HELOISE: How long to keep utility bills?

Dear Heloise: A friend of mine told me I need to keep old utility bills for a year. Is that necessary?

T.M., via e-mail

Keeping utility bills is a good way for you to track monthly spending and consumption. Saving statements for a year or so is a good way to compare usage from the previous year or years. But you don’t have to keep them at all.

Saving the utility bills until the payment has cleared is a good idea in case of a dispute. Most utility companies keep this information for about a year or so.

Some people use spreadsheets to record utility payments and usage. If you are planning to sell your home, a year or more of these records might be helpful, as it shows your energy consumption.

If you work out of your home, you may need the utility bills for tax purposes.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Batteries in my camera, flashlight, toys and such used to wear out in no time at all. Now when I finish using such items, I simply open them up so the battery is not making contact. When I start to use something, I close it back up and have power. The batteries last and last.

Elizabeth in San Angelo, Texas

Elizabeth, a leading battery manufacturer agreed with you. If you are storing your device for a long period of time, this is especially helpful.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: In a recent article, someone was concerned about the percentage of tipping in a restaurant. I am surprised that people do not know of the system that I use. I was told many years ago by a waiter that you double the amount of the tax, which works out to approximately 16 percent for a tip. If the service is bad, I tip only 10 percent, and if the service is very good, I will give 20 percent.

J.F. in Houston

This is a good way, but remember that the sales tax may not be the same across the country.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I agree with Joyce (a reader commenting on businesses using only .com info for advertising — Heloise) that a lot of people do not have computers for accessing special offers.

Please also inform the business community that not everyone has “texting” capability. I have a cell phone for emergency purposes only and cannot justify the cost of the online and texting support on it. This leaves me “out in the cold.”

Patty, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I have a lot of shoes, and I try to keep them organized. So, I keep them in the original box, then take a photo of the shoes and attach it to the box. Now I can easily find any pair of shoes.

Deidre, Spokane, Wash.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate