Hello Everyone, and my story

**HungerIsRage** · 11-14-2011, 10:22 PM

Hi everyone, new forum member Jay here. I have recently gained much interest in living as frugal as I can, and have been looking for such a site to participate In. It is my goal to tell my story, and then my progress In my new life, to help myself and others. I also welcome any and all input, as I have recently changed my entire lifestyle and am looking for ways to further myself on this new journey.

In 2000 I had a good career that paid very well, and my girlfriend of 5 years had a steady decent Income. She and I decided to be married, and our chase of the "American Dream" began. She had two children from a previous marriage, so we decided to buy a house for our family to live happily ever after in.

Although I really thought that the house she liked was overpriced (significantly), I decided to live in the moment and "make my family proud". After all, there would always be enough money, right? The bank said that we could always refinance, and even get money for ourselves, right?

Now we needed furniture. And appliances. And much to my dismay, 3 months after move in, a new rooftop air conditioner (in the desert this was a must). "No problem" the bank said, "we will give you a credit card". Oh the joy, we bought. and we bought. For a few years everything was great. Then for some odd reason, the world fell into a recession!

It wasn't long before my job went away. *poof*. My wife's job didn't go away, but instead her hours were cut, and mandatory furlough days were placed on her. I was completely scared for future, with full right to be. I had started unemployment benefits, but these literally equalled 1/9th of my previous income. It was time for a budget (should have done this years before in fact). Unfortuneatly my "better half" wanted nothing to do with a budget. It was almost as if it was a swear word.

I searched for 19 months to find a job, to no true avail. The credit card companies (yes, now we had 5 credit cards) decided that now, It was time we pay. The federal government decided that, unemployment was an annoying problem, so they cut me off, by law, 13 months early.

Flash forward to Oct 2011:
The foreclosure company was polite. They allowed me to stay an extra 3 weeks, and actually paid me some cash in the "cash for keys" program. She and the kids had already moved out, to a tiny duplex in a very questionable neighborhood by the freeway. For me, the "American Dream" was now officially a nightmare.

I packed my remaining possessions into my beat up '90 accord. It all fit. It was the first time in my life that I slept in a parking lot.

Nov 11: My new, frugal life.

With my cash for keys money I moved into a weekly motel (not frugal by any means), but I noticed that, to my amazement, 3/4 of the staff actually lived on site. I talked to the manager, and he informed me of a wonderful world where, for 12 hours a week, I could have a free apartment, all utilities and local phone paid, and a small weekly income. I have applied, sign me up. Currently awaiting finalization.

Before this offer, I had been researching a new full time career, one that will help me pay off tens of thousands $$ of debt. Semi's. Trucking. I have a clean mvr, no felonies. No wife. 6 weeks on the road at a time, few days r'n'r off at end. No bills needed except food, laundry, the occasional comfort. I'm intruiged, sign me up. Currently awaiting DOT physical.

There is a strong possibility that I can pursue both of these options, as I will be in town enough to satisfy both of these jobs. We will see.
I am going to be debt free. This is my real story. I will update as I progress, and I may need some encouragement, maybe some Ideas on living on the road cheap, and as I grow into this I may have some ideas to offer as well.

Again, hello, It is very nice to meet you.

**oheoh's momma** · 11-14-2011, 11:05 PM

Hi Jay my name is Penny I am very happy to meet you. You will learn lot's here. I hope the future is better and am sorry for your problems. Any hoo welcome from KY

**HappyMama** · 11-14-2011, 11:08 PM

Hi Jay, welcome to Frugal Village. I look forward to getting to know you and reading your posts. I am sure you will enjoy it here. Blessings and hope things get better for you real soon.

**OOwl** · 11-14-2011, 11:22 PM

Welcome. Those are some mighty large issues to solve and you've shown great bravery and dignity and seem to possess a positive attitude, which is probably your greatest asset and why you've now been offered TWO jobs. I admire you for getting about the practical business of fixing your current, temporary circumstances. I predict you will accomplish your goals and a whole lot more. Looking forward to watching your progress.

**HappyMama** · 11-14-2011, 11:30 PM

Jay,

I sprout micro greens, wheatgrass and salads for the winter. Thought this might be of interest to you, if you happen to be into healthy living and now possibly on the road trucking. It is cheap and healthy for him.

He has a series and is called the wheatgrass trucker:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x33DyZWSFtM&feature=player_embedded]The Wheatgrass Trucker! 2 - YouTube[/ame]

**arnie** · 11-15-2011, 05:57 AM

Wow. You have been through a lot. I wish you luck. Sorry things havent worked out. You will learn alot here and be a better person because of all you learn Welcome to FV.

**homemaker66** · 11-15-2011, 06:51 AM

Welcome to the family. I am looking forward of reading more post from you. Blessings.

**tervsforme** · 11-15-2011, 07:09 AM

Good morning. Such a journey to date. You have such a positive attitude. This is a great site to be, you will gather tons of useful information. Good luck!

**Lora88** · 11-15-2011, 07:18 AM

Welcome this is a great community

**nodmicks** · 11-15-2011, 07:35 AM

Jay you have sure been through a lot! You have an awesome attitude. Your going to do great!

**piney** · 11-15-2011, 08:47 AM

Jay just keep coming back to fv and keep your postive attitude and you will do just fine.Wishing you the best.

**Debbie-cat** · 11-15-2011, 09:02 AM

Welcome Jay! You had fallen into the trap that many of us here have but your life can turn around! This a community with a ton of wise, caring people who will help any way possible. Glad you joined our family!

**Missourimom** · 11-15-2011, 09:30 AM

Hi Jay, welcome to our frugal family! This is a great site with a wealth of information and members from all walks of life. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I look forward to reading about your progress and the rebuilding of your life. You can do it!!!

**peanut** · 11-15-2011, 09:56 AM

Jay. Thanks for sharing your story. I know you'll find lots of help here at the Village. I look forward to 'seeing' you around and staying updated on your journey. Best of luck on your job leads!