Learning the value of simple things...

In_Search_Of_Me

Hello fabby DFW'ers! I've noticed that there are quite a few new DFW'ers here at the moment and with Christmas coming up know that will be tough! Also thought it would be good for some old timers to re-visit the benefits of being a DFW! So what have you learned to value that you didnt when you were spending?
For me it's been the going back to basics. Getting rid of ready meals and learning to cook! Getting a bargain gives a new shopping buzz and a treat is now a treat rather than an every day occurence. I've found out who my friends are along the way and feel immensely lucky to be supported by so many in my journey becoming debt free. I've lost 4 1/2 stone, stopped smoking and have a drink occasionally. I'm trying to like excercise but so far thats a step too far! All in all I am a changed woman (will post photos if I ever suss how!)! I am happier, healthier & I think a nicer person to know since my original lightbulb moment.
PLus I know that there are people on here who get it & its great to be part of a community that genuinely care & understand what the devastating effect of debt are! The fact that people go out of their way to offer advice & support is lovely & on some days really does make my day! Nerds rock!!
So what big of small things have you learned?

benbenandme

I notice other peoples spending more and I no longer think "I wish I could afford the things they have" now I genuinely think "I know I could be able to afford it if I really wanted it, but I'd rather be debt-free!!" especially at Christmas time when you see people spending obscene amounts of money I am glad I don't feel that pressure to conform and I truly believe I am trying to teach my little 'un by example

OberonSH

That £2 coins give an atonishingly large amount of pleasure
That it's possible to do practically anything once you set your mind to it
That my slow cooker is possibily the best invention ever
That there are people out there who genuinely care about other people

I ws never a big shopper beforehand, my debt is all business related, but it's certainly taught me a few lessons from reading other people's stories. I feel better about something the less I paid for it.

benbenandme

Whoever made up the saying "If it seems to be too good to be true then it probably is" had never heard of Quidco

always_amazed

Hey,

You're right about christmas going to be tough, really think its going to be a pretty worrying time! But benbenandme, you're right, I don't need to spend loads on gifts for people to know I care!

Move_To_Portugal

Hi ff

The thing I've learned most is that less is more. We hardly buy anything new, we just make do with what we've got. We live quite frugally and are getting better at it every year. Having a goal really helps you to focus. I feel really upset with myself that I thought owning a posh handbag made me a better person. Never again!

I tried to explain to a work colleague last week that being frugal is not about being tight it's about using your money to get the life you want, not the life people think you should have.

Move to Portugal

hypno06

OberonSH wrote: »

That it's possible to do practically anything once you set your mind to it

That there are people out there who genuinely care about other people

these two are the biggest things I have learnt from being on this site.

If you ever have any doubt about your abilities - set yourself a challenge. There is always one going on this site that suits your situation!

Also, stick around. Get the support from these boards. It is invaluable!

trying-very-trying

I think I've learned that the only things we really need already here.
I am blessed with the following:
The love of a warm caring good man
4 fantastic beautiful girls (okay maybe I don't always feel blessed with them sometimes they feel more like a curse)
A secure roof above our heads (I was worried about this one before this wonderful site).
A nice warm dry house(I have lived in damp cold houses, so this is a luxury)
Enough food to feed my family(even if it isn't what they want)
And the trusting warm company of wonderful faithful friends called Brogan (my baby), Bloo and Benny (they do actually pay their way, they're great for warming the knees, and even the bed):rotfl:

DisillusionedAnna

Ive learned that money isnt everything, people are, posessions are nothing,sure we need the basics but happiness, true happiness, a warm genuine smile, and thank you given freely for some small done and just knowing that you can answer the door, pick up the phone and not worry.
Christmas, well mines going to be hampers with my own pickles, chutneys,DundeeCake, Xmas Cake, Jam and my wonderfully spectacular Coffee and Walnut cake. Such hampers cost £30+ in the shops, mine are priceless, each made with love and attention to detail and each person individually thought and cared about.Pssst I pinched this idea from the Debtfree site cant claim exclusive rights to this pressie idea lol Thank god for the recipes on Old Style Board.
Ive read most debt diaries (saves buying expensive hardbacks) pinched hints and tips and smile and giggle at some of the comments on here, this place is a wonderfully debt free form of anti-depressant should be reconized by the doctors lol
Bye all keep well and dont have an expensive Chrissy do it the Debtfree Way Ax

chloebelle

I'm still quite new but am really learning the pleasure of saving money. For example, I spend a fortune on my mobile and have always been too lazy to find a better bargain.

However, have just found that I can get a fantastic tariff for £25 a month + a free phone and earn £35 cashback by doing it through Quidco!! Fantastic, makes the effort worthwhile :j

curlywurlygirly

I'm chipping away at my debt, slowly but surely....and have been preaching the word of Martin far and wide;) I've gone from 'I can't deal with this right now' to 'I can deal with this, just not all at once. It will take time'.

Chrissie is all taken care of, and my family and I are going to have a wonderful low buget yule.....cheap doesn't have to mean nasty any more if you shop around.

I am grateful to see the sun come up in the morning; to see my children smile; to give them cuddles and love and go on picnics, pick blackberries, and bake together.
I'm grateful that I get to go to bed with my husband every night, and wake up with him every morning.
I'm confident in my own abilities to take on what's thrown at me, whatever that might be....

I've loved reading this thread - thanks fishface for starting, and to everyone else for posting....