A quarter clarification

Dear Heloise: We have found another good use for the plastic cases that 35 mm film comes in. We have one in each vehicle in the glove compartment, filled with quarters to use at the car wash. -- Betty K., Marshall, Ill.

Betty, you are right. Read on for more about film containers:

Curious Kathy says: "I just read your 'containing loose change' piece, and I'm curious how you fit 40 quarters in a film container. I have been putting my quarters in the 35 mm film containers for years, and I can only fit 28 in them. Please let me know your results."

A Reader says: "I have been using film containers for years for tokens and quarters. You claim that a film canister will hold 40 quarters. This is incorrect. It only holds 28 quarters."

Of course you're right, 28 quarters ($7) fit in a film container. What happened was that we were testing two different hints, one with film canisters and the other using small chocolate-candy tubes. We accidentally mixed up the results. Since the candy tubes are larger, they do hold 40 quarters ($10). But a film canister only holds 28 quarters ($7). Although we recheck our facts, some things do happen, and unfortunately this slipped right past me, and in the haste for a deadline, it went sailing right through. -- Heloise

P.S. When I refer to "we," I'm referring to my office staff and me.

SECURITY HINT

Dear Heloise: I would like to remind people using charge cards that if someone makes a mistake and has to do a charge slip over, to ask for the one he or she messed up so that it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

My neighbor knew of a lady at a gas station who was purposely keeping charge slips and selling them to prison inmates, who in turn somehow used them to charge things by mail. Also, if you ever return a purse, be sure to check it twice to make sure nothing is left inside. -- B.J. in Ohio

You're right! It is very important to be sure that receipts are torn up and thrown away. Major credit cards, department-store cards and gasoline cards all have your personal information on them, too. -- Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise(at)Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.