Here are some things that are normal to us but that people around us do not really understand:

- We only have one car. The majority of people just don't understand and think we're really making big sacrifices. In reality, we don't miss the second car one bit and we save tons on a car payment. Did I mention our car is a 1998 model!!

- We don't have cable or anything else. Only old fashion antennas with 3 to 5 channels that work depending on days. We really don't need more. We rather spend our time doing other things than watch TV. I get DVDs at the library for the kids.

- We only have one TV in the house.

- When I can, I shop more than one place for groceries. In this fast pace society people think I should spend my time more wisely. That's exactly what I think I'm doing!!!

These are the obvious ones, and I don't consider we are that frugal when I read some of your posts. We just on the beggining of our search to a better life.

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Marie - SAHM of DS Benjamin (april 2004) and DD Rose (march 2006).

I think it's all about mindset; if you've done it for a while it becomes normal for you. You can start any habit you choose. For example we started using a super cheap phone card for all long distance... at first it was a pain to dial the 800 number and pin every time but now, 5 yrs later, it's just second nature. Other things we're just used to doing:
-homemade spaghetti sauce
-little to no cable
-just a little prepaid cell for emergency
-wash in mostly cold water
-library is my primary source of entertainment
-use bread machine
-we only have one car right now
-buy meat only when it's a great sale (mostly!)
-stockpile pantry and freezer, freeze full and partial meals ahead
-use BJs- I agree many non-convenience items are not really cheaper there, but the last couple years buying milk there ALONE pays for the membership for us
-homemade baby food
-homemade and yardsale toys

Some new habit's I'd LIKE to make "normal" for us
-institute family budget as part of FTJ (we just started it)
-keep a price book for at least grocery store, Walmart, BJs, Aldi
-cut way down on convenience foods
-always take snacks/drinks to travel
-buying gifts year round for events to avoid impulse purchases last minute

Thanks for all the great ideas!

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Stay at home mommy to one beautiful girl, Anna Dee, born February 2008