Heating your home is expected to cost more than ever this year. For folks on a fixed income the rise in heating costs, gas and food prices can make getting just the basics difficult.

So many are cutting corners to make ends meet and some are making too many cuts.

"I have saved money since the time I was a little girl. Pennies, Nickels, Dimes and quarters," said 81-year old Charlene Orr.

For 81–year–old Charlene Orr, it's a way of life.

"She is still very frugal," said Karen Pflederer, Orr's caregiver.

Her caregiver and friend Karen Pflederer shares the same house in Morton and takes care of the finances, running errands and making meals. The two always have time for a good laugh and round of cards.

Even as the cost of living climbs, Pflederer says she and Orr are lucky.

"We live in a small place. It doesn't take a lot of money to heat or cool it. It's large enough. We live in a place where in the summer it's almost being on a vacation. It's pretty I like to garden, there are things like that they are free entertainment," said Pflederer.

And free entertainment is important these days. With the price of energy, food and other items on the rise and many folks, especially seniors on fixed incomes are watching every penny and some even cutting corners. The president of Home Instead Senior Care, Linc Hobson says there are some tell–tale signs to watch for.

"We watch for where the thermostat is. Sometimes in the summer, we've had an easier summer this year, but sometimes the temperature gets too high in the house, in the winter sometimes the temperature gets down too low," said Hobson.

Plus prescription drug prices often put an extra burden on the elderly.
Orr is on two memory medications.

"We don't have to make the choice between food and drugs. But I can see some people have to... that's very difficult. We just watch everything," said Pflederer.

Advocates for the elderly also suggest when grocery shopping...not to cut out the veggies and necessities to save money. Shop around and look for the best deals...but don't put yourself in danger just to make ends meet.