Friend #1: Your pharmacist

Perks: This friend can be a true lifesaver. Armed with information from you, pharmacists can catch a possible medical mix-up (for example, a doctor prescribes a medication that interferes with one you’re currently taking). They can also save you money. “Doctors often don’t know what things cost,” says Karen Reed, a pharmacist at Kmart in Beckley, W. Va. “We’ll work with doctors to come up with a simpler or less expensive regimen.” Your new friend can even make that yucky cough syrup (for you or your kids) go down easier, by flavoring the medicine!

Be a pal: To make your pharmacist’s job easier, be sure to remind him or her of which medicines you currently take when filling a new prescription.

Friend #2: Your local police officer

Perks: A rash of bicycle burglaries in your neighborhood may not make the nightly news, but a police buddy will tell you what to watch out for in your area. “A lot of the information that is exchanged informally in conversation can be very beneficial,” says Eileen Langford, a police officer in Menomonee Falls, Wis. But don’t wait until you’ve run a red light to try to befriend a community cop. Introduce yourself to a police officer at your town picnic, your child’s school or a neighborhood watch meeting.

Be a pal: Information sharing goes both ways! Call your local police officer promptly to report suspicious activity.

Friend #3: Your mechanic

Perks: Stranded on the side of the road after dark? Mechanics will go the extra mile to help familiar faces. “We’ll lend out our personal vehicles to clients when our loaner fleet is reserved,” says Mike Starovich, president of C&M Auto Service in Vernon Hills, Ill. One of Starovich’s employees even picked up a customer at 6 a.m. and drove him to the shop, where his car had been serviced. Being chummy with your mechanic will also save you money down the road. He or she will keep a thorough service history, eliminating unnecessary tune-ups.

Be a pal: Don’t ignore that pesky rattling noise. As soon as you have car trouble, jot down the specifics so you can share them with your mechanic when you bring your car in.

Friend #4: A sales associate at your favorite shop

Perks: Knowing a salesperson can be like having your own personal shopper. She’ll call when a shipment of sweaters in your favorite color arrives, put items on hold for you and give you the skinny on upcoming sales so that you don’t pay full price for the skirt that’s about to go on the clearance rack. “I bought suits from the same person all through high school and college,” says Daniel Butler, vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the National Retail Federation. “He kept an eye out for things he knew I would like.” This is especially useful if you wear an unusual size or adore a specific brand of clothes.

Be a pal: Loyalty goes a long way. Refer your friends to your special salesperson. A thank-you note sent to the store’s manager touting the great service you’ve received is also appreciated.

Friend #5: The person manning the front desk at your doctor’s office

Perks: Doctors are crazy busy. Your front-desk friend is much easier to reach. That person can function as a liaison between you and your physician, getting your health questions answered and your prescription refills approved. Trying to get a last-minute appointment? Or have the doctor’s office appeal to your insurance company on your behalf? Just ask your new friend really nicely. “It’s the age-old thing: You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” laughs Rebecca Walker, certified medical assistant and office manager for the Coastal Women’s Clinic, an ob-gyn practice in Nags Head, N.C.

Be a pal: Have patience in the waiting room. “And give us a smile every now and then!” says Walker.