Q: Living in our retirement community, we, along with several of our peers, are faced with financial pain being caused by the increasing price of food, shelter, energy and other living expenses.

Ahead, we fear the possibility of a rising prices in medical treatment. When we chose to retire, we felt we were financially prepared for the rest of our lives.

Also, now in our family we have two unemployed sons. We can help them a little with a few bucks but not nearly enough for their needs. One son lost his job because of his company's bankruptcy, and the other for his lack of sales. Neither has been able to find employment.

Do you have some cost-saving habits we could share?

A: Many families now purchase their clothing at the thrift shops. Monday and Thursday afternoons are the best shopping opportunities, because of new merchandise arrivals. Also, if you need a gift for the family, there are usually inexpensive ones available. Take a look.

Restaurant owners are experiencing slowdowns and trying to boost their profits by offering afternoon happy hours and early bird breakfasts and discounted meals.

At more expensive restaurants, couples are splitting meals, eating just entrees and choosing water as a beverage.

Don't forget to check out the dollar store values. They are highly competitive, and customers are aware that more name-brand merchandise is being stocked. Friday morning is when the shelves are usually restocked.

Surprisingly often families pull together when times become tougher. We become more caring and bond closer. We all do our best to share, love each other and take advantage of what is available. Fortunately, most families learn to focus on being thankful for what they have, are hopeful and look forward to better times when they face similar survival challenges.

Q: We just sold our home and are getting prepared for our estate sale. We are obviously downsizing. Although we have planned to do so for the last year, it is not without some regrets. Having lived here for 29 years, having made lifetime friends, seeing our children grow up together, and now leaving them behind, we are shedding some tears.

How can we ease our pain a little?

A: Focus your thoughts on what you have enjoyed, be thankful and minimize any regrets you may be experiencing. Lifestyles continually change for everyone, and your families and friends will also. Things change.

No doubt that in getting acquainted with your new neighbors, you will be given shopping advice, help finding new doctors, the best places to eat, and choices of where to go for a good time and amusement. Accept your new lifestyle as others who have preceded you and make similar choices. Old friends and family will stay in touch and come for visits. Along with staying in touch, settling down to your new environment will keep you busy and involved!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.