Now Here's a Tip
By JOANN DERSON

+ "To remove excess fat before using your slow cooker, brown meats first, then add. The excess fat gets drained away instead of being added into your sauce." - A.H. in Colorado

+ Put chalk in a toolbox to prevent rust.

+ Patti of Orlando, Fla., gave us this great hint: "On outside potted plants, use a spare piece of wire screen to keep soil in the bottom of the planter. It works way better than a coffee filter."

+ Going shopping for a specific item that you saw in the sale pages? Call the store before you head out, and make sure the sale item is still in stock.

+ "Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. This way, you won't wet the dishes on the bottom if any pooled water on the top shelf spills. I thought everyone did it this way, but then my boyfriend thought I was such a genius that I figured I would share this hint with others!" - A Reader via e-mail

+ "When confronted with a phone call from a charity requesting a donation, I always ask that the organization send literature to me by mail. I generally do not give out personal information over the phone, and especially not when a person has called ME. Reputable organizations are happy to send information by mail." - E.O. in Pennsylvania

+ Tax tip: Don't overlook the possibility of a deduction for child-care expenses, energy-efficiency upgrades you might have made or donations made to a qualified charity. These can really add up! Make sure you keep your receipts throughout the year.

Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at letters. kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.