For some of us, this winter has been a real challenge. Although we haven’t had as much snow as many of us remember from our youth, the cold weather has taken a toll on the already stretched budget. We have cold days yet to come, and this is a reminder about ways you could save money and afford fuel, particularly oil.

We wrote earlier about the Citizens Energy oil program which is primarily for people who do not qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP) fuel assistance program. If you are having problems saving enough money to pay for oil, I seriously urge you to make that call to 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645). It’s a toll-free number and for some reason (I’m not questioning it) after I got the approval for a 40 percent discount and ordered 100 gallons of oil, there was no charge at all! That was a nice February bonus. I’m not saying this will always be the case, but 40 percent is a good discount. (I’ve had some question the politics of this program since the oil comes from Venezuela, but I’m a survivor first. And how does anyone know just where their oil originates?)

Another way to save is to really plan your meals. Get a small pot roast on sale, roast it with potatoes and carrots, and use the leftovers for a stew. When the store has a deal such as buy one, get one free, purchase only items you would ordinarily use. Use your coupons and save even more. Check the prices at the local dollar stores, too, because they often have canned goods at two or three for a dollar and other items like paper towels, napkins, name brand foil and shrink wrap, sandwich bags, etc. This is where I usually get dishwashing liquid and cleansers. Saving money on these non-food (but essential) items leaves more for the pot roasts or chicken at the supermarket. Even the least expensive cuts of meat will become tasty and tender if cooked at a lower heat for a longer period of time.

In many cases, store-brand items like cereal are a lot less expensive and just as nutritious and good-tasting. I was always buying the name brand of oatmeal until I tried the store brand, at $1 less a box and discovered it was actually better.

A few weeks ago, I discovered I needed an extra blanket so I checked at the local thrift store and found sleeping bags for $3.99. Opened up, they make good extras to have on hand.

Does your town have a food pantry? Most towns do, and a quick call to your town hall can secure the information as to open hours and/or phone numbers. This is a great way to save a few dollars to be used for precious heat or electricity. This has been a real money saver this past winter for many of us.

Check your local hardware store fliers for a sale on those curly looking light bulbs, which are guaranteed to last for many years. These are a real energy saver and while they seem expensive, if they’re on sale they are worth the cost. And they are brighter, even though the wattage is smaller.

If your family is small or you are living alone, wash dishes once a day and save hot water, dish soap and your own energy. Keep the curtains closed when the wind is blowing. No matter how much you try to insulate around windows and doors, these are still the primary places where cold air comes in. Those old- fashioned “draft dodgers,” which look like a fat snake made out of cloth, are great for the bottom of exterior doors. And of course, close doors to rooms not being used.

One thing that I don’t do, but should, is to limit my trips to the store. It seems that since I live so close to the shopping area, I’m in the car every day. However, if I had to travel any distance I’m sure I’d combine my trips in a more efficient way and make one trip to include the grocery store, dollar store, drug store and discount bakery, and of course, the library.

It takes some real planning, but there are many ways to save. Regardless of the annual “raise” in Social Security, it doesn’t in any way compensate for the increase in cost of fuels, food or medical expenses and we need to be aware of where and how we can manage.

How have you faced the ongoing challenge of income versus expenses? We welcome any money-saving ideas which can be shared with others.