Dear Mary: My husband quit his job after 20 years when he was 50. He is eligible to start drawing a pension of 2 percent. We thought he would find another job and we could wait until he was 55 before we started the pension, which would allow a larger monthly check, but he has not worked in more than two years now.

My net income is about $35,000 annually. We don't have any debt. Still, it takes all of my income for us to get by. We have money set aside for retirement, both savings and a small 401(k). However, we are using some of the money in savings, and I am unable to save any more. Would you recommend that we start taking his retirement? -- Colette T., e-mail

Dear Colette: I'm not sure what you mean by a "small 401(k)," but I think it's safe to say it's a lot smaller now than when you wrote to me. Assuming you are both in good health, you would be foolish to start taking his retirement now. It can't be much if it was only 2 percent of his salary two years ago. Even if it is up to 5 percent of his salary at retirement, that's peanuts. Leave it alone, and let it grow.

You need to stop dipping into your savings. If you have no debt and take home $35,000 annually, take a serious look at all the ways you can reduce your spending.

You both could have another 40 years ahead of you. You are going to need more than a small 401(k). Your husband needs to take any job he can get now. He can continue to look for the ideal position once he is gainfully employed. If you are careful to continue your frugal lifestyle, you should be able to pack away a big percentage of his income.

There is a lesson to be learned by all who are reading this: Never leave a job voluntarily until you have securely landed the next job, no matter how tempting it may be to leave.

Dear Mary: I need to know what to do with my oil after frying, for example, oil from the FryDaddy after it gets cloudy and thick. Can it be filtered somehow? If not, how should I dispose of it? -- Jennifer, Alabama

Dear Jennifer: Disposing of used cooking grease properly is an environmentally important task. There are several ways to safely dispose of it, but it never should be poured down the drain. To throw away the small amount you are talking about, allow the oil to cool. Next, carefully pour it into a strong sealable container, such as an old plastic jar or other disposable container with a lid. Then dispose of it with your regular household trash.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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