I grew up on a subsistence farm and When I was 20 I heard about the homesteading program for 5 acres in Alaska. This was my dream. Unfortunately, I was married to a man who didn't share my dreams. He opposed even having a small garden because they were ugly and we're a waste of time because you could just buy things at the store. Who would have guessed we divorced. As a single parent that dream was reignited and we started having a small garden, helped a friend on her farm and started saving for land. Unfortunately life kept intervening to delay things and it never occurred to me to just get rid of all the grass and start an urban farm. For years I would devour my Mother Earth News and dream. By the time all my son's moved out I was divided between thinking I could do and feeling like I wasted my chance. I am now retired, have purchased my fixer upper home on almost 6 acres and am slowly transitioning. I still waffle a lot between being confident I can do it and being paralyzed with fear of failure. I have realized that I have never really thought I could do much totally on my own, I never wanted to do this on my own. But the only way I will get back to how I want to live is to do it totally on my own. You can start at any age, but don't wait until tomorrow to start.
My goodness Curtis, for those of us who have been watching you for years know how much sweat you put into your dream. You worked very hard, learned every lesson…some easy some hard. You gradually built everything you earned, and my God you did what people refuse to do but want all the rewards for. Dreams are possible but it takes taking risks and investing in yourself. You are a much better person than you were yesterday.
Curtis, You are an inspiration. I do wish I had known about you before my wife and I left Canada in 2015. We were expats there for four years. I'm in Australia now, aged 60 and have the good fortune to own my house and have a garden that I love. I grow figs and flowers and we have enough to reap a salad from our garden every day of the year. It is your wisdom that I find so appealing. To be so clear and dedicated with your dream (for you from 16) is the biggest take away for me. I will do my best to impart this to my four children. May you continue to prosper.
We are in Australia too! We've been growing off a balcony for the last few years, but this year we moved onto a property and we've been lucky enough that there are lots of established fruit trees here (apricots, peaches and one HUGE fig tree!) which has made growing super enjoyable right off the bat! Can't wait to see what we will achieve over the years!
You have not only worked hard, you have worked smart. I am so grateful to my late husband for his foresight. We built our first house together with a mortgage. When we sold it, we built our second house mortgage free with the equity. I have been mortgage free since 1999. I am working towards a sustainable homestead and if I were younger would love to pursue what you are doing.
I love how you presented this. We don’t have to have the skills that you do for living off the land and being an entrepreneur. We’re all capable of making our own situation better. I have a backyard, I’m a nurse, I’m into natural healing. I’m going to follow the passions that God put in my heart. Small scale, large scale, just choose a scale that fits your abilities and move.
An excellent, frank discussion. It's amazing what basic money literacy, careful planning and hard work can do. My wife and I did something similar: we built our dream house but the dream changed as we began to burn out in our healthcare jobs. We had hand-built this upscale house together so we were able to sell it for far, far more than we had spent. We quit our jobs, bought a broken down place in the country and turned it into an incredible homestead. It helps that we've never been on a foreign vacation, never owned a new vehicle and had only two children. Planning, planning planning since I was twenty.
thanks curtis! i've spent over 8 years in my twenties as a royal fuckup and when i woke up to what's happening i made a plan and executed it. now i'm 35 in the idaho back country making more money than i ever have and going to school for crop science soon (if shtf doesn't happen first). i worked in a factory and at a car dealership to move here and now my social network is full of preppers like me, i'm where the food is, and i'm surrounded by likeminded independent people. i have what i need and i'm still building. it all starts and sustains with willpower. don't ever, ever give up.
I have been following you for a lot of years and have implemented some of your techniques/ideas. I started a homestead on 1/2 an acre about 8 years ago. We have 26 fruit trees, gardens providing most of the veggies for my family of 8, rain water catchment and automated watering, bee hives, and a green house. New chicken coup is being built this fall and possibly adding quail. This was done with lots of lists/goals on the way to achieving bigger goals. You and others have inspired. I have people tour my garden and say, "I could never do this." I couldn't either in the beginning. I learned the skills along the way and took baby steps. My fall garden is now better than my spring/summer garden used to be. Now my goal is to improve my overwintering garden (zone 6a). Thank you for what you have taught me and for the inspiration.
I just finished watching the winter chickens green house set up, where it started, why it moved and the success you’ve found. It’s a part of the larger picture of how you went from a renter starting a small niche business to homeowner with a successful business to large landowner (compared to your city lot) with multiple levels of success. You begin with a mission. You set a goal to accomplish your mission. You make and then implement your plan to achieve your goal. You observe the plans pros and cons as your plan unfolds. You adjust the cons to pros. Then you move on to the next goal towards your mission.
I'm a 68 year old lady who has watched for years and bought your books. I will never do gardening commercially but you have helped me with my home garden. I love to watch your videos to see the enthusiasm you show. You have put blood, sweat and tears into this. So you made a honkin' load of money off the old house. YOU took a risk, no one gave it to you.
❤Yes, yes and yes!!! Building the skill set is everything. Thirty years ago I was growing food in containers on the balcony of my condo in Atlanta, GA located the 18th floor. 😂 Happily living today in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 125 acres. ❤
Curtis you are a legend, and so am I 😂. I completely agree, I started building my dream 6 years ago on 80 acres in Tasmania (that’s Australia). We are finally on top of the workload and building our home. In a year the job will be done. Someone once told me, when I was considering a mid life degree, I said “ but I will be 40 before I finish it. They replied, you are going to be 40 anyway. You can be 40 with a degree, or 40 without a degree, the time will pass no matter what”. You are 100% correct, start with a plan, and just keep working the plan and the next time you blink, you will be half done.
Your post has really hit me hard. You are so right! Let me keep working on my dream (I'm 3 years in and I've built a guesthouse on 5 acres mortgage free.) I had felt the pace was too slow due to financial constraints. This inspires me to keep on! Thanks
So many people want to be where you are without walking the long and difficult road that got you there! You are exactly where you deserve to be Curtis! I, and many are happy for you! Oh, and you do not owe anyone an explanation or anything for that matter. 🙏🙏
"The skills pay the bills", right on man! Having been fortunate and desperate enough through my life I've worked in many various trades. Now, age 63, when people say "Jack of all trades, master of none" I correct them as "Master of most". Keep on keep'in on! Recently relocated to ID after cashing out myself and am in the process of setting up our "Urban Homestead" in a town of 450 persons surrounded by big ag.
Fun little tidbit, the full saying is: “Jack of all trades, Master of none, is better than a master of one.” Meaning someone who know how to do a bit of everything is more useful than someone who is only useful at one thing.
Started watching you back 5-7 years ago and I cannot believe how far you’ve come! Congrats with everything!! I love that you went off grid! Also you’re so right on “not to compare yourself with others”.
You are not above and beyond anyone that’s has a dream. You must get knowledge, apply it and work like you never have before. I’m doing the same thing, 200 hundred acres in Missouri, 10 years of learning, application and watching thousand of hours of RUclipsrs that are doing what you are. Keep up the good work.
An overnight success - 27 years in the making! People take a snapshot of someone and think it just fell out of the sky for them; as opposed to what really happened - a whole lot of grinding.
@@joellaurin9007 he wad using tone repeating folks questioning his success which usually signals a complacent person otherwise they would know capitalism rewards skills and hard work
I started watching your videos many years ago when you were still urban farming. Just stumbled across you again and it is really inspiring to see how far you have come. Nice work!!
I was kinda wondering the same thing (even though it was none of my business) but your answer was great and honest. Thanks for the work you do and the content that you share.
I remember. I was a follower back when you was a one man business with your bike, renting nebours front lawns. 5 years later found you again in my timeline with your new homestead. Congrast Curtis. Way the go!!!
Well done Curtis, .. people think that they are going to find 5 acres in the country with a greenhouse, garden ready to pick, big berry patch, an orchard, etc. but they mostly happen bc of lots of hard work on raw land. I enjoy watching your progress .. you're certainly killing it!! I often think about what you do as I work on my 3 acres here. "Lockdown" means nothing to us compared to a person living in a small apartment in a city high-rise. ✌🙂
Most ppl just don’t even put in the time or thought energy to create goals, but I think many ppl also don’t have their spouse on board to participate at all levels. If your spouse isn’t all in, it will be uphill all the way. Curtis… you didn’t steal your money, you earned it… good on you… and your wife! I’m almost 80, so I focus on doing the best I can where I am!
Great job Curtis! It's fun to see pics of you when you were much much younger lol. It's a shame that people get upset at yours and others success. You worked hard to get where you are, and it doesn't happen overnight, and without a lot of elbow grease. Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration.
Well, I'm 31, and I've only really seriously decided to concretize my dream recently. You're giving me hope my man. I main, realistic goal for now, is to at least have the land before I'm 40. If I can have a large amount of nut trees planted before that, I'll consider that I've crushed that goal haha
I wondered how you were doing what you were doing from a financial perspective too. So this video explained that perfectly and is a testament of pursuing your vision using hard work and dedication. So to each their own. For myself I worked part time contract work on top of my full time for 10 years allowing me to save up cash to but a town house, then a vehicle, then a rental property and so on. I look back and realized my goal was to get ahead financially by working hard and putting in the effort and giving up my personal free time. now that part time contract work allowed me to leave my full time job and I am building out a 5 acre homestead.
"Only compare yourself to who you were yesterday"...great advice! It's so easy to get sucked into the trap of trying to match all the perfect youtube land homesteaders.
You're telling us what the general population doesn't want to hear, which should be common sense...you're not going to be just magically handed what you want you have to work hard for it! Thanks for the content and inspiration!
I have liked your videos over the years. My journey sure can't be compared, but it is really inspiring to see you make it. I think I watched your videos when I was about 19 the first time. It's led me to see a no excuses possibility for myself. Of course, I'm finishing up my Navy contract first, but I've already got a business plan to get into. Buying my first house is also in the works once I get to my new home state. This chapter has really made the next one possible, and I really can't wait. Thanks for the inspiration. Thank you for making it happen when it looked impossible. All I need is that 1% chance, and for it to be up to me. That's it.
Curtis, I applaud this post and realize that some people demand answers, but you have no obligation to tame the masses. Just keep doing what you know best, take the calculated risks and hopefully all works out. Cheers to you Curtis.
I’ve been watching you for years. You worked hard and built a brand. After years of swet equity we are seeing your rewards. I’m happy for you. Wish everyone could understand whss as t it takes to be successful in a field they enjoy
So in summary just gold old fashioned hard work, simple enough. Not sure why but there will always be haters. Keep at it Curtis you are an inspiration.
@@offgridcurtisstone Curtis I can't compare myself to you I only can do what I can do i watch 💯 your videos 💯 and read 💯 alot about permaculter you have alot of excellent points 👋 from 🇨🇦 # YSW respect back to you Curtis 🙏.
I can tell that what you've accomplished has taken years of determination and hard work, I only wish I'd started sooner to realize what was down the road...but truly grateful you have what you do, I may not be able to afford much but it always warms my heart to see success stories...😊
for our "homestead" my plan heavily relied on DIY, and only paying the material costs... let's just ignore how materials skyrocketted during covid :P did the rat race grind for 10 years... found that the cheapest land in the entire world, was in manitoba... it's cheap cause the gov is so bad here. well, took that risk; middle of nowhere, just avoid dealing with the gov. dealing with the gov's bs has honestly, been more mentally taxing than surviving in the canadian winters... my first winter, was a week of -45*c in a 100 sqft "house". coldest winter in 100 years type thing. blown through all of my savings ( doing everything debt free ) , due to extremely high building material costs... but managing, as i got lucky and the company i was working for, was dependant on me enough... to let me work remotely. let me tell you, living in a tiny 100sqft shed ( if it werent for the gov, i would have done 512sqft ), the cost of living is so little... just with a part time job, i'm "saving" more than full time in the city. $100k and a job where you can work remotely, is all you need to start a "homestead," debt free. if you can work remotely, you'll build up wealth faster as well.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. My family has been involved in wheat farming in Eastern Colorado. Grandma traveled across the plains in a covered wagon during the Land Rush in 1893 with her Dad and Uncle, she was 3 years old. They began wheat farming . In the mid 1930’s they left Oklahoma because of the drought and dust bowl. They settled in Eastern Colorado and started dry land wheat farming. From 160 acres the farm is now working 20,000 acres. Still dry land farming. It is still in the family. Grandma went from a covered wagon to flying in a 747 airplane in her lifetime. Farming is in the family blood. We have found that farming can pay….a farmer wages, or for equipment, or land. Usually it can pay two of those but definitely not all three. That’s why young people fail at farming. They want new equipment, finance land, want to get paid ridiculously amounts of money. I’m glad you have been able to achieve your dreams and goals. I salute you. Bill
This was a very humble and mature way of staying, quit crying and start doing. Most of us are too strapped and stuck to see the dream. I get it and that’s me. But take his advice. “Only compare yourself to you yesterday.”
Good on you Curtis!! I’ve watched you hustle and work your ass off for years. I wasn’t surprised you pulled off this homestead. Glad it’s working out for you, your early roots of urban farming are legend!!
Your hardwork, dedication, and relentless pursuit of defined goals got you here. Greatly appreciate you sharing the journey with us. I think the majority of us agree you are a inspiration to all. Thank you brother.
Very true what you said and your explanation I just found your channel this morning and I started to watching your channel around 12 hours ago, and I only watched that series with 6 videos! I went through all the posts and I saw a bunch of nasty 🤮 comments about your money and your person. Well done, very inspire your history of life…in life we will only reap what we sow years before the harvest, we will only reap what we sow especially if we plant thinking about the future, and it will always be with a lot of effort, determination, dedication, and resilience, congratulations well said!
Yes the amount of times I’ve bought into the theory that the market is about to collapse. I would be worth around $50 million now if I hadn’t of sold cheap. I owned around 75 homes in 2003. I wanted to live out of the system since 20 years old. Sadly I only made it one year ago. I so wish I hadn’t sold out numerous times listening to the “ biggest ever collapse any day now”
Iv watched you since when you were riding your bike on ph1 contemplating life before you started the urban farming. I purchased your book and started a garden. One thing is true.. hard work will get you far if you stay out of life's pitfalls. I started A yt channel this year and now have the means to go offgrid. You are an inspiration to many..
Thank you for sharing especially pointing out the need for a vision, developing skills, and hard work. I have been inspired watching you for several years and seeing you arrive at the point you are in your life. At 39 I left a management position in human services and began a hay producing and cattle raising career. Some lean times but still enjoying it 43 years later. In looking back, I would agree that willing to work very hard and developing skills necessary to accomplish the tasks without having to hire others to get the job done were essential. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on living life.
I agree that buying property low and selling high (after putting in a lot of sweat equity) is one of the best ways to achieve one's dreams. I am 69 and have done that numerous times over the years -- this last time leveraging not only land, but also a van conversion. I now own my present property free and clear, and continue building it out with sweat equity. Skills are something everyone can acquire. I'm a woman, alone, and if I can do it, anyone can. I learned woodworking in my 20s, rehabbing houses and old vans. I learned gardening skills and animal husbandry over a lifetime of trial and error. Keep at it, and you CAN achieve your dreams. Just remember to buy LOW, acquire skills, do much of the work yourself, and sell HIGH. I've watched your vids since the beginning, and I can attest to the fact that you started slow and small, busted your butt, and worked up. Good job!
very candid, appreciate the share it's not linear either there's a lot of work you put in at the beginning which reaps rewards later. just like sowing seeds ✌️💚
I have done almost the same thing as you have done. What I love about this is your dedication to following the right path. Your ability to convie the message of motivation, love of concept and enlightening your listners that instant gratification which is the norm for most of society doesn't cut it. The other guy I watch is SV seeker the boat builder always in ever episode harps on these same issue. We are changing social norms one person at a time. I guess that all we can expect. Thanks RC
Been following for years. Started building out my .65 acre 3/2 property for a food Forrest permiculture with anual production areas, last year. I've found it especially hard building out having to work away from home. It's taking time, but I'm learning allot from you as well as the tons of good creators in this ever growing field, pun intended. Thanks for all you do.
Excellent video Curtis. Well said! You are the reason that I started farming here in Quesnel BC at the age of 60 at the time ( 3 years ago ). I'm loving it and every day I am working hard on skilling up! Learning is fun so let's keep it going! Cheers!
Hey Curtis, great advice,skills pay the bills. I’ve been watching your video and went to one of your workshops in Orlando a few years back. We have slowly been working toward our dream and just moved last year to our 20 acre homestead and are starting a small lavender farm. It didn’t just start last year though, we’ve started working on our skills of growing and raising our own food for the past 10 years and really got serious about paying off debt 5 years ago. People never want to hear that it takes time and hard work but those are typically the magic ingredients. Thanks for all the content you put out and for the inspiration over the years!
Cheers Curtis, It just shows that with a clear direction in your life you've achieved your goal. The problem with those that are negative about your success is those that generally do not have a clear idea of what they want, therefore they flit around from one idea to another never really settling on one idea, and they do not understand the time it takes to produce great content that you do or that time it's taken for you to perfect your systems and understand what was profitable for you then and then share that insight. I have been the latter jumping from one idea to another, but I use your information to make changes in a small way where I can. Keep up the good work, and I'm glad you've started posting more content on YT again.
I've been comparing myself to you and thanks goodness I have other wise I would be way behind. I've started a 7 acre orchard it's been a blast loving every minute of it thanks again and thanks in advance
I have been watching your videos for years & it’s crazy that people can’t realize you personally had to plan & do a ton of work to get to where you are. I am happy for you & your family. I have also learned a lot from you on gardening. This year was a crazy weather year but my garden has been very successful & I love to do the work. I still work full time out of the home but would love to be able to buy land & start a homestead. At my age it’s a hard sell for my husband, but all our 5 adult kids are very much in agreement to have the family do this. I’m am trying to plan for this even with the bumps in the road we’ve had financially. Thank you so much for doing your videos & helping all of us who want to help ourselves have a better & secure life.😊
I'm hoping for my big break soon . I rented a yard space and built a tiny house on wheels . I'm like 80% finished now . Selling that will give me the money to buy land in Portugal . I'm only a carpenter so could never afford anything in the UK .
Good on you to answer those questions head on with an encouraging tone. I similar to you had a dream lol. For me I choose to do it in the Philippines. Two years to build, 100% off grid. As much as it is my dream, share the dream and others start asking questions and some either want to start or come along side you. Build it they will come... Cheers
Dear Curtis, after this explanation you can't have any haters anymore. Your presentation is wonderful. Even when you already know it's nice hearing from some else as you!
I would sum up the core of your advice from all your videos as use common sense and work hard at what you do. Both of these traits seem have largely been lost in our “advanced society”. Thanks for all your sage wisdom and concern for the trajectory of world events.
I don't agree with everything you say but you're an excellent example of victorious living. Many people have more money than you but who could claim greater riches in terms of those things that matter. Many things you utilize and demonstrate the value of have been integrated into my personal goal planning because I discern the amount of research and testing you have labored at and shared creating shortcuts to success for anyone who wants to pursue elements of commonality with your various works. I have learned many things from you tangible and intangible, weighed and considered if or how I can utilize these lessons you provide freely in an almost overwhelming volume. I consider you to be a great treasure Curtis Stone. I/m really glad you do what you do.
Hola Curtis! Te llevo siguiendo muchos años y eres un currela (hardworker)! El otro día pensaba en todo lo que estás montando ahora, y es normal, pero no en plan "sueño americano", hay mucho trabajo detrás y mucha formación para conseguir algo así. Te lo mereces. Un saludo desde España!
I totally agree with you, there is absolutely no reason for you to have to share your private money expenditures with the entire RUclips community…you have brought so much of yourself and your world to us already and it is such a blessing…thank you so much for all that you do😎
I’m on your payment plan Curtis. Selling our mortgaged home now. Quit my Government of Canada job of 15 years, pulled my pension. Already have purchased the 38 acre farm and have been farming steadily for the past 8 years. Water, power and shop to be built in the spring. If me, and trust me, I’m an idiot screw up, if I can do it anyone can given the time. It just takes conviction. Cheers!
I was raised by my parents with a large 1/3 acre garden. We hynted and fished to put food in the freezer. My mom taught me how to can and we canned ALOT of food from fruits to vegetables to even meat. It taught me alot. Now being 68 with bad joints i try to do a small garden. If i had to i could hunt for mear and fish from my lake home on a very large lake in Minnesota. That give me unlimited access to water and a protein food source. My lakehome is in a very rural area as well.
I'm so glad you are 10 years older than me Curtis! I can get allot done in 10 years. Keep up the positive peps! You are helping and motivating so many young people. God Bless friend!
Hardwork and Dedication says it all. That is the key to successful entrepreneurship, farming, or any meaningful endeavor. It's great to see you again Curtis. I'm really hapy to see you undergo your next move setting up your homestead and speaking truth to the bs we've all been witness to the last several years. Much love and respect.
I'm 47 and have also dreamed of the lifestyle that you're living but money has always stopped me off. I almost made it happen in 2020 and had land and the beginning of a 16kw solar system going in, but the stars just didn't align. I feel like I need to get retirement handled the rest of the way now and then I'll be able to focus better. You're an awesome dude Curtis... I appreciate you being open about how you were able to break free from the system. It's awesome to see someone that's actually doing it, and doing it right.
I remember being first introduced to you on "Growing Your Greens". You have worked so hard and smart to get to where you are now that you owe nobody any explanation. Your story has been documented for those who want to learn how to be a success. The people with negative comments are most likely a bunch of lazy pricks that want everything handed to them with no sweat equity on their parts. I would be so proud to have a son like you to inspire my grandchildren to be all that the could be. I hope your future brings you 10 times more success than you have now.
I grew up on a subsistence farm and When I was 20 I heard about the homesteading program for 5 acres in Alaska. This was my dream. Unfortunately, I was married to a man who didn't share my dreams. He opposed even having a small garden because they were ugly and we're a waste of time because you could just buy things at the store. Who would have guessed we divorced.
As a single parent that dream was reignited and we started having a small garden, helped a friend on her farm and started saving for land. Unfortunately life kept intervening to delay things and it never occurred to me to just get rid of all the grass and start an urban farm. For years I would devour my Mother Earth News and dream.
By the time all my son's moved out I was divided between thinking I could do and feeling like I wasted my chance.
I am now retired, have purchased my fixer upper home on almost 6 acres and am slowly transitioning. I still waffle a lot between being confident I can do it and being paralyzed with fear of failure. I have realized that I have never really thought I could do much totally on my own, I never wanted to do this on my own. But the only way I will get back to how I want to live is to do it totally on my own.
You can start at any age, but don't wait until tomorrow to start.
Good on you Betty 👍👍
"Don't wait until tomorrow". Best advice anyone can give. The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best is today. Keep at it Betty.
Life‘s long lessons lead you to where you are now. I hope you succeed following your ambition.
Wow Betty,
very encouraging.
Stay strong and moving forward, in what ever you choose. Thanks for sharing.
Inspirational! I want to start once I am ready.. I just wish I am not too late with how things that are happening. I’m 25
My goodness Curtis, for those of us who have been watching you for years know how much sweat you put into your dream. You worked very hard, learned every lesson…some easy some hard. You gradually built everything you earned, and my God you did what people refuse to do but want all the rewards for.
Dreams are possible but it takes taking risks and investing in yourself. You are a much better person than you were yesterday.
Curtis, You are an inspiration. I do wish I had known about you before my wife and I left Canada in 2015. We were expats there for four years. I'm in Australia now, aged 60 and have the good fortune to own my house and have a garden that I love. I grow figs and flowers and we have enough to reap a salad from our garden every day of the year. It is your wisdom that I find so appealing. To be so clear and dedicated with your dream (for you from 16) is the biggest take away for me. I will do my best to impart this to my four children. May you continue to prosper.
We are in Australia too! We've been growing off a balcony for the last few years, but this year we moved onto a property and we've been lucky enough that there are lots of established fruit trees here (apricots, peaches and one HUGE fig tree!) which has made growing super enjoyable right off the bat! Can't wait to see what we will achieve over the years!
Curtis I applaud you for being a forward thinker passionate with a master plan, without a vision people perish
You have not only worked hard, you have worked smart. I am so grateful to my late husband for his foresight. We built our first house together with a mortgage. When we sold it, we built our second house mortgage free with the equity. I have been mortgage free since 1999. I am working towards a sustainable homestead and if I were younger would love to pursue what you are doing.
My dad started bees at 81, red wigglers at 76. Don’t let age stop you
I love how you presented this. We don’t have to have the skills that you do for living off the land and being an entrepreneur. We’re all capable of making our own situation better. I have a backyard, I’m a nurse, I’m into natural healing. I’m going to follow the passions that God put in my heart. Small scale, large scale, just choose a scale that fits your abilities and move.
An excellent, frank discussion. It's amazing what basic money literacy, careful planning and hard work can do. My wife and I did something similar: we built our dream house but the dream changed as we began to burn out in our healthcare jobs. We had hand-built this upscale house together so we were able to sell it for far, far more than we had spent. We quit our jobs, bought a broken down place in the country and turned it into an incredible homestead. It helps that we've never been on a foreign vacation, never owned a new vehicle and had only two children. Planning, planning planning since I was twenty.
thanks curtis! i've spent over 8 years in my twenties as a royal fuckup and when i woke up to what's happening i made a plan and executed it. now i'm 35 in the idaho back country making more money than i ever have and going to school for crop science soon (if shtf doesn't happen first). i worked in a factory and at a car dealership to move here and now my social network is full of preppers like me, i'm where the food is, and i'm surrounded by likeminded independent people. i have what i need and i'm still building. it all starts and sustains with willpower. don't ever, ever give up.
I have been following you for a lot of years and have implemented some of your techniques/ideas. I started a homestead on 1/2 an acre about 8 years ago. We have 26 fruit trees, gardens providing most of the veggies for my family of 8, rain water catchment and automated watering, bee hives, and a green house. New chicken coup is being built this fall and possibly adding quail. This was done with lots of lists/goals on the way to achieving bigger goals. You and others have inspired. I have people tour my garden and say, "I could never do this." I couldn't either in the beginning. I learned the skills along the way and took baby steps. My fall garden is now better than my spring/summer garden used to be. Now my goal is to improve my overwintering garden (zone 6a). Thank you for what you have taught me and for the inspiration.
Eric K. Proud of you providing for your family of 8! GREAT!
Curtis you are proof that as a man thinks in his heart so is he.
I just finished watching the winter chickens green house set up, where it started, why it moved and the success you’ve found. It’s a part of the larger picture of how you went from a renter starting a small niche business to homeowner with a successful business to large landowner (compared to your city lot) with multiple levels of success.
You begin with a mission. You set a goal to accomplish your mission. You make and then implement your plan to achieve your goal. You observe the plans pros and cons as your plan unfolds. You adjust the cons to pros. Then you move on to the next goal towards your mission.
I'm a 68 year old lady who has watched for years and bought your books. I will never do gardening commercially but you have helped me with my home garden. I love to watch your videos to see the enthusiasm you show. You have put blood, sweat and tears into this. So you made a honkin' load of money off the old house. YOU took a risk, no one gave it to you.
Isn't it amazing that those who take risks and work hard are always the very same people who get all the luck?
@@two-sense I wish I had said that. I'm going to steal it, OK?
@@paulmaxwell8851 No prob. Peace from Canada.
❤Yes, yes and yes!!! Building the skill set is everything. Thirty years ago I was growing food in containers on the balcony of my condo in Atlanta, GA located the 18th floor. 😂
Happily living today in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 125 acres. ❤
Curtis you are a legend, and so am I 😂. I completely agree, I started building my dream 6 years ago on 80 acres in Tasmania (that’s Australia). We are finally on top of the workload and building our home. In a year the job will be done. Someone once told me, when I was considering a mid life degree, I said “ but I will be 40 before I finish it. They replied, you are going to be 40 anyway. You can be 40 with a degree, or 40 without a degree, the time will pass no matter what”. You are 100% correct, start with a plan, and just keep working the plan and the next time you blink, you will be half done.
Good to hear/read a fellow Tasmanian is switched on and making dreams happen. 😀👍
Your post has really hit me hard. You are so right! Let me keep working on my dream (I'm 3 years in and I've built a guesthouse on 5 acres mortgage free.) I had felt the pace was too slow due to financial constraints. This inspires me to keep on! Thanks
So many people want to be where you are without walking the long and difficult road that got you there! You are exactly where you deserve to be Curtis! I, and many are happy for you! Oh, and you do not owe anyone an explanation or anything for that matter. 🙏🙏
"The skills pay the bills", right on man! Having been fortunate and desperate enough through my life I've worked in many various trades. Now, age 63, when people say "Jack of all trades, master of none" I correct them as "Master of most".
Keep on keep'in on! Recently relocated to ID after cashing out myself and am in the process of setting up our "Urban Homestead" in a town of 450 persons surrounded by big ag.
Fun little tidbit, the full saying is: “Jack of all trades, Master of none, is better than a master of one.”
Meaning someone who know how to do a bit of everything is more useful than someone who is only useful at one thing.
Master of most 😂 love it and I believe it
Thanks for sharing your journey & inspiration 👍
Started watching you back 5-7 years ago and I cannot believe how far you’ve come! Congrats with everything!! I love that you went off grid! Also you’re so right on “not to compare yourself with others”.
You are not above and beyond anyone that’s has a dream. You must get knowledge, apply it and work like you never have before. I’m doing the same thing, 200 hundred acres in Missouri, 10 years of learning, application and watching thousand of hours of RUclipsrs that are doing what you are. Keep up the good work.
An overnight success - 27 years in the making! People take a snapshot of someone and think it just fell out of the sky for them; as opposed to what really happened - a whole lot of grinding.
Thank God for your thick skin to shield you from complacent cowards, and a big heart to carry on
How do you know if people who made those specific comments are complacent? Ah, your a mind reader via YT comments.... neat
@@joellaurin9007 he wad using tone repeating folks questioning his success which usually signals a complacent person otherwise they would know capitalism rewards skills and hard work
I started watching your videos many years ago when you were still urban farming. Just stumbled across you again and it is really inspiring to see how far you have come. Nice work!!
I was kinda wondering the same thing (even though it was none of my business) but your answer was great and honest. Thanks for the work you do and the content that you share.
I remember. I was a follower back when you was a one man business with your bike, renting nebours front lawns. 5 years later found you again in my timeline with your new homestead. Congrast Curtis. Way the go!!!
Well done Curtis, .. people think that they are going to find 5 acres in the country with a greenhouse, garden ready to pick, big berry patch, an orchard, etc. but they mostly happen bc of lots of hard work on raw land. I enjoy watching your progress .. you're certainly killing it!! I often think about what you do as I work on my 3 acres here. "Lockdown" means nothing to us compared to a person living in a small apartment in a city high-rise. ✌🙂
Most ppl just don’t even put in the time or thought energy to create goals, but I think many ppl also don’t have their spouse on board to participate at all levels. If your spouse isn’t all in, it will be uphill all the way. Curtis… you didn’t steal your money, you earned it… good on you… and your wife! I’m almost 80, so I focus on doing the best I can where I am!
I started in my front yard in my home town in Southern California. Now I’m in eastern Kentucky 🥰
Glad you got out of CA.
@@51sicboy me too. So much of a better life here in Eastern Kentucky. Slower pace and nature all over 😍
Great job Curtis! It's fun to see pics of you when you were much much younger lol. It's a shame that people get upset at yours and others success. You worked hard to get where you are, and it doesn't happen overnight, and without a lot of elbow grease. Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration.
Well, I'm 31, and I've only really seriously decided to concretize my dream recently.
You're giving me hope my man.
I main, realistic goal for now, is to at least have the land before I'm 40. If I can have a large amount of nut trees planted before that, I'll consider that I've crushed that goal haha
I wondered how you were doing what you were doing from a financial perspective too. So this video explained that perfectly and is a testament of pursuing your vision using hard work and dedication. So to each their own. For myself I worked part time contract work on top of my full time for 10 years allowing me to save up cash to but a town house, then a vehicle, then a rental property and so on. I look back and realized my goal was to get ahead financially by working hard and putting in the effort and giving up my personal free time. now that part time contract work allowed me to leave my full time job and I am building out a 5 acre homestead.
"Only compare yourself to who you were yesterday"...great advice! It's so easy to get sucked into the trap of trying to match all the perfect youtube land homesteaders.
You're telling us what the general population doesn't want to hear, which should be common sense...you're not going to be just magically handed what you want you have to work hard for it! Thanks for the content and inspiration!
well done Curtis.
I really like that shirt man. Thanks for another great video and congrats on all the growth throughout the years, you are an inspiration to us all!
I have liked your videos over the years. My journey sure can't be compared, but it is really inspiring to see you make it. I think I watched your videos when I was about 19 the first time. It's led me to see a no excuses possibility for myself.
Of course, I'm finishing up my Navy contract first, but I've already got a business plan to get into. Buying my first house is also in the works once I get to my new home state. This chapter has really made the next one possible, and I really can't wait. Thanks for the inspiration. Thank you for making it happen when it looked impossible. All I need is that 1% chance, and for it to be up to me. That's it.
Curtis, I applaud this post and realize that some people demand answers, but you have no obligation to tame the masses. Just keep doing what you know best, take the calculated risks and hopefully all works out. Cheers to you Curtis.
Good for you for telling people to stop judging themselves based on you. People focus on what they don’t have rather than what they do!
I’ve been watching you for years. You worked hard and built a brand. After years of swet equity we are seeing your rewards. I’m happy for you. Wish everyone could understand whss as t it takes to be successful in a field they enjoy
Greetings from north Michigan, Curtis you have pioneer spirit in you, don’t you dare settle. Carry on Curtis you trailblazer
We need tons of these small farms in Northern Michigan.
@@PrivatelyHanging amen to that, also big bro off our backs
So in summary just gold old fashioned hard work, simple enough. Not sure why but there will always be haters. Keep at it Curtis you are an inspiration.
Isn't it strange that the people who get all the luck seem to be the same people who put in the good old fashioned hard work?
You've done so well and come so far Curtis! I remember seeing that back yard in 2010. Very inspiring!
Yo Nate dawg! Thank you brother. We should catch up some time.
@@offgridcurtisstone Curtis I can't compare myself to you I only can do what I can do i watch 💯 your videos 💯 and read 💯 alot about permaculter you have alot of excellent points 👋 from 🇨🇦 # YSW respect back to you Curtis 🙏.
I like that t-shirt. Here's an idea for another one... WTC7 WTF?
I can tell that what you've accomplished has taken years of determination and hard work, I only wish I'd started sooner to realize what was down the road...but truly grateful you have what you do, I may not be able to afford much but it always warms my heart to see success stories...😊
If one word can describe this video = Humble.
for our "homestead" my plan heavily relied on DIY, and only paying the material costs... let's just ignore how materials skyrocketted during covid :P
did the rat race grind for 10 years... found that the cheapest land in the entire world, was in manitoba... it's cheap cause the gov is so bad here. well, took that risk; middle of nowhere, just avoid dealing with the gov. dealing with the gov's bs has honestly, been more mentally taxing than surviving in the canadian winters... my first winter, was a week of -45*c in a 100 sqft "house". coldest winter in 100 years type thing.
blown through all of my savings ( doing everything debt free ) , due to extremely high building material costs... but managing, as i got lucky and the company i was working for, was dependant on me enough... to let me work remotely.
let me tell you, living in a tiny 100sqft shed ( if it werent for the gov, i would have done 512sqft ), the cost of living is so little... just with a part time job, i'm "saving" more than full time in the city.
$100k and a job where you can work remotely, is all you need to start a "homestead," debt free. if you can work remotely, you'll build up wealth faster as well.
Thank you for sharing your dream and the process. I am grateful for all of the ideas you have shown me.
“Skills Pay the Bills”. Curtis said this.
Great tips for Life, beyond just homesteading 🙌
I am 20 yrs older. And a skill builder/ learning since I was 14 or so. With a plan/dream - you can accomplish anything.
Its great to see a man building his dream and taking care of his family. Congrats.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. My family has been involved in wheat farming in Eastern Colorado. Grandma traveled across the plains in a covered wagon during the Land Rush in 1893 with her Dad and Uncle, she was 3 years old. They began wheat farming . In the mid 1930’s they left Oklahoma because of the drought and dust bowl. They settled in Eastern Colorado and started dry land wheat farming. From 160 acres the farm is now working 20,000 acres. Still dry land farming. It is still in the family. Grandma went from a covered wagon to flying in a 747 airplane in her lifetime. Farming is in the family blood. We have found that farming can pay….a farmer wages, or for equipment, or land. Usually it can pay two of those but definitely not all three. That’s why young people fail at farming. They want new equipment, finance land, want to get paid ridiculously amounts of money.
I’m glad you have been able to achieve your dreams and goals. I salute you. Bill
This was a very humble and mature way of staying, quit crying and start doing.
Most of us are too strapped and stuck to see the dream. I get it and that’s me. But take his advice. “Only compare yourself to you yesterday.”
You’re a phenomenal dude. You deserve all the success that this life has to offer. You’re the man, Curtis. It was all earned. 🙏
God bless you brother. Not only have you worked hard for yourself but you have shared your knowledge. So grateful for your generosity!
Good on you Curtis!! I’ve watched you hustle and work your ass off for years. I wasn’t surprised you pulled off this homestead. Glad it’s working out for you, your early roots of urban farming are legend!!
great job keep it up , the best to you
Your hardwork, dedication, and relentless pursuit of defined goals got you here. Greatly appreciate you sharing the journey with us. I think the majority of us agree you are a inspiration to all. Thank you brother.
We think you're doing great! been following you for a long time and you've come a LONG way. Keep going brother.
Very true what you said and your explanation I just found your channel this morning and I started to watching your channel around 12 hours ago, and I only watched that series with 6 videos!
I went through all the posts and I saw a bunch of nasty 🤮 comments about your money and your person.
Well done, very inspire your history of life…in life we will only reap what we sow years before the harvest, we will only reap what we sow especially if we plant thinking about the future, and it will always be with a lot of effort, determination, dedication, and resilience, congratulations well said!
Glad we had this talk! I needed the encouragement!
Yes the amount of times I’ve bought into the theory that the market is about to collapse. I would be worth around $50 million now if I hadn’t of sold cheap. I owned around 75 homes in 2003. I wanted to live out of the system since 20 years old. Sadly I only made it one year ago. I so wish I hadn’t sold out numerous times listening to the “ biggest ever collapse any day now”
The haters are envious, keep doing what you do sir!
I have followed you for years, you deserve everything you have. You worked hard.
I did off farm work to pay for mine. I'm sixty five and still working on mine.
Iv watched you since when you were riding your bike on ph1 contemplating life before you started the urban farming. I purchased your book and started a garden. One thing is true.. hard work will get you far if you stay out of life's pitfalls. I started A yt channel this year and now have the means to go offgrid. You are an inspiration to many..
Thank you for sharing especially pointing out the need for a vision, developing skills, and hard work. I have been inspired watching you for several years and seeing you arrive at the point you are in your life. At 39 I left a management position in human services and began a hay producing and cattle raising career. Some lean times but still enjoying it 43 years later. In looking back, I would agree that willing to work very hard and developing skills necessary to accomplish the tasks without having to hire others to get the job done were essential. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on living life.
I agree that buying property low and selling high (after putting in a lot of sweat equity) is one of the best ways to achieve one's dreams. I am 69 and have done that numerous times over the years -- this last time leveraging not only land, but also a van conversion. I now own my present property free and clear, and continue building it out with sweat equity. Skills are something everyone can acquire. I'm a woman, alone, and if I can do it, anyone can. I learned woodworking in my 20s, rehabbing houses and old vans. I learned gardening skills and animal husbandry over a lifetime of trial and error. Keep at it, and you CAN achieve your dreams. Just remember to buy LOW, acquire skills, do much of the work yourself, and sell HIGH. I've watched your vids since the beginning, and I can attest to the fact that you started slow and small, busted your butt, and worked up. Good job!
very candid, appreciate the share it's not linear either there's a lot of work you put in at the beginning which reaps rewards later. just like sowing seeds ✌️💚
When you work hard you reap the rewards!......Well done!
Don't let the jealous get you down. You have worked very hard for all you have, and discipline is the key.
Very good advice thanks
Focus on your own life and focus on succeeding one thing at a time. Great advice and LOVE your shirt! You just gained a new subscriber 😄
I have done almost the same thing as you have done. What I love about this is your dedication to following the right path. Your ability to convie the message of motivation, love of concept and enlightening your listners that instant gratification which is the norm for most of society doesn't cut it. The other guy I watch is SV seeker the boat builder always in ever episode harps on these same issue. We are changing social norms one person at a time. I guess that all we can expect. Thanks RC
Love the videos. Loved when you were in the city so happy how you have grown. I lived in suburban area then finally moved to my forever Homestead
Been following for years. Started building out my .65 acre 3/2 property for a food Forrest permiculture with anual production areas, last year. I've found it especially hard building out having to work away from home.
It's taking time, but I'm learning allot from you as well as the tons of good creators in this ever growing field, pun intended.
Thanks for all you do.
Excellent video Curtis. Well said! You are the reason that I started farming here in Quesnel BC at the age of 60 at the time ( 3 years ago ). I'm loving it and every day I am working hard on skilling up! Learning is fun so let's keep it going! Cheers!
I'm glad you did this venture! I'm, 57, in Kamloops, no land yet. Learning, building skills,
Hey Curtis, great advice,skills pay the bills. I’ve been watching your video and went to one of your workshops in Orlando a few years back. We have slowly been working toward our dream and just moved last year to our 20 acre homestead and are starting a small lavender farm. It didn’t just start last year though, we’ve started working on our skills of growing and raising our own food for the past 10 years and really got serious about paying off debt 5 years ago. People never want to hear that it takes time and hard work but those are typically the magic ingredients. Thanks for all the content you put out and for the inspiration over the years!
Cheers Curtis, It just shows that with a clear direction in your life you've achieved your goal. The problem with those that are negative about your success is those that generally do not have a clear idea of what they want, therefore they flit around from one idea to another never really settling on one idea, and they do not understand the time it takes to produce great content that you do or that time it's taken for you to perfect your systems and understand what was profitable for you then and then share that insight.
I have been the latter jumping from one idea to another, but I use your information to make changes in a small way where I can. Keep up the good work, and I'm glad you've started posting more content on YT again.
I've been comparing myself to you and thanks goodness I have other wise I would be way behind. I've started a 7 acre orchard it's been a blast loving every minute of it thanks again and thanks in advance
Your killing it! I have been watching for years and you deserve everything you’ve work for!
update us about the house. are the new owner still doing the same. Hello from Jordan. Bayoudha village. Elham
Thank you for sharring, I love all your courage to share the work you are doing, with love and compassion.
I have been watching your videos for years & it’s crazy that people can’t realize you personally had to plan & do a ton of work to get to where you are. I am happy for you & your family. I have also learned a lot from you on gardening. This year was a crazy weather year but my garden has been very successful & I love to do the work. I still work full time out of the home but would love to be able to buy land & start a homestead. At my age it’s a hard sell for my husband, but all our 5 adult kids are very much in agreement to have the family do this. I’m am trying to plan for this even with the bumps in the road we’ve had financially. Thank you so much for doing your videos & helping all of us who want to help ourselves have a better & secure life.😊
I'm hoping for my big break soon .
I rented a yard space and built a tiny house on wheels . I'm like 80% finished now . Selling that will give me the money to buy land in Portugal . I'm only a carpenter so could never afford anything in the UK .
Good on you to answer those questions head on with an encouraging tone.
I similar to you had a dream lol. For me I choose to do it in the Philippines. Two years to build, 100% off grid. As much as it is my dream, share the dream and others start asking questions and some either want to start or come along side you. Build it they will come...
Cheers
I love your success brother. It gives me hope.
Dear Curtis, after this explanation you can't have any haters anymore. Your presentation is wonderful. Even when you already know it's nice hearing from some else as you!
Great Information, Thanks
I would sum up the core of your advice from all your videos as use common sense and work hard at what you do. Both of these traits seem have largely been lost in our “advanced society”. Thanks for all your sage wisdom and concern for the trajectory of world events.
I don't agree with everything you say but you're an excellent example of victorious living. Many people have more money than you but who could claim greater riches in terms of those things that matter. Many things you utilize and demonstrate the value of have been integrated into my personal goal planning because I discern the amount of research and testing you have labored at and shared creating shortcuts to success for anyone who wants to pursue elements of commonality with your various works. I have learned many things from you tangible and intangible, weighed and considered if or how I can utilize these lessons you provide freely in an almost overwhelming volume. I consider you to be a great treasure Curtis Stone. I/m really glad you do what you do.
Hola Curtis! Te llevo siguiendo muchos años y eres un currela (hardworker)! El otro día pensaba en todo lo que estás montando ahora, y es normal, pero no en plan "sueño americano", hay mucho trabajo detrás y mucha formación para conseguir algo así. Te lo mereces. Un saludo desde España!
I've been watching your videos for a long time. I appreciate your point of view and content. Best to you and your family.
I totally agree with you, there is absolutely no reason for you to have to share your private money expenditures with the entire RUclips community…you have brought so much of yourself and your world to us already and it is such a blessing…thank you so much for all that you do😎
I’m on your payment plan Curtis. Selling our mortgaged home now. Quit my Government of Canada job of 15 years, pulled my pension. Already have purchased the 38 acre farm and have been farming steadily for the past 8 years. Water, power and shop to be built in the spring. If me, and trust me, I’m an idiot screw up, if I can do it anyone can given the time. It just takes conviction. Cheers!
Wow. Great story James.
I was raised by my parents with a large 1/3 acre garden. We hynted and fished to put food in the freezer. My mom taught me how to can and we canned ALOT of food from fruits to vegetables to even meat. It taught me alot. Now being 68 with bad joints i try to do a small garden. If i had to i could hunt for mear and fish from my lake home on a very large lake in Minnesota. That give me unlimited access to water and a protein food source. My lakehome is in a very rural area as well.
I'm so glad you are 10 years older than me Curtis! I can get allot done in 10 years. Keep up the positive peps! You are helping and motivating so many young people. God Bless friend!
Damn rights you can brother. Shit, if I knew what I do now, ten years ago, I'd be a lot further ahead.
Very interesting, I was under the impression that there was a micro green grind that made it happen. Thanks for keeping it real
Hardwork and Dedication says it all. That is the key to successful entrepreneurship, farming, or any meaningful endeavor. It's great to see you again Curtis. I'm really hapy to see you undergo your next move setting up your homestead and speaking truth to the bs we've all been witness to the last several years. Much love and respect.
Thanks for getting it and you're welcome.
Way to go Curtis! That’s how you do it. Work. Develop skills. Stay focused. Improve your situation. Reap the rewards. ♥️
I'm 47 and have also dreamed of the lifestyle that you're living but money has always stopped me off. I almost made it happen in 2020 and had land and the beginning of a 16kw solar system going in, but the stars just didn't align. I feel like I need to get retirement handled the rest of the way now and then I'll be able to focus better. You're an awesome dude Curtis... I appreciate you being open about how you were able to break free from the system. It's awesome to see someone that's actually doing it, and doing it right.
I remember being first introduced to you on "Growing Your Greens". You have worked so hard and smart to get to where you are now that you owe nobody any explanation.
Your story has been documented for those who want to learn how to be a success.
The people with negative comments are most likely a bunch of lazy pricks that want everything handed to them with no sweat equity on their parts.
I would be so proud to have a son like you to inspire my grandchildren to be all that the could be. I hope your future brings you 10 times more success than you have now.