Embracing Frugalness.

**McD** · 05-29-2008, 12:55 PM

Wanna know a secret? All these years that I've been on the F.V. I've been a 'sorta' frugal gal. I never went to the extremes. Seriously these were my thought processes: "Pasta? Who makes their own pasta? Why would anyone do that? You can just buy it in the store! DUH!" "Who cares if I leave the light on while I'm not in the room?"

Well I don't know what flipped my switch but for the past month the frugal bug has bit me in the buns. We are planting a garden so we can make our own salsa, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce and freeze it. I am going to learn how to make my own pasta. I'm stockpiling. I'm couponing. I'm (GASP) not shopping for myself all the time! I am that person running behind everyone turning off all the lights.

Seriously--is it contagious? Did you all turn me this way?

Zac alternates between pride, tolerance, and amusement for my thought processes and experiments. I'm keeping track of it all too in a notebook. I want to see what works for us and what doesn't.

**larabelle** · 05-29-2008, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

Seriously--is it contagious? Did you all turn me this way?

Zac alternates between pride, tolerance, and amusement for my thought processes and experiments. I'm keeping track of it all too in a notebook. I want to see what works for us and what doesn't.

Lauging!!!

It is contagious and just you wait and see after the ladies in this forum get to you...you will be dumpster diving, purchasing clothes at the GoodWill and visiting the city dump for stuff. Seriously, when you begin to see all of the money which you can save from the many tips which these ladies share on this forum you will be totally converted. YOU WILL BE A FRUGALITE!!

**VanVivCam** · 05-29-2008, 01:14 PM

I know exactly what you mean. I have also been bitten by the bug after a couple of years of on and off. My hubby told me the other day that he could see a change in my spending habits and how important it is to me to save money and make sure that every dollar is stretched. I am actually writing down a budget and sticking to it. I can't remember how long I have been "trying" to do that:surprise:

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!

**Momto2Boyz** · 05-29-2008, 01:17 PM

I think it is contagious! It's amazing, when you find like-minded individuals to muse with, it's amazing what kind of ideas you come up with that might work for your family!

Good idea with the notebook too! I love that idea so you can "keep track" of what is working and what isn't!

**Cricketlegs** · 05-29-2008, 01:17 PM

It is funny. You go along and then on day WHAMMO! LOL.

**della92** · 05-29-2008, 01:44 PM

I've been here since October and have found that I am becoming more and more frugal too!

I dropped my electric bill by an average of 30.00 a month, we did upgrade to a front loading washer, but I've also been turning lights off and unplugging things. I'm still working on many things, but it is getting easier and easier!

So---It must be contagious.

**Royal** · 05-29-2008, 05:03 PM

I have been bitten by the frugalitis as well. It's contagious (and addicting). Everyone here is so helpful and motivating, you can't help but become more frugal.

**heartofmine** · 05-29-2008, 06:39 PM

I've always had to be frugal but I'm trying more and more to of late. What is so funny is that we just inherited some money and I haven't found a single thing I 'want' to buy. I've still got the frugal mindset. LOL

**leezza** · 05-29-2008, 06:44 PM

Yep, I know what you mean......It seems that there is always a new idea here.....

You know I thought I was doing so good using coupons and I still do but I had always thrown away the grocery flyer with all the rest of the junk mail, NO more.....I look thru that sucker every week NOW and boy that just added to my savings....

I feel like I have learned so much here from everyone.

leezza : )

**Buckeye5** · 05-29-2008, 06:56 PM

Yes, but since I started back to work, I have splurges on Friday night pizza..cost is $20, I am going to try to get more organized etc. this summer while I am off work. I do better with $$ when I am more organized.

**frugalfriend** · 05-29-2008, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Momto2Boyz

I think it is contagious! It's amazing, when you find like-minded individuals to muse with, it's amazing what kind of ideas you come up with that might work for your family!

I totally agree! I was so happy when I found FV, FINALLY found people who think like me!!

**PrairieRose** · 05-29-2008, 09:24 PM

You know what 'they' say....

Birds of a frugal feather flock together........

:

**FrugalMomof3** · 05-29-2008, 09:46 PM

It is VERY contagious, I agree with the soon you will be doing alot more than just making things from scratch, lol.

Dumpster diving, flea markets, stockpiling, couponing, etc...

When you see how much you can save, it's amazing, you wont want to stop

**ladybug96** · 05-29-2008, 09:51 PM

LOL! I feel exactly the same way! I have been doing the sorta, kinda thing for about a year but about a month ago I thought - wow why use the dryer when I can hang the clothes to dry in the guest bathroom or why buy laundry detergent when you can make it for a few bucks.

My husband is tolerating it - sometimes.

He was laughing last night while I was going around opening the windows rather than turn on the A/C - he said 'Hun, we make a great living and have no debt - why are you being so cheap'? I didn't really have a good answer then but when I thought about it - I said why pay more when you can save that money and put it towards something you really want?