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Dear Heloise: Regarding the post from Victoria R., in Kingston, New York, as a single mother, I found it difficult and tedious to take my early teens school shopping. I added them both to a designated credit card, and I gave them a limit and a list of what they needed to purchase! They did great! Not only did this method teach them to budget, they now had a viable credit history. It was a great learning lesson. We’re now doing this for our grandchildren. — T.C.S., via email
T.C.S., it’s a good idea as long as they don’t overspend. It’s important that you give them guidelines and a limited amount of money to let them learn. It benefits both your family and our society as a whole because you’re teaching them the following lessons:
— You can’t have everything that you see or like.
— They learn the hard truth that we all have choices. If you’re saving for a house, you probably can’t afford to get a motorcycle, too. However, a house grows in market value, while a motorcycle doesn’t.
— You can teach them ways to make their money grow by investing their money wisely. They learn patience and can develop strategies for the long-term future. — Heloise
COFFEE FILTER HINT
Dear Heloise: To separate coffee filters, just put them in a napkin holder. I struggled with getting one out until I started using this method. The first couple may be a little difficult to get out, but after a bit, they usually come out one at a time. Just place the napkin holder by your coffeepot and grab the first filter. — Dee, in Texas
DONATING PLASTIC BAGS
Dear Heloise: The Houston Food Bank asked Houston Chronicle readers for plastic bags to put food in for people to take home. When I shop, I save every bag, smooth them out, and fold them until they’re very small. Then I collect them all to give to the food bank. Maybe food banks in other cities have this need, too. People should call and ask. — Glenda D., in Texas
STORING GINGER ROOT
Dear Heloise: Here’s another suggestion for storing ginger root for Courtney, in Peoria, Illinois: Put the whole ginger root into a small bag and put it in the freezer. When you need ginger, scrape the peel off the end of the root and grate what you need for your recipe onto a plate. Put the bag back into the freezer for use on another day. — Sheila, in Tucson, Arizona
TINY HOLES IN CLOTHING
Dear Heloise: I just read Monica’s issue about tiny holes in knit shirts. Lower-quality fabric might not be the problem. I had the same issue with my Pima cotton T-shirts after moving into our new home. It was the edge of our granite countertop that got at the seams just enough to cause tiny holes. I placed clear packing tape along the edges that were rough. I no longer have an issue. — M., in Tipp City, Ohio
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.