From: Amy G 
  Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 
  Tips for Living

  Resist the urge to buy!  At your age I bought so many things, souveniers,
  knick-knacks, etc that I don't have anymore or just take up space because I
  don't want them.  When you do buy something (furniture for example) buy
  quality that will last you!  When buying furniture think ahead to when you
  will have kids, we bought a child safe sectional (no sharp corners, sturdy)
  when we got married even though we didn't have kids and its still with us 13
  years later.  My grandmother wanted to get me a curio cabinet for a wedding
  gift.  I asked for a wooden rocker instead.  Curio's, for me, are just
  filled with things I have to clean, where my rocker gets daily use!  First
  in my kids rooms as infants, and now in my living room.  It is the most
  sought after chair when I have a party :)   Don't buy furniture made out of
  pine (learned that the hard way!).

  Get familiar with the thrift stores in your area.  For me this is the first
  place I look when I need something new.

  Learn how to cook well as that will save you a lot of money over the years.
  Learn how to use spices and bake.  Try new recipes and try new things.  This
  way you will have a big variety of things that you can cook and you'll know
  what you and your family like.

  Learn to garden (if you have a place for one).  Growing your own food is
  good exercise, and a wonderfully frugal hobby!

  Learn to sew.  I only sew to mend things and occasionally try to make things
  but I'm still learning.  I've made pillowcases out of old sheets and my next
  project is to learn to sew dress-up clothes for my kids and scrub pants for
  myself.

  If you don't already have one, get a college education, even if its an
  associates from a community college.  I did this and its the only thing
  saving our tushes right now while dh is laid off.  Its much easier to go to
  college earlier in life.

  Not sure of your living arrangements, but if you don't own a home, and plan
  to buy one, really think about how much space you will need.  It amazes me
  the huge houses they are building here.  My SIL just bought a 3,000 square
  foot house for 2 adults for $350,000.  I just don't understand that.  They
  both have to work full time just to make their house payment and she is
  always complaining about not having enough free time!

 (Just a note - We have a big house but with wheelchairs and such we need the
 room to maneuver. Other wise wewould  be smaller. Also our house is paid for. UB)