It’s tempting to turn up the heat on a cool, rainy Sunday. Instead, I dig out the sweatshirt and jeans, dress for the weather and decide to cook something in the oven. This takes the chill off and when it’s time to read the newspaper, I can always make a cup of hot tea and put a “throw” across my legs. This won’t last, though, and sooner or later it will be time to face the fact that we have to order fuel and figure out a way to fit that ever increasing cost into our already stretched budget.

First of all, I’ll fill out the application for the “circuit breaker” refund program Maine offers to residents whose property tax bill or rent reaches a certain amount of their income. This has historically been enough to purchase a tank of oil and that will last about a month. My late father had a rule of thumb that it took about three gallons of oil a day to heat an ordinary-sized house, and that pretty much works. Of course, these more modern dwellings with their many extra rooms, high ceilings and eye-dormers to catch the heat, would take much more.

Second, I’ll continue to search for bargains wherever they are on the regular, routine purchases like food. Here in my town (Windham) there are many bargains to be had. For example we have a bread outlet discount store where my favorite bread, priced at $2.89 per loaf at the supermarket, can be purchased at two loaves for $2.79. Same expiration date, too. And on Tuesdays, seniors get a 10 percent discount. The store is conveniently located on Route 302, across from the corner of River Road.

We’re lucky to have a good, real butcher shop, too, where you can actually buy one pork chop! Much as I dislike the long walks I have to take at the “big box” store, a lot of money can be saved on food purchases. Where else can you get a pound of all beef hot dogs for 58 cents?

The dollar store (I can’t remember the name of it) has a lot of bargains including canned goods, cat food, and paper products, as well as cleaning supplies. If you are like me, you’re buying more sympathy cards these days than any other kind. All greeting cards are two for a dollar – a real bargain since I’ve seen many that cost nearly $5 each!

But the big expenses – phone, electricity and the luxury of cable television, will continue to wreak havoc with a winter budget for someone on a fixed income. I’d suggest a phone call to your phone company and speak with a real person – a customer service representative. Ask them to review your account and make a suggestion as to how you might be able to save. The company I use also has a program for seniors called Lifeline Economy Service. A variety of long-distance programs is available and I’ve taken advantage of this. Also, the electricity company has a budget plan whereby monthly payments can be made.

If you drive, check with your insurance company (and others) to see if they offer discounts for good driving records, senior discounts or other money saving incentives.

We haven’t heard anything yet about the fuel assistance program for this year, but both this program and the rent/tax refund require proof of income and expenses for the past, so it’s a good idea to gather this paperwork together and be ready.

And finally, unless you are restricted to name brand prescription drugs, check with your doctor about generic prescriptions. A good deal can be saved in this area. One of the medications I take would cost $90 a month if I used the brand name, but the just-as-effective generic costs only $2 under the combined Medicare D and state program.

Send your money saving ideas along to us and we’ll be glad to incorporate them into a future column!