I just wanted to thank you all for this great site. This forum is very american but at the same time I think the topics are very universal.

For some reason, I can´t find anyone here in Finland willing to talk about frugality or at least in the same level as I would like to. Most people just don´t get it. They think that I am crazy and always running after some great deals (which is not true). They think that saving money means you are not enjoying your life. And they certainly don´t understand that every little thing counts. My brother is a good example. He earns much more than we do, pays less for his apartement and is always broke. I try to explain but he´s not willing to even listen. I sometimes feel very lonely thinking the way I do. I am so gratefull that this site exists.

I live in Finland and have written some things about my country. Somebody might think that I am bragging and telling my country is better than yours. I don´t mean it that way. Finland is a very good place to live but it´s not perfect at all. There is racism and homelessnes and other things in this country too. And we certainly should take better care of our elderly.

You are very polite in this forum and I think it´s good. I feel that I am a bit blunt sometimes. It has something to do with my English skills. So please forgive me. I need you.

iida

Welcome IIDa,
I'm form PEI, Canada. This place is great!! And I learn alot about differn't things everyday in here, I'm 34 and have 2 boys!! I love this site, the ladies are great listeners and we all can learn alot from each other and differn't places around the world. Frugality is a way of life for me and will always will be. Some places in this world have it worse off then some do, their economy is lower so its harder way of living. PEi isn't too bad, but alot of have to leave the Island to get work to make a hlf decent way of living. And their ain't too many SAHM (stay at home moms) here in PEi, that i see. They mostly are seasonal work.

You'll enjoy this place, its great!!! Charlene

Welcome! You have great input and I love hearing how things work in your country. I am from Canada too and I think that financial problems and frugality are everywhere regardless of where you are from. This is a great place to come for support. It sure has helped me stay focus and is very forgiving if I fall off the frugal wagon!

Welcome. The people here are awesome and have great ideas. Unfortunately, most of the people I know here in the South don't know alot about being frugal either. Thats why this forum is so great. We can all share and learn from one another.

I visited your beautiful country (the northern city of Oulu) and was struck by how clean and peaceful your country is. In the homes I visited in Finland, I was struck by the fact that the people there had such uncluttered and well-managed homes. I'm sure you will meet more and more frugal people as time goes on. Even in my circle of friends and acquaintances, I don't know many people who practice frugality. In many ways, I think that the frugal community is kind of an "underground" society! It's great to see that it spans all cultures and countries.

Don't worry Iida you'll fit right in, so nice to have you here. :apple:

Frugality is everywhere, babe! We have members here from England, Canada, the States, Australia, everywhere! :) So just jump in wherever and whenever you feel comfortable. We don't take anything too seriously and can laugh at ourselves pretty readily. :) Have a great time and just let loose. No one is going to laugh at you here. We're all on the same page. :)

Hi iida!

Welcome, iida!

Hi the IIda! I find it so interesting hearing from you all in different countries!
I hope frugality is universal!

Welcome to the Village

Kellie