I think this is a good sign.....

**WV_mom_of2** · 04-02-2009, 12:45 PM

My washing machine gave out on Monday! In the past I would have just run out and put a new one on my Sears card. Or went to one of those places where you get one and don't make any payments for a year or borrowed the money from my parents. But NOT this time!

I am determined that I will NOT have a new machine until I save up the money for one. I will NOT do it. No matter how hard dh or my mom push me. I will NOT!

I go back to work part time Monday. By the end of May I will be working full time and pulling in my first full time check. I will get a new washer then IF I don't need the money for something more pressing. I am really hoping that this is a major turning point in my life and for my family. If you don't have the money......don't buy it!

I will say that I have a new appreciation for pioneer women after washing clothes in the bathtub in this week. Who knew that wringing out clothes could give you a blister on your hand????? I might break down and go to the laundrymat on Saturday but I just keep thinking......that's money that could go towards a new machine!

**zakity** · 04-02-2009, 01:14 PM

Did you look on Freecycle or the free section of craigslist for a washer?

**Momto2Boyz** · 04-02-2009, 01:18 PM

I was going to suggest Craigslist too. I have been searching the household sections here for a portable dishwasher, and have seen a TON of washing machines. Some are going for as low as $75. Heck, getting a washer for $75, and if it lasts a year or so...it's definately a bargain, even if it doesn't last forever!

**MommyBliss** · 04-02-2009, 01:22 PM

I would also suggest freecycle or craigslist. I love your attitude about it all!

**WV_mom_of2** · 04-02-2009, 01:50 PM

There is no craigslist where I live. All the listings are for the BIG cities in our state, not for rural areas. I have checked out the classifieds in all the local papers and all the thrift stores in the area.

We found a used one for 140.00 but something just keeps telling me not to buy a used one. I don't know what it is. I am not against used things. Heck most of what's in my house is used. But I just have this feeling that buying used is NOT right this time. I am still debating it with myself though and may go ahead and get it.

**Cricketlegs** · 04-02-2009, 05:29 PM

I can understand your reluctance to buy a used washer because you don't know what you are getting and it is a hard decision to make.

Remember sometimes furnatures store have "back" rooms with things that might have a dent or scratch for good prices. It is worth a look anyway.

**pryor208** · 04-03-2009, 12:08 PM

If you have a friend close by who'd let you use her washing machine in trade for helping her with something else, you might ask. I took my laundry back home to my dad's for a month or so (once a week, and only one load since it was just my stuff), and that helped me hold out until we could hook up my washer and dryer (laundry room didn't have hook-ups put in at the time).

**peanut** · 04-03-2009, 12:16 PM

You know, depending how much money you have and what you're willing to do, there is the Wonder Wash for about $45US. It might get you through to the time when you can afford what you want. But if it's a case of only waiting a month to buy new...maybe just wait. It'd probably take a month for the Wonder Wash to get to you!

Hang in there!

**FrugalMomof3** · 04-03-2009, 01:53 PM

I love craigslist and freecycle, I would try there first and congrats on being so strong!

**lilk** · 04-03-2009, 06:51 PM

Keep fighting the urge to spend money you don't have. I'm proud of you.
Put the word out to family and friends that your looking for a free or very cheap washer. They might know someone with one just sitting around. Good luck!

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 04-04-2009, 04:42 PM

What about fixing it? Keep looking at used though, we sold our perfectly good one for $50 (my sister had given me a nicer one that was much larger), I think $50 is a risk worth taking, but you have to be comfortable with the situation.

**shellyrhds** · 04-07-2009, 06:33 PM

I'm proud of you for handwashing in the tub, instead of the laudromat. If you do end up going there to do laundry on a regular basis, you might add up how much you spend in a month... with our laundry it was more expensive that making a payment to rent to own places (although it didn't matter cause our apt. didn't have hookups).. just want you to be aware that the laundromat might cost you more than putting it on a card with low interest..

**Michelle68** · 04-07-2009, 06:51 PM

I've given away a washer on Freecycle after obtaining a newer one from my mom. If it's free, even if it's not in perfect shape, you can use it until you get a new one then pass the other one along to someone else who needs it. Just an idea.

BTW, good for you for waiting until you can save to buy a new one.

**MommyinTX** · 04-08-2009, 03:45 PM

I read a blog about someone practicing hand-washing for self-sufficiency, and she figured out the most workable, cheap solution was 5-gallon buckets and a (new) toilet plunger. She used one bucket for washing and one for rinsing, cutting a hole in the lid for the plunger handle. She would put a bucket of clothes in to soak with detergent overnight, then just plunge for about 5 minutes in the morning, then rinse. I think you can also use one of those commercial mop buckets to wring out the clothes. This was her best solution after trying the bathtub method.

Becky