CABIN LIFE VLOG. I'M SO LUCKY I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO WORK EVERY DAY.

In this episode, I share my thoughts on how prioritizing your spending can make a big difference in your life.
LINKS TO ALL THE ITEMS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WE USE CAN BE FOUND IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION. FIND LINKS BELOW:
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As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
On my channel you will find videos pertaining to homesteading, gardening and living off the grid with fun DIY projects for self-reliance and SHTF emergency preparedness situations, with some campfire cooking and good old backwoods humor thrown in. Sharing knowledge and stories from over 30 years of living in the woods.
FOR MORE CONTENT AND READINGS FROM MY PERSONAL MEMOIRS, COME JOIN OUR FRIENDLY CABIN LIFE COMMUNITY ON PATREON: / bossoftheswamp
FRIENDS OF FRANKIE AND THE BOSS page: frankieandtheb...
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: How do you have internet at your cabins? A: I have cell service at both cabins but it is spotty due to foliage and cloud cover. I can access the internet from my cabins but have to drive to a local wifi location to upload videos.
Q: How old is Frankie? A: Frankie will be 10 in April of 2018
Q: What video editing software do I use? A: Presently, all I use is Windows Live Movie maker but I’m considering trying imovie, Adobe Elements or SONY VEGAS PRO.
Q: How do you get your water? Did you dig a well? A: Presently, I haul water to the NY cabin but at the NH cabin, I drop a kettle into an old well that was dug by hand by the settlers in the 1700’s.
Q:What is your favorite brand of cast iron cookware? A: I prefer using vintage cast iron. My favorites are BSR and Griswold. If I had to buy new I would buy a Lodge Brand. I plan to purchase this dutch oven in the future:
Q: What do you use for refrigeration? A: We have a small gas refrigerator that we salvaged from an old Shasta camper and a custom icebox that I built into the cabin wall. We make ice on site with a propane freezer.
Video of icebox:
Video of Gas Refrigerator:
Propane Freezer:
Q: What do you use for cooking and heating? A: We use a Kitchen Queen 380 for cooking and heating during the winter months but we also have an antique gas stove in the cabin for when we don't need the heat from the KQ.
All video content is protected by copyright. Any unauthorized reproduction or posting will be subject to a users fee. Copyright JC Desclos 2017 All rights reserved.

[@MartinPHellwig]

Avoid debt and addictions, spend half your money on low risk investments, that's all there is to being lucky or as I like to call it, not being stupid.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Well said :-)

[@tomeddy3971]

Can't say I've never been stupid, but I'm doin okay and I never blame anyone else. Good gravy. . .ya fall down, ya get right back up dust yourself off and give it another go. I believe it was John Wayne who once said: "life is tough and it's even tougher when your stupid."

[@MartinPHellwig]

Tom Eddy We all have been, are or will be stupid at some point or another. The important thing is to learn from that and not mistake it as being unlucky or saying someone else is lucky because they learned from other people's stupidity without having to go through it yourself.

[@vestadesigns]

I hope you make videos of when you travel. I think all of us subscribers would love to see them as much as your regular videos. Jimmyd

[@SpiritBear12]

I'm sure he will. :-)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

As you said, luck has nothing to do with it Boss. It's all about what decisions you make. How you choose to live your life. Most people just don't get that. It's beyond comprehension because most people don't think outside the box. Thanks for the reminder that we are each responsible for our own lives.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@rohnsleather9986]

A great video and very truthful. Like my Dad used to say, "It's not how much money you make, it's what you do with what you have that counts." Love your videos, Boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Your dad had it right :-)

[@timharper1730]

Nice to see you back, Boss! People don't plan to fail they just fail to plan.

[@mllg49g62]

TRUER THAN TRUE

[@TicklerDude]

Tim Harper Success is just failure that hasn't happened yet.

[@JOHNNYEXPLORES718]

well said tim

[@johngusmano387]

It's funny you bring this up. Starting in the month of May, my wife and I have began to restructure ourselves from a financial standpoint. We are trying to save up money to buy property in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and build a cabin. We know that we have to sacrifice a lot and the changes are not easy, but incredibly feasible. You've got great timing with your videos as it pertains to my life personally. Thanks for the inspiration as always! Best of luck with the move!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Changes are always hard Johnny and that's why people don't make them. We're packing up to move to NH and every step of the way is hard, nerve wracking, stressful and uncertain. The easiest thing to do would be to stay put here at the homestead but if you want things to be different, you have to make changes. Life is what we make of it. All the best to you and your family brother.

[@dosvaskosfarms2985]

Hey Johnny G. Wife and I bought a place in Cadillac a few years ago and will be moving there permanently from Dallas next year, Can't wait!

[@murchlk]

Johnny G johnny where in the UP you looking to go? Just spent time at the family cabin in Rexton last month. The bugs are too bad up there now to even try and stay for any length of time. Mosquitos will literally carry the dog away....

[@murchlk]

Ripp Snortin' who said you can't go in the winter? My dad spends the entire hunting season there and plenty more time throughout the year. It's a good time for a place that costs less than 10k

[@bigb5216]

Who needs Dave Ramsey when you have "Frankie and the Boss"... video was great and very true!!!! People waste so much money on crap... don't even get me started on a $5-$6 drink people spend at Starbucks everyday... anyway. Cheers!!! From AZ

[@srivirao]

BIG B so true !!! he is just simple truthful and tells it like it is. Great teacher !

[@bigb5216]

Vidsi B I couldn't agree with you more! Would love the shake his hand one day and tell him thank you!!!

[@phyllischaput4429]

Dear Swampboss..fantastic perspective as always..right on target!! OMGOMGOMG...remember me? I kept saying I need rural dirt!! I prayed for years..I live in MA all my life..So I thought "New England"...well.... I got it ALL!! near my cousins..very rural farm..trout fishing IN MY BACKYARD!! HOG HEAVEN.. leaving next week..however... I am going to NORTHERN GEORGIA.!!! I HAVE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN! Me and my 5 pups! All the kids are grown all all over the world..I am 60..now it's ME TIME. Thank you boss..you've helped prepare me...soooo happy I can take you with me!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

That's awesome Phyllis. So happy to hear your dream is coming true for you. Well done my friend :-))

[@robertcarey8237]

boss your lucky in that you see things as they are and do whats necessary to live the life you choose

[@countrylife2036]

I just don't understand why people judge others instead of trying to make themselves better. Always enjoy your videos and always look forward to them!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Too much judging and blaming in this world.

[@michaelmoss5976]

Ask 100 lottery winners if they feel they are lucky. A good percentage would say they are cursed. Happiness comes from within and mostly is a choice. I choose to be happy and have always been so (with a few, short-lived exceptions in my life).

[@bswins9648]

We are "lucky" to hang out with you and share part of your life. To me, it's just good backwoods logic. Yessir! 😊

[@MrOldclunker]

Hanging out with youtubers seems to be all he has other than a dog!

[@billygreenville59]

+MrOldclunker What a FOOLISH STATEMENT. You know NOTHING about Boss JC's private life! Now go crawl back in your hole & remain ignorant. 😡

[@ChevetteMan]

Very well said! My wife and I have this discussion often. Alot of our friends and family always complain about being broke, but constantly eat out and purchase things that will be lying in the closet in a few weeks. You're the only one I'm subscribed to that I get instant notifications when a video is posted. Thank you for confirming once again my decision to live frugal and helping me keep my eye on my homestead goal! You're the best!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Most of the folks i know that spend recklessly blame the government or the economy for their misfortunes. There's always someone to blame :-/

[@debrabrickus8467]

thebossoftheswamp Yes this is so true.They don't see all the unnecessary spending in their own lives then they become haters or jealous of the frugal.I was born frugal so I know.I have relatives that make twice as much money and have nothing in the bank.What?This makes no sense!✌

[@DaddyRabbit411]

Another great video sir but I do have 1 question when you start your traveling will Mr. Frankie be going with you?

[@ArmsFamilyHomestead]

Great video Boss. Good job putting things in perspective.

[@thelightison8629]

I've watched every video you have made and I get the sense that you're a God fearing, God loving, and God believing kind of man. Having said that you are Not lucky (luck doesn't exist in my opinion), you are truly blessed and are a good steward of what the good Lord has given you. Keep'em coming. Peace and blessings to you and yours. love me some Frankie! 😊

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts :-)

[@davidsoderberg8726]

When I feel all the aches and pains I have after 54 years of living life and after the surgeries I have endured I always focus on the following answer as to why; Oh the fun I had and the experiences I shared getting to this point in my life. I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you for your sage advice on life, I pray more people are guided by it then dream of it. You can change at any age.

[@mmladderhole1168]

Boss, The daily Dunkin"s add up! Its all about choices

[@floydyoung395]

MML@ADDERHOLE so true

[@susitarita]

Sing it Brother! Was it Thoreau that said 'most men lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still inside them'...? Looking forward to seeing a video with the old timer that brought the car up to the cabin.

[@lynnmorrison4843]

It is nice to hear it out loud, I have been living this way for the last eight years, rehabbing broken down homes by myself, and selling them, went from a situation of owing more than I had, to now... having two houses free and clear, zero debt and a little left for the bank to hold on to for me. It looks like the water in my carboy has cooled enough for a shower, so got to go, but wanted to thank you for helping me stay on the right track. My Friends think I am crazy and very lucky, but we know better, don't we?

[@Doxymeister]

Absolutely loving it! When your videos hit my feed, the whole family drops what they're doing to watch Frankie and the Boss! Wise words for a crazy world...

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you enjoy them and thank you for saying so :-)

[@duaneklein5951]

Envy and jealousy can fuel a lot of negativity towards folks that have it more together than most. Life is all about decisions. The ones that don't lead to regrets are the best. Yes, there are mistakes made along the way that if you have the right attitude are some of the best learning experiences of your life. I have worked hard to teach the importance of the three "R's" reading, writing and arithmetic and also the other "R's" in life, like respect, resilience and regrets (good decision making). If you are bold enough to follow your own path, make good decisions and keep plugging away no matter what, you are successful! I hope life continues to treat you well and I appreciate you taking us along on the journey, good and not so good!

[@Tracks777]

Fantastic video! Keep it up!

[@russvtguy]

You are 100% right on. I am not lucky , I am blessed with common sense .

[@dougLinker]

Makes sense Boss -good reminder

[@jeremyhurtubise6551]

No luck no secret. You a wise man boss thanks for sharing keep smiling and God bless

[@Biglandtrapper]

Words of wisdom Boss, reminds me of the add, you are richer than you think....

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good to hear from you buddy. All the best to you :-)

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Good to have you back Boss. Just as an answer to all those who claim that you are "so lucky", I would like to honor you for your hard work, dedication, long term commitment and most of all, for your sharing of the results. My dad (whom I miss very much) gave me only one real piece of advice in regard to 'luck'...He said, "The harder I work - the 'luckier' I get." That is a philosophy that I have taken to heart and made my life goal. The only other thing I have discovered philosophically is that there is only one thing better than living your dream...that's helping somebody else live theirs. And you, sir, have helped me so much by you steadfast and honest sharing of YOUR life that you continue to inspire me with mine. Thank you Hi to Frankie (No need to reply here - just want you know you are appreciated.)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Happy to hear you enjoy my videos Frank and that you find them beneficial. Your comment was worthy of a reply. All the best :-)

[@billlaut608]

Great video, Boss! Years ago, I was once one of those fools who smoked 3.5 packs a day, drove an expensive sports car, had all the toys, in debt up to my eyeballs, etc. Today, I haven't inhaled cigarettes in over 30 years (although I do puff on the occasional cigar), completely out of debt, and actively value the "simpler things in life." In short, I've learned the value of a simpler, self-sufficient lifestyle. And once I get moved this year to my property up north, I'll put that wisdom further into practice. Please keep making more videos like this one, JC. And especially when your friend stops up to share stories of the car! Please have your videocam going while he reminisces. Lots of us treasure that wisdom, and more are joining our ranks every day!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sounds like you've made a huge turnaround Bill. Congrats on your accomplishments. God Bless

[@tjinnes]

Agree. We get told all the time we are "lucky" too. We say we are fortunate. Cheers.

[@richardstone5241]

Memories see the prisoners, thoughts guard their cage Bars in their eyes like tears they can't wipe away They're lost, forever in a prison With bars they could have cut and walls they could have climbed They're in a prison because it was all in their mind Written by: Richard Stone (1973)

[@FiresideCoffee]

WE are lucky to have someone like you to share and educate. Thank you.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Man come see us and stay with us here in Chile! Really. My lawn mower is a sheep and I eat it at the end of the year. Maybe heroin would be cheaper than cigarettes? Jim

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I just might do that one of these days. Thanks for the invite and love your mower :-)

[@timbylander7015]

When my son was young and I was commuting 45 minutes one way and paying out half my pay for daycare, I thought "this is stupid" My wife made twice what I did So the choice was obvious. So when I was going to quit another worker said "Gee I wish I could do that" . I told him no you don't you've got a boat two snowmobiles and you're building a garage to put them in. I don't have that stuff. He just smiled and said "I gotta have my toys"

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Toys are great if you can afford them without burying yourself in debt.

[@davestumpf9235]

rule of thumb---find the ''joy'' in your lide

[@mineralmanager]

Boss, I know what you're saying when people think you are lucky you have what you have. What they don't see is the sacrifice, or trade offs you've made to get to where you are. I still have friends who envy things that I have, or trips I'm able to go on with my family. While they are eating out every night, or at the movies, or taking trips every month or so, I'm not. I am fortunate that I had parents and grand parents who instilled a frugal sense in me, a do it yourself attitude and use what's available attitude. Saying that reminds me of of two sage pieces of advice my grandmother used to say to me. One was, "If you take care of your pennies, your dimes will look after themselves." And when I think back, that was all she had, pennies and dimes. The other was, "If you'll deal with and pay heed to your own affairs, you won't have time to worry about other peoples affairs." Keep the vid's coming.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sage advice for sure and you're spot on about sacrificing. I just don't buy what I can't afford. All the best :-)

[@tknoerle1451]

That "financial priority" discussion was so spot on JC!!!! Life it ALWAYS about OUR OWN choices..... and is NEVER about the deception a vast percentage of people call "luck". I have NEVER thought you I was "lucky", my friend. We all can simply make GOOD choices, OR fail to use simple wisdom...it's up to us!

[@bonnieodoon2980]

Welcome back. Missed both Frankie and you...and your bits of wisdom. Every day I would finish gardening and cleaning house and then check KZbin. NOPE, NOT TODAY. Not really worried about you two; figured you were just very busy. Keep smiling and hope you keep us posted of your summer and travel ideas.

[@skokie23]

Love the dog getting hid Bat Box!! Great vid!! Keep em coming

[@scroogescrooge6040]

Full time watcher first time commenter. Enjoy all your videos and have agreed with 99.9% of watch you have said or taught and the .1% that I questioned doesn't even matter. I just wanted to add that my Dad always told me the harder I worked the luckier I would get. Always found that to be a truism in my life. Thanks for all the great videos and the best to you in your future endeavors.

[@danieldowning4583]

A very wise man here folks, open your ears and heart and listen. God Bless you sir. Love to Franky.

[@sharyn208]

Great vid. Enjoy your day and God Bless.

[@MisterDusk007]

Bless you Boss and little Frankie. Educational and truly inspirational​...Thank you.

[@youghal40clashmore]

Believe in driving a €500 car with the money I save will go towards my first home. looking at American style timber frame house design any good books to reseach

[@chihuahuas11]

The difference between you and those of us that watch your channel is you have the guts to take the leap. Congrats on the next step forward in accomplishing your dreams.

[@mr.fisher3973]

As always a very inspirational and truthful. Great to see you back.

[@davidlomm4424]

Hey Boss,... 9 years ago, I bought a used, 1999 Dodge Minivan & Its about to pass it's 10th inspection since I have owned it,... It's starting to rust & use some oil but with 220,000 Miles on it, I can tell you that EVERYTHING on it still works ! I paid $1400 bucks for it & maybe have another $300 in repairs over the 9 years :) I like those numbers ;)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I like those numbers too David. WTG man :-))

[@ratraceremedy9977]

It sure seems like the harder one works for their goals and dreams, the luckier other people think you are. Good to see you and Frankie again Boss

[@kellyjackson5043]

You made your own "luck" and have the scars to prove it, I'm sure! Thanks for this thought-provoking video. I really enjoy all of them. Money is just a tool, it's all about how you manage every single penny. Every best wish, from Florida.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and best wishes to you as well :-)

[@lorischmid2044]

Absolutely true! I quit smoking 17 years ago....a cash savings of $55,000 at today's cigarette prices, not to mention that I have not been diagnosed with lung cancer and feel great! Live that bucket list Boss. You did great life planning and you deserve everything you do. You had great parents to mentor you when you were young. God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless

[@thecynic807]

I make my own cigarettes with a machine and cigarette tubes and a bag of tobacco. It cost me and my wife $45 a month. In my area cigs are $5 a pack.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I remember my mother had a cig machine when I was a kid. I used to make them for her ha ha. Thanks for jogging that memory loose :-)-

[@thecynic807]

thebossoftheswamp your welcome. I did the vape for two years but I kept getting sick and it made my bones ache.

[@hickoryhomes6838]

Great message - amazing how "lucky" people get when they work hard, sacrifice, take baby steps and try to do the right things on a daily basis. Yep, just luck. Thanks for the awesome reminders to see things as they truly are, I love your perspective and I learn from every video you post. Thank you Boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Always enjoy your comments buddy. Thank you

[@dadgad68]

Great video and great advice. Recently my electric hot water tank shit the bed. I preheat with a smaller tank from the woodstove. Been able to use that up till now for a shower. Don't think i'll bother with another tank. Gonna make some Boss style solar hot water bottles. Point is my electric bill for May was $47 here in Canada. Power co says i used 53% less from last year. Still heat water for dishes on the woodstove. Anyway my friend i owe you a huge thank you for the inspiration for trying to think differently. Takes 2 seconds to walk to the stove for dishwater. And within mins it's so hot i have to cut it almost in half with cold. Now i got got to try to quit smoking lol. Would save a ton of money for sure. Great to hear from ya. Thanks again.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sounds like you've made some great improvements buddy. Well done :-)

[@meanjoegreen4925]

i quit for 8 yrs then started back up then smoked for id say 8 or 9 yrs again, then i quit once again, so then 3 yrs after i quit cold turkey i found out i had throat cancer. i went through chemo once a week and radiation every day for 7 weeks BUT AS YOU CAN TELL I'M ALIVE so far so good happen in may 2015 so i guess moral of the truth if i can quit you can to JUST how bad do you really want to quit? stay safe, have fun b/c life is short

[@dadgad68]

Wish you all the best friend. Thanks for your comment.

[@odglass4u]

always glad to see each video when it comes out keep on doing what you are doing and be happy

[@ladybird8084]

Yes, good to see you back. You reinforce for me what I know about budgeting and being sensible with money. It`s an absolute headache when others try to influence you and manipulate you to overspend on things you know you don`t want, so thanks for being MY voice of reason and someone to truly emulate. You`re a calm in the storm. Love it !!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Linda. All the best :-)

[@NLGhostWolf]

Careful Boss, that might be bigfoot knocking over them trees. :-) another good vid or I guess VLog

[@KillingerUSA]

I had at least 2 electric bills this winter that were over $400 a month. average bill over the year is $200 a month. No central air, electric heat. I'm not sure why it's so high but man I'm going to look into it! well, I know why it's high in the winter, can't really do much about that, we only heat the rooms we are in and my wife walks around in her winter coat as it is!

[@bcond-if2zz]

Yes it is so true perspective and where a persons priorities are is very telling.

[@ericwillman5291]

Great examples. Thanks again JC.

[@cindyoquinn7924]

Excellent video😊 interesting and informative as always👍🏻

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Cindy :-)

Hello, Boss. I really like your videos, you have a lot of fans in Brazil. Hugs from all Brazilians.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and Hugs back at you :-)

[@HNXMedia]

Boundary Waters! Hell Yeah! "Live like no one else, so that you CAN live like no one else." - Dave Ramsey Live without excuses or apologies! Namaste!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good quotes :-)

[@OntarioLakeside]

We built or off grid cabin with these ideas in mind. I find that avoiding the recurring daily expenses like smoking, coffee, lunches really adds up. Good advice.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

They certainly do. Paying interest is what sinks most households.

[@smc65714]

All comes down to the Choices we Make,Work Smart and Live Simply,my motto,Great Video,Like your Yankee Craftmanship and Frugalty,Trave Safe,Check out by me,Ozark moutains of SW Missour and NW Arkanad,Esp the Buffalo River National Park.

[@jeffreyhensley1857]

You're an inspiration, sir. I'm 30 yrs old and watch your videos for the wisdom I get out of them. Keep up the great work.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you find them beneficial Jeffrey. Thank you for saying so.

[@eds1994fatboy]

Mainly.....take care of your body.....work hard....surround yourself with good friends....people.......a little pot once in a while was ok....just don't over do .....and be God fearing.....don't hang in bars.....be thankful with what you have.....don't fart near the stove

[@satokumasmom5348]

I complain way too much...but I know I am freaking lucky. I just enjoy complaining....but today is 23 years with my kidney transplant. The medical issues we have, make us stronger. Love little Frankie 🐶😎

[@dianehall5345]

Yes you are lucky to possess COMMON SENSE. It has taken you far my friend.. I'm happy for you and how your New Hampshire dreams are coming true at last. Being native NH, I am well aware of the high cost of land and building in 2017. We are just finishing our simple 1000 sq ft.woodland home in Central NH and it was costly !! Even though we carefully thought it out. We are both working to ensure we pay off our modest mortgage before we retire...It is my hope that your videos will enlighten & encourage our younger generation to really think things through and take the calculated steps necessary in order to make their dreams a "doable" reality... All the best my friend >> to get your homestead sold and live between your two camps.

[@davehogan4776]

Well put!!!!!!! I think you should get into writing and recording more music!! Your song is a #1 in my BOOK!! Thanks again BOSS

[@anAHDAMofYAH]

So TRUE, and Even the Words of the Song..,Frankie and the Boss. GBY both Always.

[@skylarkamaris1874]

Good morning boss man! Its a pleasure seeing you again. I personally think it's not luck but what you make life to be. (EASY OR HARD) Health problems, we all have them at one point or another. It's how you choose to live with it. My husbands leg's are numb, yet he still walk's when he should be in a wheel chair. Yet he still holds on to Gods word. AMAZING! Thank you for your video and have a wonderful day with your lovely dog (Frankie)

[@alanj7306]

I completely understand the point that you’re making. I don’t feel you said anything offensive. I’m a smoker and I wasn’t offended. Trust me, I’ve calculated how much money it costs each year and it isn’t cheap. I can also afford it, I enjoy it, and I don’t complain about the cost. It’s definitely irritating and frustrating though when people complain about money and you see them wasting it away. In ten years, they’ll have burned up $65,000. That just sounds ridiculous. Yet they still have 10+ grand for a riding mower and who knows how much other crap they piss away money on. Money management is key, regardless of how much you earn. You would never believe how many people I know that make twice as much as me and have nothing to show for it. Yes, I burn up some money smoking, but I’m 35 and have zero debt. The house, suv, and everything else is paid for. Sorry for the rant, but I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. As always Boss, God bless you and yours!

[@TheOldNorwegian]

My parents were the product of the Depression so I grew up and fairly frugal. Get a buck, buy a board, but not before you have the buck. I did take a detour from that lifestyle and eventually divorced, lost my business, lost my home property, lost my family. Wake up call! Back to frugal again - big time! Had a stroke a number of years ago and forced into retirement. Wish I had retired when I was in my 40's when I was still able to get into mischief. :-) Now i having a knee replaced (too many miles on my knees in the bottom of a canoe, too many backpacking trips with an over weight pack, too many hills climbed deer hunting) in a few days, but our larder is filled to overflowing, and we are set to last for sometime without much need for outside help. Like it that way! Another great video reinforcing my attitude/lifestyle. Thanx! You must be one of the "good-guys: too! The Old Norwegian

[@JOHNNYEXPLORES718]

your a very wise man stay safe brother

[@a.bevdfray8589]

I loved, LOVED, L O V E D this video! You are singing my song!*. I sure wish I could make the people around me understand how much the little things add up over time. *Speaking of songs, I have a difficult time listening to talking videos when there is music in the background. I find it distracting. And I want to hear what you have to say! Just my $.02. 🤓

[@parrotbill]

I could tell you a story about the hurricane coming through and taking out 8 trees in my yard. I called the tree guys and they wanted $5,000.00 to remove the trees, so I went to the pawn shop and bought a chainsaw for $150.00 and did it myself. I could never grow anything here because there was no sunlight, so I let my lot next door grow up with underbrush 6ft high, and now that I have sunlight I wanted to grow a garden, so I went on CraigsList and found push mower that didn't run so good, and it had wore out front wheel drive, and why I got it for only $75.00. A new $5.00 vented gas cap cured the mechanical problems, the parts to repair the front wheel drive would have cost to much, so I took it all out and bought some $10.00 wheels so I could push it. When people started coming back home after they spent tens of thousands of dollar to have trees removed, their roofs repaired and all the water damage fixed. Some asked me how I cleared my lot, I told them I mowed it with my 6.5 horse mower and a pair of loopers. They thought I hired heavy equipment to do it with. I did it all with equipment I only paid $240.00 for. That is the short story, there is no room for the long story, but people around here have a problem, they hire contractor with the equipment to do it for them, doing it themselves never crossed their mind. They though the hurricane was a disaster, I thought it was a blessing, now I have a great garden and a couple of years worth of free fire wood. Oh yea...I had a huge Red Oak go down, so before I cut the big stuff, I looked it up...a 6ft L x 1"x 6" board goes for $30.00, so I said "I'm not burning that wood" and bought a Chainsaw Mill and cut it up into lumber, there is about $3,000.00 worth free Red Oak lumber stacked in my yard just waiting to find a use for. The Mill cost $146.00 from amazon...so $3,000.00 worth of lumber for $146.00. Not too bad for a 65 yr old disabled man with a Plastic/Titanium fake knee, I just took my time and worked steady at it. The folks in my neighborhood look at all of the work I did in disbelief, but a young man uses his back, us old farts use our brain and a wagon. :-)

[@johnrenterprises2604]

Your dog makes me think of Cosmo the Wonder Dog. Very smart. Your ideas on living frugally are on point. My cabins electric bill runs 70 -100 a month. I just don't like it hot so I fully expect my costs to be higher in the summer but heck my last bill was 74 for May. Luck really is when preparation meets opportunity. I lost my best friend who I have known since 2nd grade to lung cancer last year. He smoked like a steam engine. It was his decision but I really miss my friend. Stop smoking folks for those who love you.

[@JayjayWalkers]

I totally understand what you're saying. See I've been a professional musician for a lot of my life. I get the you're lucky you have this god given talent. Thats when I call bullshit. Ya see. All I ever wanted to do was play music. I worked my ass off for years. I don't believe in talent. This is the equation desire+hard work= what people call talent. Good luck Boss. -J

[@jefflocke9029]

You are so right JC, it's not luck it's What you do to make life what you want it to be. I learn from hard knocks and busted knuckles. But I'm Happy! Great perspective.

[@Brad1237202]

"Well Done JC!!!" Love your videos, your my inspiration! It's easy: "Spend less, save more."

[@billygreenville59]

We missed ya Boss! Thank again for another great videos. The 15 imbeciles that gave this video a thumbs down need their heads examined 😡 Can't wait for your next video! Call me greedy ;) Take care, Billy aka ResisTyr

[@lking1260]

I'm loving all of your video's JC and I love Frankie! If I want to relax, I watch one of your vids, your great to relax by! I'm 57 and wish I had had enough sence in my younger days, to watch my money carefully. Yeah, we pay the price when we don't! I admire you for conquering your dreams, one at a time and being smart and thrifty and money conscious with each one! I have learned so much from you and appreciate you so much! I send your vids to my some of my friends, they are truly amazed also, one said, "I wish I was there" and she is in her 80's! There is just something to living a simpler life, that we all long for...would love to meet you one day and love on your precious furry fellow! Happiness my friend! Lisa

[@mattdavies422]

hey j.c, i dont think your lucky. i think its a combination of hard work in the early days and a little planning and going on a path less followed. And now you can reap the rewards and actually enjoy life. how many people can do that..... $9 bucks for smokes,,,,,,,man in Australia, its nearly $30 for a pack of 30s.......

[@J297WFD]

Just bought a place in NH it's on 2 acres and very quiet! Problem is now I have a mortgage again,however my wife and I plan on paying it off in 5-7 years perhaps sooner. But your right what others see as lucky is just good decision making. As always a great vid and glad to see Frankie and you are well and enjoying life.

[@o.smallwood4268]

That's just All American "good logic" my friends. Thanks "Boss", we all need a little refreshing logic from time to time. As you always say, All the best to you and God Bless.

[@johnoldonekanole602]

Darn , you are good. To bad your principles are not taught In school and universities . To bad our society works differently . I don't care how much it cost ,, how much are the payments !!!! I don't have many years left and I am tired of trying to teach your principles to my kids and grand kids. I am just tired . Thanks for your thoughts and vids.

[@cheriettejackson4248]

I have lots of people who look at photos of my Maine camp, and ask, "Why do you want to live in something so small?" (616 sq ft). They think I should keep the CT place. They don't realize that I have the whole outdoors as my "home" up here! In CT, the pay and pay and pay, while I am living for almost free up here. It's all in the choices we make!

[@Fiercefaith1]

Truth 🙌🏼 You have made good choices to fulfill your dreams. Hope you are doing well health wise. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBreamer999]

Greetings from PEI Boss. Well done. Back in the 90's when I lived in Ottawa and the CDN dollar was doing not bad, I went over to Massena N.Y and bought a Green Rally lawn mower, it was missing a gas cap, got it for $85, that thing lasted me eight years, then I gave it to a buddy when I moved to PEI, and all he did was replace the gas tank, and he got another ten years out of it

[@briansinclair3967]

I don't know why some people equated having a work ethic and being frugal as being lucky. You notice I said frugal not cheap.

[@gas51]

Good to see ya JC! I am way behind on catching up with my favorites as I have been under the weather so to speak! Really enjoyed the video and some great advice..all in the choices we make..as we all say life is what you make it, no luck required..lol..Take care my friend and God's blessings to you and yours..

[@dannoquin7322]

JC, we played your ending jingle twice this morning. Determination is hard work which many people confuse with luck. Those are two different concepts.

[@benengle7353]

Good stuff... couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@brianspencer4220]

I could go into a long dissertation about personal luck but let me say I'm lucky that asthma caused me to quit smoking 40 years ago. Alcoholism caused me to quit drinking 20 years ago & luckily type two diabetes has forced me to smarten up my eating habits. Luckily' I became an accountant so that I can still practice my trade @ 77. I'm sure that I would not still be enjoying long solo canoe trips at 77 years of age if I wasn't so lucky. I believe I can relate to your point Thanks Brian 77

[@danieldydzinski6855]

Am so sorry to hear about your health problems :( .Am here to offer to you a little different insight on health. Like you said, even little choices have impact on our lives and am convinced 100% that the food we eat plays a major role on our health. Am here to tell you that consuming the dead is not healthy...spiritually and physically. Sure, majority of the population is going to raise eyebrows and start saying that meat is necessary for our health, but they don't realise that most of the education and research comes and is funded from the multi billion dollar industry itself. Next they gona compare humans to lions and wolves and other predators and then mention cavemen (if anybody chooses to believe that we come from monekys lol).Its not only that it is extremely wrong what we do to animals, but also the meat lowers our bodies PH levels causing an acidic environment. Eating vegetation however raises your PH to be more alkaline where disease can not thrive.I recommend looking up 'Dr. Sebi' to find out more. I will also recommend some yoga and meditation. To some this just sounds weird, but don't be afraid to expand yourslef. I am sharing this with you, because i can see it in you, that your way of looking at the world is far from general population train of thought. You seem very open minded and i hope you will take some time looking into this. Best of luck and best of health! Peace :)

[@seanbriggs]

You make your own luck my friend there is no such thing as free luck 😌and you have worked hard for yours, enjoy Ps. Still loving that dam song 😂😂😂👌

[@jameshenry8779]

A "self-propelled" lawn mover just makes it heavier to push when the drive inevitably fails. ;-) I would always buy the cheapest, simplist model while my father in law and my next door neighbor had top of the line, yet they would drain all the fluids out every Fall, and then every Spring took it to the dealer for a tune up. All I did was put gas in mine when it needed it, and got at least 10 -12 years out of each.

[@bonniecoley9657]

I'm glad to see you and Frankie, too, Boss. I await eagerly for your videos. Not only are they entertaining, they are very educational. Out of curiosity, what day in April is Frankie's birthday?

[@stepheneddington1667]

This video shows the true common sense that no one seems to have anymore yet everyone claims we need. The "luck" we have in life is 99% of the time what we put into it. I would love to have 10k to spend on anything. Hell, there a nice old house for sale for under 5k near where I live, I'm staying with a friend, it needs a little fixing up but nothing the other half on 10k wouldn't fix. Too many people are focused on the "now" and don't take the time to think ahead. Thanks for a great video. Also love Batdog ;)

[@SpiritBear12]

You might not have a conventional job, but that doesn't mean you don't work. You have more irons in the fire than any one I know. You work mostly from home and you set up your life that way through planning step by step. Most people go through life with blinders on. They can only see what's directly in front of them and they seem to be near sighted as well. They work for their immediate needs or wants rather than having a broader spectrum of vision and think about their life further down the line. As humans most of us feel the need to "Keep up with the Jones". We want what he has, the latest and greatest things. We put a lot of stock into how much we paid for something and seem to be proud of it. It's backwards thinking. That's how you get trapped in the rat race. Screw all that! That's only going to put you in an early grave and make you upset your whole life. Never mind what every one else has. If it doesn't fit in your budget and let you have some left over money to stash away, then the hell with it! If he were a landscaper, I guess I could see paying 10 grand for a big ass lawnmower if he uses it for his job. If not, then why the hell spend that kind of dough on something you use once a week for about 5 months out of the year? My old Subaru cost only 3 thousand more dollars than the lawnmower and I get a lot more use out if it. I bought it used for 13 grand. As far as cigarettes go, it's getting pretty damn expensive to ruin your lungs and health.