Debt ridden and curious

**NelsonUNLV** · 05-14-2009, 06:01 PM

How did you hear about frugal village?

Saw it in a post on I village actually...

What interests you here?

Oh my goodness, I really need to learn how to save money... Please help!

What will you contribute?

Eventually something hopefully :-) but I am a complete noob at this, a complete consumer tryign to reform and honestly all I have to offer at this point is my sparkling wit and positive personality ;-)

Do you know any other members here?

One apparently *lol* but I honestly do not know her screen name here...

How many kids? Ages?

I have four kids (sort of) The oldest is a step daughter so not technically mine but she's 10 and lives with her mom.. She hangs out with us part time ;-) The younget three are all mine and they are Mackenzie (2.5 years old) Jaxon and Alexandra (5 month old twins)

Tell us about yourself.

Wow what an open ended question ;-) I'm 32, naturally shy but after more then half my life in the restaurant business I can smooze with the best of them but sadly I'm rarely remembered on forums, I think mostly because I don't contribute enough? I tend to read more then I speak and although I am a loyal friend I tend to not make that leap until I know the person well...

I have two cats and am a recent Stay at home mom (since the twins were born) so I am pretty bored and isolated these days. We're financially strapped from hospital bills, young kids, a new house and only one income. I am willing to do whatever it takes to save money but it's intimidating and really seems like a big learning curve so I'm hoping for as much advice as possible. Unfortunately my husband is the type that is all about saving money until it inconveniences him or embarasses him - so I have to do it stealthfully. For example I just asked him what he would think of me learning to make our own soap and laundry detergeant and he said, of it sounds like fun - but I'm still going to want to use the same stuff I already use because I like it. I tried to share how much we could be saving and he didn't really care. Ironically he is not even loyal to one brand, I just think he may be brainwashed into thinking if it is commercial it's better. Does that make sense???

Also, I need to lose the baby weight so I need to figure out how to get us out of debt, and lose weight at the same time *lol* So I will be cranky and broke ;-p

Do you own any pets?

Yup 2 cats but sometimes I wonder if I own them or they own me...

Occupation?

Stay at home mom but with bills getting out of hand it looks like I will be getting a night job for when my husband is home from work.

Married or single?

Married

Interests and hobbies?

I love nature and the outdoors, movies and books, hanging out with my family, I am a big foodie and love trying new foods and wines... I love to travel but don't have the funds to do so..

**ilovechocolate** · 05-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Hi and welcome! We're glad you've joined us at the Village. It's a great place!

**IndigoMom** · 05-14-2009, 06:53 PM

Welcome to the Village! I'm sure you'll be a pro in no time! Even if you want to try the soap - it will still save a bunch using it for just you and the kids, when he sees how it works on thier clothes he may just change his mind ;-)

**craftypam** · 05-14-2009, 07:05 PM

hI,

Welcome. Just read the posts. There are so many small ways to sAve that end up saving big. You need to start out a little at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Start with things that sound like something that will be doable for you. If you try to do a bunch of things that don't interest you; you'll probably not want to continue. It is soooo worth it to be debt free. First thing I would do is question every purchase; is it a want or a need. I chose to stay home with my kids and not sorry at all; we did without alot of material things; but I promise you; kids do not remember things when they grow up.

**Sara Noel** · 05-14-2009, 07:14 PM

to frugal village.

**frugalfriend** · 05-14-2009, 07:17 PM

to the village! You've come to the right place to learn tons of money saving tips and make friends, too! Jump right in!

**onencgirl** · 05-14-2009, 07:25 PM

Hi and welcome from NC.

**frugalwarrior** · 05-14-2009, 08:58 PM

Hi and welcome from Michigan. First thing that hits me is saving money is not a sacrifice. It can be fun. If you haven't already checked out twin mom to mom sales and multiples clubs. Huge savings on kids stuff.
As far as your husband is. Don't worry about it. You do what your doing and he will eventually follow. You prob. wash all the clothes so make that soap if you want. Do you have time w/ such small kids.

With the hospital bills make sure your on payments. It relieves a lot of stress.

Get that $1000. emergency fund in place and raise the deductible on car ins. If you only drive your car for errands and not a job make sure it is listed as a pleasure car.

Pay bills online- Saves us about $50. a year plus all those checks.

Saving is a process. Find out where your spending then plug all the leaks. Cruise this site. It has been a life saver for many. Remember not everything is going to work for everyone.

**Luckybustert** · 05-14-2009, 09:37 PM

Hi and

from Oregon!

**Debbie-cat** · 05-14-2009, 10:07 PM

Hi and welcome from Minnesota!

**dean** · 05-14-2009, 10:38 PM

Welcome from PA

**angelbumpkin** · 05-14-2009, 10:47 PM

Hi and welcome from Florida.

**forHISglory** · 05-14-2009, 10:49 PM

Welcome from MO!

**MaryCarney** · 05-14-2009, 10:54 PM

Fifteen years ago, I (literally) walked away from career as an RN, cutting our income by 65% to stay home when my third child was born. You know that scene in the Indiana Jones movie where Harrison Ford has to cross what looks like a yawning chasm to save his father? He takes the first step in faith, and learns there was a bridge there all the time, he just couldn't see it.
I felt just the same way. And guess what? God was there for our family, and now that baby is getting ready to drive, I'm back at work part time, and we have no debt whatsoever. We lived under the poverty level for a number of years, and I learned so much, I would not trade the experience for anything.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Surround yourself with people who are on the same journey. Get into a good church if you are not already - you will find godly older women who would be thrilled to share their accumulated knowledge.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!