You know those U.S. Savings Bonds, the ones you gave your kids but now cannot be found? Today, I have information for how to have them replaced. And that beautiful sweater you accidentally laundered with the kids’ play clothes and now looks as though it was made for your toddler? I have a trick to unshrink it back to its original size, shape, and glory. All that plus a few more equally useful tips.
Unshrink Wool
Mix a solution of 1 gallon lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons baby shampoo. Soak the shrunken garment for about 10 minutes. Now, the important part: Don’t rinse! Simply blot out all the excess water with a dry towel and very gently lay it flat on a fresh towel. Reshape slowly and carefully stretch it back to its original size. Dry out of direct sunlight or heat. This tip comes from the Wool Bureau, which verifies this technique will work provided the fibers have not become permanently damaged.Lost US Savings Bonds
Can’t find them anywhere? Provided you have a fairly accurate memory, you may be able to get the bonds replaced. The Bureau of the Public Debt, the branch of the U.S. Treasury Department that issues all the various types of bonds and treasury notes, has come up with a simple system for replacing bonds.First, you will need to get Form 1048. Fill in the approximate issue date along with your complete name (as it was then), address, Social Security number, and, if possible, the bond serial numbers. Whoever gave them to you may have recorded those numbers, so keep looking. Once the form is processed, the bureau will issue you a new set of certificates.
You can get the form by writing to: Bureau of the Public Debt, Parkersburg, WV 26106. Visit the Bureau’s website at PublicDebt.treas.gov for more information. If you should find the original bonds in the future, don’t try to cash them. When new ones are issued, those originals will be canceled.
Doggie Shower Cap
Pet owners know that soap and water can irritate dogs’ ears. Trying to avoid getting soap in their ears at bath time can be challenging, even impossible. Here’s a great solution: Quickly slip a shower cap on your pooch to cover ears and eyes. You might get a bit of resistance, but positive reinforcement and working fast will get the job done!Get a Deal on Tires
When buying replacement tires, ask the tire store manager if they have any “take-offs” to fit your car. These are nearly new tires they remove when someone replaces tires on a new car with special, fancy (expensive) ones. Often, the tire shop will sell these new tires at deep discounts just to move them out.I just heard from a reader who recently purchased a set of four take-offs for less than the price of two new tires. He called three tire companies in his area and all of them reported that yes, from time to time they do have these kinds of tires for sale. Make a few phone calls to tire stores in your area to make sure you really are getting a great deal. Caution: Always make sure the tires you purchase have passed a safety check and carry a warranty.
