New to Frugality

**adavant** · 12-20-2007, 05:56 PM

well, I'm new here and pretty new to frugality. the last few years I have tried to have our family live a more frugal lifestyle and as my family grows, I"m expecting #3 in July I need it more and more!

I'm mainly trying to cut back in the area of groceries and household supplies since I have cut back on other things I feel pretty well, we're also trying to pay off debt, which consist of 1 credit card which is 0% interest , hospital debt and a couple smaller medical bills.

My question is mainly about the forums here...where do I start...what are all these challenges, where do I find a coupon train ( I was referred to this website for a coupon train), just any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

**lwlynch** · 12-20-2007, 06:10 PM

hello and welcome...

**nuisance26** · 12-20-2007, 07:29 PM

~Here's a link to this months train. The Dec. '07 Santa Express Coupon Train Now Forming - Let's Ride! It's listed in the Coupon Trading forum. Welcome to FV!~

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-20-2007, 08:24 PM

Hello and

to FV!

**monkeymia** · 12-20-2007, 10:37 PM

Welcome to the Village Alyssa.

**KJayEsq** · 12-21-2007, 12:38 AM

I started with the Frugal Living and the Debt Reduction/Money Management sections. You should check those out and then get in on some of the Grocery Challenges, etc. as those help provide incentive to live more frugally.

**larabelle** · 01-03-2008, 03:13 PM

Just do like I did and jump into everything at once. Launch a full scale attack on your debt and read each area of the forum to do so. I have had a blast since jumping in!!! You will get so much encouragement from the ladies and gents in here.

**Daisygirl** · 01-03-2008, 03:48 PM

Welcome Alyssa. My best advice is just read, read, read. I tend to go with Frugal Living adn Debt Reduction. There is a lot to be learned there. Also check out the Just Tips section.

The Challenges are something we do to track what we are spending in certain areas and they are really helpful for reducing your spending in those areas. Just jump in on the threads wherever you feel like it!

Again, welcome to the Village!

**homemaker66** · 01-04-2008, 06:57 AM

Welcome just jump into the forums and you will learn alot. the challenges is to help you live more frugal.. Just remember we are all here to help you out anytime with any situations.

**JohnH** · 01-04-2008, 08:15 AM

Of course, the best way to be frugal is to keep your hands out of your pockets.

1) Do I really need that or can I make do without?

2) Can I borrow, Freecycle, make it or get a group of friends to help make it?

3) Be self-reliant.

It applies to most things. The wheel cover on my spare wheel ripped when I changed wheels earlier in the week. I threw the cover away and won't be getting another.

Before I started home-brewing I looked at all the shining new equipment on the Internet. I got it all for nothing on Freecycle.

I wanted a rowing boat to go fishing in. I grouped together with friends and we all built one each. The ones with better carpentry skills taught the rest and now I have new skills.

I grow my own vegetables. I only eat meat that I find, catch or am given.

I heat my house with scrap wood I offer to take away for people or with dead wood.

There is so much you can do for yourself without digging into your pockets.

De-program yourself and good luck!

**Jamauk** · 01-04-2008, 11:20 AM

Welcome! As far as trying to figure out the site - I know, it can be a bit overwhelming.

My advice would be to pick a subfurum that interests you (it sounds like the challenges, maybe?) and just go in there and read around a bit. I started in the Kitchen Basics because I actually found this site after doing a google search for scratch cooking.

After you feel comfortable there, you can branch out and check out another subforum. From there you will pretty much have figured out how to navigate the site and will be jumping all over the place!

**C@rol** · 01-09-2008, 11:14 AM

Welcome to the group!

I am new also and finding my way around.

See ya' on the boards.

C@rol

**Jskell911** · 01-09-2008, 03:58 PM

Welcome Alysa. I think I spent a good week reading through everything before I posted! You will find all finds of great advice and ideas from everyone here.

**JanieD** · 01-09-2008, 04:38 PM

Hope you jump right in: challenges, frugal living, debt reduction or wherever! Take sometime to get to know the board; try out the search function. Also check out the new posts to see what happening since your last visit!