TrulyStashin - I now what you mean! Sometimes it takes money to get 'free', which is very hard when first starting off. My ETF for Verizon was 190, but my monthly savings more than makes up for that. I moved away from cable a looong time ago - ever since Hulu/Boxee was first released so I was lucky there. Getting outfitted for cooking more at home was rough too. I just felt like I was spending MORE money than saving. The first month I stopped going out to eat, I dedicated 100% of the "eat out" expenditure to buying pots, pans, utensils, herbs for the garden, wash clothes, drying rack for dishes (I don't have a dish washer), etc... Same thing with the Cycling, when I first started I needed some clothes, lights, a water proof pack (it rained for three weeks straight here), a multi-tool, an air pump, spare tube and a helmet (a rack and panniers are next!).
I knew that the upfront expense would save me THOUSANDS even by the end of the year (sometimes by the end of the month), but damn it was hard to throw all that money towards the problem up front to liberate myself.
Joet - I know what you mean. The co-workers where I am don't go out for lunches already, or eat by themselves. It was a strange concept coming from a Consultant environment, but it works out well. I still put on a smile and congratulate people on their new car purchases when necessary. If people show interest in saving money, then I'll speak up on some things I've been doing, maybe even mention MMM in one case. Sadly, the only step forward in my current position is to become the Chief Technology Officer (which HR wont let happen). I'm a "Senior Systems and Operations Specialist - Advanced" working at a University - and anyone who works for a Uni knows pay raises don't come often either!