What we spend in a year | Family of 5 Living on 30,000 - we tell you exactly what we do

To us, having a budget means freedom. It's one of the things that has had the biggest impact on our lives, our marriage, and has allowed us to live the life we are after.
For more detailed information on what we do and how to set up a budget check out: fromscratchfar...
We'd love to connect!
Instagram: @fromscratchfarmstead
Web: www.fromscratchfarmstead.com

[@francesrehnquist8846]

The most important thing is that you two are partners and can completely trust that the other is honest! Pure honest hearts. That is hard to find today! It's wonderful to hear and see how you live your lives. I can't imagine all the hard work you do on the Homestead! Wonderful job!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you for this kind and thoughtful comment!

[@LifeOrdinary87]

The way she looks at her husband is BEAUTIFUL ❤

[@apollo1464]

I noticed that first thing then saw your note. Spot on.

[@amandab.6815]

Our family has been working to get out of debt and live well below our means since 2020. We are a single income homeschooling family, so it has been a long road. We have made so much progress, and we should be 100% out of debt next year. Unfortunately, we are just renting right now, but our goal is to save to buy home once we are debt free. It all really comes down to the faithful consistency each day with sticking to the budget and keeping your long term goals in mind, and being willing to sacrifice short term convenience in light of the bigger picture.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Wow! Thanks for sharing!! You guys are awesome and that's going to be so worth it! Keep up the hard work!

[@lynnvarner5383]

Think twice about buying, or at least remember the phantom costs of home ownership: taxes (increases every year) insurance (can increase every year) maintainance/repairs - like replacing a refrigerator or roof or AC. Crunch the numbers and determine if you are better off investing in an index fund. Homeownership can simply be a way of forced investing...IF the asset goes up. Good luck!

[@sarahjardin]

You can do it!!! Keep going!! We’re also one income homeschooling and got out of debt. Sending you encouragement from afar! ❤

[@df7665]

Buying a home will be the best investment you can ever make! We had to replace our hvac unit, but the Lord provided for that! He’s been so faithful. We’re a one income family, making 1/2 of what we used to and God has been so amazing!

[@amadamiaaa]

​@@df7665 that's wonderful! How did this blessing show up for you? My first thought was just a brand new HVAC unit was dropped off at your door for $0 from an unknown benefactor but I'd love to hear the real truth ☺️

[@MarySmith-ds1qt]

Great video! As a child/teenager I would watch my parents as they sat at the dining room table and portioned out their money for the family expenses. They grew a lot of our food and always shared their harvest with the community. My dad caught seafood whenever he could, and friends shared venison with us. They raised six children on $20K a year and we always had everything we needed. I never thought of it as homesteading, but I guess that's what it was. Everyone around us lived the same way and we shared with each other. We just called it country living.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I love this so much! What a blessing and example. I wish this was the norm for communities these days. It’s so needed. ❤️

[@bonniegaither3994]

I don’t know how old you are but $20,000 would’ve been a lot of money along time ago 30 or 40 years ago

[@hermonorossco7988]

@@bonniegaither3994that’s wasn’t really that long ago. It really shouldn’t be that different but gotta love excessive inflation

[@AchalaLokugamage-w9k]

You guys are very smart. We are starting to think the same way after having 4 kids. with 2 six figure salaries, We haven't been able to achieve our financial goals yet. The reason is...our unnecessary expenses...thanks for this video.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You're welcome!! Thanks for sharing, it's crazy how quickly things can add up!

[@loridennis6979]

You both are so blessed to be able to communicate and work together in this very important aspect of life. Keep talking!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@salemthorup9536]

You are blessed people. To be on the same page and to both be such reasonable people. On top of it, you don't seem judgmental of others at all. Zero sense of superiority despite the fact that you have very superior values and practices to the vast majority of society. Bravo. I hope it feels as good as it seems. No wonder your channel feels so peaceful.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! We feel blessed that people handed off these skills and knowledge to us at young ages. It’s made such a huge difference. Really appreciate your encouragement and thanks for watching!

[@Nifromthe90s]

I love the way u guys dont respond to the negatively in your comment section with more negatively. So inspiring, one could grow from watching u guys

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@carlaporozynski5408]

This is perfect! Your family is almost "identical" to mine in every way, even down to the vehicle situation. What the negative comments will never understand is how we live and enjoy our life. Peace and contentment go a lot further each month than having lots of extra money and a dysfunctional lifestyle to match.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Love! Always so fun finding others who share similar values. Thanks for sharing!

[@elizabethhowe3843]

I absolutely love that your gift budget is 5x as much as your fun budget. I really think that shows your guys’ hearts. Even with a small budget you are still blessing others & I think that’s SO cool!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

A 1/2 cup = about 118 ml. Thanks for watching!

[@jennabantjes3077]

It never even occurred to me to find out how much we've been spending per year. There's always so much focus on what you make, but never what you spend. I was not taught anything about finances as a kid so appreciate you sharing!

[@michelleandthomas8722]

If you’d like somewhere to start I’d recommend the Ramsey Show podcast. I had zero financial literacy and now am confident in it after following the show a few years 😊

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! I wish finances were more commonly talked about with young people! Thanks for watching!

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

Sticking to a budget is so much easier when you have a partner to work with, to be accountable to, and to provide mutual encouragement & support. For a single person without the encouragement & support of a partner, sticking to a budget feels like a burden...and it is. It's still necessary, but it's so easy to splurge to compensate for the blessings we lack for trying to "do" life on our own.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for sharing! If accountability is the barrier, I wonder if there’s a friend who’s also interested in using a budget that could be that person? Have regular check ins? Thanks for watching!

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

@@FromScratchFarmstead Now that you mention it, I will try to find a group of like-minded people--like a financial peace university accountability group--to share accountability. I'm sure there's one in my community. Thank you for sparking the idea.

[@tiamoore4041]

Thank you for this. It's very inspirational to get better control of our budget. Although my husband makes a very good income, I know that we could be saving a lot more if we were more intentional as to where our money is spent.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes, that’s it! Being intentional with your spending and saving can have so much of an impact. Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!!

[@ritabaker3113]

You have a very structured spending plan. That’s awesome. Blessings

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! It’s super helpful for us!

[@marjorieorveau6707]

Loving your videos! The first step in a budget is follow your money... as in, where is your money going? That's when we realise if we're wasting it. It is freedom to know in an eventual crisis that there's money there to cover it.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes!! Love it! Having a plan for your money! ❤️🙌

[@sharonwittmayer1221]

I love how you look at each other. Full of respect and kindness. ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So grateful to do this life together! ❤️

[@bdaina]

You give me hope! I need a less stressful job which means I’m going to go from70000 a year to 30000 a year. I’ve been thinking it would be impossible and feeling Very VERY depressed.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

It may mean making some big changes depending on your lifestyle but definitely not impossible! :) I hope find work that you love! All the best!

[@JehovahJireh-e5t]

We are a family of 8 on about 30,000 or less some years.

[@kenyonjanus4767]

If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (the Son of God) who made Himself a human and paid the sin debt that we owed He gave Himself as a sacrifice for us and rose from the dead If you believe in Him and make Him your Lord He can take away that depression and satisfy every. Desire you have just believe in Him! Put your life in His hands!

[@hartsarah12]

Ou may have already made the change, but for others looking to do this here is a tip. Work on down sizing your life and experiences before switching to a much lower income. Do this with a set time frame.

[@Elihot12345]

​@@JehovahJireh-e5thow do you budget that?

[@chelseymgodfrey1751]

You guys are awesome! I love the way you look at each other.

[@sarahjardin]

Thank you for your openness and “being the change” !! Sending you all love and well wishes on your journey. ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for your encouraging comment! ❤️

[@We_are_all_learning]

Thank you! Great topic, practical and detailed. Very helpful to learn from people who have gone through the homesteading, self sufficiency lifestyle especially with children! I have been learning more and more about homesteading, specifically growing and raising food our Creator created for us. Thanks again!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Awesome, so encouraged to hear about your journey! Really appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@Petalsandpups122]

Midwest is where it’s at apparently. I wouldn’t even be able to rent a room in a shared house for $400/month. Even our forclosure properties in AZ are $300k+.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Wow! Things have really gone up here too in the last few years!

[@TobyPatrie]

There may be a lot of foreclosures hitting market again. We bought our first house for 30k and it was 3 bedrooms 2 baths in nc and sold it for 90k

[@kayriciawager8778]

They paid off their house - so that's just what they pay for taxes and insurance.

[@rachelday9585]

I have a mortgage in the midwest and still live on about $1500 a month

[@tamarasself-sufficientlife7539]

I paid off credit card debt. Just started Ramsey Financial Peace Univ, and am starting to set up a budget. Not using credit cards has given me freedom.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Love that!!! Keep it up! 🙌👍

[@alexishenning214]

You are great stewards with your budgets, I commend you! We spend a lot more than this but we have 9 children 🙃 but we are very frugal and careful with our budget as well. And like you we still have lots of fun even on a tight budget- fun doesn't have to be expensive!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! Love meeting other families living this way! Thanks for watching and commenting! ☺️

[@samanthab5006]

I work from home and do grocery shopping/run errands during the week typically... I have an Impreza hatchback and fill up my tank every 2-3 months. My husband has a 30 minute commute each way and drives when we go places together on the weekend. He has to fill up his Jeep Cherokee weekly. While I get slightly better gas mileage working from home saves so much money on gas compared to a pretty reasonable commute

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Good point- thanks!! We love working from home for that reason too!

[@freerangerowlands]

Such a helpful video. Thank you! We have always lived on a pretty strict budget. Love seeing other families making a happy family life with less than what the world says we “need.”

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! It's so nice to hear from other families living similarly. Thanks for watching!

[@judymccord871]

I admire you for sticking to a budget. Thank you for sharing with us and hoping more people can do this to save money!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You're welcome! So glad this is helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@ingridguzman3858]

Many blessings to both. Continue on your journey. I enjoy your videos all the time. Thanks

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Aw! Thanks so much! ❤️

[@Boringcountrylife]

First time I've seen a COUPLE on youtube plan/organize/follow through with their budget the same way my husband and I do. I know most people would say I'm crazy to think it's fun. God appreciates the stewardship and supplies our needs. I love having a wish list for when we want something that isn't in the budget.... sometimes I end up receiving that item for free, sometimes I can squirrel away little bits of cash every month by spending less is different categories, and sometimes I look back over my wish list and realize that I never got an item that I wrote on the list 6 or 12 months ago and I'm glad I didn't get. Learning to not be an instant gratification spender like my parents were/are has been and is fun.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Love meeting like minded people! I hear you that most people think it's crazy but really it can be so enjoyable and rewarding! I agree about that last part you said too. I can't tell you how many times I bought something on a whim only to regret it later. Thanks for watching!

[@limberj1]

Thanks for this guys! Its always nice to see inner workings of someones budget. I know its strange to share! I'm taking the plunge to be at home full time starting in June so we'll be needing to be very strict moving forward. Good kickoff inspiration ❤️

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Congratulations on making the move to stay home!! That’s a big deal!! You got this, it’s worth it :)

[@diananore1368]

Amazing commitment and dedication to this…allowing freedom as you mention. ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! ❤️

[@forgedbythefather]

$30,000 a year would be nice livin' for the 5 of us. We have had to survive on way less. Life has been one hard ball after another. Thank God for what we have though, but I have to say I am severely exhausted. Exhausted isn't even the word.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I’m so sorry for what you’ve experienced! Hang in there! ❤️

[@dollhouseq1530]

I'll have to come back to this video when I no longer have a mortgage. Saving for later, thanks for sharing❤

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

This was great ! I learned to handle money using the envelope system. It's great. I'm not as dedicated as I need to be. I learned so much from this. I Ty you both for your input. Yall are amazing.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Aw! Thank you! So glad this was helpful!!

[@karlalarsen7597]

Congrats on pursuing your dream of a family business! And for the “real life” glimpse into the sacrifices that will make it happen!! I predict much success! It’s helpful to see your budget written out and broken down by month & year.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! So glad this was helpful!

[@vilmawilson3931]

Great and encouraging tips on living practically and making a budget work. Thank you for sharing how this works for your family. You both seem very content.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for the kind comment - glad it is helpful!

[@dolorescantu8303]

You both are awesome. Such a beautiful couple. God bless you and your family.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! ❤️

[@mb6601]

I absolutely love what you're both doing.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! ❤️☺️

[@pioneerprepper2048]

I dont think shes being rude, shes just excited and likely nervous. She clearly looks at him with love and respect its clear she is simply more of a talker and doesnt mean anything negative. How terrible for everyone to jump on her and act like shes a bad eprson.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for standing up for me! ☺️

[@pioneerprepper2048]

@@FromScratchFarmstead absolutely! I understand I'm similar and it hurts for people to see such a small part of your life but then pretend to know your character. You guys rock!

[@mamadoom9724]

Your income is similar to my family of fours income. We grow tons of food, have chickens, do a bit of foraging, my husband fishes, and we cook everything from scratch. Most the things in our home are hand me downs from friends and family. Our vehicles are paid off, my daughter cuts our hair, and most of my and my husbands clothes and shoes came from relatives who have passed away. Even many of my perfumes, makeup, other beauty products, and even cleaning supplies came from my aunt who died. We have low income health insurance but rarely go to the dr. We really want to get a wood stove and save $ on electricity. Overall we live very comfortably for such a low income. This summer I’m determined to do more free fun things as a family like hiking, swimming in the lake, and bike riding.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I love all of this! Thanks for sharing! Very inspiring!!

[@rachelspare8292]

It is great to see your unity. Don’t listen to the negative feedback on “interrupting” or criticism of your family’s chosen lifestyle. My husband and I have similar financial goals to yours, and have nothing but peace because of it. Gratitude for what you have from the Lord, unity with your spouse, and financial peace…what more could you ask for?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! It’s such a blessing to be on the same page! Thanks for your encouragement. ❤️☺️

[@beccascraps8141]

Thanks so much! I’m needing to make major changes in our budget. Our family looks much different than yours, but I think we all have a lot to learn from you! Shalom from a new follower!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful for you!! Thanks for being here! ❤️

[@Rec_it_Roop]

They dont have a mortgage/rent folks! Thats how they do it. 4:01. Still a great message on how to live low income. Thanks for sharing this. It is truly inspirational.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! Not having a mortgage or rent makes a huge difference. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@rachelday9585]

I do have a mortgage and live on about $1500 a month.

[@07ikkin]

Yea, I guessed that before I clicked. Don't see it being possible otherwise. But I like budgeting videos so I watched anyway

[@savagedeals472]

It seems they had a mortgage at one point but have traded up from buying fixeruppers and sold for profit and saved in other ways and then paid their property off. The expenses were still there and they planned and invested to make the mortgage free life possible. Never the less that property tax and insurance becomes a micro-mortgage for sure.

[@GraceTheBabbler]

Ah. That’s it. I was looking at the AGA in the back. That’s 30k on its own.

[@mrsbethanyelise]

Another thing to add is if you get a tax return, set it aside to use for recurring bills for the year. We use ours to cover internet, phone, various business expenses, and more. It saves to much stress!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

That's a great suggestion! Thanks for sharing!

[@hislivelystone]

That’s what we do!

[@SaffronHammer]

I know how to budget, but....Sadly, as a single mother--not by choice, working 60 hours a week, I quite literally do not have enough $ to make ends meet, So much depends on one's circumstances--much of which cannot change....

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

That’s so hard! I’m so sorry you are in that situation right now.

[@SaffronHammer]

@@FromScratchFarmsteadthank you! IIt is challenging and stressful, but I remain hopeful and fully focused on living a simple and good life, taking care of my children as best I can. It has been 14 years, but as soon as my chicks have flown the nest, I will look for a roommate to share a rent with. For a larger portion of hard working fully (plus ) employed , law-abiding, tax-paying citizens one cannot make it on one person's income--would need to work 80--120 hours a week to make ends meet and stay out of debt...

[@lindawilson8434]

I am trying to watch this but the wife seems to monopolize the conversation

[@5points7019]

Off topic but i think that cast iron shelf/display is the way im going to do mine. Ive looked at other ways but i like yours bcs ill then have a spot for my dutch oven. We will be on a similar budget once my husband retires at the end of this year. We have very little monthly costs, paid the house off this month.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We love that shelf! Jim created a how to video on how he made it if that's helpful for you. So nice to have those low monthly costs - all the best!

[@tiadavenport5465]

Seeing how your budget changes once you have kids driving will be interesting. We spend about 1000.00 on gas alone! To and from school and work with carpooling.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Good point! I'm sure our budget will need to go up some as our children get older. Thanks for watching!

[@caroldolan1485]

Have you used the book The Tightwad Gazette? It should be in your library! We raised 6 kids on one salary in NJ. It was a lifesaver and I still use a lot of the principles in there!💰

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I haven't heard of this one - we'll have to check it out! Thanks!

[@ellenm2873]

@@FromScratchFarmstead Yes, I LOVE the Tightwad Gazette-one of my favorite books of all time! There are like 3 or 4 books, BUT there is the last book that is The Complete Tightwad Gazette book encompassing all the volumes-I wish I knew they were going to do that bc I bought each one first! Great book in raising families and some say outdated, but not really it is how to raise a family( Amy Dacyzyn raised a large family). Another good author is Ellie Kay books (funny too) on saving money. I raised a large family, paid off the mortgage early although it still took many years, put kids through college, still one to go through college and paying that which it seems I am forever in saving mode and not spending. Luckily, I am frugal and don't need much in life. Debt free, but many sacrifices still-no traveling other than camping through the years (thought I would when retired, but still not bc college expenses for my son), driving old cars to the ground over 300k miles, growing our own food too but just to supplement,etc. We buy once(like furniture) and keep it forever or til something breaks. We get most things free,Queen of Freebies-got nice Pottery Barn table in my kitchen, chairs, printers, computers, tv, cars,etc so many freebies out there. Some people get tired and just redecorate every few years, so I get their castoffs they don't want which is still nice. Never bought a crib for any of my kids-hand me downs or borrowed!

[@daniellenolan4156]

Thank you, that's helpful info to order one bulk thing a month, that will def help me! ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful!

[@Normal-mom]

Wow this is amazing. Here in Ohio a $1k mortgage is VERY cheap in farming country. Utilities have gone way up these past few years

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

The last few years have been hard and our budget has definitely increased some since doing this video. We are hoping to do an updated video soon!

[@steveorner7919]

​@@FromScratchFarmstead would love to see an updated video. We are always broke and trying to figure this out to get out of debt with about this much money for a family of 5 but we have bigger children who eats tons with chronic health issues requiring a lot of supplements.

[@mrs.h4484]

So wonderful you have a husband that does and cares for his family. Men, be the husband and father your wife prays for your daughters to marry. Ladies, be the wife and mother your husband prays for your sons to marry.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So grateful for him! ❤️

[@paulawallace6688]

I just found you all on you tube. The first video I choose to watch was this one. Gave me alot to think about. I got a stove free once cause my husband was doing some work for our business and the customers had just bought a house and wanted a new stove. There was literally nothing wrong with it and they gave it to us. Also my husband listens to local radio stations and has won free tickets to different things like concerts and rodeos. Thanks for the video!!!. Also what business do you all run from home?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Glad this was helpful! Those are great examples and it seems like things like that come up all the time if you are willing to look for them. Our online business with our blog and youtube channel is our full time gig. Thanks for watching!

[@taylavannelli813]

Loved this! I really appreciate you being open and honest with real numbers. Very helpful. Also I’m glad you explained why the income was low because I was very confused based on that tithe number! 😂

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful! ☺️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Love the Tidy Tango Tuesday!!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I don't know what that is but it sounds awesome!!

[@MagdaleneFransman]

This was a great and helpful video I learn a lot thanks many blessings to you and your fam love and hugs from SA 🙏💞

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful for you! Thanks for watching and for the encouragement!

[@thomssbentzen8258]

I don’t know how you guys can live this cheap but your my hero’s 😂

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Ha! Thanks for watching :)

[@DAS-Videos]

The main categories that people waste money on are Eating out/having food delivered, buying grocery items that are expensive or not using sales coupons, getting coffee/snacks at a convenience store, smoking, drinking, wireless phones and phone plans(Tracfone is cheap), having an expensive online streaming service, driving gas guzzlers and/or driving randomly, buying new cars too frequently, keeping the house too cold in summer and too warm in winter, buying excessively expensive shoes/sneakers and cloths, getting their hair cut styled professionally, taking lavish vacations. Other categories we must have with no wiggle room. Housing, health insurance, internet access, medical expenses etc. If a person can just save an extra $20 a week to put into a savings plan they can be in great financial shape over time.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Great tips! Thanks for watching!

[@jacobbenivamondez4460]

Great video and I love to see that y’all added giving and tithing into y’all’s budget. I pray God opens many opportunities for y’all’s family blessings

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you!!!

[@linshere]

Wow, I love this! Thank you for sharing. I wish we could do this also❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You're very welcome!

[@worldchanger4715]

Our families are very similar with our budget and Christian and homeschool values. Curious, why didn't you include the cost of feeding the cow/livestock, caring for the garden, home repairs/upkeep, clothing, and vacation expenses? Would really enjoy a video on what you buy in bulk from Costco or Azure Standard/similar. Thanks you guys!

[@amywoodard2852]

I think they mentioned that they sell things from those hobbies to pay for the expenses such as eggs. I couldn't do that without really great infrastructure already in place and lots of hustle! It seems animals and gardens always cost a lot upfront. We do it to have good quality food and not necessarily to save money. That said, any homesteading expenses have sort of leveled out and are now included in our grocery budget if the end product is food.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Great questions! Farm and garden expenses are not included because our goal is that our farm while is doesn't make us added income is able to cover the costs of itself. We do a lot of bartering with neighbors (i.e. farm sitting in exchange for hay) to keep costs as low as possible. We've pretty much gotten all of our clothing as hand me downs for our kids and if Jim or I need anything we usually ask for it as a christmas or birthday gifts. Vacation is something we don't budget for either. We've considered but for now we lump it in an extra category that is something like savings, and retirement that we put money into as we have extra income. Hope this helps and makes sense! Thanks for watching!

[@thehomegrownhomesteadvirginia]

So what about groceries? Livestock feed and expenses? For our very small farm we spend at least $500/month on feed and minerals not including the hay at $7.50/square bale. Our groceries are about $600/month including bulk for a family of 6

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Great question! We should have mentioned farm costs. At this point our farm doesn't generate income but is able to support itself with what we sell or barter.

[@theskysthelimitfarmwoods2131]

I dont see any area for livestock feed or vet care. I’m not sure what all animals you have but you mentioned a milk cow in this video. I know that’s a good chunk of our budget.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! We should do an updated video going into more depth about this. At the point, our goal is that the farm would pay for itself, between what we sell and barter for. That's why we didn't include it in our budget.

[@annahimes830]

Have you thought of doing a monthly or weekly cash stuffing video maybe making a separate channel because some people actually love watching those. I am one of those lol

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion! We have considered doing something like this...maybe we should think more about that!

[@Fitmomlyfe]

I really want to do one of those Christian healthcare programs, but this summer our health insurance paid a $397,000 hospital bill for our new baby that developed meningitis (unconfirmed, but definitely at least sepsis) and now I'm not sure I can rationalize not having regular insurance. Although insurance is by far our largest monthly expense and nearly $20K annually when I insure the whole family.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You definitely need to do what you feel comfortable with and do your research! With Samaritan we are in the save to share program which means that bills amounting to over 250,000 are shared. I'm so sorry about what happened to your baby - how scary that must have been!

[@bethanyg153]

Very cool! We spend $30,000 on just the mortgage and gas.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Wow! Thanks for watching!

[@rajimac]

I can see that your spending budget stays a round $30k per year but that’s not your earnings budget if you also have money set aside for savings . If a person only had $30k and no extras at all they wouldn’t be able to manage so easily. I admire your dedication to budgeting. But I think you have the wriggle room many people don’t have. I’m earning less than €13k per year and I have to budget so tightly . There is no wriggle room for even a plumbers visit . I had to live without hot water for 8 months before I could afford to fix the boiler.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for sharing that! All the best to you!

[@berrypatch5583]

We did as well, with seven children at the time. It surely made us all appreciate a hot shower and not having to boil water for baths and dishes😁

[@berrypatch5583]

We did as well, with seven children at the time. It surely made us all appreciate a hot shower and not having to boil water for baths and dishes😁

[@dorothymitton7602]

Not having a mortgage and car payments is the secret to a happy marriage.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

It certainly helps!!

[@mightyminifarm]

It’s such an encouragement to see other couples making a budget and living frugally! Y’all are awesome. Subscribed!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yea!! Love meeting other living this way too!! Thanks for being here!

[@lizcampos7221]

Wow 😮 im super impressed! Hello there im a new subscriber I came across you’re channel and I’m really enjoying you’re content. Let me tell you im in shocked with you’re budget. I live in Cali and our expenses added up to more than 3,000. We are a family of six and two pets. Our bills added up to Rent payment, Private school, Home utility bills, food and not too much for fun. 😂 People who live here know the cost of life here is super expensive! It just ridiculous keeps on increasing every year! Especially with this current administration that we have. Anyway just wanted to shared with you the huge difference money wise I’m assuming it depends on the monthly income plus the state you’re in and num of members. Not too mentioned we don’t have money extra as of now for savings or going out, due to only one income but we’re hanging in there. God willing we are paying some of our debts that we’re already in right before covid* started! Thank you so much for sharing and all you’re tips as well. Definitely it was really helpful and inspiring living only a basic non fancy life full of materialistic stuff. Will definitely look onto coming up into a better budget with the hubby. Have a blessed rest of you’re day. ❤🙏🏻

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks so much for sharing and you are absolutely right! Where you live makes a really big difference to what your cost of living will be. Thanks for watching and your encouragement!

[@successfulusername]

If this is all accurate and not exaggerated for views (you’d be the only ones that know) congrats. What I did take away is you went to college- did you already pay off your loans? Where is your savings?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! Yes, this was our real budget a couple of years ago. We are now at 36,000/year as a family of 6. We both went to college but graduated without any debt. Any income that we have beyond our basic budget gets allocated to things like savings, investments, vacation, etc.

[@Big1momma8]

I enjoyed the video.Yall make a great team.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! So thankful for him!

[@EvaDinan]

Wow what a great video! Thank you so much for sharing. Finances and budgeting are very difficult to figure out from scratch if no one has taught you, and unfortunately most people these days are simply not taught how to manage even a basic household. As a young mom, I am feeling very inspired to use some of these methods, and just to generally be much more intentional with my spending. I am curious to know as well where your income is currently coming from. You mentioned savings, but is there another way you're making income in this transitionary period? Though I see this video is from a year ago already. Anyways this must be such an exciting time for your family to finally be able to launch your home-based business! All the best

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! You're welcome! We totally agree and wish these ideas would be more commonly taught to kids. About a year ago we were able to start having our full income needs being met through our online business (youtube and blog). Good question! All the best to you!!

[@gabbyzach1508]

Wow this is so inspiring!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@angelanash73]

Great video guys!! Very inspiring ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@rosiomendez4985]

How to live on 30k a year without a mortgage. Great tips for when my mortgage is paid off.

[@breezybre2670]

We spend 36,000 a year....on our mortgage 😅. I am looking forawrd to some tips....just starting the video.

[@baus7]

Dang! Can you downsize? Which state are you in?

[@breezybre2670]

@@baus7 We are in Canada. The only way to get a cheaper house would be to move tp the city and with the crime and rampant drug use that is not an option. We just consider the mortgage our first priority and scrimp on everything else.

[@GraceTheBabbler]

That Aga behind you is around 30k on its own. Did you get it as a gift?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We bought it from fb marketplace when we first moved in and were renovating our kitchen. It was priced amazingly low and the most expensive part was hiring movers to help get it in :). Thanks for watching!

[@GraceTheBabbler]

@@FromScratchFarmstead wow that’s a hell of a deal

[@deewee3921]

Can we have an updated video for this? I would love to see what changed… is your budget still the same amount? Or is it quite a bit higher due to inflation?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We keep talking about doing an update of this video - we definitely should. Maybe at the beginning of 2025. Our budget for 2024 was 36k so it did go up a decent amount. Thanks for watching!

[@deewee3921]

@ yes please do! I find this so interesting! We have quite a bit of differences as far as expenses but I like company them and seeing where we can maybe cut down. We are on one income, which isn’t huge and have a homestead, we are renting currently but have to find a new home in spring so we are hoping to buy something and keep it as cheap as possible.

[@Jane5720]

Maintenance, I allow $500 a month. I also try and fix things I figure they’re already broken, so what’s the worst that that can happen? I really don’t wanna budget this closely. Seriously wow some categories seem very low.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for sharing! Fixing things yourself, especially initially, is a great idea! Our budget it definitely not for everyone and it's even changed some since we've done this video. Thanks for watching!

[@rachaelglasson7049]

Thanks for this, I not long ago found your channel. I noticed there was no money allocated for clothes, home/kitchen items or Reno’s?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! Good questions! I think we should do an updated video here to clarify this. Those things aren't in our very basic budget. Almost all of our clothes are hand me downs or gifts and we buy very little in the way of kitchen/home items and what we do comes out of our cash food/miscellaneous allotment. When we have a big Reno, that's usually planned for and comes out money saved. Thanks for watching!

[@KristinaKage]

Appreciate the “don’t compare” warning in the beginning. Because I was about too lol

[@emilyh2043]

Great video. Trying to convert your budget to California living. Property taxes are quite high here. I was wondering about income taxes. We always owe since we are self-employed. We never know how much we will owe. It is hard to budget for that.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for watching! We need to do an updated video for this now that we too are self employed and have to factor taxes into our budget as well.

[@jim4utube]

Maybe it's time to leave CA?

[@Beccabeckyrebecky]

I just wonder as a budgeting person if you’re not tithing (like me) where would you delegate those funds? If you’re making more than 30k per year would you recommend all the additional money go towards debt? This is not a slight at your religious views I just have a lot of student debt and thankfully a very low cost of living and I’d like to be out of debt soon so I’m exploring different ways to do that. Love your channel, so inspiring 😊

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! I think paying off your student loans would make a lot of sense with any additional income. If you wanted to split that with doing some long term investments that could pay off too but we definitely started by tackling all debt and it was so freeing to have that paid off!

[@DrJakeDPT]

1500 sqft houses go for $350,000 where i live :(. $2,100 just for the mortgage

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

It’s crazy where things are at right now!

[@ruthwright6247]

Awesome! Thxs for sharing !

[@lindadobranetski6302]

$800 for brakes is outrageous. My husband or son does them. I would learn to do them it would save you hundreds of dollars

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We’d love to learn! Thanks for sharing!

[@almmason7]

Thinking of going with Mint Mobile who runs on the Verizon network. 😮

[@shelbys2750]

We use it and it works for us.

[@hislivelystone]

I switched a year ago and it’s been totally great.

[@LowInformation]

We need a Bidenomics 2024 update. Because my grocery bill has increased $400/month and now am forced to OMAD the family to make up some of the losses in this deflation environment.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Good suggestion! We need to to an updated video. Thanks for watching!

[@lorikorstanje2964]

great info well done congratulations

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! ❤️

[@gracec7179]

Our rent in Vancouver is 1400/month and that's really reasonable for our area :--) imagine

[@praireoak]

How do you grow your own food where it saves money? I am in the suburbs and have an ok size garden but it seems like a lot of money for seeds etc to grow your own food and I wonder if its cheaper to buy food instead.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hey! That's a great question and prices can definitely make you wonder if it's worth it in gardening. A big thing for us has been honing in on the different varieties of things we grow that give us the best bang for our buck. So instead of growing a little of everything, we grow 10 or so crops that produce and store well for us. This can also help cut down on seed costs. We've found Seed Savers Exchange to have a really good variety of seed at very reasonable prices, if you haven't checked them out yet. Plus, we have some really simple planting methods that help us keep costs minimal overall. I'll copy links to some posts below you might find helpful. But that said, gardening is a huge investment of time and dollars. We have the same debate most years you bring up of, is it worth it? One thing we did in the past is a Work Share with a local CSA where we volunteered a few hours a week at a local farm in exchange for a weekly veggie box. That really felt like a sweet spot to enjoy a lot of great food without a crazy investment. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching! fromscratchfarmstead.com/10-essential-storage-crops-you-need-to-grow/ fromscratchfarmstead.com/how-to-create-a-quarter-acre-self-sufficient-homestead-garden/ fromscratchfarmstead.com/starting-seeds-indoors-without-grow-lights/ fromscratchfarmstead.com/diy-seed-starting-mix-with-compost/

[@rachelrichards717]

We homeschool. The Good and the Beautiful has free math and LA from K-8. I typically buy the PDFs so I can print for each child and cut costs.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Oh, good to know! I haven't looked into The Good and the Beautiful but have heard good things.

[@amandascharf3870]

Thank you for sharing this! Do you have a separate budget for saving and investing? I am assuming you do!! Your food spending is very inspiring for me.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for asking! Whatever extra we have each month beyond this basic bare bones budget gets allocated to things like saving, investing, emergency fund, vacation, etc.

[@baus7]

Can you please redo this video? I love yhe concept but just can not finish it. 😫

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for the feedback. We will have to do an updated version. This was an early video us so we’ve hopefully grown a little since filming this!

[@baus7]

Here again to ask if there is an updated version without the interruptions?

[@delnayr4601]

I'm curious about your insurance plan. A friend of mine did something similar. I'm not sure if it was the same one or not. When it came down to their child needing healthcare they were told they had to first get everything they could from government healthcare. Here, that would be ARKids, an extension of Medicaid. Then the share plan would pay the rest. For our family at the time, the government plan would have paid 100%, which would mean the share plan would have covered nothing. The whole reason we were interested was to stay off of government insurance. I am just wondering is that how yours works? It seemed senseless to us to pay into a share plan that, in the end, wasn't going to pay anything.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! I've never heard of this with the health care sharing plan that we do. Every major expense we've had has been completely shareable without any supplemental insurance. Thanks for watching!

[@delnayr4601]

@@FromScratchFarmstead than you so much for your reply. Good to know!

[@schmaje]

We use Samaritan M now, but years ago we used Christian Care medishare, and the members voted at that time that if you qualified for any state aid, you had to use that first. So, like you said, why were we even paying for the share?

[@breezybre2670]

HHow do you feed the animals on $300 a month? My mind is boggled. 1 bag of chicken food is $23. Hay is $18 a square bale. How do you feed a cow ans 5 humans for $300? Is there a secret to animal feed that you can share?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

This doesn’t include our feed costs for our animals. Our farm is able to pay fir itself at this point through things that we sell or we also barter for hay/feed so right now this isn’t an extra cost for us! Great question! Thanks for watching!

[@mo2890]

We also are Samaritan members!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yea!! We love Samaritan!

[@tightwadonpurpose7003]

The health shares are great for slim people who have no health issues at all. They either won’t cover you or they do not cover that health issue.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I'm curious if you have personal experience with any of them? We've had a great experience and have met people in all sorts of walks of life and situations who are using it successfully. I know there are several different ones though that all work differently. Thanks for watching!

[@ciaragracelewis]

So awesome! Do you guys do a homeschool co-op?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We are in a co-op once a week! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@ajourneytoislam]

Much ❤️

[@BraceletQuetzal]

Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You're welcome - hope it was helpful!