Heloise, syndicated columnist

Dear Heloise: I know you warn people never to give out their personal information, but since this past Christmas, I have been blasted with phone calls from callers who claim to be from some fake government agency and are checking to see if I’m gullible enough to give out information about my Medicare card. I usually hang up on them, but not everyone knows that they are scammers. Who should I report these callers to in order to stop them? — Naomi L., in Oklahoma

Naomi, try the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. You’re correct — we should never hand out personal information to anyone, but most especially to strangers over the phone. — Heloise

THANK-YOU NOTE SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: I agree with Sandy from Tucson, Arizona, about acknowledging the receipt of a gift. It would be nice to receive a thank-you note for a gift (especially a monetary one). But alas, today, this is not the usual response.

After having had several cards and letters lost in the mail (which was especially disheartening when they were lost by FedEx and UPS), I now appreciate a note/email/text/phone call stating that the gift was received. Of course, if this is sent, then a quick “thank you” could be added. (Just a hint!)

Lately, I’ve stopped sending gifts, and sure as heck, I’ve received messages asking, “Did you forget my anniversary/birthday/graduation/wedding, etc.?” Omissions get noticed very quickly. — Valerie G., in Tucson, Arizona

EASY-TO-READ MEDICATION

Dear Heloise: Tubes of various over-the-counter or prescription salves have expiration dates that are, many times, hard to read without a magnifying glass. So, I started using a black fine-point permanent marker to write the month/year on the outside of the tube in an easy-to-read location. Problem solved! — LEO G., via email

CHECK THE MANUAL

Dear Heloise: It seemed as though I could never find the manual that came with the appliances we bought. When I needed to know how to fix something or how to properly use an item, the manual was always lost or probably tossed out. Finally, I bought a two-drawer filing cabinet, and now I keep the manuals there until we replace the items that we buy.

This has saved us a small fortune because we’ve managed to fix things ourselves rather than call for a repairman. We now have a place for things such as our wills, marriage license, birth certificates, and other important documents. It sure beats having to hunt all over the house for these important papers. — Jill and Simon D., in Detroit

ALL GROWN UP

Dear Heloise: I had to laugh when I read a letter describing millennials as if they were still teenagers learning basic life skills. Many people still use the word “millennial” as shorthand for young adults, but this description is no longer accurate. Most sources define millennials as people born between 1981 and 1996. This means that the youngest millennials are approaching their 30s, while the oldest are now in their mid-40s.

Many millennials today have established careers, families, and homes of their own. The youngest adults who are now entering the workforce actually belong to Generation Z, which follows the millennial generation. It’s interesting how generational labels can linger long after circumstances change. The group once described as “kids” has quietly become today’s parents, professionals and community leaders. — C., in Wisconsin

Send a great hint to: Heloise@Heloise.com.