Rusti Stover, in Houston

TAKE CONTROL OF MONEY

Dear Heloise: Tracking every dollar changed how I handle money. Instead of guessing, I track income and expenses in detail. I anticipate and set aside funds for future expenditures, and I monitor my bank and credit card activity daily, which helps me avoid unpleasant surprises. Setting aside small amounts for car repairs, yearly fees and holiday shopping made a big difference over time.

The short daily check-in makes it easy for me to spot mistakes or surprise charges before they become problems. The result can seem bizarre. If you constantly worry about money, you won’t ever have to seriously worry about money! — Jim R., in Houston

HOW TO KILL AN ITCH

Dear Heloise: I’ve seen the hints that people have sent in for using kitchen tools for something other than their intended purpose. (For instance, using a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar or a stick of butter.) My hint is to use a dry long-handled shower or bath brush to scratch a hard-to-get itch on your back. It works great! I enjoy your column in the Orange County Register. — Ira B., in California

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.