Since most forums have a section for newbies, I thought it might be fun to make a newbie thread. You serious diehard frugalistas are inspirational but sometimes make me feel like I've got SUCH a long way to go!

 I'm blessed that I am frugal by choice, though really, it isn't a choice as such: to maintain a good standard of living and send my children to college, and to be environmentally conscious, I need to be frugal. It matters. I have the option of racking up loads of credit card debt and continuing to live like a queen, but I refuse to be sucked into that (plus my sensible husband wouldn't let me. But half of the country seems to be making that choice.) I currently have no consumer debt, some fair savings, and a mortgage. I want to have no consumer debt, excellent savings, and no mortgage!

 
At the moment I'm taking three steps forward and one step back. Like a diet, I'm trying not to beat myself up about the slips: these are not an excuse to spurge. Back on the wagon, onward!

 
Yesterday I resisted the imported blueberries but got sucked in by an overpriced cordial (made from hand picked SCOTTISH rasberries. That phrase did me in.) Ironically, it is nice, but not THAT nice. I bought extra things that were on special ( that I usually buy) though this did include my favorite expensive jam (jelly). It IS really, really good though. A little luxury.

My challenge for the next few weeks is to write a budget and switch to living on cash and writing everything down, a Gail Vaz-Oxlade advises in her 'Till Debt Does Us Part' TV show. Its actually quite tricky to find out how much we really spend on some stuff.

 
The other big thing is stopping the food waste in the kitchen. I have a habit of buying too much fruit, thinking I'll bake or juice it, and letting it go to waste because I can't face spending any more time in my awful kitchen. I hate to think how much food I waste. This HAS to stop.

Helen

 

I agree with you, that babysteps are the way to go.  Same as with a diet, like you said.  I sometimes feel that many of the tips I see won't make any difference for me because I am single (like making homemade laundry detergent when I do maybe one load per week), but I am always eager to read new tips and reconsider what will work for me.  I don't necessarily go all out like some people do, but I do my best.  I enjoy the "tradition" aspect of things.  I really feel tied in to my grandparents and people of their generation, and I feel frugality and the creativity it involves is a time-honored practice worth engaging in.  That's my take on it, anyway...just thought I'd share!

I think enjoying the tradition of frugality is a great idea. That wartime "make it last, wear it out, make it do or do without" ethos that they had, was very wise too.

 That's where the 'green' element is helpful for me - I had enough of 'doing without' when I was a student and when the kids were little - times were really tough for a while there - so I resent feeling that I'm still in that place. However if I look at it positively, as non-consumption being a positive act for both my bank balance and the environment, it feels really good!

I did a similar thing when I first started 'dieting' - rather than seeing it as denying myself the foods I wanted like cake or lollies (candy), I saw it as making a positive food choice and doing something good for myself. I soon came to love going to the checkout with a basketful of healthy vegetables, feeling really proud of myself!

Because I work (from home, freelance) I find some frugal things aren't worthwhile as I tend to run out of time - frugal and fast is good!

 

Helen,

You are not alone in some of what you have shared. I am having to take steps myself to get back on track after a life changing even about 18 months ago. I realised we had come too far in a direction I didn't like. So I am reclaiming things I once enjoyed doing, felt good about and saved with.

 

 

 

 

Dear All, My chief problem in frugality is that I cannot shop around for most medical expenses.  They are what they are.  I am very fortunate in having Medicare & Medi-Cal (Medicaid), BUT there are many things that they do not pay for, such as a firm $600/month private physician, or 20% of the cost of durable medical equipment (such as a walker, mastectomy bras, a commode, & so forth).  It leaves me with only a very little bit of disposable income after I pay the rent.

I think I am a dyed-in-the-wool tightwad, BUT I NEED the health-care items that I pay for, & cannot negotiate lower prices for them.

And, as I said before, I eat too much food!  But the cost of that is nil in comparison to health-care items.

Yours in thrift, Deb

DeborahMichelle,

 
For most of us we have expenses that can not be helped, we must have them. Some experience much more rigid and higher costs. The best we can do with that is save in one area so we can afford another.

 

 

You are quite right, Brandy, that everyone has some fixed expenses that cannot be reduced.  I am fortunate to have no debt at all, but those who do HAVE TO keep paying it down, as quickly as possible.  Not having debt liberates my disposable income markedly.  You reminded me to look at the glass half-full.  I regret what must have seemed a childish complaint.  Thank you for setting me right.

Yours in thrift, Deb

It wasn't childish. Some days I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and maintain a positive outlook. It's hard to feel as if one has little control. The last time I picked up meds for the kids and paid $145 out of pocket, I grumbled but I'd rather they breathe and as you say those are expenses one can not bargain hunt on.

When I realise that $1,400 a month goes out on work and food alone, I have to breathe in and out...a lot. I bargain hunt as much as I can on the food but with health needs that call for some of the pricier options, I can only do so much there. The work expenses, I can do nothing but live with it, I have zero control over them.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Brandy.  You're a sweet gal!

POSSIBLY, although far from definitely, somebody on this wonderful forum might have some inkling of a way to somewhat reduce one of the expenses for work that you (who is in the best position to know) say that you have zero way of reducing ... (you said, of controlling).  Would clueing us in of some of that be something that would upset you, in which case please, please, please don't share!  I only thought that maybe 2 heads (multiple on this forum) might, being better than one, come up with something ....  Ignore this post if you like!

Yours in thrift, Deb 

Hi Deb,

 My husband works as a maintenance tech for a company that requires him to supply his own truck, his own tools and supplies. We filed a total of $24,000 in expenses on taxes for this past year for the job.

The truck expenses:

• He financed the truck and we owe right under $5,000 still so that means monthly notes.
• Since it's a vehicle actually used on the job that means higher insurance.
• The mileage he puts on it going from job to job means higher maintenance. For the past four months this has equaled to $100-$200 in repairs.

As for the tools and supplies...if he needs something while on a job, he has to buy it and hasn't the luxury to look for the best prices or sales.