What have you learned?

[acabin42]

I was sitting here thinking about FV and what I get out of it.

I have learned how to budget, how to look at what I have and be satisfied with it. I have learned to listen to people here before I listen to anyone else. (you know, people are always trying to get you to spend money you know you don't have or shouldn't spend).

What has Frugal Village taught you?

[OOwl]

To be more grateful for what I have. That some people have MUCH less but make amazing meals and have a happy, fulfilling life regardless of their financial situation. I'm learning every day from those people, that simple and basic is best for me. Thank you residents of FV for your life lessons.

[krbshappy71]

I have learned that:

I am a spoiled brat who doesn't like to listen to cold hard truth.
I repeat the same bad behaviors
I am responsible for my own situation and how I handle it. The excuses are just that, excuses.
Other's wealth doesn't mean they are better than me, just that they have stronger will power and control in this area than I do, and I may have stronger skills in other areas that they don't.
I can do really well when I set my mind to it.

[nodmicks]

Besides learning more frugal and budgeting things than I could list without writing a book here :

~ this is absolutely the best, caring group of people

~ someone here WILL know the answer to most problems or ?'s.

~ We all are responsible for the choices we make~ No excuses

~ People can pull themselves up and out off extraordinary circumstances So never say I can't and make excuses as to why things can't work for you

~ there is always tons more to learn

~ The grace to be cheerful and fulfilled with less. A lot of people amaze me on here!

[shoiji]

Have learned to say no and that I will wait for a sale or clearance. That living on a budget means saying no at times. That I should take a few moments and look around my home to help realize all that I do have. The money I do have is mine to use wisely.

[Uniwolf]

I have learned that even though I was frugal when I started here, I have such a long way to go, and baby steps work best for that journey, that I am NOT crazy, I am NOT the only person out there who looks at things this way. That I am not the only person to have an ungrateful child(some are just plain crazy and mine is one of them.) That here is a great place to ask if I don't know how to do something, or what to do if I am unsure. Answers may not be perfect but they almost always steer me in the right direction.

[oheoh's momma]

I have learned that is ok to be frugal. it is considered a bad word.
U don't use the dryer why your clothes will be stiff....
it is ok to be happy with what u have
it is nice to have people with similar mind sets I think this is the key to success.
That this is truly the nicest group of people who truly try to help....

[hmcart]

I have learned that my family spends more quality time together because of our decision to stop eating out. We menu plan, cook, and clean together. And guess what! They enjoy it!
I have learned that this is an ongoing process and that it wont happen over night. I have learned that it wont be long before we will be able to handle an emergency better financially than 80% of the people we know. I have leanred that I still have so much to learn!

[greekislandgirl]

I have learned (and am still learning) to face financial challenges from a positive rather than a victim mindset.

I have learned how to create, adjust, stick to and benefit from a budget.

I've learned to stockpile properly.

I've picked up TONS of tips that I would probably never have thought of.

I've learned to be PROUD of being frugal rather than being embarrassed about it.

[piney]

I have learned to stock pile things that i will use or eat.
I have learned you can use less of some things.
I have learned you can substituce things
I have learned you don't have to pay a high price for cleaning supplies Vinegar and Soda does a good job.
That you don't have to use so many paper towels cloth napkins is just not for formal meals.
I have learned to be saving and pay off debt.

[geckoace]

How the little things you do can make HUGE impacts on your life and your money. And that surrounding yourself with like-minded people helps you to succeed

[erinalexmom]

That I was nickle and diming myself into a financial death trap!

[dexterteach]

I have learned how to be a better mother, wife, and daughter! By always thinking and being one step ahead from all the tips and ideas here at FV....things seem to go a lot smoother than before I found this website!

[Ramona]

The most important lesson I've learned at FV is to "Pay Attention".

Big bucks can disappear through careless buying but money can also dribble away on small things; coffee, soda, quick meals all while you're out and about.

[gapeach]

I am much more aware of how much food and money we waste. I now keep a freezer inventory that helps me track what I have and how old it is. With the rising cost of food this has helped to keep our grocery bill in tact. I also make a lot more things from scratch.

I've been able to repurpose some things and bless others with items I no longer love or need. Our home is much more comfortable with less clutter.

I've cleaned out my closet and found clothes I forgot about and have started wearing again. Also, when I do go clothes shopping I try to buy the classic styles so that they don't go out of style and last longer. I've learned having a few good things is better than having a lot of things that just hang in the closet collecting dust.

Also, I have a lot of jewelry. I'm learning to accessorize by wearing my different pieces.

And lastly, I've learned to be myself and accept the good and the bad. Thank you Frugal Village.