Frugal Newbie

**FrugalMomof3** · 03-09-2009, 06:42 PM

Hi there and welcome from NE New Jersey! This site is chock full of tips and tricks and even budgets to help you out. I have to tell ya, if it weren't for this site, I would be in so much debt, today I only have a mortgage and no other debt. Your going to love it here!

**rainbowgc** · 03-09-2009, 08:08 PM

Welcome to the Village from sunny Florida

**TryTryAgain** · 03-09-2009, 08:37 PM

Thank you frugal and rainbow! I really feel, after playing around here and all the advice from ya'll, that I CAN do it. It helps knowing that ya'll have paved the path!

**kmonokwe** · 03-10-2009, 12:51 PM

What a great thread! Again, welcome! It is so moving to hear the excitement in your "voice" as you're writing about the things you are going to change. You CAN do it, and it is going to change your life!

A word about the budget: don't get discouraged! The first few months are the worst. DH and I got married 5 months ago, and began our first budget together immediately. That thing has gone through so many changes, it barely resembles what it was 5 months ago. It is finally starting to even out and actually function! That said, as things in our life change, the budget will have to change, too. Don't feel bad if your first budget breaks. Learn from it and make changes for next month. There isn't a universal budget - every family has to make it work for them.

I can't wait to see all the changes you make and all the money you SAVE this year! Best of luck!

**hollyhill** · 03-10-2009, 01:16 PM

Hi and welcome!
This is an amazing place and has come to seem like a second home!

Everyones top ten will be different depending on their personal spending habits..
for some it will be giving up lattes, smokes and restaurants...

Those sorts of things didn't really apply to me so here are my top 10:

1) Comparison shop for groceries and check out every flyer before venturing out!
2) Then combine coupons with the already super low flyer price.
3) stockpile the super great deals
4) make your menu based on the stockpile
5)make big batches of pancakes and freeze for quick breakfasts
6) Make and bake all snack foods
7)hang laundry
8) garden if you can
9) get rid of all debt with every spare penny
10) find cheap or free activities for you and your family.

There is my top 10!

Good Luck!