Be sure to caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors that leak air

• Go Green Tip: Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors that leak air. As Dad used to say, “We aren’t paying to air-condition the outdoors!”

• “When I know I will need to make an appointment for a doctor’s or other visit in the future and can’t make it right away, I write the details on a small sticky note and put it in my checkbook register. I note the earliest date I can make the appointment and when it should take place. As I am reconciling my checking account, I look at the notes and see if there are any events coming up that I need to make appointments for. I feel like I am ahead of the curve.” — D.C. in West Virginia

• Need a place to keep plastic grocery bags for reuse? An empty tissue box is a great container for a small number, or the box from a 12-pack of sodas will keep a larger amount nicely.

• “With my photo album and supplies I keep a small pack of plain stickers. I note all the people in the picture, the date and other pertinent details, and stick the sticker on the back. It keeps ink from bleeding through.” — B.M. in Nevada

• “I just wanted to give three cheers for microchipping pets. I lost my beloved spaniel Daisy last week, and she was found and returned to me because the very smart person who found her took her to a local vet, who was able to get the microchip information. The company notified me where my baby was, and all is well.” — N.R. in Florida

• If you have a lot of medical visits throughout the year and have trouble keeping receipts for tax purposes, try investing in a small daily planner just for your medical information. You can note appointment dates and mileage to and from the doctor’s office and attach receipts to the pages (parking, deductible payments, etc.). At the end of the year, it’s all ready to hand over to a tax professional.