We are trying to only live on my husband's income alone. We are on ss, and inflation is hitting us. Most of it we can not change, such as home taxes and insurance. It's not easy to balance the budget. Just add up all the insurance payments alone you pay, house, health, life, auto. It's a huge cut of our income. We also have one child we still keep insurance on until she finishes college. Wow, it's a crazy amount.
Instead of lowering cost, as we see hyperinflation in our near future, we are choosing to pick anything reusable (canning lids, canning jars, pads, diapers, towels) and buying ahead true needs ahead while they are on "sale". To us saving small bills and building a solid pantry ahead is the best we can do with eight children on a very small budget.
Instead of lowering cost, as we see hyperinflation in our near future, we are choosing to pick anything reusable (canning lids, canning jars, pads, diapers, towels) and buying ahead true needs ahead while they are on "sale".
Budget goals? I got em! -all mapped out for the rest of my life. I'm doing good, but this month is gonna be rough, actually summer always turns out to be my spendiest time. I guess it's cuz I hunker down and hibernate all winter.
Paid off credit cards, only buy thrift or used things , always look for clearance things or free items things, only buy food I know I will eat or need, and having no debt really helps me living on a $1100 a month
That is an accomplishment in itself. I will never be able to go that low, my monthly health insurance is over $1,000 alone. I come from a really bad gene pool and take as few prescription drugs as possible. But the ones I take are absolutely necessary. Last November I was feeling like roadkill and went to the ER. Turns out I had undiagnosed heart issues. Which explains the exhausted roadkill feeling. I had emergency heart surgery within 24 hours of being admitted. And now on Eliquis till further notice. They will run a battery of tests soon to see if I can taper off Eliquis or must remain on for the rest of my life. I did dump my internist and started with a new one as at over a grand a month one would expect certain tests at my age that were never run. I don't have the energy for a med mal lawsuit, will just carry on. With new doctors. So that's my story. Hope no one else ever has to go through this, but I sure some people will. So never cut your budget so drastically that it jeopardizes ones health.
Having a large garden helps to. Been debt free since I was 36 and I'm a home owner with no mortgage. Everything is paid for and I only pay cash for used vehicles. New and retail, just stay away from and you can stretch your cash much much further.
if anyone has RENT they cannot survive on that....most rents for one bedroom are 800 on the lowest end is most areas.....minimum......and in good areas rents start at 1200-2000 a month
@@Artsylady2030 hubby and I pay 1730 on rent, and hubby makes $1100 and sometimes (based on overtime) it goes up to 1400. We are able to pay all our expenses and rent on time with a lot of sacrifice, however, I wouldn’t say it’s easy.
Spend as little as possible,consume less and deprive the system of money, prices will come down when nobody is buying their products,fight back with your spending.
We did what you did. We sold our home on a third of an acre outside of Chicago. Bought a class C motorhome and traveled for 9 months while we decided what we wanted to do and live. We bought 5 acres in Kentucky and my husband is a building trades instructor and built our home. No mortgage. Low low taxes. It’s financial freedom !
@@Artsylady2030 it was listed for $18,000. We offered $16,500 and the seller accepted. This was 10 years ago. Similar acreage now near us is double and triple in price
Low taxes.. Is that really happeneing? I live in an rural county in West Virginia. I am lucky I own my own home and, not mortgage. I live in a small town my house is a nice size yard I nice but small. I pay over a $ 1000.00 a year in property taxes. But I am 73 , on a fixed small income, live by myself and, pay all of my bills, buy all my necessities on $1000.00 a month. I have nothing left. My taxes may seem small but to me it isn't a small amount. Huggzz and Love from My MTN State!! 💜💜💐🌼🌷🌹🥀🌸🌺🌻
There’s so many little things that can be cut back on that really add up to thousands a year ! Make coffee at home Learn to do your own haircuts Make a running list of things you need in town (we live 15 miles out of town). Less trips, less gas money. Cut the thermostat higher in summer, lower in winter Cook from scratch. Eat out only only special occasions Buy second hand and only what you absolutely need …. There’s so much more 👍🏻
If getting out of the house & enjoying a cup of coffee at a coffe house frequented by people you like to talk to is your time to relax - GO FOR IT. Studies have shown that small enjoyable moments in your day to day life, do more to your sense of well being then a week long vacation on a cruise or similar. ✌🏾😎💕
$1,000 a month in 2024 is impressive. For entertainment at home my old TV antenna gives me 18 free channels and I also listen to the radio -- for FREE! I do have Internet so I can watch free streaming services like Pluto, Xumo, Tubi and others. Cut the cord in 2012.
We are doing the exact same thing. I am retired, but work full time. In my spare time I’m building a house by myself. We have no car/truck payment nor mortgage. Doing it this way is a slow building process. But we are getting there!
I’m single and built a tiny home 8x16 in mo. I did put e/c , water , sewage. I wanted to baby step into off grid . I think next year I’ll list my property and tiny home and get land more off the road and no utilizes. I so agree taxes and government insurance take 70% of my money each month. Don’t feel bad about health insurance. Think about all the money we are giving to people coming into our county or giving to other counties. We need to help each other first
Yes I amd doing a no spend month except for bills. I am cutting grocery bill and will have a cookout for Memorial Day. I already bought 4 lbs chicken drum sticks for less than 5 bucks at Walmart. I also will pick up hotdogs and buns along with chips. I plan on making a macaroni salad and will have baked beans. Dessert will be a flag cake with boxed cake I got on sale. Strawberries and blueberries will b coming up on sale so I will get those. Also Im making homemade popcicles. We have a pop up pool in the back so wecwill spend the afternoon in it. We always go to free Memorial Day Events in our area in the morning.
Only Buy things I need, not want. Pay off credit cards, Build up emergency fund which i totally recommend. I'm curious how many folks in this chat have an emergency fund?
Does $5 count? On the positive side I have enough food almost for the rest of my life. Some inputs here & there. I'm 58 recently disabled. Lost my savings until SSD came
@@Rosethatwantstomovethat’s awesome to have that much food stored. You’ll get your savings back in order. I was working on my emergency fund, but had to spend it on new brakes all four, but did the install with the help of my boys. Saved those labor fees.
You're living my dream! Im currently saving money to buy a few acres of land. Even just 2 or 3 to start off. So I can park something on it. Perhaps build out a tiny home. I'm projecting in the next 5 years Ill be able to make this happen. After that, sky isn't the limit. It's beyond. You said early on , "understand this is extreme".....and that surprised me because to me, it just makes sense. But I understand that most people aren't willing to do that. You're doing a lot of great things, lady. I just wanted to cheer you on :) I will be following suit over here, too!
Yes! You can do it!! I hear you on the extreme … I, personally, don’t think it is extreme, but when I talk to friends and family (and other “normal citizens” 😆), I realize most people today think it is 🤣 But it totally shouldn’t be, and one day soon it will be much more normalized with the way everything is going. Good luck to you on meeting your goals!!
My budget goal is just to live within my income!! I own a big old house and it’s a challenge to afford its upkeep. Am looking to downsize soon but it’s hard to find any affordable properties. Am optimistic that one will turn up eventually.
That won’t happen because there isn’t enough inventory for those that need homes. Here in the Phoenix, Arizona area - we have too many people moving here to support the potential chance of homes plummeting in price. Not going to happen as companies are still coming here daily & their employees need a place to live.
I paid off my student loans last year and this year, I paid off my car. I have cut back on a lot of costs and streaming. I buy used stuff and mostly cook. I also have been saving for retirement and down payment on a house. Plus I have an emergency fund of 6 months. Definitely agree to use your community's resources like a library, parks, playgrounds, and free events for entertainment. I cut my own hair and my boyfriend's. Whatever you can do yourself, I do it. We bought certain appliances like a spiralizer, ice cream maker, etc to make our own food and treats. It is do-able to live off $1,000 but it isn't realistic for a lot of people and it requires A LOT OF SACRIFICE. Luckily, I don't have kids yet so that helps and my boyfriend and I split up bills and expenses.
I think you are fantastic! You & your husband made really good choices in a difficult situation. And now look, you have paid off land & shelter. Not many people at your age can say that. That’s a great accomplishment. And $1000 per month living costs for a family 😮 That’s just awesome.
My husband and I live in London, UK…a completely different lifestyle than yours. But I love watching your videos! When we speak of frugality and sustainability, we are very close to that in our own way (except for not growing our own food and being on-grid). We work 37-38 weeks per year and we can choose how much and what work to take. Each of us works for 4-5 employers and that gives us great flexibility and peace of mind. The 14-15 weeks of holidays (the same for both of us) are ours to enjoy life and replenish our energy. We bought a very modest flat just to avoid the rental market and got a low-cost mortgage. No other debts, no car to maintain and we are saving what we can each month. I love living within or below our means!
FL sucks! I watch @Meatymama and she’s struggling in FL. She said to qualify for a mortgage she’d have to make $145k a year. Even @ $75/yr there’s no affordable homes :( so glad you moved to a better place where your lives are fulfilled.
For entertainment- try old-school dvds! We have a blast collecting them. If you have 5 dollars here you can get 5 dvds. You own them and can watch again and again. Have a trip to the second hand store and make an afternoon out of it. We got our dvd player for 8 dollars second and also. We have fun keeping a list of what we have and it somehow made watching movies feel good again.
I pay less then $1200 for a 3 bed house on an acre mortgage utilitys and all. I have gardens for a fair amount of food. But all in with food car upkeep and everything. I spend less than 1800.00 a month. But I have a house not a camper
Even though I own everything outright, there is homeowners insurance and property tax. Utilities are another big expense. I live where it is HOT, and will not suffer at my age to run the ac less. Absolutely non negotiable. I have cut and scrimped elsewhere, the rescues and I will be comfortable all summer. All 15 of them. I cook for them as well. I don't go to the salon often to get my hair done, gave up manicure appointments every two weeks. Do get a pedicure at least once a month. After a few of my back surgeries, I no longer have the range of motion required to do them myself. So it is a necessity rather than a luxury. No computer, no Internet, no tv. Where I live they are all separate bills and live in reclaimed desert where it is HOT. Could write it all out and I have cut everything to the bare minimum and will not cut anything else. My life is simple and as uncomplicated as one can get. I still work - with dogs. It is fun and great exercise. Every family should do what is best for them. And not judge others, we don't all want the same things. We are all in different life stages. But I will toss this out there which I have never seen budgeted in. Hobbies. I have several and I scour garage sales, thrift shops, swap meets, dollar stores for supplies depending what project is on my workbench. I dropped an expensive hobby as I was having health issues with the chemicals. I used to do professional photography which stemned from a high school photography class and turned it into a side business. Between the supplies and rebtyal studios, it tirned more into a thorn in my side rather than a fun creative outlet. So I gave all my supplies to the local Jr. College. Anything is possible if one learns to budget, when to save, when to splurge. We all make mistakes here and there. Don't beat yourself up over it. Part of the learning curve. So go out there and have a great life! 🌞
Things are changing for sure. What people have done in the past isn't cutting it now. People who don't start thinking differently will be left behind. Great video!
It’s just my wife and I, we sold our home in New Jersey. We now live in a one bedroom rented apartment in Texas. With Tte amount of money we were paying in taxes is what we pay of rent in a beautiful property. We would had never seen that money again so it hasn’t been a loss. We are investing our earnings while we are still searching for a piece of land that we can put a fifth wheel while we build to be mortgage and debt free. By the time we are done not only will we have a home thats paid of but we will also have a black we can take where Evers we want for vacation.
That is literally our story. We are doing the same thing. There was a 1976 single wide trailer on the property, we fixed it enough to live in it and taking our time fixing the house thats on the property. Its a very slow process because lumber and other materials are so expensive right now. Keep going and don't give up.
Live within your means and stay out of debt. Are important keys. My dad always said to make it in this world. You only need to learn two things. Learn at least 1 skill trade and hustle for a buck. I learned 6 skill trades during my life so far, as I'm 60 and been hustling for a buck since I was 13. Been debt free since I was 36 and only pay with cash only. I own my home out right, have a large garden with greenhouse. life been good to me.
Hi from Ireland I think your doing an amazing choice and if I could do that here I would living of grid , living a natural life is what we should all look to doing ❤
Same here ! I can’t even surive off that in Ireland and I was blessed get a coubcil home . They fitted them eco heat to air pumps and totally a huge nights and headache ! My weekly bill is €250-270e a week for eletricity!
To hell with commenters regarding your health care decisions. You have to do what you have to do and for those that want to go into debt for hellacious overly priced rip off health care programs, all the power to them. Remember, most every politician begins their career on a meek public servant salary but miraculously they all retire multi millionaires.
#1. Politicians make well over $150k/ yr. They have insider trading available to them, that’s how they become millionaires. Not to mention speaking events, book deals, etc.
@@bonniegaither3994Bingo! Insider trading. They know what is going to impact every industry months before anyone else knows. They also know what bills will come to a vote in every industry and what will likely pass based on conversations with their colleagues. All of that knowledge helps greatly when it comes to investments and when to keep them ir dump them. They also vote in favor if industries who promise a job or seat in the board if they ever want one for themselves or a family member. We got here because for the past 45 years our law makers have been getting rid of the laws that protected the public from this kind of corruption. Allowing corporate lobbyists at the capitols was the beginning of the end.
A grey Toyota Tacoma with a roof top tent passed me today in Ohio by the big basket and I immediately thought of you. Either it was you or a like minded individual.
I live in VA, some people here have purchased those nicer buildings that are brought in, finished them inside, added porches and bathroom. The one I've personally seen is really nice and saved alot of $ but was able to move in fairly quickly.
Mennonite families often own building businesses. They have private backing that let's you rent to own with first, last and delivery. Not all of those buildings are built to code, though. So you have to choose wisely. And I'm sure they don't always have rent to own, either.
I have no mortgage and is nice so it helps me save some money. I also pay ahead on my water bill. I have paid ahead several months. I also like to try to pay ahead on several of my bills. I watch sales at the grocery store so I stock up. Right now I'm well stocked up that I am just getting fresh produce, milk, eggs and bread (if I buy it)
This is good advice. I think that housing is probably the killer in the budget for most Americans either rent is too high or people dont know how to buy a cheap fixer upper. The key is really to sell your property and use cash to buy the next and all the rest of the budget is small beans compared to that. Sadly people think they need so much just to survive and we really dont , a simple life is a good life.❤
I'm not hating on this but it only works for people who have built up equity in their homes for years. The people who are really struggling are those who weren't able to buy a house when things were somewhat affordable. You have to be pretty wealthy to just "buy" 7 acres of land and build a house on it.
Just depends on what is important to you. I used to feel stuck financially, but then I remember the story of an older black lady who worked a menial job making under $20,000. And yet, she lived very simply and put most of her money into scholarships to help underprivileged children to go to college. Amazing what she did. Always inspired me.
Yeah. Like yes on the one hand, most people waste way too much money on things they don't need. But also, it's a very privileged set of people who had bought a home before prices got insane and now have the option to sell and get a large chunk of money to do with as they please.
@@strega_bonnie So most people waste money but prices have not been outpacing incomes? How can that be true when housing doubled in price over 30 years yet median income didn't? Dude numbers tell the story pretty well IMO!!!! No people make too little to afford access to basic services.... Broke is the default!!!
Hi from BC CAN. Our gas went up May 1st to $8.90 a gal this is paying for the gas pipeline across the country. we have a 4bedroom hose on 5 acres ins is $2600 per yr and prop taxes are $4600, we are seniors scaping by, God Bless.
Cool... If you can do it, If it's for you.. And you're happy... Actually not bored or live in a non eventful life walking around the property. We'll plan on living cheaper but not with Basically nothing... Because we've worked hard with decent degrees for 30 years.. No real debt. still a big hit these last three years... With inflation among other things. Hopefully, people think a little more before they vote this year... Not that either side is great Or ever will be... but wow!
The problem with your “free” health insurance is that somebody pays for that. Me and other taxpayers. I think everyone should contribute something, even if it’s $50/month. Not fair to expect others to pickup your tab. This contributes to taxation that is way out of control.
I just found your channel and really enjoyed this video, so had to sub. You're doing all of the right things to achieve your home/life goals, and it's amazing!
Interested in your Dr Bronner recipe. I have 2 bottles. Trying to use what I have and not purchase anything else. Had forgot I could use it for laundry.
We have a neighbor who has 2 acres. The only thing on that land is his class A motorhome and a small shed. 6 months a year he’s traveling to warmer areas. The other 6 months he’s here and gardening 👍🏻😊
Thank you so much for this video! Your compassion for those struggling was palpable and very touching. My husband and I are trying to sell our house right now so we can do the same thing! Pay off debt and build as we go!
Great video. Ignore all those negative Nancy's and just keep doing what you're doing. I have two questions for you. 1- How far away is the nearest grocery store? and 2- What are you using for a toilet since you do not have a way to dispose a black water right now?
What a great video!! Thank you for sharing because this is one of my goals in life. I'm crippled by student loans at the moment but doing my best to live inside my budget. My neighbor told me she was going to move back to VA after her son graduates HS. She said you can buy land for a great price compared to TN.
Can you get an IBR (Income Based Repayment) plan for your student loans?? I am about the 7th year of a 30 year repayment plan. Once a year, I send in my tax return as source documents & they adjust it as needed, based on the previous year's income!!
We looked at land in both TN and VA. Land in VA is less expensive and can get you closer to a city/amenities. The only land within our budget in TN was RURAL 🙃 Taxes are more expensive in VA, but the cost/value was still in VA for us.
Starting to think we need to ignore Dave Ramseys boomer advice about a home. I think that real estate is going to change and shift drastically. They’re not making any more land… and they’re not building affordable homes and they get bought by investors anyways. I understand a traditional home is an appreciating asset but my retirement account I can contribute gobs of money to if I’m mortgage free is also an appreciating asset. I am open to alternative living concepts such as RVs, tiny homes, conversions etc. now.
I don’t blame people for blasting you for your welfare healthcare. You want to be self-sufficient, but that is financially taking out of other people’s paychecks who have their own families to take care of to help support your family.
Before I became eligible for Medicare in NY, I paid $800 a month for AHC after a $400 a month subsidy. My Medicare Advantage plan is $65 a month now. My cost for a $100,000 surgery was capped at $2,000 with current plan. This is better than when I was working full time.
Ha am thinking of doing something similar. Wanna grab a bit of land maybe .5 to 2 acres clear is set bare basic legal living area along with a few satellite structures like shed and auxiliary building to do stuff in and maybe a workshop. Am currently saving till I get to 50k before I start looking more into things since I figure 100k plus is more likely how much a lot of this would cost over the longer term and don't wanna borrow 100 percent on land and structures. How was your experience in buying and making land livable? Like how much money you think would be advisable or at least doable. I love mint also been there for years and have minimal debt been paying all my student loans off and live well below my means.
Wi-Fi at public places isn’t secure, so I’d rather use a mine. But I agree you can reduce your bills. I happy to say I’m not an average person either. I have used and still used debt. I use my credit cards but I make sure to pay them off each month and I don’t have 10-15 cards! I do buy on sales, I go to thrift stores but I still buy new clothes for my grandkids.
We have free resources 😁 There is a spring less than a mile from our home that a lot of people in the area use to collect amazing drinking water. There is also city water available at a local park. We are finishing up a water catchment system today that will hold 200+ gallons… and rain is in the forecast for this weekend 🤞
I love your channel name. The statistics are astounding to me. I would have to say we are in the same boat. But with Budgeting, we are starting to dig ourselves out and make severe changes. Love this video.
You might enjoy the British couple whose channel is called home is where our heart is. They have a similar free vibe living Thier life to suit Thier family
This is like saying you only spend $100 at the grocery store each week and buying in bulk every few months on toiletries/dry goods and not including that in.
Another great video. You are very smart and give great ideas and encouragement for others who need to live on a tight budget. Blessings to you and your family.
Love your story. Wish I could move. But for many reasons this would not be the best choice for myself and my children. I'm considered " middle class." I had an unforseen medical procedure done today and will probably be meeting the $7000 deductable. The deductable is in addition too $310 a month. 😢 My plan was to pay off my car this year with the extra money in my income, so much for that plan. Hence, I'm here trying to figure out how to live of the basics this year. Your video is motivating. The only change I can really make in my budget is stop eating out. But I don't want to give up pizza Friday's, it's a tradition my kids and I enjoy. I work full time so cooking pizza from scratch is not my idea if unwinding on Fridays lol I will probably take a look at your food money saving videos. I'm a little hesitant. Things are just so expensive in California. Idk why I'm surrounded by orchards and cattle. Keep posting please ❤
Did she mention her specific income? I may have missed it. I vaguely remember near the start of the video she alluded to these expenses don’t have to go up, even if her income goes up. She may have mentioned her income in another video that I haven’t seen. Having a good cash flow is the idea, and if she can keep her expenses down and not fall victim to lifestyle inflation as her income goes up, she can achieve a good cash flow.
@zxx984 We literally just went on a 2-month long road trip across the country. We now are on this beautiful property building our dream life while enjoying the local culture and all the nature of the mountains. We are definitely not just existing 😂 Thats what we were doing when we clocked in and clocked out everyday for someone’s benefit to pay for things we didn’t need.
Great video. How many people does your family consist of? Please be so kind as to share your recipes for cleaning products you're currently using, in particular dish soap and laundry detergent. Thank you. I look forward to your reply.
Sahm with no job, soon to be single mom grocery budget is $1000, gonna try to reduce to $300 while pregnant lol. Ive never received food stamps before but in my case i shld sign up
Are you able to put up washing lines on the property now? I don’t know what is allowed at what time….. just thinking if you can take the laundry and get it washed but bring it back to dry and save on the dryer costs , just a suggestion… no judgment from me I love what you are and love everything lol there will be people that did agree but as you say it’s coz we are so used to livening as we do not how we could.
We are thinking about switching to Mint mobile. What kind of phone do you have? Your videos are so clear. We would like to get something similar. Thanks.
I get good ideas from you about frugal living…I’m looking for a well maintained used compact car. Would you search private parties or buy from a dealer who tend to be more expensive.
How many years do you think it will take to complete your house, water system , everything else you need? Have you calculated roughly how much it will cost?
I love what you’re doing, and I applaud your tenacity. It takes a great deal of awareness, self-reflection, and a kind of revolutionary clarity of focus on your true values. I would encourage all young, strong, healthy people to seek this level of financial independence’. But it starts with Capital.-the underlying wealth that several commenters have also mentioned -having the economic power to purchase a house /real estate and having the good fortune of that asset appreciating in value, then turning that equity into seed money to launch a new life off the hamster wheel of indebtedness and work.
Just stop working and you can go on welfare like this lady. I’m sure she gets food stamps and puts her kids on the Medicaid system. But hey they’re “self sufficient” on the taxpayers’ dime. 😂
I feel like these studies about poor people never really touch on how many people are on Disability now. I got sick and had to live on my savings for months. I went from making nearly $60,000 a year to no income at all with my savings dwindling. I now have to figure out how to live on about $400 a month after rent and utilities.
You are being totally unrealistic saying you live on $1000.00. I have had my property paid off since I was 37 years old and there are always expenses. Once you stop living in the trailer your expenses will sky rocket and taxes will go up. In the dead of winter are you going to be hauling water driving to the laundrymart and paying for gas. 5 people in a trailer is a bit much especially when the weather changes. Right now you are on the honeymoon period with good weather and the novelty of 7 acres. A well will have to be dug and hydro brought in. Solar is not cheap either. Everything you sold will have to be replaced plus outdoor equipment like riding lawn mowers and snow plows to get out. The neighbors are not going to loan your their equipment after working out all day to pay for this. Buying property on a hill is hardy to get out of in winter. What about a septic? We just had ours pumped out and it cost $452.00 which was twice as much as 4 years ago. What about wood heat or propane? Wood has to be dried out for 2 years to heat with. 7 acres not all wood will never sustain you. The price of lumber is very expensive and has to be milled. I have lived this life for 36 years and one of you will have to get a real job to survive. In canada this would never be allowed because you have to have a building permit and a set time your house will be built. Good luck because it think you are going to need it.
You're being very negative. I doubt they plan on doing this forever. Its a way to help transition to a better way of living. A lot of what you think are necessities are actually luxuries. My property doesn't require a riding lawnmower, for example. Hiw about you just take what you can from the video and move on.
@@lindawilson8434maybe she has daughters that aren't spoiled bears and actually care about their family. This is temporary. You need to move on because youre just trying to complain instead of learn.
@@kallioperobling3359 I am just being realistic because I am from the 70's back to the land movement and have lived this life with young kids. Once you start building your money will go. 7 acres of grass to cut with a gas lawn mower will take you most of the day. You can't rely on and live on youtube money. Sorry I am not a Pollyanna with rose colored glasses but am a retired senior who owns a 300 acre farm. Once the building starts they will realize how expensive everything is now compared to what it was years ago. I do admire Katie and her husband seems very capable of doing things.
Great info. I do not have big debts, probably $900 , I cook meals at home. I was earning a middle class salary, not anymore. I make way much less but I am much happier and healthy. Health is priceless. It is not worth making so much money when you put your health at risk by not having time to go for check ups etc... So now with my new income, I realized my son school will be paid, rent and food it covers all . We do not need much, we do not need luxuries.
You are so correct. I spent years in very physical jobs and incurred injuries. I continued to work after multiple surgeries and even went back to work three days after giving birth. All I kept thinking is I have to keep a roof over our heads and continued to push and now I am struggling to physically do daily things. It is not worth it the stress takes its toll as well😢
I know it is irritating to see these budget vids only to find out that it is impossible to copy unless you are getting gov bennies. I wish it were disclosed in the title.
What are you using for electricity? Just solar? Do you have outdoor shower? Not sure how you did that in the winter? Maybe not as cold there as it is in Kansas in the winter
We have some solar stuff … a portable solar battery charger and some solar lights. And we built an outdoor shower with an on-demand hot water heater (propane). We will need more electricity/solar and a different shower set up before winter … it does get cold here 😆
Yep, work in healthcare and believe it or not. My health insurance is sky high even if I go to the same facility it’s so sad taking care of patients, but can’t take care of my self because of the high sick may be better to just make money and go on Medicaid.
So what your saying is you show very little income because both of you dont work much of coarse you have YT income but it must not be a lot if you have zero co pays which means your on Medicaid and child health plus... they only ask to see paystubs if I remember correctly because unless you put your money that you made off your house I can guarantee you wouldnt be getting free health insurance. I have made angry comments to you about this directly but honestly I bow down to you n apologize because this is the smartest move anyone can make right now!
95 billion package from our government for overseas expenses or who knows what anymore..yet here in America people get mad when we play the system a bit just to get a leg up.. My neighbor tried to talk me down on taken a stimulus check and what did I do with it..build me a damn fine driveway with it. Yup thank you American people for it..oh waite did I pay for for working since I was 18 years old and paying in and still employed..
The ACA insurance goes based on your income when you file taxes. So it depends on what they file. But it also depends on which state they live in and whether or not that state expanded Medicaid. But remember they also have 3 children. So their family size will factor in as well. And she has said how the older 2 get coverage due to their bio dads not providing any support. So your comment isn’t really justified unless you think they are lying and fraud if they’re taxes, which I doubt they are. You’re just not thinking about all the factors (which state, income amount, size of the family, etc) go into determining whether or not they would get subsidies through ACA.
@@nicoleg7194 ~I’m full aware of how it works in my state,..however, I do believe they bring in very little money that shows as far as their income tax.., side hustles give cash tips, they have bartered too..all of this can hide income or trade fir services..and they may not even be married which would qualify her for many freebies,.WE only know what she tells us…I was under the impression that they weren’t struggling when her husband lost his job because she said this is how we live on x amount each month and how they had savings, how they just did side hustles..so it makes me question how much is truthful…
What are your BUDGET GOALS this month? 💵 Have you made any drastic budget cuts to fight inflation? ✂️
We are trying to only live on my husband's income alone. We are on ss, and inflation is hitting us. Most of it we can not change, such as home taxes and insurance. It's not easy to balance the budget. Just add up all the insurance payments alone you pay, house, health, life, auto. It's a huge cut of our income. We also have one child we still keep insurance on until she finishes college. Wow, it's a crazy amount.
Instead of lowering cost, as we see hyperinflation in our near future, we are choosing to pick anything reusable (canning lids, canning jars, pads, diapers, towels) and buying ahead true needs ahead while they are on "sale". To us saving small bills and building a solid pantry ahead is the best we can do with eight children on a very small budget.
Instead of lowering cost, as we see hyperinflation in our near future, we are choosing to pick anything reusable (canning lids, canning jars, pads, diapers, towels) and buying ahead true needs ahead while they are on "sale".
Budget goals? I got em! -all mapped out for the rest of my life. I'm doing good, but this month is gonna be rough, actually summer always turns out to be my spendiest time. I guess it's cuz I hunker down and hibernate all winter.
Hi Katie 🌻
You should be so proud of yourself. You seem at peace knowing you've paved the way ! 🏞️
Paid off credit cards, only buy thrift or used things , always look for clearance things or free items things, only buy food I know I will eat or need, and having no debt really helps me living on a $1100 a month
That is an accomplishment in itself. I will never be able to go that low, my monthly health insurance is over $1,000 alone. I come from a really bad gene pool and take as few prescription drugs as possible. But the ones I take are absolutely necessary. Last November I was feeling like roadkill and went to the ER. Turns out I had undiagnosed heart issues. Which explains the exhausted roadkill feeling. I had emergency heart surgery within 24 hours of being admitted. And now on Eliquis till further notice. They will run a battery of tests soon to see if I can taper off Eliquis or must remain on for the rest of my life. I did dump my internist and started with a new one as at over a grand a month one would expect certain tests at my age that were never run. I don't have the energy for a med mal lawsuit, will just carry on. With new doctors. So that's my story. Hope no one else ever has to go through this, but I sure some people will. So never cut your budget so drastically that it jeopardizes ones health.
If I may ask, what percentage of your income goes for rent? In the Bay Area rent is through the roof so I have to be ultra careful.
Having a large garden helps to. Been debt free since I was 36 and I'm a home owner with no mortgage. Everything is paid for and I only pay cash for used vehicles. New and retail, just stay away from and you can stretch your cash much much further.
if anyone has RENT they cannot survive on that....most rents for one bedroom are 800 on the lowest end is most areas.....minimum......and in good areas rents start at 1200-2000 a month
@@Artsylady2030 hubby and I pay 1730 on rent, and hubby makes $1100 and sometimes (based on overtime) it goes up to 1400. We are able to pay all our expenses and rent on time with a lot of sacrifice, however, I wouldn’t say it’s easy.
Spend as little as possible,consume less and deprive the system of money, prices will come down when nobody is buying their products,fight back with your spending.
We did what you did. We sold our home on a third of an acre outside of Chicago. Bought a class C motorhome and traveled for 9 months while we decided what we wanted to do and live. We bought 5 acres in Kentucky and my husband is a building trades instructor and built our home. No mortgage.
Low low taxes. It’s financial freedom !
Low taxes will be a thing of the past very soon
You are very blessed to be able to do that and to have a husband that has a talent for building.
I am in KENTUCKY how much was the 5 acres...????
@@Artsylady2030 it was listed for $18,000. We offered $16,500 and the seller accepted. This was 10 years ago. Similar acreage now near us is double and triple in price
Low taxes.. Is that really happeneing? I live in an rural county in West Virginia. I am lucky I own my own home and, not mortgage. I live in a small town my house is a nice size yard I nice but small. I pay over a $ 1000.00 a year in property taxes. But I am 73 , on a fixed small income, live by myself and, pay all of my bills, buy all my necessities on $1000.00 a month. I have nothing left. My taxes may seem small but to me it isn't a small amount. Huggzz and Love from My MTN State!! 💜💜💐🌼🌷🌹🥀🌸🌺🌻
There’s so many little things that can be cut back on that really add up to thousands a year !
Make coffee at home
Learn to do your own haircuts
Make a running list of things you need in town (we live 15 miles out of town). Less trips, less gas money.
Cut the thermostat higher in summer, lower in winter
Cook from scratch.
Eat out only only special occasions
Buy second hand and only what you absolutely need ….
There’s so much more 👍🏻
I love all of these! ❤️
Poor people are already doing these things 😮
@@RaysIrishmum And those of us who choose to live frugally.
I cant make coffee at home because I have to be in coffee houses away from my house for my own sanity.
If getting out of the house & enjoying a cup of coffee at a coffe house frequented by people you like to talk to is your time to relax - GO FOR IT. Studies have shown that small enjoyable moments in your day to day life, do more to your sense of well being then a week long vacation on a cruise or similar. ✌🏾😎💕
$1,000 a month in 2024 is impressive. For entertainment at home my old TV antenna gives me 18 free channels and I also listen to the radio -- for FREE! I do have Internet so I can watch free streaming services like Pluto, Xumo, Tubi and others. Cut the cord in 2012.
Can you imagine if all the Trillions of dollars sent as "aid" to other countries was invested in helping us.
All those constant Foreign Wars, it’s a priority for our government, not us the American citizens, obviously .
Can you imagine if the US just allowed dictators to take over the world?
Not going to happen under democrats! Never!
@joculp-yq3qh thank goodness!
That money should be invested in Americans health care. It’s a very broken system !
We are doing the exact same thing. I am retired, but work full time. In my spare time I’m building a house by myself. We have no car/truck payment nor mortgage. Doing it this way is a slow building process. But we are getting there!
It's time to change this in November!
I’m single and built a tiny home 8x16 in mo. I did put e/c , water , sewage. I wanted to baby step into off grid . I think next year I’ll list my property and tiny home and get land more off the road and no utilizes. I so agree taxes and government insurance take 70% of my money each month. Don’t feel bad about health insurance. Think about all the money we are giving to people coming into our county or giving to other counties. We need to help each other first
Yes I amd doing a no spend month except for bills. I am cutting grocery bill and will have a cookout for Memorial Day. I already bought 4 lbs chicken drum sticks for less than 5 bucks at Walmart. I also will pick up hotdogs and buns along with chips. I plan on making a macaroni salad and will have baked beans.
Dessert will be a flag cake with boxed cake I got on sale. Strawberries and blueberries will b coming up on sale so I will get those.
Also Im making homemade popcicles.
We have a pop up pool in the back so wecwill spend the afternoon in it.
We always go to free Memorial Day Events in our area in the morning.
Sounds awesome!
Only Buy things I need, not want. Pay off credit cards, Build up emergency fund which i totally recommend. I'm curious how many folks in this chat have an emergency fund?
I do about four months worth of expenses trying to build it up more.
@@Odiebutagoldie Excellent, that is great to hear keep up the good work!
Does $5 count? On the positive side I have enough food almost for the rest of my life. Some inputs here & there. I'm 58 recently disabled. Lost my savings until SSD came
@@Rosethatwantstomovethat’s awesome to have that much food stored. You’ll get your savings back in order. I was working on my emergency fund, but had to spend it on new brakes all four, but did the install with the help of my boys. Saved those labor fees.
I have more than a Year's monthly living expenses in regular savings but I also have a paid for mortgage + 401K Roth IRA and CDs
You're living my dream! Im currently saving money to buy a few acres of land. Even just 2 or 3 to start off. So I can park something on it. Perhaps build out a tiny home. I'm projecting in the next 5 years Ill be able to make this happen. After that, sky isn't the limit. It's beyond. You said early on , "understand this is extreme".....and that surprised me because to me, it just makes sense. But I understand that most people aren't willing to do that. You're doing a lot of great things, lady. I just wanted to cheer you on :) I will be following suit over here, too!
Yes! You can do it!! I hear you on the extreme … I, personally, don’t think it is extreme, but when I talk to friends and family (and other “normal citizens” 😆), I realize most people today think it is 🤣 But it totally shouldn’t be, and one day soon it will be much more normalized with the way everything is going. Good luck to you on meeting your goals!!
My budget goal is just to live within my income!! I own a big old house and it’s a challenge to afford its upkeep. Am looking to downsize soon but it’s hard to find any affordable properties. Am optimistic that one will turn up eventually.
The housing market will crash like it did in 2007/08 and places will become affordable again
That won’t happen because there isn’t enough inventory for those that need homes. Here in the Phoenix, Arizona area - we have too many people moving here to support the potential chance of homes plummeting in price. Not going to happen as companies are still coming here daily & their employees need a place to live.
I paid off my student loans last year and this year, I paid off my car. I have cut back on a lot of costs and streaming. I buy used stuff and mostly cook. I also have been saving for retirement and down payment on a house. Plus I have an emergency fund of 6 months. Definitely agree to use your community's resources like a library, parks, playgrounds, and free events for entertainment. I cut my own hair and my boyfriend's. Whatever you can do yourself, I do it. We bought certain appliances like a spiralizer, ice cream maker, etc to make our own food and treats. It is do-able to live off $1,000 but it isn't realistic for a lot of people and it requires A LOT OF SACRIFICE. Luckily, I don't have kids yet so that helps and my boyfriend and I split up bills and expenses.
Not a good time to have kids, the world is going crazy,get a puppy or a cat!😊
I think you are fantastic!
You & your husband made really good choices in a difficult situation. And now look, you have paid off land & shelter.
Not many people at your age can say that. That’s a great accomplishment.
And $1000 per month living costs for a family 😮
That’s just awesome.
It really is Awesome!!! I hope to be to that level soon.
@@baus7p?on o😊oppppppp
My husband and I live in London, UK…a completely different lifestyle than yours. But I love watching your videos! When we speak of frugality and sustainability, we are very close to that in our own way (except for not growing our own food and being on-grid). We work 37-38 weeks per year and we can choose how much and what work to take. Each of us works for 4-5 employers and that gives us great flexibility and peace of mind. The 14-15 weeks of holidays (the same for both of us) are ours to enjoy life and replenish our energy. We bought a very modest flat just to avoid the rental market and got a low-cost mortgage. No other debts, no car to maintain and we are saving what we can each month. I love living within or below our means!
FL sucks! I watch @Meatymama and she’s struggling in FL. She said to qualify for a mortgage she’d have to make $145k a year. Even @ $75/yr there’s no affordable homes :( so glad you moved to a better place where your lives are fulfilled.
For entertainment- try old-school dvds! We have a blast collecting them. If you have 5 dollars here you can get 5 dvds. You own them and can watch again and again. Have a trip to the second hand store and make an afternoon out of it. We got our dvd player for 8 dollars second and also. We have fun keeping a list of what we have and it somehow made watching movies feel good again.
I pay less then $1200 for a 3 bed house on an acre mortgage utilitys and all. I have gardens for a fair amount of food. But all in with food car upkeep and everything. I spend less than 1800.00 a month. But I have a house not a camper
Katie you guys are living my best life 😂
Even though I own everything outright, there is homeowners insurance and property tax. Utilities are another big expense. I live where it is HOT, and will not suffer at my age to run the ac less. Absolutely non negotiable. I have cut and scrimped elsewhere, the rescues and I will be comfortable all summer. All 15 of them. I cook for them as well. I don't go to the salon often to get my hair done, gave up manicure appointments every two weeks. Do get a pedicure at least once a month. After a few of my back surgeries, I no longer have the range of motion required to do them myself. So it is a necessity rather than a luxury. No computer, no Internet, no tv. Where I live they are all separate bills and live in reclaimed desert where it is HOT. Could write it all out and I have cut everything to the bare minimum and will not cut anything else. My life is simple and as uncomplicated as one can get. I still work - with dogs. It is fun and great exercise.
Every family should do what is best for them. And not judge others, we don't all want the same things. We are all in different life stages.
But I will toss this out there which I have never seen budgeted in. Hobbies. I have several and I scour garage sales, thrift shops, swap meets, dollar stores for supplies depending what project is on my workbench. I dropped an expensive hobby as I was having health issues with the chemicals. I used to do professional photography which stemned from a high school photography class and turned it into a side business. Between the supplies and rebtyal studios, it tirned more into a thorn in my side rather than a fun creative outlet. So I gave all my supplies to the local Jr. College.
Anything is possible if one learns to budget, when to save, when to splurge. We all make mistakes here and there. Don't beat yourself up over it. Part of the learning curve. So go out there and have a great life! 🌞
I like your videoes and veiws on life sounds like lots of people need your advice
Things are changing for sure. What people have done in the past isn't cutting it now. People who don't start thinking differently will be left behind. Great video!
Yep totally, we can see it happening here in Australia, people are still spending and they put it on their mortgage
I don't find what she's doing unrealistic but it's going to be hard and it's going to be expensive once they start building
It’s just my wife and I, we sold our home in New Jersey. We now live in a one bedroom rented apartment in Texas. With Tte amount of money we were paying in taxes is what we pay of rent in a beautiful property. We would had never seen that money again so it hasn’t been a loss. We are investing our earnings while we are still searching for a piece of land that we can put a fifth wheel while we build to be mortgage and debt free. By the time we are done not only will we have a home thats paid of but we will also have a black we can take where Evers we want for vacation.
You’re a very caring, intelligent lady. Thank you for caring about our frugal community and the excellent content.
Living on $1,000 is impossible for us. Our rent is close to $1,500 a month. Haven’t been able to find anything cheaper.
We also have 0 debt. There is nothing like living debt free
Great advice for living within your means and living on less than you make!😊
Hi great video! Is it legal in Virginia to live in a rv on vacant land? Where I’m at in Ohio zoning prevents that in a lot of counties
That is literally our story. We are doing the same thing. There was a 1976 single wide trailer on the property, we fixed it enough to live in it and taking our time fixing the house thats on the property. Its a very slow process because lumber and other materials are so expensive right now. Keep going and don't give up.
Live within your means and stay out of debt. Are important keys. My dad always said to make it in this world. You only need to learn two things. Learn at least 1 skill trade and hustle for a buck. I learned 6 skill trades during my life so far, as I'm 60 and been hustling for a buck since I was 13. Been debt free since I was 36 and only pay with cash only. I own my home out right, have a large garden with greenhouse. life been good to me.
How do you and your husband make an income?
Love your background!!!!
Hi from Ireland I think your doing an amazing choice and if I could do that here I would living of grid , living a natural life is what we should all look to doing ❤
Same here ! I can’t even surive off that in Ireland and I was blessed get a coubcil home . They fitted them eco heat to air pumps and totally a huge nights and headache ! My weekly bill is €250-270e a week for eletricity!
@@sarahmc8309very expensive
To hell with commenters regarding your health care decisions. You have to do what you have to do and for those that want to go into debt for hellacious overly priced rip off health care programs, all the power to them. Remember, most every politician begins their career on a meek public servant salary but miraculously they all retire multi millionaires.
Yep, all the police I know retire early on medical issues
#1. Politicians make well over $150k/ yr. They have insider trading available to them, that’s how they become millionaires. Not to mention speaking events, book deals, etc.
@@bonniegaither3994Bingo! Insider trading. They know what is going to impact every industry months before anyone else knows. They also know what bills will come to a vote in every industry and what will likely pass based on conversations with their colleagues. All of that knowledge helps greatly when it comes to investments and when to keep them ir dump them. They also vote in favor if industries who promise a job or seat in the board if they ever want one for themselves or a family member. We got here because for the past 45 years our law makers have been getting rid of the laws that protected the public from this kind of corruption. Allowing corporate lobbyists at the capitols was the beginning of the end.
@@bonniegaither3994insider trading us illegal, even for politicians. They make their money screwing us over.
@@bonniegaither3994more like special interest groups giving them money.
Me and my wife have no emergency fund and we work to eat and pay bills I do Firewood and she's a phrimecy technician and we have no money left over
You guys aren't alone!
A grey Toyota Tacoma with a roof top tent passed me today in Ohio by the big basket and I immediately thought of you. Either it was you or a like minded individual.
Not many people know what the big basket is at. Luckily I do. About 60 miles from it. Many people worked at the factory
I live in VA, some people here have purchased those nicer buildings that are brought in, finished them inside, added porches and bathroom. The one I've personally seen is really nice and saved alot of $ but was able to move in fairly quickly.
Mennonite families often own building businesses. They have private backing that let's you rent to own with first, last and delivery. Not all of those buildings are built to code, though. So you have to choose wisely. And I'm sure they don't always have rent to own, either.
Really like what you have to say. You guys have figured it out very well. Very inspiring!
I have no mortgage and is nice so it helps me save some money. I also pay ahead on my water bill. I have paid ahead several months. I also like to try to pay ahead on several of my bills. I watch sales at the grocery store so I stock up. Right now I'm well stocked up that I am just getting fresh produce, milk, eggs and bread (if I buy it)
This is good advice. I think that housing is probably the killer in the budget for most Americans either rent is too high or people dont know how to buy a cheap fixer upper. The key is really to sell your property and use cash to buy the next and all the rest of the budget is small beans compared to that. Sadly people think they need so much just to survive and we really dont , a simple life is a good life.❤
I'm not hating on this but it only works for people who have built up equity in their homes for years. The people who are really struggling are those who weren't able to buy a house when things were somewhat affordable. You have to be pretty wealthy to just "buy" 7 acres of land and build a house on it.
Yeah or have excess before that point!!!!
Just depends on what is important to you. I used to feel stuck financially, but then I remember the story of an older black lady who worked a menial job making under $20,000. And yet, she lived very simply and put most of her money into scholarships to help underprivileged children to go to college. Amazing what she did. Always inspired me.
@@patriciacerwin6266 Ok? lol
Yeah. Like yes on the one hand, most people waste way too much money on things they don't need. But also, it's a very privileged set of people who had bought a home before prices got insane and now have the option to sell and get a large chunk of money to do with as they please.
@@strega_bonnie So most people waste money but prices have not been outpacing incomes? How can that be true when housing doubled in price over 30 years yet median income didn't? Dude numbers tell the story pretty well IMO!!!! No people make too little to afford access to basic services.... Broke is the default!!!
Hi from BC CAN. Our gas went up May 1st to $8.90 a gal this is paying for the gas pipeline across the country. we have a 4bedroom hose on 5 acres ins is $2600 per yr and prop taxes are $4600, we are seniors scaping by, God Bless.
Move to a smaller place cheaper
Cool... If you can do it, If it's for you.. And you're happy... Actually not bored or live in a non eventful life walking around the property. We'll plan on living cheaper but not with Basically nothing... Because we've worked hard with decent degrees for 30 years.. No real debt. still a big hit these last three years... With inflation among other things. Hopefully, people think a little more before they vote this year... Not that either side is great Or ever will be... but wow!
The problem with your “free” health insurance is that somebody pays for that. Me and other taxpayers. I think everyone should contribute something, even if it’s $50/month. Not fair to expect others to pickup your tab. This contributes to taxation that is way out of control.
Our taxes also go to pay for endless wars. A healthy society benefits us directly or indirectly in this country.
The root cause is that health care is so overpriced in the USA. Many countries have universal coverage at a much lower cost.
@@PeterVanDeMotterthose countries also dictate when and what you can have done.
My budget is 1400 per month but 500 of that is health insurance premiums.
I just found your channel and really enjoyed this video, so had to sub. You're doing all of the right things to achieve your home/life goals, and it's amazing!
Most of us live beyond our means. Just learn to live without.
Interested in your Dr Bronner recipe. I have 2 bottles. Trying to use what I have and not purchase anything else. Had forgot I could use it for laundry.
I'm looking for land and going to be doing the same thing. I've been fulltime in my RV for 2+ years. I miss gardening 😂
We have a neighbor who has 2 acres. The only thing on that land is his class A motorhome and a small shed. 6 months a year he’s traveling to warmer areas. The other 6 months he’s here and gardening 👍🏻😊
Traveling with a home base is the best of both worlds 😁
Thank you so much for this video! Your compassion for those struggling was palpable and very touching. My husband and I are trying to sell our house right now so we can do the same thing!
Pay off debt and build as we go!
Love everything about your message. The older I get, the more burdened I feel by managing “stuff.”
You have to admit 1k a month is not realistic for most people due to rent/mortgage. Not everyone wants or is able to camp full time.
She did say that.
ITS A CHOICE
But all kinds of money are given to other countries as "foreign aid".
How are you preparing your food off grid?
Great video. Ignore all those negative Nancy's and just keep doing what you're doing. I have two questions for you. 1- How far away is the nearest grocery store? and 2- What are you using for a toilet since you do not have a way to dispose a black water right now?
Thank you 😊 We are just 5 mins from a grocery store and are using a composting toilet system.
What a great video!! Thank you for sharing because this is one of my goals in life. I'm crippled by student loans at the moment but doing my best to live inside my budget. My neighbor told me she was going to move back to VA after her son graduates HS. She said you can buy land for a great price compared to TN.
Can you get an IBR (Income Based Repayment) plan for your student loans?? I am about the 7th year of a 30 year repayment plan. Once a year, I send in my tax return as source documents & they adjust it as needed, based on the previous year's income!!
We looked at land in both TN and VA. Land in VA is less expensive and can get you closer to a city/amenities. The only land within our budget in TN was RURAL 🙃 Taxes are more expensive in VA, but the cost/value was still in VA for us.
@@kaythegardener Yeah I’m on a payment plan and awaiting the consolidation process. My goal is to not pay them for 25 years. That’s too long!
Starting to think we need to ignore Dave Ramseys boomer advice about a home. I think that real estate is going to change and shift drastically. They’re not making any more land… and they’re not building affordable homes and they get bought by investors anyways. I understand a traditional home is an appreciating asset but my retirement account I can contribute gobs of money to if I’m mortgage free is also an appreciating asset. I am open to alternative living concepts such as RVs, tiny homes, conversions etc. now.
1000%
I don’t blame people for blasting you for your welfare healthcare. You want to be self-sufficient, but that is financially taking out of other people’s paychecks who have their own families to take care of to help support your family.
Before I became eligible for Medicare in NY, I paid $800 a month for AHC after a $400 a month subsidy. My Medicare Advantage plan is $65 a month now. My cost for a $100,000 surgery was capped at $2,000 with current plan. This is better than when I was working full time.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing your interesting story. ... you kinda sound like my grandma's generation who went through the depression. 😉
Ha am thinking of doing something similar. Wanna grab a bit of land maybe .5 to 2 acres clear is set bare basic legal living area along with a few satellite structures like shed and auxiliary building to do stuff in and maybe a workshop. Am currently saving till I get to 50k before I start looking more into things since I figure 100k plus is more likely how much a lot of this would cost over the longer term and don't wanna borrow 100 percent on land and structures. How was your experience in buying and making land livable? Like how much money you think would be advisable or at least doable. I love mint also been there for years and have minimal debt been paying all my student loans off and live well below my means.
Wi-Fi at public places isn’t secure, so I’d rather use a mine. But I agree you can reduce your bills. I happy to say I’m not an average person either. I have used and still used debt. I use my credit cards but I make sure to pay them off each month and I don’t have 10-15 cards! I do buy on sales, I go to thrift stores but I still buy new clothes for my grandkids.
How do you get water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc? Is that part of your grocery budget or do you find free resources?
We have free resources 😁 There is a spring less than a mile from our home that a lot of people in the area use to collect amazing drinking water. There is also city water available at a local park. We are finishing up a water catchment system today that will hold 200+ gallons… and rain is in the forecast for this weekend 🤞
@@raisingwildflowers That's great! You and your husband are so clever with finding practical & frugal solutions. Thanks for another interesting video!
I love your channel name. The statistics are astounding to me. I would have to say we are in the same boat. But with Budgeting, we are starting to dig ourselves out and make severe changes. Love this video.
You might enjoy the British couple whose channel is called home is where our heart is. They have a similar free vibe living Thier life to suit Thier family
Excellent Wonderful
GOOD for you
I will be following
This is like saying you only spend $100 at the grocery store each week and buying in bulk every few months on toiletries/dry goods and not including that in.
I spend maybe $100 every 6 months on my bulk items. So less than $20/month if you want to factor that in to my grocery budget.
You are so inspiring. Wish I could be more like you (and I am 68 years old lol).
Another great video. You are very smart and give great ideas and encouragement for others who need to live on a tight budget. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you 😊
Love your story. Wish I could move. But for many reasons this would not be the best choice for myself and my children.
I'm considered " middle class." I had an unforseen medical procedure done today and will probably be meeting the $7000 deductable. The deductable is in addition too $310 a month. 😢
My plan was to pay off my car this year with the extra money in my income, so much for that plan.
Hence, I'm here trying to figure out how to live of the basics this year.
Your video is motivating. The only change I can really make in my budget is stop eating out. But I don't want to give up pizza Friday's, it's a tradition my kids and I enjoy. I work full time so cooking pizza from scratch is not my idea if unwinding on Fridays lol
I will probably take a look at your food money saving videos. I'm a little hesitant. Things are just so expensive in California. Idk why I'm surrounded by orchards and cattle.
Keep posting please ❤
Ive stopped consuming stuff.
I have a lot of cash under the mattress.
I think you stretched yourself as far as possible. More income may be needed.
Yes but they will have to work not you tube
Looks as though their needs are being met.
@@amydecker6207As just existing, not living.
Did she mention her specific income? I may have missed it. I vaguely remember near the start of the video she alluded to these expenses don’t have to go up, even if her income goes up. She may have mentioned her income in another video that I haven’t seen. Having a good cash flow is the idea, and if she can keep her expenses down and not fall victim to lifestyle inflation as her income goes up, she can achieve a good cash flow.
@zxx984 We literally just went on a 2-month long road trip across the country. We now are on this beautiful property building our dream life while enjoying the local culture and all the nature of the mountains. We are definitely not just existing 😂 Thats what we were doing when we clocked in and clocked out everyday for someone’s benefit to pay for things we didn’t need.
Great video. How many people does your family consist of?
Please be so kind as to share your recipes for cleaning products you're currently using, in particular dish soap and laundry detergent. Thank you. I look forward to your reply.
Sahm with no job, soon to be single mom
grocery budget is $1000, gonna try to reduce to $300 while pregnant lol. Ive never received food stamps before but in my case i shld sign up
Please sign up and ask about WIC during the process. Sending prayers. 💜
And, don’t cut him any slack on child support!
Illegals people can get free food stamps, healthcare, you can too apply ASAP.
Are you able to put up washing lines on the property now? I don’t know what is allowed at what time…..
just thinking if you can take the laundry and get it washed but bring it back to dry and save on the dryer costs , just a suggestion… no judgment from me I love what you are and love everything lol there will be people that did agree but as you say it’s coz we are so used to livening as we do not how we could.
Great information and wonderfully organized and presented - thank you.
We are thinking about switching to Mint mobile. What kind of phone do you have? Your videos are so clear. We would like to get something similar. Thanks.
I have an iPhone 11 😊
@@raisingwildflowers Thanks so much
Me and my spouse are living on 1400.00.
YOU MAKE TONS SENSE IVE INTUITIVE ALWAYS LIVED BELOW MY MEANS ITS SANE SAFE WISE
AWESOME JOB! We are buying NOTHING right now, everything is so expensive!
I get good ideas from you about frugal living…I’m looking for a well maintained used compact car. Would you search private parties or buy from a dealer who tend to be more expensive.
Where do I get that budget notebook?( nevermind) it’s listed to buy.
How many years do you think it will take to complete your house, water system , everything else you need? Have you calculated roughly how much it will cost?
I love what you’re doing, and I applaud your tenacity. It takes a great deal of awareness, self-reflection, and a kind of revolutionary clarity of focus on your true values. I would encourage all young, strong, healthy people to seek this level of financial independence’.
But it starts with Capital.-the underlying wealth that several commenters have also mentioned -having the economic power to purchase a house /real estate and having the good fortune of that asset appreciating in value, then turning that equity into seed money to launch a new life off the hamster wheel of indebtedness and work.
Very unique circumstances. Our health insurance alone is over $800.
Just stop working and you can go on welfare like this lady. I’m sure she gets food stamps and puts her kids on the Medicaid system. But hey they’re “self sufficient” on the taxpayers’ dime. 😂
How do you get water and electricity to the RV?
Can you give me some lower cost areas in Virginia to purchase a small house?
Not sure we could go to that extreme but our home is paid off so our living expenses are low. Good sound advice.
I feel like these studies about poor people never really touch on how many people are on Disability now. I got sick and had to live on my savings for months.
I went from making nearly $60,000 a year to no income at all with my savings dwindling. I now have to figure out how to live on about $400 a month after rent and utilities.
You are being totally unrealistic saying you live on $1000.00. I have had my property paid off since I was 37 years old and there are always expenses. Once you stop living in the trailer your expenses will sky rocket and taxes will go up. In the dead of winter are you going to be hauling water driving to the laundrymart and paying for gas. 5 people in a trailer is a bit much especially when the weather changes. Right now you are on the honeymoon period with good weather and the novelty of 7 acres. A well will have to be dug and hydro brought in. Solar is not cheap either. Everything you sold will have to be replaced plus outdoor equipment like riding lawn mowers and snow plows to get out. The neighbors are not going to loan your their equipment after working out all day to pay for this. Buying property on a hill is hardy to get out of in winter. What about a septic? We just had ours pumped out and it cost $452.00 which was twice as much as 4 years ago. What about wood heat or propane? Wood has to be dried out for 2 years to heat with. 7 acres not all wood will never sustain you. The price of lumber is very expensive and has to be milled. I have lived this life for 36 years and one of you will have to get a real job to survive. In canada this would never be allowed because you have to have a building permit and a set time your house will be built. Good luck because it think you are going to need it.
You weren’t listening. She budgets $1k for basic living expenses. Thats less than their income.
This is la la land you are so right
You wonder if her grown daughters can't wait to get ou
You're being very negative. I doubt they plan on doing this forever. Its a way to help transition to a better way of living.
A lot of what you think are necessities are actually luxuries. My property doesn't require a riding lawnmower, for example. Hiw about you just take what you can from the video and move on.
@@lindawilson8434maybe she has daughters that aren't spoiled bears and actually care about their family. This is temporary. You need to move on because youre just trying to complain instead of learn.
@@kallioperobling3359 I am just being realistic because I am from the 70's back to the land movement and have lived this life with young kids. Once you start building your money will go. 7 acres of grass to cut with a gas lawn mower will take you most of the day. You can't rely on and live on youtube money. Sorry I am not a Pollyanna with rose colored glasses but am a retired senior who owns a 300 acre farm. Once the building starts they will realize how expensive everything is now compared to what it was years ago. I do admire Katie and her husband seems very capable of doing things.
You are very good at budgeting Weldone ⭐️⭐️🌹🌹
Great info.
I do not have big debts, probably $900 , I cook meals at home. I was earning a middle class salary, not anymore. I make way much less but I am much happier and healthy. Health is priceless. It is not worth making so much money when you put your health at risk by not having time to go for check ups etc...
So now with my new income, I realized my son school will be paid, rent and food it covers all . We do not need much, we do not need luxuries.
You are so correct. I spent years in very physical jobs and incurred injuries. I continued to work after multiple surgeries and even went back to work three days after giving birth. All I kept thinking is I have to keep a roof over our heads and continued to push and now I am struggling to physically do daily things. It is not worth it the stress takes its toll as well😢
Someone has to pay for YOUR “subsidized” healthcare. So that’s BS!
I know it is irritating to see these budget vids only to find out that it is impossible to copy unless you are getting gov bennies. I wish it were disclosed in the title.
Don’t blame her, blame the government.
What are you using for electricity? Just solar? Do you have outdoor shower? Not sure how you did that in the winter? Maybe not as cold there as it is in Kansas in the winter
We have some solar stuff … a portable solar battery charger and some solar lights. And we built an outdoor shower with an on-demand hot water heater (propane). We will need more electricity/solar and a different shower set up before winter … it does get cold here 😆
Yep, work in healthcare and believe it or not. My health insurance is sky high even if I go to the same facility it’s so sad taking care of patients, but can’t take care of my self because of the high sick may be better to just make money and go on Medicaid.
Sooo Smart. Well done. It will pay off in spades. Great job!
What a beautiful little budget planner!❤
So what your saying is you show very little income because both of you dont work much of coarse you have YT income but it must not be a lot if you have zero co pays which means your on Medicaid and child health plus... they only ask to see paystubs if I remember correctly because unless you put your money that you made off your house I can guarantee you wouldnt be getting free health insurance. I have made angry comments to you about this directly but honestly I bow down to you n apologize because this is the smartest move anyone can make right now!
95 billion package from our government for overseas expenses or who knows what anymore..yet here in America people get mad when we play the system a bit just to get a leg up..
My neighbor tried to talk me down on taken a stimulus check and what did I do with it..build me a damn fine driveway with it. Yup thank you American people for it..oh waite did I pay for for working since I was 18 years old and paying in and still employed..
Why can't they pay?
@@fgonzalez78959and your fine driveway will make the tax man come knocking. but a fine driveway is a real blessing.
The ACA insurance goes based on your income when you file taxes. So it depends on what they file. But it also depends on which state they live in and whether or not that state expanded Medicaid. But remember they also have 3 children. So their family size will factor in as well. And she has said how the older 2 get coverage due to their bio dads not providing any support.
So your comment isn’t really justified unless you think they are lying and fraud if they’re taxes, which I doubt they are. You’re just not thinking about all the factors (which state, income amount, size of the family, etc) go into determining whether or not they would get subsidies through ACA.
@@nicoleg7194 ~I’m full aware of how it works in my state,..however, I do believe they bring in very little money that shows as far as their income tax.., side hustles give cash tips, they have bartered too..all of this can hide income or trade fir services..and they may not even be married which would qualify her for many freebies,.WE only know what she tells us…I was under the impression that they weren’t struggling when her husband lost his job because she said this is how we live on x amount each month and how they had savings, how they just did side hustles..so it makes me question how much is truthful…