Q: As a widow with some outside income and Social Security, I have been able to manage fairly well. Forecasters are now predicting higher costs of living. That scares me. My income will not increase. As prices go up, my lifestyle goes down.

How can I manage?

A: Inflation numbers are a kind of mumbo jumbo, but there are indications prices are rising. Indicators such as our declining dollar, the loss of value in our homes and lack of obtaining easy credit have raised their ugly heads. The bottom line is each of us determines our own inflation number. How you balance your income against your expenses determines inflation for you. Balancing your income with your spending is your challenge. For example, to the less fortunate, food prices are very meaningful, while higher-income individuals may be more concerned about the price of their automobiles.

Creeping inflation is evidenced by the cost for taxes, gasoline, household utilities, the downsizing of food-packaging content, surcharges on airline tickets, plumbing and electrical home repairs and even the yearly increase in postage. Austerity is the new tipping point and watchword. We need to rethink our expenditures. What was, isn't!

To lower your inflation number make you're purchasing choices based on your needs versus your wants. Carefully choose your options, such as where you shop, the cost of driving and paying off your debts and credit; take advantage of sales. The more shopping, catalog-reading and television-watching you do, the more spending you do.

As a major cost-cutter, could your price of housing be shared? There is no doubt we are being pressured by inflation to reevaluate our lifestyle, tighten our belts and live within our means. Common sense becomes a guideline. We all need to saddle up for a different kind of ride!

Q: My wife and I have had a wonderful 36-year marriage. Recently, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I have become a full-time caretaker.

I'm exhausted and need help. What can I do?

A: Becoming a caretaker changes our lives dramatically and, frequently, instantly. Assuming its responsibility becomes one of our most difficult challenges. One simple technique which helps is to buy a three-ring notebook and journal your new responsibilities. It will serve as a permanent record of your feelings, hopes, frustrations, prayers and blessings; a daily instruction guide to what you need to do for your loved one. Writing it all down works as a permanent memory and conversation system. Include your list of doctor's questions, medications, options, ways to cope, religious issues and shared thoughts - both your wife's and your thoughts are now being expressed.

Leave the journal in her room so others can also participate.

Think as positively as you can as negative thoughts accelerate. Remember the wonderful times and the love you've been given. Aging is truly a gift. You will always remember what a difference your wife made in your life!

Doug Mayberry lives in a retirement community in Southern California. Send your questions to him at deardoug@msn.com or write to him at P.O. Box 2649, Carlsbad, CA 92018.