Newbie!

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 01:26 AM

Hi there!

I'm Shelley and I'm very new here, so new in fact I can't even figure out how to fill out the new member questionarre...any tips or suggestions of great forums or articles are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 01:40 AM

Welcome, glad your here.

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 01:48 AM

Oh, thank you. Don't know how anything works yet, I notice everyone has change jars and other things...how does that all work?

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 02:14 AM

Well, the change jar is a challenge in the main forums, under challenges, there's lots of them.

You can edit your signature to have a saying or challenge tallies...like the change jar, that way I can update it and it helps me keep track. There's lots of different thinks you can focus on, you can add them to your signature or you don't have to. It's up to you. To edit your signature you go to Quick Links at the top of the page and hit the down arrow and under control panel (its a ways down) it's an option Edit signature. Key in what you want to show up on any post you make and save it. You can edit it at any time.

If that wasn't understandable let me know. I can try again.

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 02:17 AM

That's great information-I'll give it a try. So, what brings you to Frugal Village?

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 02:20 AM

Okay, so I've found the challanges, but that's all. Do you know how I get started?

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 02:21 AM

Well, I've been following DR for the last couple of years. I'm currently out of work and I'm looking for a new position. So, my budget is under close watch right now. I've found it's easier for me to stay on my plan when I'm in contact with others who are on a similar path. Watching my spending, food costs, etc...

What about you, what brings you here?

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 02:23 AM

Do you have a goal your working towards?

There's a lot of threads you can join, but what would be the most helpful right now?

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 02:27 AM

Well, mounting debt, not too much in credit cards, but behind on everything else. My husband and I both have two jobs, we bring in a decent living ($5500 or so a month) but just can't seem to keep afloat. I've started a new budget and really am trying to conquer this debt and even save some. Probably impossible until I actually get out of the debt. I'm hoping it'll help to be in contact with others in the same situation, as often it's difficult and embarrasing to share these type of things with close friends and relatives...

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 02:28 AM

I'm sorry you said you've been following DR? I don't think I know what that is....

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 02:35 AM

DR is Dave Ramsey

He has a plan to help people get out of debt and stay out of debt.

the basics are no new debt, written budget every month, every dollar gets a name, then:

1. Baby emergency fund
2. Work debt snowball, pay off all debt excluding mortgage
3. Full funded emergency fund
4. retirement
5. kids college
6. pay off house
7. Give

**shelley** · 01-09-2009, 02:36 AM

I see...it's going well for you so far?

**redeme** · 01-09-2009, 02:43 AM

Yep, I'm out of debt except the house. I've been off work for a couple months, but have a funded emergency fund. So, I don't feel huge pressure at the moment, but would like to get some cash flow going.

I sent you a message if you look at the top right of the screen it will say you have a private message. Click it.

**Sara Noel** · 01-09-2009, 10:10 AM

to frugal village.

You can look through the challenge forum and pick any to participate in. Basically, set some goals for yourself and post to update how you're doing. It helps keep you accountable by sharing your success or setbacks.