I'm treating it as a step-by-step process. I've quit my day job. I worked in higher education as an English professor for 22 years. Now I am a restaurant server and live in an RV. Next step it to get out of debt and buy land. It's an exciting adventure!
i did that when my mom retired. we got rid of almost everything and moved back to Bulgaria. we bought our small house ( 500 sq feet) and 1/4 th acre for 7k and we can live co.fortably on only 300 dollars or less depending on the season. Taxes run 20 dollars per year and food for me mom and my life stock will be free next year. I work for me as much as I want when I want and just vegitate in front of yputube all winter leaning how to live practically bill free. best decision I ever made. i also got to know all edible weeds that run wild in the mountains where I live . Greetings from a happy camper homesteader. i retired at 39 from the public sector.
We bought 2 acres, 3 years ago and I am at home doing the homesteading role. I work very hard, but it doesn't feel like 'work', it is truly a labour of love and the rewards are infinite. It feels great!
Tina and I pulled out of the rat race in '96 with 4 children. Your advice is spot on (other than we both know there is no way to convey the work and sacrifice involved). Like you, we've developed several income streams from egg and chick selling to market produce and garden consulting to (as you eluded to) making money simply by not spending money. Our last advice to others is to determine what you want from this life experience. Every homestead is as beautiful and unique as the hearts that it springs forth from. Slow and steady wins the race - and don't trade one master (9to5) for another (welcome to "in-too-deep homestead"). Put down roots... Grow until you feel the sun on your face... And then stop and enjoy the flowers... There are no prizes or awards for do-gooder of the month and nothing to prove... So take care to balance a full soul with a full plate... Peace. And thanks for sharing.
Perfectly said. We did exactly this. Husband's last day at his job is today and I run my own business. There still has to be income which a lot of people don't understand, but homesteading gives you a freedom that nothing else will. For sure.
Great talk jamie i worked 7 years by myself 16 hours a day no going out to eat,vacations,movies,extended family things,Christmas,or other holidays.I had a lot of mad family members but today im the only one who can set back and not go to a public job.Now they are mad about me not working so you come to realize theres no real solution for people understanding this lifestyle outside of other homesteaders.Thaks for this video we have been really looked down on for saying the same things in the past on youtube but its the truth.Thanks
I think a lot of people are looking for the "quick fix" or "easy solution" to get into this lifestyle. Those that are frustrated are those that don't realize the work involved to get into it and to stay in it. All we can do is share our experiences. As the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". Thanks for stopping by and commenting :0)
Over the last 6 years I have reduced my monthly expenses from around 1800.00 a month to just under 600.00 a month. I have taken an early retirement that easily pays these expenses with a little left over. We have been using inovative thinking on our garden and aquaponics system to produce more with less and have had some good success with room for improvement. I still do odd jobs from time to time plus selling eggs, a few chickens, and piglets help greatly with feed costs and the often unforseen costs of life. There is room for improvement in all aspects of homesteading and your channel is an inspiration.... Keep up the good work.
For my wife and I, we are done with the corporate life. We have wanted land for many years and finally purchased 32 acres in AR a little over a year ago (4/16). We have started our homestead, but it's slow going as we need to do a bit at a time - mostly the clean-up and correcting the overgrowth in order to cultivate the land to be the most productive. I still work as a contractor which doesn't leave a lot of time for me. My wife works part time and does most of the farm upkeep. We bought our land for the privacy and seclusion - to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life - one problem we pondered for a while - we wanted land but didn't know what to do with it. We started looking at mechanized conventional farming to become sustainable, but something didn't feel quite right about that approach. Then I discovered JM Fortier's Market Garden approach and everything clicked - fell right into place - becoming Market Gardeners. I instantly loved the approach and idea...to be able to grow an abundant crop on just a few acres. This was our AH HA moment! This frees up the remaining land to add cattle, meat goats, chickens, turkey, duck, and honey bees. We have already set out three hives of bees, which are going strong and being productive for little start up cost. Heck the third hive we have we got for free minus the hive cost - no need for a third nuc. Anyway, our farm was a rundown old cattle ranch that was in somewhat of disrepair so bringing the existing infrastructure up to speed has been a slow process. However, it has given us the time to truly look at our acreage to determine our true needs, costs, placement...to plan for the most efficient approach for the least money...which is most important. Our take-a-way and advice...plan plan plan then plan again. I have one more year of working then full time on our farm. Best of luck to all!
I started homestead in Vietnam with only $100 USA dollars. I eat ramen noddles for 2 months til I get paid for my first harvest. Start real small until you get a good grip.
I screwed last 10 years of my life. I'm currently unemployed, penniless, divorced and almost 32. I am starting over my life from scratch. I love nature and my dream is to have a self sustaining homestead someday. Your story is inspiring. All the best.
Man, "almost 32" sounds funny among other words you wrote as oh friend, you got the whole life ahead of ya. All will pay off, you will get there and main thing - don't stop dreaming about what you want. Dreams are poison and let them kill the sad dreamer to born a satisfied today day achiever.
My husband and I both work full time jobs and have a off grid homestead started. We have pigs, chickens, and a very small garden right now. I hate the rat race. I drive a hour one way to work and by the time we get home and feed the animals then get supper cooked and ate its bedtime. I told my husband we are neglecting everything we every wanted ( our little piece of heaven homestead). We have agreed that by Oct 1st we will pay off a couple of our bills and I can quit this rat race craziness and attend to our homestead fulltime. Oct 1st can't get here soon enough :-)
For us it's a matter of getting as many income streams going as possible. We also support our kids to get creative about making money. Their involvement isn't about creating income streams for the running of the ranch, but for themselves. We cover all of their living expenses of course, but they start to pay for their own hobby expenses and 'extras' when they can start making their own money. So far our experience has been that by the time they are 16 they can usually afford to buy their own car. It teaches so many skills and helps out the family collective.
This is very inspirational. I love the fact you're not selling a singular idea, but sharing your experience. Paying off a mortgage is a mental mountain to climb by itself. It's amazing to me you both were able to overcome that through sheer will and hard work. Very inspiring indeed
We are just starting, but have actually done more than we planned. We moved to an acreage 2 years ago by accident. I taught school in a district different than where we lived and wanted my kids to be at school with me so we rented a 1902 farmhouse on a couple of acres just to get into the school district. I know renting is where we want to be, but it is $750 a month for 5 bedrooms and 1800 square feet so I'm ok with it for now. I actually left my job last June when the school couldn't teach my children properly. They have special needs and no one at the school had the training needed to work with them. It was harming them to be there so I quit and now homeschool. A hailstorm left dimples in our 2 cars earlier this year. They are perfectly fine to drive and don't even look that bad but insurance deemed them totally and with the money we paid off our cars and just didn't get them repaired. My husband works as a welder and really likes his job and plans to keep it, but he is 40 with diabetes and massive ADHD and I wonder how long he will be physically able to have his job so I know we need to have plans for when he can no longer work. He only makes 45K per year so we do take advantage of SSI for my disabled kids for the time being. It is $1000 per month and involves quite a bit of paperwork and management, so I consider that part of my job. Plus, teaching them of course! If they were at school, the government would pay $17K per year each for their education as they had IEPS so I feel like it is actually better for tax payers to provide the SSI and I will provide the education. Yesterday a friend of mine gave me a chicken coop and 7 laying hens that she no longer wanted, and Saturday I'm getting together with a former student's mother to learn about the years that she raised goats, so it is all kind of falling into place. We live in a rural agricultural area so there are a lot of auctions and sales in the area for cheap supplies. I have been using essential oils to help my kids with their symptoms for years so I just signed up as a wellness advocate so that I can actually turn it into a business. I would also like to start a blog/youtube channel on our days. I'm just finishing a master's degree in special education for children with autism spectrum disorders. I also have a basic master's of arts in education and taught chemistry and physics when I was a teacher so I think I could offer some videos on making it easier to homeschool math and science to all children. Anyway, I'm LOVING the slowing down and am having so much fun making my own bread, cleaners, etc. You are right about taking it slow though. My poor kids have used electronics to sooth themselves for so long that giving up DirectTV is not something we are quite ready to try. We did give up fast internet and only run off of our phone service now. They are starting to get outside more and play instruments and find other more constructive outlets for their incredibly creative personalities. So eventually, I think we will be able to drop it, but it would be pretty traumatic for them for me to ditch it right away. Also, as they get out and interact with the animals more, they are actually healing quite a bit. School left them pretty traumatized. It is helping our whole family. Happy Homesteading! I'm just giddy to be able to start living this dream even though I didn't even know I had it. I don't think I could go back now.
Jamie, great snapshot of the way you guys did it. There are so many similarities in your story and so many others who made the plunge. Heidi and I are running out of excuses to move to a bigger and better place. We too are out of debt and saving what we can and "homesteading in place", minimizing costs, honing our skills, and making ready for the day. We are also searching different states for the best price for land with good water, year round stream, less building restrictions, less taxation, best growing season etcetra. Any input is appreciated. It is funny, most of the folks we follow are back east. We, as you might know are in Washington State. Heidi and I enjoy your content.
+Mr. Rain We are on the hunt ourselves for land/house. But we are limited to central NC for the next couple years. I think I would consider Idaho if I didn't have the locale restrictions. Thanks for watching!
you have spoke the truth. todays society makes it impossible to live with out some income. insurance and taxes are always a burden we must deal with. Get out of debt, that is a must for most people. learning to support yourself by sufficient investments help a lot, like own some rental property, have something you can lease to other people, you tube is a great source for some people. get a residual income from monthly sales of a product. running a homestead does cost money any way you look at it. the bigger it is, the more it cost. Start small and gradually build things up. Don't be in a hurry, hast makes waist as they say. God Bless and keep up the good videos.
You guys rock-in it and love the video variance. I also appreciate how you guys are getting it done. I have taken a different path. Let me start by saying I like what I do in the corporate world and that is why I still work and homestead. That by itself comes with its own challenges. But I have a couple of other advantages because of my age. I retired from the Air Force money saved to fund the project when we started 9 years ago. My role in the service had me in places where basically there was no where to spend money normally and required I travel very light. However I have always said that if I was let go from my job that would be it, and as my retirement approaches we will be so out of here. ;) I can say this my property regardless of the hard work brings me more peace and stress relief than anything else in my life.
You cannot become self sufficient without a plan and as it is a lifestyle can also not happen overnight. If it were, we could all try it and quit when we felt like it. Working so hard at something you love inevitably means you are likely to persevere.
Thank you for sharing. You honesty has convinced me that homesteading will only be a dream for several reasons - main one is that I should have considered it when I was much younger! I am just too close to retirement now. Maybe just to have a decent garden will be as close as I can be!
Great vid..You said it..You HAVE to think a head first then have a plain. You will not just set there on your homestead and do nothing to survive. It a lot of work..To your farm animals to your gardens, canning. Then on top of all that someone still needs to work a JOB.
I'm just starting. I don't plan on quitting my job for a very long time. But I'm looking forward to the process of getting there. Great video thanks a lot
I am 62 years old and retired from a blue collar federal job. I also retired from the Naval reserve. Those two incomes are enough to pay the bills with not much else with the mortgage paid off I am stuck too. That said to let you know I did ok but I grew up on a 180 acre farm in Maine and really miss it and regret not being able to raise our four children on a farm.
Morning y'all! Ima newbie suburban gardener. Grew my first tomatoes this year. You gotta start somewhere. My motivation: I think it's important to know the work that goes into growing healthy food, if only to supplement conventional methods of buying food. According to reports, that system is heavily burdened even just now and I don't want my family to go hungry in the future b/c we don't know how and haven't practiced growing food. Thanks for video.
The video was very helpful, especially the way you broke it down for us city folk who are on their way to starting a dream homestead, we bought an 87 acre "farm" with a home already on it, needs a little love on the outside, but it's all paid for, we are in the process of moving the wife and daughter up there they will be there after thanksgiving. Thank you to you and all the other channels that help fuel our desire ( really my desire) to live more independently
I am going to be real with you. Homestead is really all about farming. Reality it is a business like every thing else. I have been a city guy my whole life. I have been doing it for 3 years. You have to rely on the farm to support you. It's in possible to live off the land with your own production. I would recommend spend a summer with the family and farm to see if you can rely on it before making a decision to move the whole family to make it permanent. Keep your expenses low. Try not to invest too much money on farm toys. Good luck to you and your family.
A great small biz idea for homesteaders with gardening experience: help suburbanites set up gardens in their backyards and train them to care for them. It's a romantic idea, growing your own food, but many people don't know where to start. I know lots of people who would be willing to pay to have everything set up and planted so they can just weed and water.
love your channel. My family and I have been working to get our homestead self sustainable for about 3 years now. Currently still working on the debt aspect. You really have to be self disciplined and for us it has been 2 steps forward 1 step back. However, we are almost there and it is so worth the sacrifice when you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hoping to have our milk house and cheese room built and running by the end of this year!!! I am lucky enough that with my 9-5 job I work from home most of the time so it cuts on travel time and allows more time for the homestead. Thank you again for the time you put into your videos as it is so helpful to see ideas from other people on what works for them!!! I hope you have a blessed week and I am looking forward to your videos coming up!!!
You can minimize on your goat feed by letting them out in the winter and growing your own feed in trays for 15 c per day! You can also sell meat and eggs to the local restaurant including veggies you grow in the summer!
Hello---love your channel! I quit my job last year due to family issues. I've been able to make a decent side income from selling honey bees. Now I'm working on expanding my honey bee business, growing our homestead and building a RUclips channel. I hope to replace my previous income and eventually buy farmland. My spouse still works full time but we are on our way to becoming more self reliant. Thanks for all of your advice.
i am currently going to school to hopefully be a doctor and i want to have a homestead and do a garden to show patients all aspects of health. its a dream but i'm determined to make it a reality. thanks for the video
Actually, this video just made it clear to me that I am on the right track ✌🏻 just paying off debts this month, and in about 6 months I am absolutely ready to dig in an never come back out of it again! Seriously how much can a cowgirl regret leaving the family ranch when she was 16? I know it way to well!!!!!
Sophia Wadt Your story sounds something like mine. I spent my early years trying to get out of the woods, then after the new wore off, spent the next year's trying to make enough money to get back in the woods. I have accomplished my goal, and now live deep, deep in the woods, and debt free. I only a pay phone bill, electric bill, insurance, and taxes. When I first moved here, I lived like a homeless person, as taught by Dave Ramsey, but payed off my house and land in 8 years. Living out here in the middle of nowhere is very liberating, and doing it debt free, is a quality of life that few will ever know.
Thanks for putting out a realistic description of what's required to do what you've done with your jobs/homestead. Some channels just talk about how great it is to homestead full time ... they forget to mention the work (or in some people's cases, the money) it takes to get to that point and what it still takes to maintain that kind of lifestyle. Patera from Appalachia's Homestead also says it well--"Homesteading is not Free, People!" :-) Glad this is working well for you. Sounds like you have multiple creative income streams in place that work for you.
Very good coverage. no "pie-in-the-sky" just a realistic view. hard work & sacrifice. took me 'til I retired & a couple failed attempts. goals, planning, determination & flexibility. I admire your determination & rational approach.
Well done and thank you! You are right, it is all going to be very individual on how each family does it as we all have different skill sets but I truly believe it can be done and it is the way it was always meant to be. This is the goal we are currently working towards and I love the idea of the two of us making it work right from home rather than Mr. Rain having to be gone all day at a highly stressful job. I just do not see that kind of stress worth the pay when it takes a toll on your health and happiness.
All very relevant and pretty soon life is going to get a whole lot harder. I'm continually looking for "the answer" , you know the one you think you've got but find its elusive. I look at my special needs daughter and know that I cannot give up because it has to work for her future. And then I find people like you and it's encouraging. Thank you, from us both......
Thank you for your video. I live in Raleigh and I’m a Hairstylist with a hectic schedule. Seriously thinking about going off grid for years. I’m on my feet all day, I’d rather be killing myself for the right reasons instead of giving most of my hard earned money to people mooching off me. I just found you and subscribed.
Mess Over I also live in Raleigh. I work 9-6 M-F and on my feet as well I absolutely love what I do but I’ve been ready for years and I don’t know where to start when we’re living paycheck to paycheck.
My husband and I just spent the last 5 years paying off our debit. We then sold our big house, he quit his job, and I work from home. We then purchased 50 archers with the intent of starting a small farm and becoming self sustainable. The land is a blank canvas except for 3 dilapidated barns. We have spent the last 8 months getting settled into the house, it needed a lot of work, and my husband finished the barn before the snow fell. I am very excited to build gardens, bring in animals but have no idea where to start. I just watched your video about raising baby chicks and fell in love with the way you teach. I have subscribed and will be will be following you. One question for you...where did you start when there is so much to do? Debbie
We are on the road!! great tips. We are just taking it slow and doing bit by bit. Last year we built the garden and greenhouse, this year we built a coop and got chickens. Next year we are going to work on going solar to supply our greenhouse with heat for the Winter, we live on Cape Breton Island on the East Coast of Canada so we need it...haha. We are in no hurry I love to see it all come together a little bit at a time.
My top favorite segment of your channel! The Dirt! I like it because you are so down to earth & you tell it like it is. That is so refreshing nowadays! Thank you, Jamie for sharing and giving us Homesteader Wannabes and insight to the reality of this amazing yet arduous lifestyle! Definitely NOT for the faint of heart!! Thanks again! Blessings!
I'm selling my house to move into a trailer and head south to hopefully buy some land in the mountains near my sister. It won't be the cheapest area, but a half acre is plenty, and I should have enough to build something very small and live mortgage free, which is where i'll start :) i'm just shooting a garden and chickens, and less sitting at desks and making money for rich guys.
We left the corporate rat race April Fool's day this year. I couldn't agree with you more that getting out of debt was the #1 factor. Besides just clearing up your debt, it also taught us that we can be perfectly happy with less stuff. The mind set is the deciding factor in the success of changing your life.
It's the sacrificing part that 98% people are not willing to do. What I would like to say to those people... it's OK because it's all worth it and more! The blessings we've experienced have far out weighed the stupid stuff we left behind. I would venture to say most RUclips channels (at some level) are trying to demonstrate this trade off in their channels. Excellent video as always you guys rock!
Me and my mom did it by her retiring and moving to East Europe where it is 3 times cheaper ! Our land tax is 18- 20 dollars a year! Life is good! We pay everything cash and we are about to cut off the stupid TV with the all American reruns! When my mom is gone, I am cutting off the electric and the phone bill . I am left with one major bill - the 20 dollar per year land tax. That will be paid by selling a few chickens or a baby goat!
We are currently working on paying off our debt and not buying extra stuff we don't need. We have just started a garden this year and hope to have our yard ready for next year to have some chickens. We bought a house last year which had a chicken coop but it last housed pigeons (I guess the guy had them doing tricks) so we have to clean it out before we use it. I've been doing a lot of research on the best ways to clean it, garden, raise chickens and so on. I love how helpful your videos are and I've honestly only found 1 other youtuber that is as helpful as you for what we are trying to do.
Thank you again for your clarity and willingness to share. It was very helpful to have you walk through the whole process clearly. We are just starting to figure out our ultimate plan but definitely on the road to more simplicity and homesteading in some fashion.
We moved to rural Maine last year. I work from home in my own business. My husband is retired. We too, worked overtime hours at regular jobs for many many years in order to make this move. We live and love super simple frugal living. I'm really enjoying your videos as we explore the prospect of getting chickens and increasing our ability to provide for ourselves. Thank you!
I'm currently stuck in an apartment after I sold my 1/2 acre home in hopes to purchase a small 5 acre parcel to homestead on and it fell through. I'm wanting so badly to still obtain this dream and get out of the city and back to country life I new 6 months ago. I'm going to look at your recommendations and see what I can do to "trim the meat" but am open to further recommendations to do this sooner than later and if anyone knows of small homesteads for sale or how to start looking for a place to homestead. Thank you for your encouraging video!
we have not been able to QUIT the day jobs yet, but are working feverishly toward this! we both work from home for our jobs which does afford us some freedom to handle things on our land during the normal work day. we have also worked tirelessly for the past 7 years to pay off all debt except for the property we now own and live on. we have lived here for about 17 months now and have paid the mortgage down to under half - home/land value is just over $380K and we owe just under $170K - if we just made our normal payment we will have it paid off in 7 years, however, this is not our plan, we are doing everything we can to pay it off in no more than 5, and striving for 2-3 years. We have a backyard flock of 50 hens, all laying, and we sell our eggs to cover all feed, scratch, treats and yard/housing upkeep for the chickens and we get fresh eggs and meat from them as well. we plan on doubling our flock this spring, and adding 2-3 nigerian dwarf milk goats for milk and cheese. I do some leather work and woodwork as well, and my wife crochets and sews and does other craft items that we sell at craft shows and farmers markets as available. we were so tired of the MF:9-5 RAT RACE that we have decided to sacrifice until we can be completely out and free of the SYSTEM! Your channel is full of great info, ideas, tips and just knowing that you are doing what we are trying to do.... that inspires us to keep on keeping on! Thanks for doing what you do, and even more so for sharing with the rest of us!
hey Jamie, you are totally right people think that just quiting there jobs and going into Homesteading is an overnight thing but it's not, it took us 5 long years and working two jobs along with learning to make and sell bath and body products on my spare time for us to afford to buy a plot of land in the 5 years we saved ive learned how to raise chicken, Quail and ducks along with selling there eggs...I've learned how to can and store food along with how to dehydrate and use freeze dried products in my cooking...It was a long haul and sometimes we had setbacks but back in November 2016 we purchased 7 acres in Upstate NY CASH and we just sold our home in Brooklyn and we are now living off grid until we can Begin the process to build a house...well and septic will go in soon and we will do it all without financing a thing...It's a but tough no running water no electricity (generator at night only) but we are making it work...for some people doing this is a partner issue, one is in and one isn't or can't submit...I'm fortunate to have a husband who would follow me on the end of the earth and jump just for the adventure of doing it together, we still have a. long way to go and we will be posting videos about it all soon....Huggs to you guys and keep on putting out vids luv them...
A few years back my wife and I found ourselves in a position that really damaged our future employment opportunities. We are both veterans but it doesnt seem to matter anymore. I am from Utah and she is from San Diego. We are finally able to move back to Utah. Hopefully I can find work. Our homesteading dreams have been on our mind for quite some time.We now have five children. Our goal is to tend to family land over the next few years to gain more knowledge of homesteading while transitioning. Fortunately we dont have any debt. I am a potter with a wheel and kiln. We intend to supplement selling super hot chiles and other unique crop with selling pottery and home made trinkets online.After getting a formal education and serving in the military, at this point, homesteading seems to be our best option to being free again. Thank you for all the videos.
You have new opportunities ahead. What's better than creating your own employment? It's a change of mindset from being in the military and taking direction and anwering to someone else. One needs to accept failures and accomplishments in their homesteading life. You have many skills it seems. Go for it!
Thank you and your wife for serving our country!!! It not only saddens me but also makes me very angry at how our veterans are treated and not taken care of. To me before any Senator, Congressman or the President gets their medical needs taken care of, among other things, our veterans should have theirs taken care of first. You guys are the ones that have sacrificed. Again thank you!!!
what your doing is not working for income... your HELPING others in exchange for payment. Trust me there is a difference and that is cuz your FREE. Freedom is great!!!
I want to live that type of lifestyle. I'm spending the next two years getting out of debt first. The only issue I see, is that I'm single, so it will only be me. That has its good and bad points.
You're in a great position! I'm not single, but I'm the only one in my household who subscribes to this lifestyle. It's very difficult to get out of debt and trim expenses when no one else wants to participate. Do it for yourself and everything else will fall into place :)
Honestly. It's really hard to do it single. I do almost 80 percent of the work on my farm. There's time that I am burned out. My wife would cover me for a day or 2. Onn farm. There's no such thing as a day off, but with another person around. You can have that break. There's a lot of things on the farm that you can't do by yourself.
I have a pretty basic tip lol. I'm just starting out building my homestead little by little. My husband is a full time firefighter, but I stay home taking care of the house chores, kids, animals. My tip is to definitely find some sort of income you can provide right from home. What are you good at? I refinish cheap or free furniture and sell for a pretty good profit. I also personal train out of a gym part time for some extra cash. Because I'm limited on just how much I can do because of having smaller property ( for now) , I'm learning and researching as much as possible to gain as much knowledge and homesteading skills as I can before we more to a bigger scale homestead.
Such great advice. Many people have this idealistic view of homesteading. This beautiful simple life, and easy life. It is a rewarding lifestyle, but it is hard work. Some form of real income is required these days. Even if it is just to start the homestead. Then over time you can reduce your reliance on that income and reduce your time away from the farm. I've just found your channel and love it! Have subscribed. You have inspired me to start a channel about our permaculture/ homestead in Australia. One Life, One Search, Peace Out, Shane
Thanks for this video! My plan is to start a small scale farm and homestead in 2020 on some family land. I'm lucky that i have a good paying job right now, I've paid off my debt and saved some cash. But I'm leaving the job to do a farm internship this summer. It doesn't pay a lot, but i'm hoping it will give me the expert advice so that I can start off on the right foot. I am getting a little nervous because I keep hearing that most homesteaders have off-farm jobs, and I hope I will be able to make enough doing small scale, high density farming to support myself. I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible, but any tips are appreciated!
I’m only 17 and you just described my plan almost exactly. I was looking up to get some ideas and see if my ideas would work and what you said is pretty much exactly what I had in mind.
Okay, check list! I like lists. Lets's see how we're doing so far. 1) Get out of debt or reduce your debt to a minimum No debt between us except for the car so that's good. 2) Start a savings account Done. Already tucking away $ for a downpayment. 4) Use your skills and creativity to start one or several home businesses. Mrs. works remotely from home and plans to continue working at least part time while we homestead so no problem there. 3) Stop spending money. Grow or produce what you can yourself See I think this one's the tricky one for us... but we're working on it. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you. I'm in the process of doing this right now. I'm looking at having two small businesses (working from home), one which will be selling higher end items, the other selling more moderately priced items (consumable product). It's a Marathon and not a Sprint, and I'm okay with that...if it means I don't have to commute daily and sit at a desk and risk brain freeze lol. Well done on what you're achieving.x
My husband and I are definitely fed up with working long hours. This summer we plan to move with some family to begin a life like that. You are right about sacrifices. Thanks for the advice.
A lot of great points, Thank you for sharing the process you went threw to be able to achieve your goal. We are working toward reducing our debt and learning ways to cut back on spending by thinking outside the box and being creative as well.
I really like your channel you guys came up on my recommended list, we are in the process of trying to get ourselves out of London and buy a smallholding (homestead) here in UK, cannot wait! such an adventure!!
Love your advice. Like most people living in the U.S. I will never be able to homestead - but I sure use much of your words of wisdom. Stop buying junk, cook good food at home (and save some for another meal), no TV, read lots, garden as much as possible (Florida is the pits for gardening) but I have learned lots, save WATER, buy local when I do buy, wear black thrift store shorts and long pants, check out Free art shows, fairs, library, and nature - (Flordia is excellent at providing this) and ocean is lovely. Jamie, keep people like me in mind. Love your how to.
+Bonnie O'Doon Homesteading doesn't have to be 20 acres and a ton of animals. It can be growing vegetables in pots on your back porch. Do what you can where you can.
Bonnie O'Doon Just by thinking about how you can live more healthily and frugally, making those changes and getting ready (within your means) for any crisis puts you way ahead of most other people who are just living on autopilot.
Great video! HARD WORK and DETERMINATION will move mountains. I keep reminding myself that as we build up this run down property. Thanks for sharing!!!! ;)-Dede
+Swamp Creek Cabin - Everyone wants to know the secret formula to success. Here it is: Work your ass off and just make it happen because no one else is going to do it for you. And no one else is stopping you but you. ❤️ - Jeremy
Great topic and well thought out! Thanks for your real life insight and planning ahead! I have a housecleaning business for 25 yrs now. Nice to already be self employed with a very flexible schedule. That will be helpful to accomodate chores on the homestead. Looking forward to discovering some other streams of income as well in future. I am building a small house on 3.5 acres. Already a gardener and will be expanding greatly with an orchard and berries, plus adding chickens next spring to start. Hoping to add goats the following year.
I quit my job two years ago, run my business part time, work on learning self sufficiency skills as much as I can, our garden and chickens are progressing a lot. We are still working on getting through our debts, most of them are taken care of other than the Mortage which still has a large chunk to be paid, but we have made a lot of progress and more importantly are much happier humans!
We need to move to a simpler life. I make 80k a year and we live paycheck to paycheck. We got 120 acres back home that will one day become mine (ours), and we are trying to come up with every plan we can think of to be able to move back and live a life that we can actually enjoy.
We are definitely thinking along the same lines. Sold our house and moved in with family to reduce debt and took equity to pay off student loan. Now working on building an off grid house on the family farm (320 acres!!). Would not have considered this move if we weren’t serious about some day being able to work for ourselves and be more self-sufficient. Great content, keep up the good work!
Love your channel. I just retired and need to save money so I’m trying to homestead at my house if you get my meaning. I really enjoyed your presentations about canning roast beef and soup. I am learning how to preserve my food better. Thank you.
Catching up on your videos, haven't watched them in a while. I love this video! My bf and I are working hard to get there! We are living in a camper now!
Yup -- if one is going to leave their "day jobs" to homestead, it's definitely a good (imperative?) idea to have a relatively good-sized nest-egg. Starting a homestead is like starting a business: There's a lot of initial expenditures, even on property with a house and farm infrastructure such as barn and fencing and surprise expenses always come up. As you elluded to, getting out of debt is the first step. At that point, you save and/or use your paid-off city or suburban home as your homestead seed money, with leftover money for a homestead emergency fund for the unexpected. I love that you mention living frugally with a greatly streamlined lifestyle does not mean there isn't expense on the homestead that one needs to generate income for. That's a reality that folks often overlook. They so want to believe it takes next to nothing income-wise to homestead. I think it also makes a difference where one lives as to the income needed. For example, property taxes vary greatly all over the country. For us, at this point in our lives, it works to homestead around our day jobs. We haven't had a mortgage for 15 years, (although did take out a short-term loan to finance the barn addition 2 years ago), but I want to be able to provide opportunities for my girls when they present themselves. For example, last week my oldest got accepted for and attended a week-long veterinary science "camp" at Michigan State University. It was a great experience for her, but had I not been working, the $$ to go would likely not have been there. And having horses. . . . well, they might as well eat dollar bills rather than hay, not to mention the piano and sewing lessons, riding lessons, well, you get the idea. : ) But that's okay. I find children are a great work incentive.
+Michigansnowpony Yes and it all goes back to sacrifice and what you are willing to live with (or not live with) to be in this lifestyle. The more expenses, the more you need to work. Not everyone is willing to give up certain things to live this frugal lifestyle. But for those that do, they get a peacefulness out of life that can't be purchased. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Oh yes! The peacefulness (albeit sometimes busy!) environment of the homestead is what keeps me sane. When I leave work, I feel like I'm coming home to my SANCTUARY. (And those that know me would say sanatorium would be a better word choice there).
Well at times like pandemic covid 19 we all wish we were farmers or the ones who are really suffering from hunger lol. Even tho I have no job anymore but ım learning gardening slowly and doing container gardening on my roof or terrace. I will surely make it my full time job one day. It's relaxing anyway.
Great advice. Getting out of debt and learning how to NOT spend money is the key. I am always saying that people don't realize how much $ they spend on finance charges and interest, going out to eat and coffee shops. I don't know if the coffee shops are as popular down there as they are in New England, but I can't even believe how much money some people spend at the coffee shops. $5 at a time adds up fast.
Not just coffee but everything. It all adds up so fast. When you start thinking in terms of "how many hours do I need to work for all the coffee [insert anything here] I bought this week/month/year" it is then that you start to realize you are making yourself a slave to your job.
Another big one that I'm sure you're aware of is cell phones... Lots of people pay 100 bucks a month for a single cell phone. Not me anymore. My total cell phone cost for the last 2 years is about 200 bucks total.
Thank you for this great run down. My brother and I have been living minimalist and as self sufficient as we can in our city - growing what vegetables we can, making our own soap, walking to our jobs instead of buying a car, etc. We're talking about finally getting away to start an actual homestead, maybe even a small commune. With the way things are looking in the world, may be the only safe way to live anymore.
My hubby wants to be a full time homesteader but I still like my full time job but right now just can't do it but we have started our homestead right here in town we have a garden and rabbits for sale and meat.
Thanks for your thoughts and steps you took to get where you guys are. I'm just starting on my journey to homesteading/self-sufficiency so have a long ways to go. I'm lucky in that I get to work full time from home so I don't know if I'll ever quit to focus 100% on homesteading but it'd sure be nice to not have to depend on a job to live. I'm currently in the paying down debt phase and also building a tiny house on my parents land so I've been really lucky in those aspects to forego a mortgage and all that but between dumb decisions from early 20s and student loan debt, I'll be paying down debt for a couple more years.
My company was bought out and within a year the majority of us were "sent to the house". Returning to cubicle life seemed more dreadful each day I was home. I mainly focused on ways to save money (dropping more than 40% off my budget), but as far as other sources of income, mine are pretty minor: voting poll worker, selling some things I didn't need, selling cookies at a country fair, various sewing endeavors, and barter. Since I was already 56 and had some savings, unemployment, and severance, there was some wiggle room. -- Brenda
I lost my job and had no desire to get back into, still dont! Hubby got eliminated from his company 2 years later. He found a part time job plus early retirement, I do odds and ends and we have enough! except for a real homestead that is, where we can have chickens and goats 😊 it can be done, but we are older and were debt free.
Great insight, I think this advice works not only for people who want to homestead but who want to make a change in their lives and have no idea how, also you guys mentioned that you got out of debt, I rarely see people mention credit, building one's credit is important and I don't know if that applies when purchasing such a big property, thanks for the input!
Credit really only matters if you are looking to take out a loan. What we are saying is circumvent that completely and don't go into debt in the first place. Pay with cash or don't buy it at all ;0)
I just wanted to say we absolutely love your videos and you have completely inspired us to start homesteading and being as self sustaining as we can. We hope to document our projects and journey as you have done. We are in a similar situation as you guys with where we live but we are working towards getting some property but will do our best with what we have now! We will be developing our skill sets and learning as much as we can along the way. Thanks so much for what you do and the videos you post! The Harpers
If you liked this episode of THE DIRT, check out our playlist: goo.gl/krFYey Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE...we have new DIRT videos every Sunday :0)
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living love your videos!!
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living I
I'm treating it as a step-by-step process. I've quit my day job. I worked in higher education as an English professor for 22 years. Now I am a restaurant server and live in an RV. Next step it to get out of debt and buy land. It's an exciting adventure!
Just saw your comment, how is it going so far?
i did that when my mom retired. we got rid of almost everything and moved back to Bulgaria. we bought our small house ( 500 sq feet) and 1/4 th acre for 7k and we can live co.fortably on only 300 dollars or less depending on the season. Taxes run 20 dollars per year and food for me mom and my life stock will be free next year. I work for me as much as I want when I want and just vegitate in front of yputube all winter leaning how to live practically bill free. best decision I ever made. i also got to know all edible weeds that run wild in the mountains where I live . Greetings from a happy camper homesteader. i retired at 39 from the public sector.
Thanks for sharing! Do you raise animals?
@@FrugalFarmerChannel goats
We bought 2 acres, 3 years ago and I am at home doing the homesteading role. I work very hard, but it doesn't feel like 'work', it is truly a labour of love and the rewards are infinite. It feels great!
Tina and I pulled out of the rat race in '96 with 4 children. Your advice is spot on (other than we both know there is no way to convey the work and sacrifice involved). Like you, we've developed several income streams from egg and chick selling to market produce and garden consulting to (as you eluded to) making money simply by not spending money. Our last advice to others is to determine what you want from this life experience. Every homestead is as beautiful and unique as the hearts that it springs forth from. Slow and steady wins the race - and don't trade one master (9to5) for another (welcome to "in-too-deep homestead"). Put down roots... Grow until you feel the sun on your face... And then stop and enjoy the flowers... There are no prizes or awards for do-gooder of the month and nothing to prove... So take care to balance a full soul with a full plate... Peace. And thanks for sharing.
Beautifully stated :0)
Perfectly said. We did exactly this. Husband's last day at his job is today and I run my own business. There still has to be income which a lot of people don't understand, but homesteading gives you a freedom that nothing else will. For sure.
Great talk jamie i worked 7 years by myself 16 hours a day no going out to eat,vacations,movies,extended family things,Christmas,or other holidays.I had a lot of mad family members but today im the only one who can set back and not go to a public job.Now they are mad about me not working so you come to realize theres no real solution for people understanding this lifestyle outside of other homesteaders.Thaks for this video we have been really looked down on for saying the same things in the past on youtube but its the truth.Thanks
I think a lot of people are looking for the "quick fix" or "easy solution" to get into this lifestyle. Those that are frustrated are those that don't realize the work involved to get into it and to stay in it. All we can do is share our experiences. As the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". Thanks for stopping by and commenting :0)
Lol I'm watching this at work
I'm watching this waiting outside of a garden center LOL
Same..
Same here. 2020 has been a bitch haha
Same! 🤣
I was on lunch booooob
Over the last 6 years I have reduced my monthly expenses from around 1800.00 a month to just under 600.00 a month. I have taken an early retirement that easily pays these expenses with a little left over. We have been using inovative thinking on our garden and aquaponics system to produce more with less and have had some good success with room for improvement. I still do odd jobs from time to time plus selling eggs, a few chickens, and piglets help greatly with feed costs and the often unforseen costs of life. There is room for improvement in all aspects of homesteading and your channel is an inspiration.... Keep up the good work.
For my wife and I, we are done with the corporate life. We have wanted land for many years and finally purchased 32 acres in AR a little over a year ago (4/16). We have started our homestead, but it's slow going as we need to do a bit at a time - mostly the clean-up and correcting the overgrowth in order to cultivate the land to be the most productive. I still work as a contractor which doesn't leave a lot of time for me. My wife works part time and does most of the farm upkeep. We bought our land for the privacy and seclusion - to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life - one problem we pondered for a while - we wanted land but didn't know what to do with it. We started looking at mechanized conventional farming to become sustainable, but something didn't feel quite right about that approach. Then I discovered JM Fortier's Market Garden approach and everything clicked - fell right into place - becoming Market Gardeners. I instantly loved the approach and idea...to be able to grow an abundant crop on just a few acres. This was our AH HA moment! This frees up the remaining land to add cattle, meat goats, chickens, turkey, duck, and honey bees. We have already set out three hives of bees, which are going strong and being productive for little start up cost. Heck the third hive we have we got for free minus the hive cost - no need for a third nuc. Anyway, our farm was a rundown old cattle ranch that was in somewhat of disrepair so bringing the existing infrastructure up to speed has been a slow process. However, it has given us the time to truly look at our acreage to determine our true needs, costs, placement...to plan for the most efficient approach for the least money...which is most important. Our take-a-way and advice...plan plan plan then plan again. I have one more year of working then full time on our farm. Best of luck to all!
I started homestead in Vietnam with only $100 USA dollars. I eat ramen noddles for 2 months til I get paid for my first harvest. Start real small until you get a good grip.
DaPoorAmerican Homestead Farming 👍🏻👍🏻
I screwed last 10 years of my life. I'm currently unemployed, penniless, divorced and almost 32. I am starting over my life from scratch. I love nature and my dream is to have a self sustaining homestead someday. Your story is inspiring. All the best.
Do it! 👍
Man, "almost 32" sounds funny among other words you wrote as oh friend, you got the whole life ahead of ya. All will pay off, you will get there and main thing - don't stop dreaming about what you want. Dreams are poison and let them kill the sad dreamer to born a satisfied today day achiever.
I'm 32 and that dosent sound screwed at all. Thats a lot of life left! Lol pick it up your going to be ok! 😁
I am a software Engineer, diabetic and tired of my routine. I was planning to live my life simple and this video helps me a lot. Thanks.
My husband and I both work full time jobs and have a off grid homestead started. We have pigs, chickens, and a very small garden right now. I hate the rat race. I drive a hour one way to work and by the time we get home and feed the animals then get supper cooked and ate its bedtime. I told my husband we are neglecting everything we every wanted ( our little piece of heaven homestead). We have agreed that by Oct 1st we will pay off a couple of our bills and I can quit this rat race craziness and attend to our homestead fulltime. Oct 1st can't get here soon enough :-)
+MISTY AND BRENT OFF THE GRID LIVING - You guys get it! Good luck!
Awesome! Good luck! I hope to get a homestead soon.
MISTY AND BRENT OFF THE GRID LIVING Best of luck to you both I also commute and hate it !!
Lisa Marie thank you. I haven't got to quit yet but hoping to soon.
MISTY AND BRENT OFF THE GRID LIVING Keep working towards your dream, you will get there.
For us it's a matter of getting as many income streams going as possible. We also support our kids to get creative about making money. Their involvement isn't about creating income streams for the running of the ranch, but for themselves. We cover all of their living expenses of course, but they start to pay for their own hobby expenses and 'extras' when they can start making their own money. So far our experience has been that by the time they are 16 they can usually afford to buy their own car. It teaches so many skills and helps out the family collective.
That is a brilliant way to raise kids and to teach them self sufficiency. Love it :0)
This is very inspirational. I love the fact you're not selling a singular idea, but sharing your experience. Paying off a mortgage is a mental mountain to climb by itself. It's amazing to me you both were able to overcome that through sheer will and hard work. Very inspiring indeed
We are just starting, but have actually done more than we planned. We moved to an acreage 2 years ago by accident. I taught school in a district different than where we lived and wanted my kids to be at school with me so we rented a 1902 farmhouse on a couple of acres just to get into the school district. I know renting is where we want to be, but it is $750 a month for 5 bedrooms and 1800 square feet so I'm ok with it for now. I actually left my job last June when the school couldn't teach my children properly. They have special needs and no one at the school had the training needed to work with them. It was harming them to be there so I quit and now homeschool. A hailstorm left dimples in our 2 cars earlier this year. They are perfectly fine to drive and don't even look that bad but insurance deemed them totally and with the money we paid off our cars and just didn't get them repaired. My husband works as a welder and really likes his job and plans to keep it, but he is 40 with diabetes and massive ADHD and I wonder how long he will be physically able to have his job so I know we need to have plans for when he can no longer work. He only makes 45K per year so we do take advantage of SSI for my disabled kids for the time being. It is $1000 per month and involves quite a bit of paperwork and management, so I consider that part of my job. Plus, teaching them of course! If they were at school, the government would pay $17K per year each for their education as they had IEPS so I feel like it is actually better for tax payers to provide the SSI and I will provide the education. Yesterday a friend of mine gave me a chicken coop and 7 laying hens that she no longer wanted, and Saturday I'm getting together with a former student's mother to learn about the years that she raised goats, so it is all kind of falling into place. We live in a rural agricultural area so there are a lot of auctions and sales in the area for cheap supplies. I have been using essential oils to help my kids with their symptoms for years so I just signed up as a wellness advocate so that I can actually turn it into a business. I would also like to start a blog/youtube channel on our days. I'm just finishing a master's degree in special education for children with autism spectrum disorders. I also have a basic master's of arts in education and taught chemistry and physics when I was a teacher so I think I could offer some videos on making it easier to homeschool math and science to all children. Anyway, I'm LOVING the slowing down and am having so much fun making my own bread, cleaners, etc. You are right about taking it slow though. My poor kids have used electronics to sooth themselves for so long that giving up DirectTV is not something we are quite ready to try. We did give up fast internet and only run off of our phone service now. They are starting to get outside more and play instruments and find other more constructive outlets for their incredibly creative personalities. So eventually, I think we will be able to drop it, but it would be pretty traumatic for them for me to ditch it right away. Also, as they get out and interact with the animals more, they are actually healing quite a bit. School left them pretty traumatized. It is helping our whole family. Happy Homesteading! I'm just giddy to be able to start living this dream even though I didn't even know I had it. I don't think I could go back now.
Jamie, great snapshot of the way you guys did it. There are so many similarities in your story and so many others who made the plunge. Heidi and I are running out of excuses to move to a bigger and better place. We too are out of debt and saving what we can and "homesteading in place", minimizing costs, honing our skills, and making ready for the day. We are also searching different states for the best price for land with good water, year round stream, less building restrictions, less taxation, best growing season etcetra. Any input is appreciated. It is funny, most of the folks we follow are back east. We, as you might know are in Washington State. Heidi and I enjoy your content.
+Mr. Rain We are on the hunt ourselves for land/house. But we are limited to central NC for the next couple years. I think I would consider Idaho if I didn't have the locale restrictions. Thanks for watching!
Absolutely! I have been checking out properties over that way. About a days drive from where we are now. You and Jeremy should make the jump! ;D
you have spoke the truth. todays society makes it impossible to live with out some income. insurance and taxes are always a burden we must deal with. Get out of debt, that is a must for most people. learning to support yourself by sufficient investments help a lot, like own some rental property, have something you can lease to other people, you tube is a great source for some people. get a residual income from monthly sales of a product. running a homestead does cost money any way you look at it. the bigger it is, the more it cost. Start small and gradually build things up. Don't be in a hurry, hast makes waist as they say. God Bless and keep up the good videos.
you are very honest and clear to understand. you and your husband are doing a wonderful job!!
You guys rock-in it and love the video variance. I also appreciate how you guys are getting it done. I have taken a different path. Let me start by saying I like what I do in the corporate world and that is why I still work and homestead. That by itself comes with its own challenges. But I have a couple of other advantages because of my age. I retired from the Air Force money saved to fund the project when we started 9 years ago. My role in the service had me in places where basically there was no where to spend money normally and required I travel very light. However I have always said that if I was let go from my job that would be it, and as my retirement approaches we will be so out of here. ;) I can say this my property regardless of the hard work brings me more peace and stress relief than anything else in my life.
Thanks for sharing guys!
You cannot become self sufficient without a plan and as it is a lifestyle can also not happen overnight. If it were, we could all try it and quit when we felt like it. Working so hard at something you love inevitably means you are likely to persevere.
+American-Outdoors.net - Well put.
Thank you for sharing. You honesty has convinced me that homesteading will only be a dream for several reasons - main one is that I should have considered it when I was much younger! I am just too close to retirement now. Maybe just to have a decent garden will be as close as I can be!
Great vid..You said it..You HAVE to think a head first then have a plain. You will not just set there on your homestead and do nothing to survive. It a lot of work..To your farm animals to your gardens, canning. Then on top of all that someone still needs to work a JOB.
I'm just starting. I don't plan on quitting my job for a very long time. But I'm looking forward to the process of getting there. Great video thanks a lot
I am 62 years old and retired from a blue collar federal job. I also retired from the Naval reserve. Those two incomes are enough to pay the bills with not much else with the mortgage paid off I am stuck too. That said to let you know I did ok but I grew up on a 180 acre farm in Maine and really miss it and regret not being able to raise our four children on a farm.
Morning y'all! Ima newbie suburban gardener. Grew my first tomatoes this year. You gotta start somewhere. My motivation: I think it's important to know the work that goes into growing healthy food, if only to supplement conventional methods of buying food. According to reports, that system is heavily burdened even just now and I don't want my family to go hungry in the future b/c we don't know how and haven't practiced growing food. Thanks for video.
Good motivation!
The video was very helpful, especially the way you broke it down for us city folk who are on their way to starting a dream homestead, we bought an 87 acre "farm" with a home already on it, needs a little love on the outside, but it's all paid for, we are in the process of moving the wife and daughter up there they will be there after thanksgiving. Thank you to you and all the other channels that help fuel our desire ( really my desire) to live more independently
I am going to be real with you. Homestead is really all about farming. Reality it is a business like every thing else. I have been a city guy my whole life. I have been doing it for 3 years. You have to rely on the farm to support you. It's in possible to live off the land with your own production. I would recommend spend a summer with the family and farm to see if you can rely on it before making a decision to move the whole family to make it permanent. Keep your expenses low. Try not to invest too much money on farm toys. Good luck to you and your family.
Congratulations!
@@dapooramericanhomesteadfar7192 Great advice. Thanks for sharing!
A great small biz idea for homesteaders with gardening experience: help suburbanites set up gardens in their backyards and train them to care for them. It's a romantic idea, growing your own food, but many people don't know where to start. I know lots of people who would be willing to pay to have everything set up and planted so they can just weed and water.
love your channel. My family and I have been working to get our homestead self sustainable for about 3 years now. Currently still working on the debt aspect. You really have to be self disciplined and for us it has been 2 steps forward 1 step back. However, we are almost there and it is so worth the sacrifice when you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hoping to have our milk house and cheese room built and running by the end of this year!!! I am lucky enough that with my 9-5 job I work from home most of the time so it cuts on travel time and allows more time for the homestead. Thank you again for the time you put into your videos as it is so helpful to see ideas from other people on what works for them!!! I hope you have a blessed week and I am looking forward to your videos coming up!!!
+stacy boise - 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You can minimize on your goat feed by letting them out in the winter and growing your own feed in trays for 15 c per day! You can also sell meat and eggs to the local restaurant including veggies you grow in the summer!
THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO ON CANNING LEARNED A LOT. WE HAVE CHICKENS AND NOW STARTED GARDENING. NOW ON OUR WAY TO HOMESTEADING ON 4 ACRES
Hello---love your channel! I quit my job last year due to family issues. I've been able to make a decent side income from selling honey bees. Now I'm working on expanding my honey bee business, growing our homestead and building a RUclips channel. I hope to replace my previous income and eventually buy farmland. My spouse still works full time but we are on our way to becoming more self reliant. Thanks for all of your advice.
Thanks for sharing!
i am currently going to school to hopefully be a doctor and i want to have a homestead and do a garden to show patients all aspects of health. its a dream but i'm determined to make it a reality. thanks for the video
Actually, this video just made it clear to me that I am on the right track ✌🏻 just paying off debts this month, and in about 6 months I am absolutely ready to dig in an never come back out of it again! Seriously how much can a cowgirl regret leaving the family ranch when she was 16? I know it way to well!!!!!
Sophia Wadt
Your story sounds something like mine. I spent my early years trying to get out of the woods, then after the new wore off, spent the next year's trying to make enough money to get back in the woods. I have accomplished my goal, and now live deep, deep in the woods, and debt free. I only a pay phone bill, electric bill, insurance, and taxes. When I first moved here, I lived like a homeless person, as taught by Dave Ramsey, but payed off my house and land in 8 years. Living out here in the middle of nowhere is very liberating, and doing it debt free, is a quality of life that few will ever know.
I love the advice of viewing the cost of something as the number of hours I have to work to pay for it. Thank you!
Thanks for putting out a realistic description of what's required to do what you've done with your jobs/homestead. Some channels just talk about how great it is to homestead full time ... they forget to mention the work (or in some people's cases, the money) it takes to get to that point and what it still takes to maintain that kind of lifestyle. Patera from Appalachia's Homestead also says it well--"Homesteading is not Free, People!" :-) Glad this is working well for you. Sounds like you have multiple creative income streams in place that work for you.
We are working on them. That is another thing...multiple streams need to constantly evolve. Thanks for watching!
This was great. Thanks for going in depth into things that aren't so obvious to us "outsiders".
Very good coverage. no "pie-in-the-sky" just a realistic view. hard work & sacrifice. took me 'til I retired & a couple failed attempts. goals, planning, determination & flexibility. I admire your determination & rational approach.
Well done and thank you! You are right, it is all going to be very individual on how each family does it as we all have different skill sets but I truly believe it can be done and it is the way it was always meant to be. This is the goal we are currently working towards and I love the idea of the two of us making it work right from home rather than Mr. Rain having to be gone all day at a highly stressful job. I just do not see that kind of stress worth the pay when it takes a toll on your health and happiness.
+Rain Country You guys will figure it out! It just take some brainstorming 😊
All very relevant and pretty soon life is going to get a whole lot harder. I'm continually looking for "the answer" , you know the one you think you've got but find its elusive. I look at my special needs daughter and know that I cannot give up because it has to work for her future.
And then I find people like you and it's encouraging. Thank you, from us both......
+Lesley Oliver ❤️
Thank you for your video. I live in Raleigh and I’m a Hairstylist with a hectic schedule. Seriously thinking about going off grid for years. I’m on my feet all day, I’d rather be killing myself for the right reasons instead of giving most of my hard earned money to people mooching off me. I just found you and subscribed.
Mess Over I also live in Raleigh. I work 9-6 M-F and on my feet as well I absolutely love what I do but I’ve been ready for years and I don’t know where to start when we’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Hairstylist from California wanting the same thing! Been saving for my homestead.. also hoping to get out of California
My husband and I just spent the last 5 years paying off our debit.
We then sold our big house, he quit his job, and I work from home.
We then purchased 50 archers with the intent of starting a small farm and becoming self sustainable. The land is a blank canvas except for 3 dilapidated barns.
We have spent the last 8 months getting settled into the house, it needed a lot of work, and my husband finished the barn before the snow fell.
I am very excited to build gardens, bring in animals but have no idea where to start.
I just watched your video about raising baby chicks and fell in love with the way you teach. I have subscribed and will be will be following you.
One question for you...where did you start when there is so much to do?
Debbie
Great job! all the best for your future..
what are those archers using? Longbows, compound bows?
@@gregwitt2796 😂
We are on the road!! great tips. We are just taking it slow and doing bit by bit. Last year we built the garden and greenhouse, this year we built a coop and got chickens. Next year we are going to work on going solar to supply our greenhouse with heat for the Winter, we live on Cape Breton Island on the East Coast of Canada so we need it...haha.
We are in no hurry I love to see it all come together a little bit at a time.
Same here...just little by little! Good luck to us both!
My top favorite segment of your channel! The Dirt! I like it because you are so down to earth & you tell it like it is. That is so refreshing nowadays! Thank you, Jamie for sharing and giving us Homesteader Wannabes and insight to the reality of this amazing yet arduous lifestyle! Definitely NOT for the faint of heart!! Thanks again! Blessings!
I did like it! You are the one of the only Homesteaders that explained how You do it. And how to set goals! New Subscriber. Thank You!
I'm selling my house to move into a trailer and head south to hopefully buy some land in the mountains near my sister. It won't be the cheapest area, but a half acre is plenty, and I should have enough to build something very small and live mortgage free, which is where i'll start :) i'm just shooting a garden and chickens, and less sitting at desks and making money for rich guys.
Good luck. That sounds like it will be a fun adventure. Best Wishes to you 😊
We left the corporate rat race April Fool's day this year. I couldn't agree with you more that getting out of debt was the #1 factor. Besides just clearing up your debt, it also taught us that we can be perfectly happy with less stuff. The mind set is the deciding factor in the success of changing your life.
It's the sacrificing part that 98% people are not willing to do. What I would like to say to those people... it's OK because it's all worth it and more! The blessings we've experienced have far out weighed the stupid stuff we left behind. I would venture to say most RUclips channels (at some level) are trying to demonstrate this trade off in their channels. Excellent video as always you guys rock!
+Chick-a-Woof Ranch Bingo! ❤️
Me and my mom did it by her retiring and moving to East Europe where it is 3 times cheaper ! Our land tax is 18- 20 dollars a year! Life is good! We pay everything cash and we are about to cut off the stupid TV with the all American reruns! When my mom is gone, I am cutting off the electric and the phone bill . I am left with one major bill - the 20 dollar per year land tax. That will be paid by selling a few chickens or a baby goat!
We are currently working on paying off our debt and not buying extra stuff we don't need. We have just started a garden this year and hope to have our yard ready for next year to have some chickens. We bought a house last year which had a chicken coop but it last housed pigeons (I guess the guy had them doing tricks) so we have to clean it out before we use it. I've been doing a lot of research on the best ways to clean it, garden, raise chickens and so on. I love how helpful your videos are and I've honestly only found 1 other youtuber that is as helpful as you for what we are trying to do.
Thank you again for your clarity and willingness to share. It was very helpful to have you walk through the whole process clearly. We are just starting to figure out our ultimate plan but definitely on the road to more simplicity and homesteading in some fashion.
We moved to rural Maine last year. I work from home in my own business. My husband is retired. We too, worked overtime hours at regular jobs for many many years in order to make this move. We live and love super simple frugal living. I'm really enjoying your videos as we explore the prospect of getting chickens and increasing our ability to provide for ourselves. Thank you!
I'm currently stuck in an apartment after I sold my 1/2 acre home in hopes to purchase a small 5 acre parcel to homestead on and it fell through. I'm wanting so badly to still obtain this dream and get out of the city and back to country life I new 6 months ago. I'm going to look at your recommendations and see what I can do to "trim the meat" but am open to further recommendations to do this sooner than later and if anyone knows of small homesteads for sale or how to start looking for a place to homestead. Thank you for your encouraging video!
we have not been able to QUIT the day jobs yet, but are working feverishly toward this! we both work from home for our jobs which does afford us some freedom to handle things on our land during the normal work day. we have also worked tirelessly for the past 7 years to pay off all debt except for the property we now own and live on. we have lived here for about 17 months now and have paid the mortgage down to under half - home/land value is just over $380K and we owe just under $170K - if we just made our normal payment we will have it paid off in 7 years, however, this is not our plan, we are doing everything we can to pay it off in no more than 5, and striving for 2-3 years. We have a backyard flock of 50 hens, all laying, and we sell our eggs to cover all feed, scratch, treats and yard/housing upkeep for the chickens and we get fresh eggs and meat from them as well. we plan on doubling our flock this spring, and adding 2-3 nigerian dwarf milk goats for milk and cheese. I do some leather work and woodwork as well, and my wife crochets and sews and does other craft items that we sell at craft shows and farmers markets as available. we were so tired of the MF:9-5 RAT RACE that we have decided to sacrifice until we can be completely out and free of the SYSTEM! Your channel is full of great info, ideas, tips and just knowing that you are doing what we are trying to do.... that inspires us to keep on keeping on! Thanks for doing what you do, and even more so for sharing with the rest of us!
hey Jamie, you are totally right people think that just quiting there jobs and going into Homesteading is an overnight thing but it's not, it took us 5 long years and working two jobs along with learning to make and sell bath and body products on my spare time for us to afford to buy a plot of land in the 5 years we saved ive learned how to raise chicken, Quail and ducks along with selling there eggs...I've learned how to can and store food along with how to dehydrate and use freeze dried products in my cooking...It was a long haul and sometimes we had setbacks but back in November 2016 we purchased 7 acres in Upstate NY CASH and we just sold our home in Brooklyn and we are now living off grid until we can Begin the process to build a house...well and septic will go in soon and we will do it all without financing a thing...It's a but tough no running water no electricity (generator at night only) but we are making it work...for some people doing this is a partner issue, one is in and one isn't or can't submit...I'm fortunate to have a husband who would follow me on the end of the earth and jump just for the adventure of doing it together, we still have a. long way to go and we will be posting videos about it all soon....Huggs to you guys and keep on putting out vids luv them...
Sounds like you guys make a great team!!!
A few years back my wife and I found ourselves in a position that really damaged our future employment opportunities. We are both veterans but it doesnt seem to matter anymore. I am from Utah and she is from San Diego. We are finally able to move back to Utah. Hopefully I can find work. Our homesteading dreams have been on our mind for quite some time.We now have five children. Our goal is to tend to family land over the next few years to gain more knowledge of homesteading while transitioning. Fortunately we dont have any debt. I am a potter with a wheel and kiln. We intend to supplement selling super hot chiles and other unique crop with selling pottery and home made trinkets online.After getting a formal education and serving in the military, at this point, homesteading seems to be our best option to being free again. Thank you for all the videos.
Derek Ford Thank you for serving our country. Your family is in my prayers.
You have new opportunities ahead. What's better than creating your own employment? It's a change of mindset from being in the military and taking direction and anwering to someone else. One needs to accept failures and accomplishments in their homesteading life. You have many skills it seems. Go for it!
Good luck on your future plans and Thank you and God bless you both for serving our country!
Thank you and your wife for serving our country!!! It not only saddens me but also makes me very angry at how our veterans are treated and not taken care of. To me before any Senator, Congressman or the President gets their medical needs taken care of, among other things, our veterans should have theirs taken care of first. You guys are the ones that have sacrificed. Again thank you!!!
what your doing is not working for income... your HELPING others in exchange for payment. Trust me there is a difference and that is cuz your FREE. Freedom is great!!!
I want to live that type of lifestyle. I'm spending the next two years getting out of debt first. The only issue I see, is that I'm single, so it will only be me. That has its good and bad points.
Awesome! Good luck:)
You're in a great position! I'm not single, but I'm the only one in my household who subscribes to this lifestyle. It's very difficult to get out of debt and trim expenses when no one else wants to participate. Do it for yourself and everything else will fall into place :)
Honestly. It's really hard to do it single. I do almost 80 percent of the work on my farm. There's time that I am burned out. My wife would cover me for a day or 2. Onn farm. There's no such thing as a day off, but with another person around. You can have that break. There's a lot of things on the farm that you can't do by yourself.
I'm also single and beginning to plan the road to the homestead. My God prosper you, friend.
Farmers only dot com might be a good source to find someone if you’re looking
I have a pretty basic tip lol. I'm just starting out building my homestead little by little. My husband is a full time firefighter, but I stay home taking care of the house chores, kids, animals. My tip is to definitely find some sort of income you can provide right from home. What are you good at? I refinish cheap or free furniture and sell for a pretty good profit. I also personal train out of a gym part time for some extra cash. Because I'm limited on just how much I can do because of having smaller property ( for now) , I'm learning and researching as much as possible to gain as much knowledge and homesteading skills as I can before we more to a bigger scale homestead.
Such great advice. Many people have this idealistic view of homesteading. This beautiful simple life, and easy life. It is a rewarding lifestyle, but it is hard work.
Some form of real income is required these days. Even if it is just to start the homestead. Then over time you can reduce your reliance on that income and reduce your time away from the farm.
I've just found your channel and love it! Have subscribed. You have inspired me to start a channel about our permaculture/ homestead in Australia.
One Life, One Search,
Peace Out,
Shane
Thanks for this video! My plan is to start a small scale farm and homestead in 2020 on some family land. I'm lucky that i have a good paying job right now, I've paid off my debt and saved some cash. But I'm leaving the job to do a farm internship this summer. It doesn't pay a lot, but i'm hoping it will give me the expert advice so that I can start off on the right foot. I am getting a little nervous because I keep hearing that most homesteaders have off-farm jobs, and I hope I will be able to make enough doing small scale, high density farming to support myself. I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible, but any tips are appreciated!
I’m only 17 and you just described my plan almost exactly. I was looking up to get some ideas and see if my ideas would work and what you said is pretty much exactly what I had in mind.
If you are 18, by now I just want to tell you, I wish you the best in life and stay out of debt.
@@erikagomez7572 thank you so much, I wish you the best as well
Thanks for the tips! Paying off debt and reducing expenses while making income you love are super tips I like :)
Okay, check list! I like lists. Lets's see how we're doing so far.
1) Get out of debt or reduce your debt to a minimum
No debt between us except for the car so that's good.
2) Start a savings account
Done. Already tucking away $ for a downpayment.
4) Use your skills and creativity to start one or several home businesses.
Mrs. works remotely from home and plans to continue working at least part time while we homestead so no problem there.
3) Stop spending money. Grow or produce what you can yourself
See I think this one's the tricky one for us... but we're working on it.
Thanks for the great video!
Yep you got it 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you. I'm in the process of doing this right now. I'm looking at having two small businesses (working from home), one which will be selling higher end items, the other selling more moderately priced items (consumable product). It's a Marathon and not a Sprint, and I'm okay with that...if it means I don't have to commute daily and sit at a desk and risk brain freeze lol. Well done on what you're achieving.x
My husband and I are definitely fed up with working long hours. This summer we plan to move with some family to begin a life like that. You are right about sacrifices. Thanks for the advice.
A lot of great points, Thank you for sharing the process you went threw to be able to achieve your goal. We are working toward reducing our debt and learning ways to cut back on spending by thinking outside the box and being creative as well.
This is exactly what I am striving towards! :) Saving money working a full time job to buy land first.
I really like your channel you guys came up on my recommended list, we are in the process of trying to get ourselves out of London and buy a smallholding (homestead) here in UK, cannot wait! such an adventure!!
It is an adventure for sure! Best of luck and welcome to the channel!
Love your advice. Like most people living in the U.S. I will never be able to homestead - but I sure use much of your words of wisdom. Stop buying junk, cook good food at home (and save some for another meal), no TV, read lots, garden as much as possible (Florida is the pits for gardening) but I have learned lots, save WATER, buy local when I do buy, wear black thrift store shorts and long pants, check out Free art shows, fairs, library, and nature - (Flordia is excellent at providing this) and ocean is lovely. Jamie, keep people like me in mind. Love your how to.
+Bonnie O'Doon Homesteading doesn't have to be 20 acres and a ton of animals. It can be growing vegetables in pots on your back porch. Do what you can where you can.
Bonnie O'Doon Just by thinking about how you can live more healthily and frugally, making those changes and getting ready (within your means) for any crisis puts you way ahead of most other people who are just living on autopilot.
Great video! HARD WORK and DETERMINATION will move mountains. I keep reminding myself that as we build up this run down property. Thanks for sharing!!!! ;)-Dede
+Swamp Creek Cabin - Everyone wants to know the secret formula to success. Here it is: Work your ass off and just make it happen because no one else is going to do it for you. And no one else is stopping you but you. ❤️
- Jeremy
Great topic and well thought out! Thanks for your real life insight and planning ahead! I have a housecleaning business for 25 yrs now. Nice to already be self employed with a very flexible schedule. That will be helpful to accomodate chores on the homestead. Looking forward to discovering some other streams of income as well in future. I am building a small house on 3.5 acres. Already a gardener and will be expanding greatly with an orchard and berries, plus adding chickens next spring to start. Hoping to add goats the following year.
+Laurie Asmus - Sounds like a great plan to me. 😊
Your corn is blooming and looks fantastic! I can hardly wait for mine to do the same.
I quit my job two years ago, run my business part time, work on learning self sufficiency skills as much as I can, our garden and chickens are progressing a lot. We are still working on getting through our debts, most of them are taken care of other than the Mortage which still has a large chunk to be paid, but we have made a lot of progress and more importantly are much happier humans!
We need to move to a simpler life. I make 80k a year and we live paycheck to paycheck. We got 120 acres back home that will one day become mine (ours), and we are trying to come up with every plan we can think of to be able to move back and live a life that we can actually enjoy.
Brandon Johnson - simple. Learn to live with less. Less IS more.
We are definitely thinking along the same lines. Sold our house and moved in with family to reduce debt and took equity to pay off student loan. Now working on building an off grid house on the family farm (320 acres!!). Would not have considered this move if we weren’t serious about some day being able to work for ourselves and be more self-sufficient. Great content, keep up the good work!
Wish you well! Being a farmer is hard work
Love your channel. I just retired and need to save money so I’m trying to homestead at my house if you get my meaning. I really enjoyed your presentations about canning roast beef and soup. I am learning how to preserve my food better. Thank you.
Catching up on your videos, haven't watched them in a while. I love this video! My bf and I are working hard to get there! We are living in a camper now!
Yup -- if one is going to leave their "day jobs" to homestead, it's definitely a good (imperative?) idea to have a relatively good-sized nest-egg. Starting a homestead is like starting a business: There's a lot of initial expenditures, even on property with a house and farm infrastructure such as barn and fencing and surprise expenses always come up. As you elluded to, getting out of debt is the first step. At that point, you save and/or use your paid-off city or suburban home as your homestead seed money, with leftover money for a homestead emergency fund for the unexpected. I love that you mention living frugally with a greatly streamlined lifestyle does not mean there isn't expense on the homestead that one needs to generate income for. That's a reality that folks often overlook. They so want to believe it takes next to nothing income-wise to homestead. I think it also makes a difference where one lives as to the income needed. For example, property taxes vary greatly all over the country. For us, at this point in our lives, it works to homestead around our day jobs. We haven't had a mortgage for 15 years, (although did take out a short-term loan to finance the barn addition 2 years ago), but I want to be able to provide opportunities for my girls when they present themselves. For example, last week my oldest got accepted for and attended a week-long veterinary science "camp" at Michigan State University. It was a great experience for her, but had I not been working, the $$ to go would likely not have been there. And having horses. . . . well, they might as well eat dollar bills rather than hay, not to mention the piano and sewing lessons, riding lessons, well, you get the idea. : ) But that's okay. I find children are a great work incentive.
+Michigansnowpony Yes and it all goes back to sacrifice and what you are willing to live with (or not live with) to be in this lifestyle. The more expenses, the more you need to work. Not everyone is willing to give up certain things to live this frugal lifestyle. But for those that do, they get a peacefulness out of life that can't be purchased. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Oh yes! The peacefulness (albeit sometimes busy!) environment of the homestead is what keeps me sane. When I leave work, I feel like I'm coming home to my SANCTUARY. (And those that know me would say sanatorium would be a better word choice there).
+Michigansnowpony 😂
Great, practical advice. Thanks for sharing!
Very inspirational and filled with common sense. Thanks for sharing.
Well at times like pandemic covid 19 we all wish we were farmers or the ones who are really suffering from hunger lol.
Even tho I have no job anymore but ım learning gardening slowly and doing container gardening on my roof or terrace. I will surely make it my full time job one day. It's relaxing anyway.
Great advice. Getting out of debt and learning how to NOT spend money is the key. I am always saying that people don't realize how much $ they spend on finance charges and interest, going out to eat and coffee shops. I don't know if the coffee shops are as popular down there as they are in New England, but I can't even believe how much money some people spend at the coffee shops. $5 at a time adds up fast.
Not just coffee but everything. It all adds up so fast. When you start thinking in terms of "how many hours do I need to work for all the coffee [insert anything here] I bought this week/month/year" it is then that you start to realize you are making yourself a slave to your job.
Another big one that I'm sure you're aware of is cell phones... Lots of people pay 100 bucks a month for a single cell phone. Not me anymore. My total cell phone cost for the last 2 years is about 200 bucks total.
Thank you for this great run down. My brother and I have been living minimalist and as self sufficient as we can in our city - growing what vegetables we can, making our own soap, walking to our jobs instead of buying a car, etc. We're talking about finally getting away to start an actual homestead, maybe even a small commune. With the way things are looking in the world, may be the only safe way to live anymore.
My hubby wants to be a full time homesteader but I still like my full time job but right now just can't do it but we have started our homestead right here in town we have a garden and rabbits for sale and meat.
Now is the time to save save save!
Great video
Always good to hear people talking about getting out of debt.
Thanks for your thoughts and steps you took to get where you guys are. I'm just starting on my journey to homesteading/self-sufficiency so have a long ways to go. I'm lucky in that I get to work full time from home so I don't know if I'll ever quit to focus 100% on homesteading but it'd sure be nice to not have to depend on a job to live.
I'm currently in the paying down debt phase and also building a tiny house on my parents land so I've been really lucky in those aspects to forego a mortgage and all that but between dumb decisions from early 20s and student loan debt, I'll be paying down debt for a couple more years.
My dream house and property is paid for im ready to stop running my construction company and enjoying the benefits of my labor.
Like your videos. Well thought out and information is great. Thanks for info. Great Job Good luck.
My company was bought out and within a year the majority of us were "sent to the house".
Returning to cubicle life seemed more dreadful each day I was home. I mainly focused on ways to save money (dropping more than 40% off my budget), but as far as other sources of income, mine are pretty minor: voting poll worker, selling some things I didn't need, selling cookies at a country fair, various sewing endeavors, and barter. Since I was already 56 and had some savings, unemployment, and severance, there was some wiggle room. -- Brenda
+bs of ar Experienced the buy out before. That can be shocking. Thanks for sharing your tips :0)
Great tips...its a slow process but worth it! I clean houses to help pay for our bills...this gives me a lot of flexibility...
I lost my job and had no desire to get back into, still dont! Hubby got eliminated from his company 2 years later. He found a part time job plus early retirement, I do odds and ends and we have enough! except for a real homestead that is, where we can have chickens and goats 😊
it can be done, but we are older and were debt free.
Great video!!!. Your words are very inspiring. I’m a new subscriber and look forward to your videos.
Great insight, I think this advice works not only for people who want to homestead but who want to make a change in their lives and have no idea how, also you guys mentioned that you got out of debt, I rarely see people mention credit, building one's credit is important and I don't know if that applies when purchasing such a big property, thanks for the input!
Credit really only matters if you are looking to take out a loan. What we are saying is circumvent that completely and don't go into debt in the first place. Pay with cash or don't buy it at all ;0)
Yep homesteading is not easy so I hope people understand that or they will fail. Thanks for showing
Love your videos. Thank you for great content and insight.
Thank you for posting!
I just wanted to say we absolutely love your videos and you have completely inspired us to start homesteading and being as self sustaining as we can. We hope to document our projects and journey as you have done. We are in a similar situation as you guys with where we live but we are working towards getting some property but will do our best with what we have now! We will be developing our skill sets and learning as much as we can along the way. Thanks so much for what you do and the videos you post!
The Harpers