Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: Most people think that by deleting material on their computer, they have effectively erased all of their past personal data. Well, they haven't! If you are going to dispose of an old computer, it's always best to make sure that none of your personal information is on there. The steps are too long to go into in your column, but people probably should hire a professional, who can protect them by erasing all of their personal data. Don't risk letting someone get hold of your banking or investing information, as well as the addresses of family and friends.

-- Glen D., Titusville, Fla.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a solution to missing socks. I bought some 2-inch safety pins, paired up the socks and wove the pin through the toes of each pair. My wonderful husband unpins them in the a.m. and re-pins them in the p.m. when going to bed. Then they are tossed into the laundry basket together. If the sock material fades a little, it all stays the same.

-- Carole M., Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: I have a quick tip about cellphone contacts. When I add a doctor or other business as a contact, I always take a picture of the address and hours from the website or business card, and save it as the contact image. It is helpful to have that info handy whenever I need to call.

-- Tamaron J., Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: I've worked in human resources for over 20 years, and I have a piece of advice for job applicants: Please do not have a friend or family member call a place where you once worked and pretend to be a potential employer doing a background check. I know everyone is curious, but there are some serious problems that might knock you out of the running for a job you really want:

• No matter how much someone wants to help you, it's entirely possible he or she will ask illegal questions (such as date of birth) or get too inquisitive about your work history. This sets off a red flag. We wonder what you're so afraid we'll find out.

• Don't assume you can sue a former employer just because your friend heard negative information from the person he or she spoke to. Your friend's word will not hold up in court, especially if the information is true.

-- A Reader, via email

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

[email protected]

MovieStyle on 11/24/2017

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