DEAR HELOISE: Recently, I rented a car. It wasn't until I received my final contract through email that I discovered I had been charged for the roadside service plan. The agent told me to initial all of the highlighted areas on the contract. Both the "accept" and "decline" boxes for the roadside-assistance option had been highlighted.
Hint No. 1: No matter how tired or hurried you are, read each and every option before you initial/sign the contract.
Hint No. 2: If you have a dispute over fees, call the car-rental counter directly where you picked up the vehicle and speak to the person in charge.
I was fortunate to have been able to have the charges reversed, but it took time and caused frustration.
-- Rebecca in
Beavercreek, Ohio
DEAR READERS: Do take time to read the agreement, especially anywhere you must sign or initial. Take your time.
I always get the direct phone number and name of the person who helped me at the counter.
P.S.: Your credit-card issuer can help out, too.
DEAR READERS: Here are some wonderful comments about a recent reader letter with hints about getting kids to talk to you.
"Dear Heloise: When my daughter was in elementary school or preschool, I would ask what she did that day, and she would say the typical 'Nothing.'
"I would act indignant and say: 'Nothing? They made you sit and stare at the wall all day and do nothing? I will have to call the school and complain!'
"She'd laugh and admit that she did do something -- and then she would begin to tell me about her day. It worked every time!"
-- Karen, via email
"Dear Heloise: My daughter and I used to tell each other what we learned that day that maybe the other doesn't know. She was 5 or 6. We continued for many years.
"One summer we were so busy that we stopped. One night she asked, 'Why don't we tell each other what we learned anymore?' We started back up again! Great memories."
-- Kat in Omaha, Neb.
Both winners! Try them, folks.
DEAR HELOISE: My mother taught us to cut off both ends of cans after rinsing to minimize the attraction to wild and stray animals. Also, smash the can flat so no animal is harmed by a can that you throw away or recycle.
-- Jan in Cairnbrook, Pa.
DEAR HELOISE: Here's a great gift for an older couple: My kids gave my husband and me a professional photo session.
-- Janet in San Antonio
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
Weekend on 10/01/2015