A Pond Update for August 2023 and a discussion about how much this has cost us to build. Referenced in this video is Van Neistat. He has a great RU-vid channel: / @vanneistat @vanneistat
Neil, this what the best positive rebuttal to all the haters. It’s sad they were never taught how to handle money and the difference between want vs. need.
Well done sir. I love that quote 💜 “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His face on you and give you peace.” ( Numbers 6:24-26) …… PS Y’all - Handy men? Are sexy men. 👍🏻
Very well said. We try to do everything we can ourselves and we also have raised our children the same way. Work hard, save money and only buy what is needed, then with the money saved up you can then afford something that you want. Country life is the best life.
Haters gonna hate, Neil. Like most successful people, you worked hard, didn't spend beyond your means, and you worked hard! Love the content! Come fix our pond! Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!
If only we could get the other 3/4 of the country to live within your means, things would be alot better. The average American is carrying over $6K on their credit card.
"The debt we owe our parents, we pay unto our children". I've never heard that expression before, and I just teared up. So true, and loving. ❤ I'm going to live that.
All those negative comments are from people who would've gone into debt $70,000 having someone else put in their pool. Doubtful they'd have your skills and perseverance! Your channel is like a breath of fresh air. I feel so encouraged seeing you and your whole family!!
Neil, I never comment on RU-vid videos, but wanted to here. I found your channel a month ago with the viral pond build video. But what caused me to subscribe and then watch dozens of your videos since then is a down-to-earth work ethic, and a real talent for telling great stories. The life you show is familiar, nostalgic, and something I recognize and very much respect. I am in my mid 40s, grew up on a farm in NW Ohio, not far from you. I am also a creative guy who was raised to work hard. I now own a marketing agency and I really respect what you're doing. Fwiw, I'm also a big fan of Van Neistat and you have the same gift he does for telling stories... You are another "spirited man," as he says. 😊 I know it's tough to see it, but I pray that you don't let those haters rattle you. Your content is special because it's authentic. All of us subscribers see it, and the haters will only crop up occasionally, when a video goes viral. But they aren't your people, and they can't see who you are because it's not familiar to them. Keep going! You are just getting started, and you're doing great. Thank you for creating really inspiring content.
Great to hear from a fellow Spirited Man. Thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time to comment. It means a lot hearing from new viewers too.
WOW! thanks for writing this comment Jeremy, I truly have never written one myself or even bothered to read comments, but after watching this video I decided to. As I looked where to comment yours had just been posted.. so I read it.. 2, 1st's for me in youtube since youtube began. Ironically everything I wanted to say you said for me. We are worlds apart (im on a farmlet down under in New Zealand) yet I share the same sentiment and values as yourself and the family that made this video >.... Oh and I cut trees down, milled my own lumber designed and built my family a home... and dug myself a similar size pond.. real nice people, wholesome content and brilliant videos from digdrivediy ''😇God bless ya all''
I've been married for 26 years and we started out with little to nothing. A lot of people don't realize that it takes time to build a life. I think you guys have done a fantastic job and should be an inspiration to all of us.
When my dad died he had a card on his desk that said.... "Want what you have and you will always have what you want!" Thanks for insight into your family, a family to be proud of.
Oh it must be nice… ( waking up at 5am, working 7 days a week, working as many side jobs as you can get, being a good dad and husband, trying to avoid debt. I’ve been to the rich guy funeral and the poor guy funeral. The poor guy was standing room only, lines all the way up the street! That should tell you something!) Your channel is the most genuine on RU-vid. Keep up the good work !
One of my extended family suddenly died. We all knew he was well loved, and the soul of charity, incapable of seeing someone in need without trying to get them help. But none of us except his wife had ANY idea of the real extent of that. The largest reception rooms in the city were too small for the number of people who wanted to pay their respects, it was so amazing to see. And person after person stood and spoke about how Peter had helped them. He must have touched hundreds of families.
So somehow being rich is bad and wrong and it makes you a bad person? I was abandoned at birth by a drug addicted mother. The family I was adopted by was in their 40s. The man I call dad dropped out of school at 9 in 1935 to work full time. He joined the Corp and served as a jarhead in the war in the pacific. Came back and worked 47 years. He told me that if you finish high school and join the military, you can get free college. So I did. When I graduated I told him I was nervous with my new family to support. My dad told me that with the desire to work hard, be smart and work hard to get ahead, you literally cannot fail. At 40 I tired of California and moved to rural New Mexico. With the equity I had in my Cali house, I bought a simple small house and went back to college. I finished college at 43. With a degree in nursing. I have never owned a new car. I don't see a reason to buy a car that loses 30 percent of its value in one year. I buy hertz used vehicles. 18 months old, 20000 miles and half the price. If you are working 7 days a week and not secure financially, you should talk to someone that can look over your budget and give suggestions.
The hertz cars were actually a real bargain in the 1980s, the company used to really maintain them right up to the last, they were value for money. @@timschiechl2233
"It must be nice..." is one of the most infuriating statements someone who works hard has to hear from people who have only seen the result of that hard work.
Totally agree with you James. It’s something that is not taught in schools, well definitely not here in the UK, and really should be taught everywhere. This sort of content should be a basic foundation for schools worldwide. Perhaps we would all get on a lot better.
Neil, you don’t owe anyone anything and certainly not an explanation about how you live your life. Your gracious explanation speaks volumes about you as an individual and what’s in your heart. We’re all here to follow you and your family on this journey. If we are lucky, you’ll keep sharing it with us.
As a father of 3, a DIY hobbyist with professional trade skill, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this video. You can provide for your kids a great life with some planning, budgeting, and hard work!
I'm sorry that you feel the need to explain yourself to people to whom you owe nothing. For those few people that leave mean comments, there are lots more of us who really enjoy your videos and love seeing you do what you love to do. I hope you don't let that negativity discourage you at all. Thank you for the update and I can't wait to see you in the next one! Fellow Hoosier 🌽
I was scratching my head, trying to figure out why you were trimming the edge of the popcorn bag at the beginning. Then, you enlightened us all. I type this comment sitting on my free, broken stool that I picked up on the side of the road and since repaired. And, tomorrow, I'll cut my grass with my lawn mower (which was also broken and sitting out for garbage). Great outlook on life, that SO MANY today are seriously lacking. Thanks!!
‘Life is easier when people work together. ‘ I lived in small towns and big cities and it is true in both locations. Division and the feeling of isolation is a big part of the problem today. People also need to live within their means.
Wonderful, the fact that the opening could be your response to all those jealous and envious people talking shit with no clue on your situation or life is fantastic. So quick to judge what they see because they don’t have it or are too afraid to go get it. You and your family are awesome 🤜🏼🤛🏼 I hope you make a ton of money and sponsorships from your channel, you guys deserve it.
Hi Niel, my name is Finn and I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is in northern Europe, just north of Germany. I thought you are doing the right thing, you work hard every day to provide for your family so they have a roof over their head and food on the table. You are a man with great energy who, in addition to providing for your family, has the energy to also help your friends as they help you. What you have done in your garden is really nice, what the price is none of anyone else's business. The gain you have made, in your family's happiness, exceeds all the bills that have been incurred on your little DIY project. Congratulations on your lake, I hope you enjoy it very much. Best regards. Finn Denmark PS I am dyslexic, so this is written on and assisted by Google translate. And I apologize for any grammatical errors.
Your example of hard work, independence, initiative, family focus, and love is truly inspiring. I’m just a city boy but I’d like to think your values are still shared by most folks out there. Stay strong and ignore the small minds.
I looked this video a lot because it’s a cool idea for a great farm. It would be an amazing place to swim and enjoy. I can’t wait to see the finished project.
"Spend some time living like most people won't, so you can then enjoy many years living like most people can't." Speaking as an entreprenuer, I understand all that it takes to become successful from the ground up. Thank you for being an example of how hard work pays off for those who keep going and don't give up! (Only lazy, unsuccessful, unhappy people would say those negative things to you.) Sending good vibes and gratitude your way!
Neil, I am a newcomer to the channel, and I must say I admire your response. Like you, we work hard to put good seeds in our children and raise them right. You are (obviously) doing that with yours. Wishing you continued success.
New subscriber who came here because I saw the pond build. Stayed because you are so down to earth. Especially loved watching your family all pitching in on the well. And I loved hearing your message today. My husband and I grew up learning the same principles and our family is so much better for it. As a side note, thank you for sharing the pond costs - it helps all of us see the possibilities in everything. ❤
Ditto, you took the very words out of my mouth as a new sub too👍 Neil is a wholesome hard working man with a great head on his shoulders & has common sense on how to use life's resources. I also love how he narrates his video.... Really enjoying his channel👍
I initially watched your build videos of the pond and my first thought was "that must be very expensive". I try to never judge what others do and I'm very glad you put out this video. I had no idea how cost effective it was for you. Having all the equipment you have is truly a money saving benefit. Having what you have and being raised the way we were ( I was raised very similar to how you say you were raised) this video makes perfect sense. It's too bad people don't stop to think before they put their fingers and mouths in gear. I hope you and your family have many happy years with that pond, hopefully your grandkids will enjoy it as well. All the best...
Great comeback!👍 Living frugal, humble and appreciating what you have is how we have lived all our life, great to see your achievements from the same approach to life😍
Neil, you are so gracious in dealing with other peoples' negative attitudes. I hope you know that there are a TON of us out there rooting you on and not worried in the least about how you spend your money. Thank you for making content for us to enjoy, and thank you for sharing your backstory with us! I admire you greatly:)
Absolute legend! This reminds me of growing up with the running joke of every one in my family having that "basement fridge" or the "garage fridge". When in reality it was just someone in the family who had saved enough money to buy a new one and instead of throwing it away it just got repurposed for just drinks or really anything to make it feel like we just needed a second fridge.
I love what you are doing. It is a great example of many positive things for your children. Do not pay attention to the negative ignorant comments. They are just people full of envy. The fact you allowed you kids ride their bikes on the side walk, among a lot of other things, shows the amazing dad you are. So, keep the good work of taking care of your beautiful family, being a great inspiration to all of us, and thank you so much for sharing.😊😊😊
You are rich Neil! You have the wealth of love, family & friends. These are riches that cannot be bought & sadly are probably not enjoyed by some of the most monetarily wealthy people on earth. Myself & my brothers didn’t have the best of clothes or cars or the latest & greatest “stuff” but we grew up rich like you & I wouldn’t trade it for all of the money in the world.
I’m not a commenter but for this… it’s needed. I’m enjoying this build, your positivity, your family dynamics are a hoot, and I’d love to have this exact pool/pond. It’s innovative and well executed.
A person filled with kindness and surrounded by community is indeed rich. I'm new to your channel this summer, intrigued by the pond but hooked on your ingenuity, good nature, and loving family. Haters aren't worth burning any brain cells - you're doing just fine. Thanks for sharing a bit of your world with us!
I really enjoy your story. The way every family should live. I really enjoy watching your Dad and his brother help with the well. Reminded me of my grandfather and how he showed me the traits I have now. Keep up the great work!
I kept checking back to see the progress on the pond, and I stayed for the good story. I’m grateful for the people who have determined to work hard and enjoy some things in this life. I can’t wait to see the finished project! Have a blessed day!
Just discovered your channel last week and I’m really enjoying every episode. I came to this country 19 years ago with 2 kids and few bucks in my pocket. I worked hard to get where I’m at now so I know exactly what you have been through. Keep it running my friend!
Neil thank you so much for reinforcing my way of living. I buy what I need, don't use credit card. I came to America to live the dream. Paid off my houses and three Kids college educations. Worked 7 days for a while but well worth it. Keep up the good videos. Blessing to you and family 🎉
This is by far my most favorite channel on all of RU-vid. I’m glad to see you don’t let people get to you. You and your family will have a lot of good memories about building the pond and using it. That’s worth more than any amount of money.
You nailed it. So sad that most people in today's society don't understand the difference between "rich" and "wealthy" and most don't truly grasp the full context of DIY. Carry on my friend.
DIY's the big money-saver. Moved into a new place and didn't realize the garden faucet was blown during the inspection - the previous owners had a freeze-proof faucet, but left the hose attached and full of water, so the pipe burst anyways. Had a plumber out at the house fixing something unrelated and asked for a quote on the faucet - they wanted $1200. And this was a national brand, not just some random guy trying to screw me over. Figured, I can buy the tools and materials, learn how to do it myself, maybe screw it up a time or two and still save a thousand dollars. All told, I think it cost me about $150 and a bit less than an hour of my time - learned how to do some simple plumbing repairs, and I get to keep the tools I used. Definitely a win, in my book.
What a wonderful video. My grandpa always said, "I don't have much money, but I'm a rich man". That microwave was perfect. The "it must be nice" comments can be aggravating, but my response is often, "yes, it is nice, because I worked my rear off to build it/this." Armchair experts are everywhere.
You don’t have to justify your projects and expenses to others. They’re just projecting their own insecurity. That being said, for others looking to do the same thank you for sharing transparently! I just found your videos on the pond this morning. I live in NW Ohio, awesome to see your family participate and drive to better your land for your family to enjoy for years to come. Keep it up!
Neil, Watching this pond series seeing, your family help out and how much you all care for one another is beautiful. Thank you for showing us your property, projects and your passion for a life well lived.
I'm always amazed that people have the gall to judge others without knowing anything about them!! Loved your rebuttal! It's obvious to me that you and all your family are hard working, amazing people! Looking forward to the next update!! 👍
Neil, God bless you and your wife for sharing your lifes story. You work hard and deserve EVERYTHING you have. Putting your family first, does make you rich! You really are the American dream.
This kind of rebuttal to ignorance and/or intentional hate is excellent. Love your humility and you certainly provide an example of how we can all "choose" our emotional response when faced with negativity. Secondly, it is always great when we subscribers get a chance to learn more about you and your journey, which allows us to become more invested in your endeavor / adventure.
Well this guy gets my upmost respect. Hard working, middle class, family man. Good on him. Plus he landed a beautiful wife 😁 All the best to you and your family.
Good stuff. We did the same thing. Bought a farm nobody wanted and over 20 years. Made it into something we love. It’s amazing what a person can accomplish with a little bit of time and energy. Cheers to you and your family from eastern Pennsylvania.
Long time viewer, and I can truly say you are the embodiment of being smart & frugal, and more importantly, not afraid to tackle DIY projects! You do your research and you get your hands dirty, that's more effort than most people are willing to do these days. Improvise, adapt, overcome...
I'm out here trying to do all of this for myself, by myself. At least I know the method works and I CAN reach my goals - without debt - before I retire. Thank you SO much for sharing all of this with us. I guess it's just going to take time and patience. My parents had each other as you and your wife do. It only makes sense that it will take longer for one person to accomplish. Anyway, thank you for the sharing and for the reminder that it really is best to go debt free through life.
Loved. Your comments. Growing up on a farm has been my greatest treasure. Learning to be self reliant and figure things out and be willing to reuse and not not buy everything new. Being content with what you have and counting the blessings. ❤
Thank you for sharing generously with us. Haters will always hate, ignore them. You’ve inspired me to put a pier in our 1-acre pond, looking forward to seeing the completion your yours!
People who pay people to do work for them can say its a waste of time and money, people who use their own hands (like Me) realize it is a work of art and so satisfying to do for you and your family. Great work!! I can't wait to see you dive in for the first time!
Yeah I agree! I recently got a quote to install Velux skylights but balked at the cost and decided, if I took it very slowly and carefully, consulted the experts, I could do it myself. It turned out alright, I learned a heap and had a great time doing it. Now I luxuriate in the improved atmosphere in the lounge - far more than if I'd parted with the $NZ6000 to have them installed professionally.
Simply awesome. And I think we all know who the real idiots are. But you're missing the biggest item on your pool balance sheet: Educational experience watching Dad and family build things and work through problems together: PRICELESS
Neil. This is the first comment I’ve ever left on a RU-vid video. I watch them regularly on all kinds of topics including things like you were doing. I have never thought for a moment that it was a waste of time what you were doing or certainly even a waste of money. It’s clear that you were present and putting lots of your sweat equity directly into this project. we all need to have dreams and goals including personal things like this project that we are passionate about. Keep doing what you’re doing and ignore the idiots out there who are jealous. They wouldn’t be interested in what you’re doing if they weren’t watching. Their jealousy comes out in comments indicating that you’re doing something they are just not able to do themselves, but certainly want to. Blessings - Doug
Thank you so much for adding in the old pictures from your youth or your family which I hope they’re yours. Thank you for talking about Community and having people help because that town my churches and my community is and you are definitely right for those of us who go out and seek community, and our part of something we do have help, and we do have blessings, because those blessings come from being part of some thing, and being willing to give of ourselves.
Loved this rebuttal. So many people in the world don't understand that you can MAKE THINGS! My husband and I are confirmed makers, even though we had office jobs before we retired. I agree it mostly comes from being taught by parents. My father was and electrician and my mom worked but was an amazing seamstress/knitter. Anyway, your life and mine couldn't be more different (this is coming from northern New Jersey) but I totally relate to what you said here and enjoy your good cheer, common sense and attitude about work. Thanks.
I was raised on similar values, with similar strong family connections, and I too--though not wealthy--feel very rich and blessed. The memories your kids and grandkids will have around this pond, and the life lessons they're learning now in watching how hard work pays off, it will all be priceless! Good work, and thanks. :)
The wealth of humility, knowledge, and hard work will never fail. You sir have proven a wonderful point here, especially to a generation of children (like my own 3) who very much need to learn the value of saving, learning, and investing (I am not talking about stocks) in your future through a mentality like yours. Bravo my friend! From another penny pinching, DIY, “I’ll do it myself” kind of guy!
I discovered your pond earlier this week and really enjoyed watching some of the earlier videos. Thanks for the entertainment. Was cool hearing a bit more about you. Looking forward to eventually seeing more.
I'm so glad you made this video AND all the others!!! I'm so sorry that people have been so negative - we've truly enjoyed all the videos about your pond. Keep up the great work and keep those priorities straight 👍 Cheers!!
Well, thank you for posting the videos. I like it when you said inspectors are here.family working together. is the best wealth we can have. Thank you and God bless
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Continue to be proud of you and your family.❤ I was born with two empty hands and have worked hard to get where I am today. Last year my wife and I dug our own pond and enjoy it every day now. I always set the bar high and try until I succeed. You just motivated me even more.❤
The haters are definitely deflecting.. they are hating because they are on their lazy behinds and have nothing better to do. I look at you as an inspiration. You're rich in family and happiness, and for that, I commend you. Congratulations and keep up the good work
Don’t let the armchair quarterbacks get to you Neil! You do what you want to do and do it how you want it done. The negativity of society today can wear you down. You clearly know what truly matters. The pond looks great! Thanks for taking us on the journey.
Great video. I was brought up much the same. You exemplify a work ethic and budget mentality that is lost on much of today's America. Immidiate gratification has swamped tge majority of this country in debt that makes it almost impossible to appreciate or achieve the lifestyle and mentality you and your family have worked for and enjoy. Kudos to you and your parents for instilling such values.
Neil, I’m also a new comer to your channel and I looooved this video. We in Alaska are generational doers too. I’m in my 50’s as well as my son’s in-laws and we plus my daughter-in-laws electrician cousins helped them build their house from clearing the land to move in. It was a total family to me and his sisters drywalling, to throwing bails while he insulated his roof. All while my son worked full-time in the harsh Alaska winters. You’re right, you are rich, in love and generational love and support. That’s the best!
Intergenerational wisdom , work ethic and just plain common sense , great advise on the pond , we’ll thought through and great advice for life , great video guys 👍
You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Even if you were wealthy, that’s none of anyone else’s business. You have worked hard to get where you are at and other people have a chance to do the same. I think your pond project is awesome and although I’m jealous (in a good way) and want to do the SAME EXACT thing you did, I don’t have the room in my yard to make that happen. I can’t wait to see how it will look when it is completed. Are you going to plant aquatic plants to help with filtration? You guys have done an awesome job and should be proud of your hard work!
I love this Video Neil. You are living the American dream 🇺🇸 and richly blessed by God. Faith, family, health, and friends are worth more than any amount of money this world offers.
This is awesome! We are learning everything along the way on a small 7 acres in texas. My favorite part was the uncles, your dad, and you working together to try to fill it! We also weigh the costs of what we diy and what we contract. Thanks for making videos bc I know filming makes things take longer. Hater gonna hate. But I also hope those who appreciate you (like me 💁♀️) chirp in the comments! Well done!
You know Neil you are an inspiration and a great husband and dad man…. Funny thing I’m an Electrician as well like your dad. I’m a single dad and my children live with me I work hard every day to give them the the things and tools they need to go forward with life. One thing we learned together is get only what we need and save for the things we would like to do as a family together. JESUS supply’s everything we need and we just got a beautiful home in the mountains with a beautiful view of a lake. December will be one year that we have been here and the beautiful thing about this home is that it’s ours I’m no longer renting 😇. It’s peaceful and so beautiful up here and I’m so thankful to GOD for this. I’m doing the best I can to teach my children to always be humble and loving and to always remember that GOD gave us all this. I will be turning my third garage into another bedroom next year.. lol I’m saving up for it just like you did for your pond. Hod bless you and your family Neil and thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏼
More people especially young people should take care of the needs first and save for the wants. Never be afraid to challenge themselves, the reward doing it yourself is very sweet. Another great video, i always look forward to Sunday morning.
I love someone willing to explain themselves and then prove what they are saying. To many people are unwilling to do the work (including me sometimes) and think money is the only way to achieve their goals. Great job, man. Just stumbled upon your channel, and it looks like I've got some catching up to do!
Neil, you are the perfect example of a true American! I too was brought up by parents that taught the value of honesty and hard work. I've passed them on to my children. The downfall of America is directly due to the millions that want everything given to them. They've never earned anything. Our country has become lazy. With hard work, patience and trust in God, a person can accomplish most anything within reason. We badly need more Americans like you but I'm afraid the cancer in our country has taken too strong a hold. Our entire culture will need to be torn down and built back from the ground up. It's very sad!!
Hello, unfortunately people keep forgetting their childhood or they had no upbringing. I also built everything myself and now I often hear "Hey, you're rich" yes, the property and the house are worth their money, but I don't have the money in my wallet, I have it in our beautiful home. So don't be upset, there are always both types of people and you and your family are among the good people. Greting from Berlin
That’s it. One thing my mumszy (May she r.i.p) always said… “Working hard and getting a roof over your head is important” And with herself and my Dad running a small general building business, myself and 5 older siblings all bought land, kept working hard and now we all have a place to call home. Thanks Mumszy & Dad for all you’ve done for us, we’re all very fortunate ❤
GREAT JOB, Neil. It looks amazing. You continue to do what makes you and your family HAPPY. I love your attitude. To the haters, eat your heart out. The Koch family will have a great time and enjoy the fruits of their hard labour for many years to come. Congratulations on a loving family and all the very best wishes in your future endeavours. A big hug to you and family Cheers. CARL (TORONTO, CANADA)
Hi again Niel! Dont worry about what people say that you will never meet. Lol i guess that goes for my comments too. You are an inspiration to me and many others for being resourceful. I dont know how anyone could have watched your other videos and thought you were super rich as much as you fix and reuse items. The amount of work you do alone to heat your home is just exhausting to me with all of the wood splitting! Keep up the good work and only worry about what God, your wife, and your family thinks. They are all that matter!
Neil, I've only watched a couple of your videos. So you can only imagine pleasantly surprised I was to find out what a humble and wholesome upbringing you've had and the incredibly kind and loving family you and your wife have raised. Forget all of the hatters and naysayers. If you keep making these videos, my wife and I will definitely keep watching and liking them. Thank you for putting yourselves out there for the scrutiny of this lost and dying world.
It’s a beautiful thing to have your elders involved, We miss ours, always helping , and with their wisdom, they used their wits to innovate ways of doing things. but the witching does work,, we’ve used it several times😂😂😂. Keep making videos . Thank you .
