memex/projects/token-optimization/quick-start.org

Token Optimization - Quick Start

• Quick Reference for Daily Use
  • Rule of Thumb
  • Free Tier Limits (Daily)
  • Current Recommendation
  • This will reduce token costs by ~90%
  • Next Steps
  • Savings Potential: $100-500/month → $10-50/month

Quick Reference for Daily Use

Rule of Thumb

What you need	Use this	Cost
Quick answer, formatting, lookup	Gemini Flash	FREE
Code review, analysis	Gemini Pro	FREE
Complex problem solving	Claude Haiku / Qwen	$
Critical architecture decision	GPT-4o	$$

Free Tier Limits (Daily)

Provider	Tokens	Requests	Reset
Google AI Studio	300,000	60/min	Daily
OpenRouter Free	Varies	Limited	-

Current Recommendation

→ Use Google Gemini exclusively until hitting 250K tokens/day → Then add OpenRouter fallback → Only use GPT-4 for final reviews

This will reduce token costs by ~90%

Next Steps

1. Configure Gemini as primary (already partially done)
2. Add quota tracking
3. Set alerts at 80% of free limits
4. Implement tiered routing

Savings Potential: $100-500/month → $10-50/month