American is the most expensive country if you attempt to keep up with the Joneses, if you insist on big houses in expensive areas, new cars and a yearly rash of new TV sets, refrigerators, deep freezes, vacuum cleaners and what not.

However, I know of no other place in the world where you can buy a good reliable used car for a hundred dollars. And you can in America. You can get an excellent used car in our country for that amount, and particularly in times of depression. I recall buying a four year old Packard, the first car I ever owned, for exactly $75. It was a monstrously large convertible coupe with four forward speeds.

There is no country on earth that produces so cheaply good sturdy ready-to-wear clothing. A pair of American denims will outwear anything selling abroad for a comparable price, two or three times over.

No, you can live cheaply and well in the United States if you make a hobby of it. If you seek out the cheaper sections of the nation and then pull every economy trick in the game.

The term bargain paradise is becoming increasingly popular these days as more and more people, in despair at our national way of life, search desperately for an alternative. Usually when we say bargain paradise our thoughts fly to countries beyond the horizon. To far Tahiti, to Spain, to the Canary Islands, Peru, or Austria.

In fact, it may come as a surprise to some that we have many a bargain paradise right here in our own land.

The term explains itself. Whether in the United States or abroad, a bargain paradise is an area where prices are low and scenery and climate are superlative. It's as simple as that.

And where are there such places in the United States?

All over.

New England, back away from the cities. For those, in particular, who demand the changes in season New England (and up-state New York) is one of the most beautiful sections of our country.

The coastal area between Maryland and Florida. Hundreds of miles of picturesque beach. Fishing, swimming, boating. The further south you go, of course, the warmer the climate.

Florida, ruling out only the larger cities and the swank tourist resorts, is one big bargain paradise. It's cheap, it's beautiful. Its offerings are boundless to the retired sportsman or sportswoman.

The Gulf Coast between Florida and New Orleans. Cheap, warm, wonderful.

The Rio Grande Valley and in particular the lower stretch in the vicinity of McAllen where the climate is superior even to that of Florida.

New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Colorado. For those who love mountains, desert and wasteland. These states offer the glories of the West - and are bargain priced if you stay away from the population and tourist centers.

California, Oregon, Washington. Always staying away from the big cities and resorts, of course. Los Angeles and San Francisco can be as expensive as any city in the country, but little Grass Valley, tucked up in the High Sierras, is a bargain paradise indeed.

The Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri are rapidly becoming one of the more popular bargain paradises, especially for those who wish a small farm on which to retire.

So forget Paris and leave Italy behind. Look in your backyard and your neighbor's backyards and you will find your own American retirement paradise.