Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Dayton Daily News and wanted to share a hint that I’ve never seen before. I always keep a small jar of water in my microwave in case I happen to turn it on by mistake when it’s empty. This tip has saved me from disaster. You can also eliminate unwanted odors by putting some vinegar in the jar and letting it sit overnight. Thanks for all your great ideas! — Molly S., Dayton, Ohio

MEN USING COUPONS

Dear Heloise: I am responding to your question about men using coupons. I’m a happily married 80-year-old man who is financially well-off. I have no idea how long I’ve been using coupons, but it’s been several decades.  I used to do most of the grocery shopping, but now that I can’t drive, my shopping has been reduced. I’ve been using coupons for decades. To me, coupons are tax-free money, so why not take advantage of them? — Len Smith, via email

GAS PUMPS

Dear Heloise: At times, I have driven up to get gas only to see the display on the pump telling me that something was wrong. Either it wouldn’t take my credit card, or there wasn’t any paper in it for my receipt.

However, I keep extra plastic grocery bags in my truck, so I will often take a bag and place it over the gas nozzle, showing people not to use this pump.

Sometimes, I will go into the gas station and tell the person behind the counter that the gas pump isn’t working or that there isn’t any paper for a receipt. Most times, they will give me the “OK” or “So what?” reply. But when I tell them that I have put the pump out of service and no gas will be pumped from it, this usually gets their attention. — D.H., in Houston

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Dear Heloise: I recently received a phone call from the county auditor asking me if the property I live in and own is still a rental property.

“After living in a monastery for three years, I now live in the house,” I replied. She informed me that I had not been receiving the homeowners tax credit, since it was still considered a rental property on their books. I didn’t know that I had to make the call to update the change in status if I once rented my property and now live at the property.

I urge your readers to call their county auditor’s office to make sure that it is getting the proper tax credits so they can reduce their property taxes. And if you are at a certain age and a certain income level in my locality (not sure if this is just for Montgomery County in Ohio, Ohio as a whole, or maybe the entire nation?), the property owner can receive the Homestead Act tax credit as a strategy to reduce their taxes again. — D., in Ohio

HINT ON STORING ­PURSES

Dear Heloise: Packages frequently come with small inflated bags instead of packing peanuts or paper. Save these inflated bags and use them to fill out purses when you store them away. The purses maintain their shape and are easier to store. — M.H., in Missouri

TAPEWORMS

Dear Readers: Dogs and cats can pick up tapeworms from eating fleas. Be sure to use a veterinarian-recommended, tick-and-flea preventive medication each month. You’ll have a much healthier pet if you do. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.