DEAR BRUCE: I have sent money to two different patent-placement companies and have had no results. They won't even return my calls. Not having heard back from the first one, I tried a different one. I guess I should have learned my lesson, but I didn't. Is there any reputable way out there to get someone to look at my product for patent assistance, and then get it manufactured? It's a great idea. I just need to get it into the right hands. -- M.S., via e-mail

DEAR M.S.: I know of no companies that advertise patent help that I would send anyone to. Without knowing what you have in mind, it's difficult for me to make specific recommendations. In general, if your ideas are solid and you're prepared to invest money, the first thing to do is to find out it can be protected by a patent, copyright or some other process. If it can, institute that protection. That is probably the least expensive and easiest part of this path. Next, consider whether you will be able to pay for the initial manufacturing or whether the only feasible way is funding from a larger firm. Please stay away from these companies that promise so much and deliver almost nothing.

DEAR BRUCE: I am 50, male, a nonsmoker and in good health. What is your opinion on the best life insurance product for me: term, whole life or universal? Thanks. -- Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER: In the absence of more information, no one could give you a responsible answer. What is the reason for wanting this insurance? Is it to establish an insurance estate for tax purposes? Do you have debts that you wish to have canceled if you fail to outlive them? Are you looking for some type of investment vehicle? If a salesman responds without asking these questions, put him on your "don't do business with" list.

DEAR BRUCE: I was behind on my mortgage for a couple of months, and I have worked out a plan where I'm paying the mortgage company an agreed-upon sum to get me back to where I am. I am making the current mortgage payments on time. I pulled my credit report, and they show that I have been late every month. I don't understand: If I'm paying my mortgage, why is this being reported? -- B.L. in Michigan

DEAR B.L.: Until such time that you have made up all of the late payments, you are in arrears on your mortgage, and that is what the company is reporting. This is a function of the way that an automated system reports things. It may be that if you contact your mortgage company, they might report your credit history a tad differently; however, the reporting procedure is correct.

Interested in buying or selling a house? Let Bruce Williams' "House Smart" be your guide. Price: $14.95, plus shipping and handling. Call: (800) 337-2346.

Send your questions to: Smart Money, P.O. Box 2095, Elfers, FL 34680. E-mail to: bruce@brucewilliams.com. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.