DEAR HELOISE: I am writing about your article stating that one should mail damaged money to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a replacement and insure it through the post office.
I was sending my brother a gift card and wanted to insure it. I was told that the post office did not insure money or gift cards, because people could say, for instance, that they sent $100when they actually sent $10.
Did the clerk at the post office give me the wrong information, or was she correct? - Sherry, via email
DEAR READER: The postal worker was correct. However, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing recommends mailing the damaged money via registered mail, return receipt requested, if you can’t hand-deliver it to the bureau in Washington.
But the U.S. Postal Service tells customers never to mail money. If you must mail money to someone, it suggests buying a postal money order for the dollar amount and using registered mail for maximum security.
The possibility of a registered letter being “lost, stolen or destroyed” is pretty small.
Here are hints if you must mail a gift card: Keep the receipts. Use registered mail, return receipt requested. Or use a private delivery service.
DEAR HELOISE: If I need a small amount of cash and can’t find an ATM, I go into the closest market, drugstore or convenience store. I buy a pack of gum or mints using my debit card and ask for cash back.
Some stores set a limit for the amount you can get back, which will be lower than an ATM’s limit.
- Michelle L., Washington
DEAR READER: This is a good hint when in a pinch.But do the merchant a favor and buy more than gum!
DEAR HELOISE: When my mother retired, I gave her a sewing machine and quilting lessons. Her whole life, she had talked about wanting to learn how to make a quilt but never had the time. I thought retirement was the perfect time to let her enjoy what she didn’t have time to do before. - Linda
DEAR HELOISE: To keep clothes from being damaged in the washing machine, fasten the hooks on bras. This keeps them from hooking onto other garments. Better yet, place them in a lingerie bag, but keep the hooks fastened.
- Sue M. in Ohio Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio,Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com
Style, Pages 32 on 12/10/2013