Dear Heloise: I have a way to keep all important instructions and reference guides to my new stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, TV, VCR, lawn mowers, etc.

When I buy items with instructions, I put them in a big zipper-type bags, punch three holes in the bags and put them in a three-ring binder. I also date the material so that I will know when the appliances were bought. This has come in very handy. I put the binder where I can get to it when I need it. - Helen Hurt, Fair Grove, Mo.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, PO Box 795000, San Antonio TX 78279-5000 or fax it to 210-HELOISE. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.