Dear Bruce: We just returned from vacation and will be taking another short trip in a couple of months. On our last trip, we rented a car. Among all of the tacked-on extras: buying a full tank of gas. What do you think about purchasing gas from the rental agency? Oftentimes, trying to find a gas station at the major airports is nearly impossible, and it also a bit more expensive. — Reader, via e-mail

Dear reader: It can be a good deal, but usually is not. The genius who thought this up should be rewarded with a million-dollar bonus from the rental companies. They are selling the same gallon of gas for many times the actual price, so the profit has to be remarkable. In other words, you'll probably have a couple of gallons remaining in the tank when you return the car. Who wants to drive with an empty tank in a strange city? If you are not driving great distances, there is a good chance you might leave a half of tank in there, which will be sold to the next traveler. If, on the other hand, you know that you are going to be driving substantial distances and you want to chance driving it down to near empty, it's much more convenient when returning the car. It is only a good deal if you are going to burn at least a full tank of gas — and you have the ability to track what you need so you don't run out on some busy highway approaching the airport.

Dear Bruce: I know that a filed will is public knowledge, but can a person get a copy of the will after the probate is finalized? — Reader, via e-mail

Dear reader: In most cases, the answer is yes. I am reluctant to say that this is true in every instance. Check with the surrogate in the county where the will has been probated. It is on file for a number of years with the surrogate's court. Wills, as you know, are public documents and can be purchased for a modest fee.

Dear Bruce: My mother is thinking about buying a new home. After listening to you on the radio for years and reading your column every week, I have told her to use an independent inspector and a private lawyer for the closing, and not to let the lending bank use whomever they choose. She said not to worry — she "trusts them." Could you please go over the reasons why not to use what the bank offers? Maybe then she will listen to me. — T.P., via e-mail

Dear T.P.: There are dozens of reasons not to trust these folks. Which is not to say that they are all dishonest; nothing is further from the truth. However, their interests and your mom's are not necessarily parallel. She should have the building appropriately inspected and use an attorney who represents only her. Indeed, it's incumbent on her to be certain that she is protected as much as possible. There are obviously no absolutes, but to walk into a deal with the idea that she "trusts them" is the height of folly.

— Send your questions to: Smart Money, P.O. Box 2095, Elfers, FL 34680. E-mail to: bruce@brucewilliams.com.