If there is one philosophy of life that seems to work, it is the one that refuses to compromise a life style - no matter what. Pick a life style: clean floors, never screaming at your children, including vegetables at every meal or never buying new furniture. The standards of living that make you happy and productive most of the time are the ones that can't be diminished.

Events happen that make it difficult. A shortage of cash can make those "Don't pay a cent for three years" ads for furniture look attractive. A deeper look might reveal that the furniture is junk, the interest rate high and sixty per cent is required for a down payment. If your standard says you need drawers that open easily and finishes that won't mar just by looking at them, then hold off on purchasing new and investigate the Want Ad Press first.

If you lose your job and go on welfare, don't start eating cheap junk food -- go further out of town for bulk purchases of basic staples and put some extra effort in cooking and canning. Putting up with an old, worn-out car is dangerous as well as demeaning. A quality used car with lots of miles on it is much preferable, will get you to work on time and won't sacrifice your standard of living. Buy one good set of clothes that will wash like new forever instead of shopping the cheap discount stores for clothes that look cheap and fall apart in no time.

It's all about showing the world that you respect yourself and care about how you present yourself. Your children will adopt your standards and when they grow up and will do whatever is necessary to keep up their own standards. It's kind of like a secret vow to yourself that you will never cross a certain line no matter what the provocation. You will feel good about yourself and others will feel good about you, too.

Retired portrait photographer. A penny saved . .