Some people dream of having their own homestead, but your idea of a homestead may be different from other preppers or homesteaders. There's also the matter of saving up enough money for your homestead.
If you have a similar goal, start planning today so you can eventually go off the grid and stay in your own homestead. (h/t to ThePrairieHomestead.com)
With a homestead, you can bypass the system, support local businesses and live more sustainably. You can personalize your plan without spending all of your savings on 50 acres and a commercial-sized garden to become a homesteader.
Homesteading is more a state of mind than just your property. It's about focusing on how to live a more sustainable life whether you're in an apartment or a cabin near a lake.
But if your dream homestead includes a sprawling garden, many animals and rolling acres, you need to prepare before you can afford them.
Figuring out how to afford your homestead isn't easy. It may even discourage and overwhelm newbies.
But if you're willing to work hard and make some sacrifices, you can achieve your dream homestead.
Envision your dream homestead
Before you worry about where you're going to get the money for a homestead, start by imagining what your future homestead will look like.
Is it big enough to be called a farm? Or are you content with a small home garden and a couple of animals in the backyard?
Don't start by comparing goals with someone else. You can check out other homesteads for inspiration, but you should keep in mind that what works for their needs and budget won't always work for you.
Comparison can also make you feel discouraged, so focus on what is best for you. (Related: 12 Tips for homesteading beginners who want to be more self-sufficient.)
If you're not sure what you want, write down your wants and needs and make a list to organize your thoughts.
Manage your money wisely to save up for a homestead
It's true that buying and starting a homestead requires a lot of money, but you don't have to break the bank. You can make things a little easier by managing your money wisely.
Follow these tips if you need help with money management:
- Pay off all existing debt.
- Create a budget you can live with.
- Stick to your budget.
- Track your spending.
- Save up for big purchases like appliances.
- Contribute to your savings regularly.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Live within your means.
Make sacrifices to save money
Big goals like buying and starting a homestead require sacrifices. And making sacrifices works best when paired with smart money management.
Review your current spending habits, then eliminate things you can live without or make for a reduced cost.
This means spending less on eating out or saying no to fancy vacations.
If you are struggling with following your budget, focus on your goal. Think of these sacrifices as giving up instant gratification for a more rewarding future as a homesteader.
Self-fund your homestead
To get started on your self-funded homestead, try to have a self-sufficient mindset.
Your homestead can help pay for itself by using things you already have or skills you are confident in.
Start small to keep things manageable
Keep things manageable by saving up and working on one project at a time. Then, as your savings and finances grow, you can start bigger projects.
Great starter projects can include:
- Starting a container garden, herb garden or small garden
- Learning how to cook from scratch
- Saving money with bulk pantry buying
- Preserving produce from farmer's markets
- Raising laying hens, meat chickens, quail or rabbits
Build relationships with neighbors and fellow homesteaders
As a homesteader, you learn new skills to become more self-sufficient. But building lasting communities is also key to successful homesteading.
Befriend your neighbors and become a part of a community. It isn't always easy, but you can also learn how to cultivate community while you're homesteading.
If you live near homesteaders, trade, help and support each other. One great option is bartering, which doesn't require money. Bartering within your community can be helpful when you are trying to afford a homestead.
Instead of spending money, you can exchange goods like eggs, milk and meat or services like chopping firewood or helping build a barn.
Starting a homestead is a grueling but very rewarding endeavor. If you want to have a homestead one day, start planning and saving now.
Watch the video below for some low-cost food storage tips.
This video is from the SHTFPrepping101 channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Financial preparedness: How to save money on your off-grid homestead.
Financial preparedness: Save money by reusing these 10 items.
Preppers save for a rainy day: Why financial planning is crucial for surviving an economic downturn.
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