Colored highlighters help keep bank transactions in order

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. This is an especially helpful hint when it's time to work on income-tax papers. Heloise
Fast facts
Dear Readers: If you are like most people who save plastic grocery bags, you find that they can quickly multiply out of control! So, here are a few ways to recycle them:
Use one as a floor protector for the commode plunger.
Wrap them around breakable items as a cushion in storage boxes.
Use as packing and filler material.
Wrap one around off-season shoes to keep them dust-free, or use to cover shoes when traveling.
Carry a few rolled up in a baby's travel bag to wrap up soiled diapers.
Carry some in your glove box to use as litter bags or makeshift rain hats.
And why not take a good supply back to the grocery store to recycle? Heloise
P.S. Put some in your travel luggage for all kinds of emergencies, smelly clothes, damp things or items that might leak.
Dear Heloise: When you think the toothpaste tube is empty, cut the bottom off. There are several more brushings left. Every little bit helps. M.J. from Lowell, Ark.
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. I have read your column for close to 40 years and get wonderful help and ideas from it. Thanks! Margaret H., Conroe, Texas
Margaret, thank you! This column is here to help, and I'm glad it has helped you. Heloise
Sound off
Dear Heloise: One of my biggest Sound Offs that really bothers me is when you are in a restaurant and someone blows his nose at the table. It doesn't even have to be at your table.
I think it is so rude, and who wants to hear someone honking his nose while you are trying to eat? Get up, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom! Toni W. in Fredericksburg, Va.
I agree that it is extremely annoying trying to have a conversation with your table mate when someone at another table is "honking" loudly. Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate