DEAR HARRIETTE: I am getting more and more nervous about the upcoming election. I am a very liberal Democrat, but I rarely speak about my political views. Debates with others just exhaust me, so I make my voice heard at the polls.

I thought my friends shared views similar to mine until someone parked a tractor decorated with a candidate’s slogan in the middle of town. I shuddered when I saw it, but I only heard praise for it when out to coffee with my friends. I now wonder if my silence there suggests that I was in agreement with the tractor. Is it time to speak out about my views, or should I just wait until all of the political talk dies down? – Take It to the Polls, Meredith, New Hampshire

DEAR TAKE IT TO THE POLLS: Silence can mean many things. It could have suggested to your friends that you agreed with their stand. If you feel adamantly about this political race, even though debating may exhaust you, you should speak up and state why you are making the choice you are making. One thing you can do is organize a debatewatching party, where you let attendees know in advance that you are welcoming people who may support different candidates. Plan to have a discussion after the debate where everyone shares their views. Get others interested in what can prove to be a lively discussion. In this way, you don’t have to bite your tongue, and you may just influence a vote or two! At the very least, if you are able to inspire people to go to the polls to express their individual choice by voting, you will have done a great thing.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: For the past few months, I have realized that my food money runs very low at the end of the month. Whenever I go to the store, I come in with a mental list of what I need and the meals I want to make. From there, I make impulse purchases in the store, like cookies or vegetables that end up wilting or rotting in my fridge. How can I help my food budget at the end of the month? – Impulse Chocolate, Syracuse, New York

DEAR IMPULSE CHOCOLATE: It sounds like you are shopping while hungry, which is one of the most dangerous ways to spend your money. Make sure that you go to the grocery store on a full stomach. Also, make a written list of what you need to purchase. As you travel through the store, check off each item from your list. Resist the temptation to purchase anything that was not already written down.

To ensure that you do not feel completely deprived, add one affordable indulgence. A small container of chocolates or a small box of cookies – something that doesn’t spoil – could be added. As far as vegetables go, select enough for one or two servings to reduce the potential for waste.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.