Dear Heloise: In regard to a past column on possessions from an estate-planning attorney, I would like to add something: The person who wants the red stickers put on the bottoms of items for her heirs should have a recorded will, and she should also record the list of items that she wants her heirs to have.
When my aunt died, she had a recorded will (documented with the state) in which she had set up how she wanted the balance of her estate to be divided. She also had a list of certain items that she wanted her sister to have, and some specific items that were to go to nieces and nephews. What she failed to do was have this list recorded.
Just to be on the safe side, if there are items you want passed on to certain people, a list should be made and recorded along with the will. —Linda B. in Indiana
Linda, this is a very touchy subject, and one that can cause problems for all concerned. Estate law is tricky, and laws vary from state to state. Check with a knowledgeable attorney for sound advice. —Heloise
Dear Heloise: I buy eyeglass-cleaning wet tissues in bulk from the local warehouse stores. They are a real problem to manage if you want to keep a few near your desk or work/reading areas.
I found the perfect solution. I purchased the little rectangular sugar/ sweetener packet holders that you see on restaurant tables. They hold a generous supply and keep me from constantly searching for those elusive packets. I have one by my bed, my favorite reading chair, my desk and in the car. —Judy Keck, San Antonio
Dear Heloise: Whenever a person has a lot of documents that need to be destroyed, but there is no shredder available, all that has to be done is to put them in a dishpan and run hot water on them. Let soak for a couple of hours, then wad them into a ball of mush that no one could read no matter how patient he was. —Walt Haskins, Lahaina, Hawaii
You should still tear them up first! —Heloise
Dear Heloise: I want to share a hint my grandson came up with that I have not seen before: To change a light bulb that is hot, take the cardboard sleeve from the new bulb, slip it over the hot one and unscrew. Voila! No hot bulb to handle. —Proud Granny in Vero Beach, Fla.
Thanks for your hint, Granny! May I just share one small caution? Just remember that the hot bulb should be put on a potholder or other heatproof surface until cool and then disposed of properly. —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 1-210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
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