American mom living in France

**Carago** · 09-24-2007, 03:50 PM

Hi everyone,

I live in France and am here permanently (French husband) and have three boys. I have been trying (and trying ) to live frugally ever since the "Tightwad Gazette" came out in the early 90's!

I have NEVER been able to make it stick for long, though there has been a bit of progress over the years. My downfall - new clothes. This past month (season changes are always the hardest) I way overspent (again) on clothes for myself. I always find ways to justify the expense...

Meanwhile we are trying to do Dave Ramsey's program but I get in our way. I feel horrible when I do this and need motivation to at least get to the end of our debt (we have just the car to pay off, then the mortgage, no CC's or anything like that). That's why I'm here.

I work but I make very little money. We try our best to live on my husband's salary but it's not easy, especially as I need clothes for work. Why do I work then, you ask? If I didn't, I think I would go completely bonkers, out here as an expat. I work to be able to tolerate living here as best I can.

Any help you can offer will be really appreciated, especially from those of you who have been able to stop overspending on clothes.

Thanks so much, I hope to come here often!

Cara

**lwlynch** · 09-24-2007, 03:55 PM

Welcome to the Village.. Hope you find lots of great ideas and its a good place to make friends.

**ilovechocolate** · 09-24-2007, 06:53 PM

We're glad you're here! Just keep reading the boards and you'll learn some wonderful ideas. This is a great site!

**Sara Noel** · 09-24-2007, 06:55 PM

to frugal village from a fellow wife of a frenchie. (well french canadian)

**Gabe** · 09-24-2007, 06:59 PM

Bonjour Carago,

Bienvenu au Village & Have fun!

**DixieJ** · 09-24-2007, 07:54 PM

Welcome to the Village!!

Dixie Jean

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 09-24-2007, 08:36 PM

Hello and welcome to the Village!

**PrairieRose** · 09-24-2007, 08:37 PM

Hello and

to the village!

**JerryG** · 09-24-2007, 08:38 PM

Does France have thrift stores? Maybe that would help w/ the clothes

**northernmom2boys** · 09-24-2007, 08:46 PM

BONJOUR!!!!
WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE

**staceyy** · 09-24-2007, 08:52 PM

Welcome! Are you able to buy your clothes at thrift shops?

**Peaches** · 09-25-2007, 12:14 AM

Hi Carago. Welcome from another expat (I'm in the UK). Which part of France are you in?

**Carago** · 09-25-2007, 03:38 AM

Oh I love the warm welcome!

I live in Brittany, in western France. Lorient to be exact.

YES we have thrift stores. They aren't so good out here in my small town but a couple of hours away in the bigger towns they're better.

OK, I will try to come here often to stay motivated. I can relate to a lot of the thoughts about just staying home, away from certain places. I have also tried to go to just cash, and maybe can do that again in October...

This is another subject and I'll post it elswhere, but my very wealthy father is coming to visit us here next month with his wife and I'm already feeling intimidated (our furniture is pretty shabby, the house still needs work) They are used to a certain level of comfort and style that we just don't have...nevermind the fact I have no idea what to feed them (I use a lot of lentils and pasta, they are into a lot of fish...)

Like I said, I'll post this elswhere too but I love feedback.

thank you again,

Cara