citizens of the village....

**sabrelvssammy** · 02-24-2009, 09:11 PM

so how long has everyone been a 'citizen' here.... (I know it says on your profile...but this is more fun to read....)

and since you have been here have you made MAJOR changes or did you just re-fine your skills....

**Lady_V** · 02-24-2009, 09:16 PM

I officially stopped jumping up and down and peeking in over the fence back in 2006.

I've been frugal as far back as I can remember, but, back then... I just thought I was cheap

Although I am not doing it now (we don't have a big people fridge, STILL have the dorm sized one - yes, still... we're going to give it a birthday party next month) I think a big change for me was OAMC. It was SO much easier for me to get the month knocked out at once.

**Debbie-cat** · 02-24-2009, 09:23 PM

I have been here since last December. I love it and I am on everyday. I have learned so much in such a short period of time and have made so many new friends.

It has changed my perspective alot and we have made many changes around here. The biggest thing I think is all snacks, breads are homemade. Laundry detergent is now homemade. I have tried so many new recipes that my family loves and asks for and my DH has said on numerous occasions that he didn't know I could "cook this good".

It has made me proud that the family has noticed the effort I am putting into living frugally and more simply. They are as well in their own way. My son doesn't want me to buy soda for him anymore (he says it is too expensive and not good for him) so now he drinks water. DH has learned he doesn't need to have meat for dinner every night to be satisfied. My DFIL keeps eating the cookies and cakes I bake with vigor.

FV has just shown me how to slow down, enjoy my life and enjoy what I can do for my family. I love learning how to be self-sufficient and plan on adding alot more skills in the future. 2009 is going to be great!

**butterflygreen** · 02-24-2009, 09:36 PM

I have been here only a month. and I have always tryed to be frugal. I have actually written a budget which i did not have before.

**groundhog** · 02-24-2009, 09:38 PM

hi i have been lurking and just reading for about 6 months now i love the forum and get on at least once a day i dont post much just read what everyone is doing

**Michelle68** · 02-24-2009, 09:38 PM

I've been here since 2006 and, although I was already frugal and didn't really make any major changes, I loved finding a place full of like-minded people. I have learned from other members and it's been great to have the support of others who are just as committed to frugality as I am.

**Sassyclass** · 02-24-2009, 09:56 PM

Ummm, I joined 4 years ago but for some reason beyond logic I quit checking in and participating. STUPID!! Well anyway about 6 or 7 months ago I was sent an invitation to come out of the fog and jump back in so here I am. I'll be staying this time.

Cat

**The Muse** · 02-24-2009, 10:23 PM

I've been here since last April, shortly after I decided to simplify my life. I've always lived below my means, but now I'm focused on attaining complete financial freedom. I guess I've always valued that, but now it's an official goal and hanging out here keeps me on track.

**forHISglory** · 02-25-2009, 12:02 AM

I'm on my second year in the village. While already frugal, I have learned so much more from all of you. And you give me encouragement! Thanks to all!

**Thevail** · 02-25-2009, 03:14 AM

22 days. Wow, it seems longer than that.

I keep seeing this..what is OAMC?

**phoeny_moonstar** · 02-25-2009, 04:08 AM

I've been here around 4/5 months. And I couldn't say that I was "frugal" before coming to FV I have defintely have become more so. It has taught me to start NOW saving for my future. (I'm only 23 years old!) Instead of getting caught in the debt trap that I was looking down into.

**anelth** · 02-25-2009, 07:01 AM

I have been here off and on for a few years. I fell off the wagon around Christmas, but I'm back now and ready to get back in gear. I really need the motivation I get from all of you!

**thefrug** · 02-25-2009, 07:28 AM

I can't remember when I joined. It's not long tho, I know that. I've been living simple and frugal and with a budget for 29 yrs. Just never thought about it.It's always been my way. I never understood the " have to have designer", " have to keep up with" mentality.
I'm glad I've found this place tho. Lot's to read and learn. I'm on here almost all day( but really, I'm not in front of the computer, I just leave it on this board). This has become my main forum now. I was on a forum, but it was local people and they were all young and complaining about no money, but they'd go out to eat everyday for lunch and fancy coffees. Sides, one thought he owned the thing and decided to start telling people where they could and could not talk about stuff.
SO, anyways, I'm always happy to log on here. I never know what I'll learn! Love that!
Keep it up people!

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-25-2009, 07:32 AM

I've been a member for a little over a year. I go through periods when I am here every day, but I also go through periods where I get busy and just check in when I can!

We were pretty frugal when I found the village, so we were already working towards our goals. But we've had all kinds of changes in our lives since then, some good and some bad!

I've found advice here that is too numerous to name individually! But I take everything, stick it in the mental vault and pull it out when I need to use it!

**khjmom** · 02-25-2009, 07:32 AM

I found FV several years ago and then promptly forgot it. It sounded too hard to deal with and I liked spending money! (wasting it was more like it) I cam back this past fall and am on here daily since then. I don't post as much as I would like...due to so much going on....I am helping my mom with her breast cancer treatments while going through testing to see if I can have a double masectomy done myself..there...you guys are the first to know that because quite frankly it scares me.....but that's another thread right? But this place has been my saving grace so to speak. There is always someone that I know understands what I am going through with my frugal journey, with dealing with my kids when they are in snot mode and with just life in general. There are days when just reading through a few quick threads lifts my spirits or has me lmao. I have learned alot of things that have helped me and madhen has kept me from giving up on that dishcloth with character....which is now becomeing a scarf with character. There are others who have motivated me to do what is best for my family by stockpiling and cooking from scratch. So thanks to everyone for being my cheering section, motivators and friends. It means alot. ......Now off to work I go....have a great day everyone.e