Take an inventory of purse

Dear Readers: Have you ever thought about what you carry in your purse? For many women, purses are their lives, it seems. But the reason for taking stock of what's inside your handbag is to consider what would be lost if the bag were stolen.

• Pull out all credit and ID cards. Do you need to use them all? Do you have copies of the numbers of all your cards or a list of numbers to call to cancel cards if they are stolen?

• What high-tech items are you carrying? A cell phone, earphones, music player, beeper, charger or text-messaging device? How much are they worth, and how much would it cost to replace them? Do you need to bring them with you all the time?

• Look at other objects of surprising value, such as sunglasses, cosmetics, leather wallet, etc.

• Write down the value of everything in your purse and the price of the bag. The amount might be startling and make you reconsider what you put in your purse regularly. —Heloise

P.S.: Men, take an inventory of your wallet and briefcase or backpack. You might be shocked, too!

Dear Heloise: Plastic newspaper bags are fabulous and have a bunch of uses, but storing them can be a dilemma. Here are some of my favorite storage ideas:

• Stuff them in a large, empty tissue box and pull them out one by one (just like a tissue).

• A clean, plastic milk jug works. Cut a hole in the side to put bags in.

• Use an empty baby towelette container — it's sturdy. —K.M. from Texas

Love your hints! I stuff them all in a large shopping bag (along with plastic grocery bags) under a counter to grab and reuse for so many things. Readers, other hints? —Heloise

Dear Heloise: Take a picture of your license plate and save it on your cell phone just in case your car is ever stolen. You will have the info on hand when calling the police! —Jerry Hewitt, via e-mail

Jerry, you're right — this is a good idea! —Heloise

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Send a great Hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax: 1-210-435-6473; e-mail: heloise@Heloise.com

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