Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use a different color of highlighting pen each month when I reconcile my bank statement. I highlight the transaction on the bank statement and in my register with the same color each month. This method makes it easier to see which transactions had not gone through at the time of the statement.

It also makes it easier to find a bank statement. First, find the transaction in your register to see what color highlighter was used, then look in your statements for that color. This will also work for tax deductions. Use one color the whole year just for deductions, and other colors for your regular transactions. – Christina Thomas, Fulton, Mo.

Color-coding is one way to help keep all those transactions straight. – Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I purchase a gift that is large, heavy or just plain hard to wrap, I use wallpaper for wrapping paper. It handles odd shapes and weights without tearing. – Margaret H., Conroe, Texas