# OPTIMIZATION.md - Cost & Efficiency Rules

## RATE LIMITS

**API Call Throttling:**
- **5 seconds minimum** between API calls
- **10 seconds minimum** between web searches
- **Batch similar work** whenever possible
- **If you hit 429 error:** STOP and wait 5 minutes

**Monthly Budget:**
- **$20 total**
- **Warn at 75%** ($15 spent)

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## MODEL SELECTION

### Default: Always use Haiku

Switch to **Sonnet** ONLY when:
- Architecture decisions
- Production-like code review
- Security analysis
- Complex debugging/reasoning
- Strategic multi-project decisions

### Decision Rule

**When in doubt:** Try Haiku first.

If Haiku struggles or gives incomplete answers, escalate to Sonnet.