How many years and most important lesson from FV

**shoiji** · 08-02-2011, 12:31 PM

I joined FV in 2007. It took some doing but now I am used to living on a budget and willing to go without or make do with what I have instead of running out and purchasing something I really did not need.

The most important lesson I learned however is to plan and think about the future. The stockpiling really makes me think ahead to what I will need later on not just by stockpiling. By budgeting I can live without worrying about money and bills being paid.

Would be fun to hear how many years you have been with FV and your most important lesson learned from FV.

**Ceashels** · 08-02-2011, 01:14 PM

I too joined in 2007. Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long ago.

Most important lesson... keep getting back on the wagon no matter how many times you fall off.

**Russ** · 08-02-2011, 01:20 PM

Joined in May of 08.
Most important lesson - those pennies and dimes that sort of disappeared, add up to a lot when you start tracking them everyday.

**Samigirl** · 08-02-2011, 01:33 PM

I joined in 2006...was a lurker long before that. A good lesson I've learned from FV is that there ARE frugal, like-minded people out there. I don't feel like such a weirdo when I come here.

**Libby** · 08-02-2011, 01:33 PM

Joined up in 2006 and most important lessons learned are that 'every lil bit helps or does add up' and to do things at my own pace and/or do what I'm comfortable with.

**Telephus44** · 08-02-2011, 01:42 PM

Joined Feb 2004. I don't know if there's anything I can point to as the most important thing I've learned, but this has been one of the best places for accountability for me.

Actually, the 2 things I can think of that I learned here are that Bed Bath and Beyond takes expired coupons, and about the product Lemishine.

**Dancing Lotus** · 08-02-2011, 02:13 PM

I joined in January of 07 so going on 4 yrs! The most important thing I have learned is how to save money. Seriously, I did not have a clue how to cut corners. I went to the store and things cost what they cost, I made a recipe and I thought I had to follow it to the T even if that meant a run to the store.

**nodmicks** · 08-02-2011, 02:31 PM

LOL I have to post and see when my status says I joined! The most important thing I have learned is how to budget.

Been here since 2004!

**nuisance26** · 08-02-2011, 03:00 PM

~I joined September 2006 of so I'm approaching 5 years.
I've learned the most about organizing my time better, about public accountability and how great it is to have support from like-minded people.
More than just learning, I've felt more empowered to actually do all the things I've wanted to, especially with Homesteading skills.
It's the people here that make this place so special!~

**heartofmine** · 08-02-2011, 05:43 PM

I joined in February 2008. I have always been frugal...had to be... but I was looking to add to my frugal knowledge. FV was just the ticket. I've learned a lot of tips and tricks. One that has stuck and may not sound like a lot to some was making my own laundry detergent. I've learned that its not always the big things that can add up and save money but the smaller things can add up to big savings. I've also learned that even when you think your as frugal as you can get that someone will come up with something else. Also learned there are some frugals I'm just not willing to go to.

**mndtrp** · 08-02-2011, 07:06 PM

Don't know when I joined, but I'm sure it will be next to this post. Most important thing I learned, I guess, is how to tolerate vinegar to utilize its various uses.

**zakity** · 08-02-2011, 07:27 PM

I lurked forever before I joined. I remember when it was a paysite.

I am going to have to post and then look and see when I registered. Back in a moment.

Edited to add:

Wow... 2005

I had to think a few on what I learned. I have learned so much over the years, but, you know, what the best thing for me is that there are other people out there that are frugal. I am not a freak. Most of the time, I am the only one that I know in real life that is frugal. I finally have a real life friend who gets being frugal (she is my bestest buddy). She isn't as frugal as I am, but she cheers me on when I find a good deal (as I do her). She also appreciates the weird phone call from me asking if she wants some random item that I found a good deal on.

I really feel like this site is like a Koffee Klatch. I feel as if we are all sitting around someone's kitchen table with our coffee (or other drink of choice) and talking about our day or the lastest way we figured out how to save money or some little frugal tidbit that one of us had heard. I know I read more than I post, but I enjoy reading everyone's posts. I know that for a long time, you all were my "human connection" because of homeschooling the boys. I was around other homeschooling moms, but, geesh, there are other things to talk about besides "school". And, I always got looked at like I had a second head when I started up anything "frugal-like".

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 08-03-2011, 02:12 AM

I joined December '06... I think the most important thing I learned is I need accountability and encouragement from other frugal folks.

**sinopa27** · 08-03-2011, 02:35 AM

I joined Nov 2009 but was a lurker for a year before that.

I learned to find ME. I wasn't frugal. I had a spoiled life a child and didn't worry about money. As an adult, I got myself into debt thinking that was the learn. I have learned to be frugal and most importantly learn that it is okay to be frugal.
I consider everyone at FV to be my family. I have shared some of the most personal thoughts and ideas on this forum. I have had many to agree with me as well as disagree. FV is my favorite website hands down. I have learned so much here and depend on my family every day!
sinopa

**nuisance26** · 08-03-2011, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by zakity

I really feel like this site is like a Koffee Klatch. I feel as if we are all sitting around someone's kitchen table with our coffee (or other drink of choice) and talking about our day or the lastest way we figured out how to save money or some little frugal tidbit that one of us had heard. I know I read more than I post, but I enjoy reading everyone's posts. I know that for a long time, you all were my "human connection" because of homeschooling the boys. I was around other homeschooling moms, but, geesh, there are other things to talk about besides "school". And, I always got looked at like I had a second head when I started up anything "frugal-like".

~Now that you mention it, I always spend my morning coffee time, my lunch break and my afternoon tea break on FV. It is like a visit and a good chance for me to have adult conversations during the day.

~