I quit dying my hair in 2020. $125.00 every 6 weeks was just ridiculous. I just let it go natural silver and curly and super long. So much of a $ saver and I get compliments on it all the time.
@@raisingwildflowers it’s better to live a frugal life rather than stay in debt. You have done a very wise thing as you anticipated that you will not be able to keep up with the increasing cost of living
Girl, living debt free in a camper is nothing to be ashamed of. For real. I’m listening to Dave a Ramsey calls where people are so over extended and broke they are returning their groceries to Costco. I think your family is doing great.
Finally a young smart American, that hasn't been brain washed, you go girl!!! And you don't need all of those beauty products, you have a natural beauty!!
@@raisingwildflowersI didn't have running water growing up and our food was always Day old now that I am grown I love taking a long hot shower and just flushing A toilet And eating good food
The older I get the more I wish I had done this when I was your age. Stuff is just stuff and we spend our lives attaining it. You are rich for learning this at a younger age. Live for you and not for others❤
My parents and grandparents lived what people call off grid these days, for them it was a way of life. They didn't own any modern convinces like tv's, microwaves, etc and drove old beat up trucks that was held together by baling wire . My mom was one of 12 children and I'm one of 11. Our gardens were huge, and worked by mules and a hoe. They even dug their own wells, shallow wells around 60 ft deep,but they provided water for everything. Mom washed our clothes in a #2 wash tub and rinsed them in another #2 tub., we also bathed in those same tubs and drew the water from the well with a rope and bucket. Mom had a peddle operated sewing machine and made all our clothes except the boys jeans. She was up at 4 am seven days a week and everyone went to bed when the chickens went to roost. We had a wood burning stove that was used year round for cooking meals. When daddy bought seed potatoes, he bought them in 50 lb bags because they were to carry a large family for a yr. Just our potatoes took a 1/2 acre, plus we grew corn, cow peas , butter beans, turnips, collards, mustard, sweet potatoes, okra , squash and I'm sure I've left something out. We had lots of nut and fruit trees. Momma never used a pressure canner, but she canned so many things. Our shopping list was flour, corn meal(unless daddy took corn to the grismill) coffee, tea, salt, sugar, washing powder, Clorox, and talcum powder for the baby. We raised our own meat and our grease came from pig fat. We had the cutest dresses to wear to school, but because they didn't have a tag we were looked down on by kids whose parents bought their clothes in town. Our clothes were prettier than anything they bought from the store. When my dad passed away he didn't leave a mountain of debt for my mom to worry about. It was a much more simple life and we had a lot of fun playing in the woods, creeks and fields, hardly ever had anyone sick in the family, but a few broken arms from falling out of trees or something silly we did to ourselves. A cast on for about 6 weeks and we were out doing the same silly things again.
There is no benefit to conforming to a sick, unhappy society. We are very similar to your family. We are in a single wide on 18 acres. No debt, no limitations. 100% happy. Good for you!
Actually surviving on less than $200 per month and growing own vegetables and only purchase meat 6 times per year. I drink water and use wild berries for flavor also marked down fruit and vegetables is so much easier than keeping up with trends
I've never been into things like fancy clothes, cars, etc. Having a bunch of stuff around me makes me unhappy. Always liked the idea of being able to throw everything I own in the back of my car and taking off whenever I feel like it. No burning desire to be rich, just able to meet our needs, help others when I can and enjoy life with firends and family.
Agreed. No facials, no expensive hair products, no expensive makeup. (No makeup because i am allergic to it.) I'm to cheap to spend my money of any of that stuff. Im tooo cheap!!! And proud of it.
That Henry David Thoreau quote is one of my favorites. Heres another for you... The only way to deal with an unfree world is to get so free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. ---Albert Camus. Good Luck!!
Wow! If you weren't married, I weren't married, and I wasn't 66 years old I'd be in love !!! Congratulations to you and, your hubby! Keep those priorities straight. Y'all are doing great!
I work for the government. My director is incredibly toxic. I’m going to sell my house and move to 1000-1200 sq ft home in Mississippi. Back to my roots. I always felt like I needed to retire from the government but I’m so unhappy. I’ll find me a remote job making less money with no debt and I know I’ll be happier. I want to be free.
The FIRE plan is ideal. As a woman, I share the responsibilities I have toward my family and how that is what God has for me, and that makes men run away. If I didn't have to work, I'd just be tending to my older and disabled family members. I still do but I'd be able to give them more time. I pray that working is for a season, and one day I don't have to work a traditional job.
Nice video. That's close to my budget. I'm 77 on Social Security. I save around $1,100 a month (out of $1,744 income). Love my 25 year old minivan and 100 year old house. Sold my really nice house for more than I expected and bought this one 20 years ago, that was built by a Bootlegger during the Great Depression in 1/3 acre. The money I save usually goes to upgrades to the house and a separte cottage (former horseless carriage, dance hall, gambling casino), now a very pretty cottage/art studio. Eat well and have all I need. When I was working I wasted too much money.
Vanlife taught me so much about the value of "stuff" and "things" and extreme limited space. This has carried over easily to an off-grid micro-tiny 10x12 well insulated and professionally custom-built home with no frills. It gives me a 360 view of the beauty of the forest in which I live. It's easy to heat and to keep cool, and using a compost toilet and hauling water has become second nature through the years. I dont feel the struggle like most do without the stress and worry over rising out-of-control rents, utilities, taxes, insurances, and essentials like gas & and groceries. I've never been happier at 65 years old! People who feel "stuck" right now need to educate themselves about alternative lifestyles because the old paradigm IS NOT SUSTAINABLE!
I’m going into Fall of 2024 on a 1000$ a month budget. Not easy, it was my choice so I could homeschool my kids and make it happen. I’m grateful I am debt free and can do it. Love your channel. Happy to find my “tribe” even if only virtually!
Impressive! I'm a single senior with a paid off house and paid off cars and I live fairly simple on ~ $1,400 a month. I'm conservative and definitely not extravagant, but I guess I could use some lessons on being more frugal! I cut my own hair, do all my own car service, no cable or streaming, basic cell and Internet service, low utilities (no a/c in Texas!), low homestead property tax ($530 yearly), no alcohol, smaller 864 sq. ft. prairie ranch house with an attached 624 sq. ft. garage/shop, no pets or animals.
@@LisaGray1000 Frugal doesn't mean living poorly, next week I'll be starting a three state sight seeing and visiting friends and family road trip. I just don't like to spend wastefully or mindlessly. I'll spend money on some things during the road trip that I normally don't buy - but I won't be buying souvenirs or trinkets. Those things I'm not spending money on are just not that important to me, or not the way I want to spend my time. Cutting my own hair saves time - I'm not driving to a barbershop or solon and waiting for my turn - plus I can do quick trims when needed and always look my best. I like to do my own car service because I think I do a better job than most quick lane shops and it gives me a chance to inspect everything and do preventative work - it also saves me a lot of down time because my car doesn't have to wait for days for repairs like in most shops. I don't watch much T.V. anymore, and most movies are geared towards teenagers and I have no interest in multi players online games. I do have a window A/C that I will use if I'm not feeling well, I do enjoy A/C when I go out for dinner, I like to use dinner time to get out of my house; I usually spend ~ $180 to $270 a month on eating out , I do look for the specials and senior discounts. I also enjoy A/C when I go shopping. Most of the time I just open windows for a breeze, I feel that it is important to acclimate yourself to warm weather so that you can still enjoy outdoor activities even when it gets Texas hot. I like to putter in my yard, I usually wait to do that later in the day when there is less direct sunlight. I don't buy any beer or alcohol because I prefer different flavored drinks or water - which is interesting because I once owned a bar even though I'm not really a drinker. I'm out of my house all the time, so until that changes I don't want to have animals that would need attention while I'm not home. I think I like modestly and decently. If I had more money it wouldn't much change what I do - but I would just be more deluxe, like staying in nicer hotels when traveling and driving a newer car.
I wanted to do that after graduating school in '84. I was told I would be disowned, not accepted, and never able to come home!!! I wish i would have done it. I would be so much more happier!!!
Wow sorry to hear that. Carpe dime even now if you still want there. There are those who don't like to stretch and try. Doesn't have to be put on you (presumably the son). Sigh
Our monthly expenses are ridiculous and it causes me stress all the time. Thank you for speaking up about caring for animals. They are more important than just providing a product.
You have to understand, most people aren't ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they'll fight to protect it.😛
Nothing to be ashamed living in a camper. When I retired 9 years ago, I bought and paid cash for a used 5th wheel trailer that I live in today. I'm debt free and live on my $900 a month Social Security. I'm happy and totally content. I too cook all my meals from scratch and I don't waste money eating out or having food delivered. I do my dishes by hand and hang my laundry outside to dry. I only shop the outer aisles at the grocery. I don't by junk food or processed food. I make my dogs food as well. He has never eaten commercial dog food. He'10 years old and super healthy. So, I think you are doing a great job and super smart in all you've accomplished. Keep up the good work!!!!
Where do you park your 5th wheel do you have land and are off grid or are you connected to water and electric? I am considering this a 5th wheel but wondering where to put it
@@TraceyBergum I live full-time in an RV park. I have full hookups. I love this park I'm in. I'm in the mountains in Colorado at about 9,000 ft. Surrounding me is National Forest where my dog and I go hiking a lot in the spring, summer, and fall. The closest city to me is about 30 minutes away but I seldom go there. All I need, I can get in the small town about 3 miles from me. Park rent is a lot higher in big towns so I suggest you look for full-time parks more rural. I paid $7,000 for my unit. It's a 2001 model. I have 3 slides. It's 8x35 when slides are in. Some parks want newer units, but there are ones, like mine, that will take some older ones as long as they are in good shape and look good. Just make sure the roof is in good shape and never leaked, the water heater has been maintained, and the furnace is in good working condition. When living full-time, you will want to skirt your unit, not only for looks, but helps keep it warmer in the winter. Hope this helps.
@@kenyonbissett3512because my income is below the poverty level, I qualified for food stamps, medicade, and the State covers my Medicare. Check with your local social services to see if you qualify for anything. Best wishes.
I am very impressed by everything you and your family do for the best of your family. Being debt free is an awesome thing and unfortunately, I didn't learn that until my late 40s. I'm now 52 and am still new to budgeting, savings, long term investing and being frugal (as well as debt free). Great video!
Wise beyond your years!! Living a very fulfilling life by not falling into the consumerism instilled life that so many do and teaching your children valuable life lessons!! The family time spent together are what children really need and what they will hold most dear as they grow. Love your channel 🤩🌟💫
As a single homeschooling momma, who lives in a camper, babysits and works in a nursery. So i can spend as much time withy kids and help others grow while keeping everyone safe. I really find your vixeo refreshing. I am simliar! I live off about $800 a month! We are simple i love it
When I was born went home from hosp to a tent..lived in a couple of tin sheds and caravans till my father built our beautiful home out of home made bricks.and what a wonderful childhood we had..
So, I am probably old enough to be your mom and let me tell you something......You are living the lifestyle I have taught and preached to my kids. Living debt free is not as hard as people make it out to be. If you understand money and know how and were you want to spend it anything is possible. I am turning 59 this year and we are starting out world tour because retiring before 60 and travel was our goal and what we saved for. (oh I have always used the same soap as you and castor oil as a moisturizer)
Love seeing Falcon and the furbabies. Y’all are being smart , not like a lot of folks these days, in this consumer world. Love your being intentional with your spending.
I LOVE it when you share your budget. Thank you! Your cell phone bill is great! I am paying $260.00 ish for 5 lines a month! And it’s with AT&T. It’s killing me! I do enjoy hearing about your perspective on life. So beautiful! Wish I was your neighbor. 😃
I am the same. So many people around me say that going into debt for school is an investment etc. Not to me. Not to me…I want to avoid debt like the plague.
Love seeing your precious baby boy, man he is growing!! It’s crazy seeing how much he is growing since he was born and so smart! Love that you rescue animals, never change ❤ you all have big hearts and the world needs more of that ❤and I love your lifestyle!
Right there with ya. Moved out of Portland Oregon and built a school bus conversion while working at a KOA campground. We spend the winter living on BLM desert in Az and work in town. Summer allows us to slow travel and work seasonal jobs. We have 3 kids homeschooling. Solar on our bus roof. Propane to cook all our meals is 50$ a year. Rv insurance is 500 a year. Living simple and boring is the best. Most of all our kids are complimented by so many people and that is what we are proudest of. Good on you.
Less than a year ago, we fixed up and sold our Denver home for twice what we paid for it. Then we put an offer for exactly what we made on 40 acres with a shell of a mobile home. We slapped it together just in time for winter. We're struggling to get a homestead off the ground, but it's so much better than the $230,000 we still owed on our mortgage. Living the dream!
A thoroughly enjoyable and common sense based video. Sounds like you are doing all the right things for the right reasons. And enjoying and learning whilst doing so! Thanks for sharing. More please!
I really admire you and your family for your values and your commitment to live by them. You are a wise woman and you are giving your children the greatest gift there is, knowing what is really important in life.❤
Bravo!! This is certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family and the world. Keep making videos. Your message is an important one. I’m so happy I found you.
I love this! We are right now fixing up a very old 800sq ft house without any plumbing or electricity, it will only cost about $10k to fix up and we’re selling my husband’s motorcycle to fund a lot of that. And then we’ll move there and sell our current house, which is a fixer upper. It’s a fun idea to go live off grid, but it’s mostly so we can pay off all our debt and build our forever home (which will also be small by today’s standards) debt free (which will honestly take a few years to finish). We’re very motivated to live a debt free life. Our plan is to pay off about $300k in debt within 4 years.
I thunk you would be interested in the channel Prepper Princess. She shares how she lives on very little money, below the poverty line) and how she does it. She is actually a millionaire and does this.
Debt free here. We go out to eat one time per year (zero takeout), meal plan and cook at home, cut our own hair, have 20 year old cars, and “vacation” off grid. We lack nothing. You are 💯 correct that it’s a mindset.
From an early age I planned to and eventually lived this life style, but I could not find a woman that also wanted to live that way. You are a rare Jem that are few and far between, world wide. And congratulations on your results.
Through unfortunate circumstances, I have learned to be frugal and doing without. It’s just me and 2 little dogs. But, I no longer worry about or try to figure out what to do. Prayer and specifically Mathew 6: 25 has my answer and Carrie’s me daily. I pray you find the same truth!
I'm 28 and my girlfriend is 25 we have 3 kids. Preach!!!!! You are teaching more than yourselves. We here you talk about how you were stressed at first and figuring out what to do. WE ARE THERE! Just know we are watching and hoping to make the sacrifices and live a free life together. Something either one of us had in our families. Thank you for doing this really. Your getting the wheels turning!
I love everything you said about animals and pretty much everything else. Thank you so much for being the positive example this world needs especially with other life around us. Many people suck sooooo bad but seeing someone who has compassion and empathy is refreshing ❤
Well said! I have steadily been trying to live a frugal lifestyle. Baby steps but Taking action(That first Step) is the most important. Congratulations on the purchase of your homestead and the Life YOU have chosen to live.
A person needs to get living on 50% income and saving/investing the rest as quickly as they can. Young and have no idea how prices change. In 1976 when I was 21 a Big Mac & fries was $1.20 now price is $9.79. Dollar stores were called five & dimes because things were 5 or 10 cents. I could live on $10k a year, the same lifestyle now cost $70k and only because I don't have a car payment, would need to add another $10k if I had a new car + insurance. Plan for $10 million retirement fund in 40 years if you want to maintain same lifestyle and eat that $80 Big Mack & Fries 40 years from now. When I was young I didn't understand why grandma was eating cat food on a cracker, now I do.
Magnificient! Getting out of debt should everyones goal. It is strange how we as Americans have been duped into believing we need charge up debt. We buy alot of things we don't need with that plastic. We agree whole heartedly about you managing your budget and lifestyle. You must be doing your laundry for free. With just my husband and doing laundry twice a month it is around $30. Building your own home will be fun. It looks like you have a wooded lot. If so, may I suggest getting a saw mill. You can save alot of money milling your own lumber. Not knowing how many children you have may I suggest you not build under 500 sq. Ft.. We live in a little than 600 sq. ft. and it is doable, but tight. Good video!
We live the same way, I don't understand why people think this is so strange or difficult lol. We have 3 kids, 3 horses, 4 giant dogs and a whole farm and live on less than 1200 a month. With the exception of one prepaid secured credit card with a $300 limit we have no debt
I find it all inspiring. I find it to be a wholesome, intentional life. My family and I are also working toward this. (we also Home educates) I like channels like this prepper princess, Homestead Tessie. Great big picture thinking with the details to get there.
I am not living off grid, but I was taught at a young age about living within your means and not using debt and I agree completely with you. I have used these two principles to live on about 25% of my take home pay in the Midwest US. I buy everything in cash. It is amazing how little you need when you don't owe anybody a cent! Contentment has a lot to do with it too. Everyone's situation looks different- not everyone will be off grid or live on such a low percentage of their income- but everyone can start with contentment and see where it leads. I also love your point about how living within in your means does not mean deprivation, which is a comment I get a lot. I am able to do what I want with my money because I can spend my money on things that matter to me instead of my finances being dictated by my creditors.
Yea!! I cant wait to slow down aging. No one thinks about how much of a stress of debt has a huge toll on your sleep, skin, cell turnover, overall my health tanked, and so did my joy. I began looking & feeling worn out, and so im not aging the best. Im not fighting age, but the stress of not being financially secure is fighting me. Thanks for bringing to light that huge market of our culture for anti aging products!!
I had so many health problems when I was working, not the stress of the work, it was the building. The excessive dust and mold got me asthma and bronchitis/pneumonia 👻 frequently. After I retired 95% of my asthma and lung issues disappeared. I actually get to breathe now, literally.
My kids spent alot of yrs bud top MT Yaak and Kootenais River. No electric. Mile half up old logging road . Had huge garden. No body so broken wish i could get stronger. Listdning to frequencies talk to Jesus praying 14 yr chronic lyme 10 breaks in back. You guys blessed
