http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/ en Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:31:52 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/ http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153642-what-your-favorite-freebies.html Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:34:29 GMT I'm new to this whole couponing thing, but am starting to get excited after hearing about all the freebies everyone gets and seeing all these great sites devoted to it! What are your favorite freebies you've ever gotten? ]]> Question and Answer cheermom863 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153642-what-your-favorite-freebies.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153635-how-do-i-remove-bead-silicone-cast-iron-skillet.html Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:06:06 GMT I just bought an antique skillet to cook with and the guy had put a bead of silicone around an insert that he had in the skillet. How do I remove the silicone and is it safe after that to use it? Thanks, Nick63 I just bought an antique skillet to cook with and the guy had put a bead of silicone around an insert that he had in the skillet. How do I remove the silicone and is it safe after that to use it? Thanks, Nick63 ]]> Question and Answer Nick63 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153635-how-do-i-remove-bead-silicone-cast-iron-skillet.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153512-how-budget-gas.html Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:35:16 GMT Trying to figure out how to budget for gas with dh traveling for work. Some months he doesn't travel at all and other months its 4 or 5 days a month. He's driving between 50-160mi one way each time. He does get paid millage but it takes 2-3 weeks for us to get reimbursed. We've been just putting it on the credit card and paying it off once the check comes but would like to avoid the credit card if possible. ]]> Question and Answer skybluepink79 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153512-how-budget-gas.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153483-what-change-did-you-make-your-house-made-biggest-impact-your-comfort.html Fri, 31 May 2013 19:14:08 GMT We live in an old house and all that charm I thought I needed is starting to wear thin. The house is so dysfunctional in storage space and electrical outlets and flow, and ancient bathtub (no shower) not to mention we live near the woods and desperately need a screen house of some sort to stay... We live in an old house and all that charm I thought I needed is starting to wear thin. The house is so dysfunctional in storage space and electrical outlets and flow, and ancient bathtub (no shower) not to mention we live near the woods and desperately need a screen house of some sort to stay cool.

So we are weighing our options now, but what change did you make to your house that made the biggest impact to your comfort and how your house functioned? ]]> Question and Answer ml2620 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153483-what-change-did-you-make-your-house-made-biggest-impact-your-comfort.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153481-keeing-room-dark-its-hot-boston.html Fri, 31 May 2013 16:57:05 GMT I am not sure if this "question and answer" category is where I should ask this question. If not, please tell me which category is appropriate. I don't have curtains and want to keep my room as dark as possible. White poster board is the only creative idea I can come up with although it is not quite large enough for some of my windows. Your advice is much appreciated! ]]> Question and Answer musiclvr56 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153481-keeing-room-dark-its-hot-boston.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153450-how-not-end-up-house-poor.html Mon, 27 May 2013 16:50:55 GMT I am starting to look at purchasing my first home and am wondering if anyone has some dos/do nots on what to buy, looking etc. I've been looking lots and there's such a wide range from mini homes, small bungalows, split entities, great big old houses. Small 900 square feet homes to huge 2500 square foot homes! Homes with only .3 acres homes with 60+ acres. There is so much out there so all the advice would be greatly appreciated! ]]> Question and Answer Ashley01 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153450-how-not-end-up-house-poor.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153426-what-does-toddler-need-summer-clothes.html Sat, 25 May 2013 19:58:26 GMT My DD is the queen of hand me downs, we never turn anything away. As a result, we are frankly overwhelmed with hand me downs, she has a coat for every day of the week, and boots to match. What does a kid really need and how much should we just pass on/sell/donate? Any advice about managing hand... My DD is the queen of hand me downs, we never turn anything away. As a result, we are frankly overwhelmed with hand me downs, she has a coat for every day of the week, and boots to match. What does a kid really need and how much should we just pass on/sell/donate?

Any advice about managing hand me downs? ]]> Question and Answer ml2620 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153426-what-does-toddler-need-summer-clothes.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153281-refinance-rental-property.html Mon, 13 May 2013 14:56:33 GMT Hello, I own a rental property in Ohio that I bought back in 2005. Originally was my primary residence, but got married and moved about an hour away and since the house is underwater a bit, I am renting it out. My mortgage is an ARM and every spring my interest rate adjusts according to the LIBOR... Hello,
I own a rental property in Ohio that I bought back in 2005. Originally was my primary residence, but got married and moved about an hour away and since the house is underwater a bit, I am renting it out. My mortgage is an ARM and every spring my interest rate adjusts according to the LIBOR rate (or some index). So far I have been perfectly fine as the rates are so low and my interest rate is at about 3.2%.

I have an opportunity to refinance to a fixed rate of about 4.3%. I want to get out of the ARM so that when rates do rise I don't have too high of payments.

Do you recommending getting out of the ARM at all costs? or wait it out and take advantage of the extremely low rate that I have?

I have about 22 years left on my mortgage. The bank is telling me to refinance to a 30 year, but really don't want to. I am leaning towards refinancing towards a 20-25 year loan.
Interested to hear your thoughts. ]]> Question and Answer voicescalling http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153281-refinance-rental-property.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153236-dh-different-vehicle-question.html Thu, 09 May 2013 13:57:41 GMT Hi, I am having an issue with DH over buying a different vehicle. We have a 2009 Kia Optima that has just over 100,000 miles on it. I drive 44 miles each way to work five days a week. We have one year left to pay on it and I think we should just keep it (gets decent gas mileage) and pay it off... Hi,

I am having an issue with DH over buying a different vehicle. We have a 2009 Kia Optima that has just over 100,000 miles on it. I drive 44 miles each way to work five days a week. We have one year left to pay on it and I think we should just keep it (gets decent gas mileage) and pay it off and drive a couple more years before replacing. DH wants to replace his 1998 ford Taurus that is on its last leg. Which I totally agree with, but he wants to consolidate my car loan with something way more expensive than I want to go with. I was thinking something in the 8-9000 dollar range have a smaller payment (will be tight this next year with two payments) and pay it off early when the Kia is done on payments. He wants a 4x4 ford explorer or something like that. I have found several in the 2004-2005 age range with under 100,000 miles for 8-9000 dollars.

He wants something reliable that I could drive in the winter if I needed too. I agree he just wants a 15-20000 dollar vehicle which I kind of told him we couldn't afford. Now he is mad and said forget it because he doesn't want to have something that will just break down right away. We wouldn't drive the 4x4 more than a few times a month. This is probably my fault for not making him sit down and have financial meetings every month he just leaves it up to me. I am pretty sure he thinks I am a miser with our money. I just don't want to lay awake at night thinking about all of this. Here is our bills and thoughts would be welcome.

Total monthly take home pay: this does vary sometimes 4100-4500

House- 892
Gas-62
Electric 80-120
Water/garbage/sewer- 80-100
Internet/phone (no other option here) 74.00
Student loans-410
car payment- 266
Insurance-114
Cell Phone-100-110
Netflix-8.95
Podcast-6.95
Credit card #2 min payment 79.00 (3900 left)
Credit card #1 min payment 40.00 (hope to pay this off next month)
Daycare-160.00 Monthly?
Food 400-500
Gas for car 360-400
Dog Food-62.00
Sons college fund-50.00
Savings-500.00

After looking at this I wander if I shouldn't be tracking my spending better to see where everything is going. I do have the majority of my medical expenses paid up to date with this pregnancy. Just have to wait for the final bill after having this baby. Just makes me nervous to add on a huge expense when I don't know how this is going to go. Have about 3500 in saving between DH and I really want that built up to a 3-6 months of living expenses. ]]> Question and Answer Jayceef http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153236-dh-different-vehicle-question.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153115-does-anyone-buying-health-insurance-ny.html Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:10:08 GMT My DH and I have to buy our Health Insurance in NY State. Does anyone have any idea who/how to get the best price for the insurance? I have been looking a lot on the internet but I feel I am missing something. Thank you for the help. My DH and I have to buy our Health Insurance in NY State. Does anyone have any idea who/how to get the best price for the insurance? I have been looking a lot on the internet but I feel I am missing something. Thank you for the help. ]]> Question and Answer homemaker66 http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153115-does-anyone-buying-health-insurance-ny.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153110-hi-new-here-interested-starting-budget.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:16:28 GMT Hi there. I'm here because we are buying our second home and want to start budgeting. Our biggest issue is eating out at a tune of at least $400-1000 month. (And we are small people! Yet we spend so much on food!) Our usual is about $600 month for two people. I need help coming up with categories for a budget plan. Oh and we are both in the market for new cars and that's another reason why we want to tackle the food spending! ]]> Question and Answer KJ http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153110-hi-new-here-interested-starting-budget.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153105-best-double-jogging-stoller.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:20:53 GMT Anyone have suggestions on the best double jogging stroller a person can get? Needs to be in the 300 or under price range. I have a three year old he weighs about 45 lbs. he is very tall for his age. I am having my second baby in a couple of weeks and would love to get back into a fitness routine... Anyone have suggestions on the best double jogging stroller a person can get? Needs to be in the 300 or under price range. I have a three year old he weighs about 45 lbs. he is very tall for his age. I am having my second baby in a couple of weeks and would love to get back into a fitness routine before I have to go back to work. Need something that would accommodate both toddler and baby and my mom thought the jogging stroller would be easier to maneuver. ]]> Question and Answer Jayceef http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153105-best-double-jogging-stoller.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153096-i-am-new-questions-about-stockpiling-where-gallery.html Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:40:47 GMT Hi... First I wanted to try a test post :hero::carrot::cool: Then, when I found this forum, I was intrigued about the Stockpiling sub-forum. What is the magic behind Stockpiling? Why are so many people into it? I have been trying to get certain categories of things to a 6 month supply, and... Hi... First I wanted to try a test post :hero::carrot::cool:

Then, when I found this forum, I was intrigued about the Stockpiling sub-forum. What is the magic behind Stockpiling? Why are so many people into it? I have been trying to get certain categories of things to a 6 month supply, and didn't realize there was a name for that process ;)

Oh, and when I was reading the Stockpiling sub-forum, I noticed people said they had pictures of their Stockpiles in the Gallery. Where is the gallery?

Thanks :) ]]> Question and Answer Relaxed http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153096-i-am-new-questions-about-stockpiling-where-gallery.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153019-american-thing-dentist-cleanings-2x-year.html Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:26:46 GMT I've seen some posts about going for cleanings two times a year by US members...here in Canada we only go once a year...was just curious. International FV's how many times a year do you go?

PS- Obviously if you need to go more you would...Sophie will go twice a year until she is 8 years old...but after that once a year...this is about cleanings only. ]]> Question and Answer Sophiasmama http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153019-american-thing-dentist-cleanings-2x-year.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153005-what-would-you-do.html Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:58:22 GMT Someone gave us a gallon size can of chili sauce and I have no idea what to do with it once open. If it was like for hot dogs I would not have a problem, but it's not, just tomato sauce with spices. Any idea appreciated...TIA ]]> Question and Answer dolfinonmi http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/153005-what-would-you-do.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152960-library-book-recommendations.html Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:56:07 GMT I couldn't figure out the best place to put this. I like to check out library books every few weeks, and can request books from other libraries in our very large city library system.

Anyone have any favorite books they've read about gardening, simple living, eco-living, and frugality that I might find in the library? I also like books on interior design and crafts. ]]> Question and Answer Ros http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152960-library-book-recommendations.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152910-front-loader-top-loader.html Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:51:20 GMT My washer is going to be ridiculous to fix, too old to bother with the expense. So, should I get top or front loader and which brand? Thanks :) My washer is going to be ridiculous to fix, too old to bother with the expense. So, should I get top or front loader and which brand? Thanks :) ]]> Question and Answer leighcat http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152910-front-loader-top-loader.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152909-need-some-suggestions.html Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:37:35 GMT Recently engaged - last month. Our baby boy is due mid-July. $12,000.00 Emergency Fund.

My question is - what do we pay off/save for first?!

My car - $1,520.00 (I don't pay this right now, but want it paid off before baby arrives. I was thinking about paying it off in July which would be $1,000.00)
Attorney - $6,092.56 (Pay $100.00/month with no interest)
Wedding - $10,000.00 - I am thinking this is a good budget for us, but we haven't discussed it in detail yet. Thinking wedding will be May of 2015 (I want a Spring wedding and we need time to save and plan)
Family vehicle - $12,000.00 - We plan to keep this under what we have in our emergency fund. We would like to get the vehicle next summer.

I was thinking pay off car in July and pay off attorney by the end of this year. Now I'm thinking about the wedding and not sure what to do first! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! ]]> Question and Answer Nebraska girl http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152909-need-some-suggestions.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152807-freezing-asparagus.html Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:56:33 GMT At Aldi yesterday I got several packages of fresh asparagus they weigh about 1 lb each and have about 20 spears in each of them. They were only 1.69 each, I hope they still have more because when dd gets home from work I plan on getting several more pkgs.

We won't be eating asparagus every night so I was wondering to freeze some if it should I at least blanch it first before freezing.

Thanks! ]]> Question and Answer jas http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152807-freezing-asparagus.html http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152778-how-do-i-find-out-about-value-camper.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:14:23 GMT Are there any resources to tell me the value of a camper? There is a used one we are very interested in buying but I want to make sure it is a fair deal. It looks like a good deal compared to what the dealers have for something very like it. Are there any resources to tell me the value of a camper? There is a used one we are very interested in buying but I want to make sure it is a fair deal. It looks like a good deal compared to what the dealers have for something very like it. ]]> Question and Answer nodmicks http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/question-answer/152778-how-do-i-find-out-about-value-camper.html