Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: My occupation involves traveling quite a bit. In my travels, I’ve amassed, of course, quite a few hotel, airline and car-rental award memberships.

I used to carry all the award cards needed in order to present my account number to the appropriate party. I realized, finally, that all I need are the appropriate account numbers. So I wrote down on a 3-by-5-inch card – which, when folded, fits in my wallet – all my award companies and account numbers.

Consequently, instead of toting around a half-dozen or so cards on each trip and possibly losing them, all the necessary information is on that 3-by-5 card.– Jim Israel, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Jim, I’m with you on this one! It can cause a bulging wallet if you carry all those cards, but remember that many have the number on the magnetic strip so the card can just be swiped. – Heloise