Is There Light At the End Of The tunnel?

[UKMum]

I have been so inspired just by reading all the threads here at the village!
I have spent several days now looking at the old threads and absorbing all the excellent information and tips!

Does anyone have a free from debt success story?
If you are free from debt, are you still Frugal?

[canadian gardener]

there are several. Homestead mama's story is here in all it's installments, you just need to find it, somebody help her with a link here, I'm running short of time.

The short answer is, yes, lots of us, and yes we are still frugal.

Frugal equals freedom.

But it doesn't have to equal deprived.

it's like learning to live with weight loss. It becomes a lifestyle of conscious spending, on things you truly want, rather than voraciously consuming things that you don't really need or want and don't bring lasting joy.

[Englishlady]

Yes, I am still frugal, even though I don't need to be as much as I used to.

We still have goals to reach ( enough money for dh to retire early) and we still want to do things that are fun.

Margery ( canadian gardener) is spot on when she says frugality is like trying to lose weight, you HAVE to make the choice to STOP spending/overeating OR you will STAY in debt/overweight.

The saddest thing I have found and I know LOT'S of the other ladies here will concur:

We have all had/have friends/realatives who want what we (fruglalites) HAVE, but a great many of them don't want to do what we DO in order to ACHIEVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is NO magic wand, no INSTANT soloution, it's all about realising that you DO have a problem and that just as the debt/weight didn't appear overnight, then just as surely it won't disolve overnight!

1.Realisation

2.Make a list ( of the debt's)

3. look at what you already HAVE ( and STOP buying more!)

4.look at ways you can cut back, that's the easiest bit for people who have up that point "indulged"

5.Start taking charge and realise that YOU are in charge of YOUR life/weight/finances, don't fall into the trap of blaming others.

Karen

[guest7]

The pretty english lady knows what she's talking about.
I would recommend to borrow some of the books that are listed here. It's a good foundation to build from. Joining the forum also is a great deal of help and support. We're always bouncing things off one another.
You've come to the right place.

[jlxian]

Here is the link Margery mentioned. CJ's story is incredible.

From riches to rags and then back again

And YES, frugal equals freedom!

[canadian gardener]

Jean thanks, I've finally got back online, and that is the link. Cheryl, Karen and many others here including homesteading mama (aka CJ) --too many to name have a lot of collective wisdom on matters frugal.

All of us view it as the keys to freedom.