HOMESTEADING. OFF THE GRID OR ON THE GRID? Things to Consider

[@lynnsavitz6892]

I totally agree with you , as we are on the grid but use our utilities wisely and frugally , as always enjoy your videos , and look forward to each new one , thank you .

[@Owen4it]

Sound advice Boss, good to see you back on the screen! When your not trying to impress anyone but yourself, you make choices for yourself that make you happy. Being able to role with life's punches is what it's all about! Looking forward to more on the NH cabin, thanks for your time!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Owen4it Well said my friend :-)

[@emickkart25]

I have done the same. I built a tiny house and went from a 1650sq ft house to 310 Sq ft. Consequently my electric bill went from $350 per month to just under $40 per month without a major change in lifestyle. Now I am working on efficiency. Love your channel as always.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Bobby James Simple and cheap. Love it :-)

[@andrewjackson692]

Great info I have told everyone I know to look you up . To me and my wife you are a breath of fresh air! Keep up the good work and we will be here to view it.

[@franl5585]

Great ideas here. Being conscious of pwer use is key to living frugal on the grid, as you say. Thanks, JC.

[@davidstocke6217]

hey JC I love your stuff! I wish it were that simple. my power company charges the monthly delivery charge of $50/month. I have a $600 bill before I start using any juice. They are gonna get our money one way or another. I love what you do and appreciate your insights.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+David Stocke Wow! I'd be unplugged in no time :-o

[@Barbarossa4U]

Great info and here I thought all along you carried candles and oil lamps with a hat and slippers

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Barbarossa4U Bah Humbug!

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

You are so right we do just what you are saying.We are not where we want to be yet.We have decided to ween ourselves off little by little.And make adjustments as we do so as not to be overwhelmed.Great info once again.

[@southpawbushcraft7522]

Great advice, great video! Living off grid, or even rustic simple style of life is a LOT of work. I don't think people realize how much work is involved. Thanks for the great video, Dawn

[@mxdmsgs]

OMG! This video has brought tears to my eyes. I want to be off grid as much as possible but I am realistic to my dependence on certain modern amenities. This is the first video I have seen that embraces a hybrid of sorts. You have launched my dreams into a more attainable and realistic vision. Thank you so much!!! You don't understand how full my heart is right now. Thank you just isn't enough.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I made this video because I hear so many folks are dreaming about going "off grid" but then they bang their heads against the wall trying to have alternative methods of electric light. Electricity is awesome and can be very affordable with a conservative approach. Glad you found this beneficial Tabatha, I hope you'll share my channel with others who may enjoy my videos. Cheers :-)

[@troykirkland5368]

Another great food for thought video! Thanks for sharing your advice and tips & tricks!

[@Brad1237202]

I love this video JC! Not sure where you get the ideas for these videos, but I love all your life long experiences, and learn from them all. If most "Homesteaders" watch just half of your videos, they could get over a great "learning curve" much sooner than later. Getting the kids out on their own sooner than later can also reduce the electric bill significantly! :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Brad1237202 Thank you buddy. No joke on the kids and power :-o Certainly got that right.

[@dannoquin7322]

Thanks JC, excellent information.

[@ChadMorgan709]

Great video bud. Very informative and inspiring. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. Oh and bucko says hi to Frankie.

[@wa4aos]

Who needs cable or Sat TV with the incessant commercials when there is EXCELLENT programs on youtube such as this one. Personally, I am not interested in living in a cabin deep in the woods but Still, I have been encouraged by this video series and others like it to cut back with the unnecessary expenses and dream chasing. Most of us have way too much STUFF and much of it is seldom used. I am downsizing some of the excess and will be more careful on purchases going forward.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I don't know how we all accumulate so much crap. I'm constantly getting rid of stuff but it never seems to end :-/

[@alanj7306]

I like how you think. Just because you have electricity from the power company doesn’t mean you aren’t off grid. Off grid to me means being off a city grid. You can easily be 10-20 miles from the city or town and still have access to the electric system. A lot of farms are off grid and still have access to electricity. Under $400 a year for power is dirt cheap. What a bargain! You couldn’t run a generator for that, not to mention the purchase price. Though I’m certain you have one for backup, which would be a necessity. The LED lights make a huge difference. I spent about $35-40 on them to change out the bulbs we use the most. They’re saving me about $35-40 a month, around $450 a year. That’s some good suburban logic lol 😆. Boss, God bless you and yours! Stay safe and healthy my friend and love from the Judge!

[@Gonzo3780]

Catching up on videos all day, drinking beer and watching the Kentucky derby...Wow am I behind, lol... People think its easy to live off the grid...not a chance, if you are not a woods man, cant make adjustments, dont have some sort of a few bucks coming in, have no COMMON SENSE for the great outdoors etc??? So many things to consider...What a great video my friend...Great advice for many that may want to consider living off of the grid...Take care,, Gonzo...

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Heith Gagnon I've got lot of catching up to do as well buddy. I don't watch vids when i'm at my cabin cause my internet is through my phone and I have to be frugal with my data. Always good to hear from you my friend.

[@robertkadow3367]

Enjoy your videos - you are very pleasant and have something to say. Saw your video concerning you tube problems. I will watch you & support you. So many presentations are click bait. They barely talk about their title & others use their female companion to create interest.

[@fredmoller1675]

In Ontario, due to Lieberal government mismanagement we pay the highest electricity in North America, and more and more people are going the off grid route. I can't since I live in an apartment that has electric heat, but I use as little as possible, mainly by using only two of six baseboard heaters, and all LED lighting.

[@cokeman250]

Great job boss keep passing on the wisdom God bless buddy

[@cjc9088]

Great video Boss! Those beautiful paintings behind you...I have a feeling that you painted them. Right?! It looks like there is Nothing you can't design and build! Wow...you're amazing!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I only did pencil drawings, the paintings weren't mine :-)

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

That's good advice JC. Last year I built a cabin for a friend to retire into in northern Maine. All was well for awhile, until the long winter set in and was too much for him. Now he's living there part time and has a apartment closer to civilization and back to work to pay for both places. So, you nailed that one right on the head Ebenezer!! ( lol ). Well done boss as always!... Cheers, Pete.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Peter Stanhope I see similar scenarios all the time and although they may quit the lifestyle, I don't really consider it "failing" because the only true failure comes from not trying. It's a rewarding lifestyle for those that seek it.Cheers.

[@fannygitchyurgunspiritwind384]

Yuppers, there's a whole lot of freedom that comes with frugal living. You explained this very well for those who aspire to a simpler life and I'm glad you pointed out why some fail. Great points and great video!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+fannygitchyurgun spiritwind Going off grid for independence is great but it's not a money saver for most.

[@shelleymessier1494]

Good advice thank you. Using less is the smart thing, using smart is even smarter. You're a smart guy. Thank you for sharing

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Shelley Messier Thanks for the smiles Shelley :-)) Cheers.

[@sunnylandcamper]

camp oven is on my wish list now.....I have been able to keep my power bill down also but not quite that low.....good job

[@kareywhaley2526]

Thank you so much for the advice, very helpful! I just love your video's. Just saw my first video of you about a week ago and oh my goodness, I'm hooked. Subscribed, started watching and catching up nightly. You really are awesome. :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Karey Whaley Glad you are enjoying them Karey. Thank you.

[@kareywhaley2526]

+thebossoftheswamp You're very welcome! Be safe ☺

[@isaiahmayer]

the best set up is to pump electricity into the city and use the reliable city power and if shit hit it just flip the switch and you are off the grid

[@orangpendek1024]

It is much cheaper to stay on the grid and just cut your power consumption. My power bill is the only utility bill I have and it's usually around $30 a month in the winter and about twice that in the summer. Solar power is expensive if you want to have everything you have when on the grid. I have a little solar power, but it's mostly for emergencies when the power is off during a storm.

[@alanj7306]

Solar power can be (and usually is) ridiculously expensive. And then most houses are still hooked up to the electricity from the company. Live in Vegas now and it would be nearly impossible to only have solar in the summertime. AC units use tons of power and solar just doesn’t cut it when it’s 115 degrees out. They also don’t tell you that solar panels are about 20% less efficient once they’re 10 years old. They’re are a lot of ways to lower your power bill, but solar really isn’t one of them..

[@9aspengold5]

Unable to go off the grid completely, but have put 55 gallon barrels under rain spouts to collect rain water that we use in garden, washing cars, bird baths, dog washes and even for the first part of the laundry wash. Have saved $20.00 to $30.00 per water bill. Getting it free from rain is good. Thank you for your tips. Love your site.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+9aspengold5 Every little bit helps. Keep up the good work :-)

[@lukehereiam9188]

Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your life. You convey your knowledge so well. I think you would have been a great teacher. Cheers.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Luke Hereiam Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comment.

[@backcountrypipe]

Great common sense approach. Thanks for the tips. Regards Mark

[@amyring271]

I see well I have to remind myself I've never attempted it but as long as u keep making those videos u will be our guide in such ways to clueless folks like me lol

[@woodspirit98]

I don't have a freezer or clothes dryer. All my lights are LED and the most I have on at once is one. Maybe. I don't have internet or home phone or cable. If I want to watch tv I plug it in and pop a DVD in it. When I'm done it's unplugged. I live in a split level 3 bdrm house. My electric bill is 30 bucks a month.

[@maureenhaggerty6600]

Good advise. We unplug everything possible and it saves tons of bucks. Love your videos Boss. Your the voice of reason!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Maureen Haggerty WTG Maureen. Keep up the good work. The only thing running standby power here is the computers.

[@Markam248]

you could build a ice house. collect your ice in the winter and store and use it all summers. just a thought.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Mark Thomas Hobbies I may do that. I saved several 2.5 gallon jugs for that purpose.

[@Biglandtrapper]

Great advice there Boss, very practical. Couple nice caribou racks there, I have a chance for caribou tags this fall, fingers crossed....

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+William Larkham Jr (Bigland Trapper) Good luck with the tags buddy. Cheers.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

I live totally off grid here in Chile. It was $5,700 to hook to the grid and $4,500 to buy a solar system. If I was hooked to the grid I would have $400 to $600 / month power bills. I do have a generator for running my high power consumption items like my welder, and when we have had a long spell with little sun, but I still love living off grid. Yes the power costs more here in Chile. If I were to return to the former USA, and I do not see that happening, then I would live off the grid there as well. The satisfaction of not having a power bill is priceless. Jim

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+ChileExpatFamily I much prefer the off grid lifestyle too. I enjoy my independence and even enjoy the challenges. Both lifestyles have their pros and cons. Cheers :-)

[@jodysappington7008]

thank you for sharing....

[@donnavaughn8813]

Thanks you my friend 💕💕💕💗😘 merry Christmas and happy New year everyone here

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC]

another great post my friend , its nice to see not everybody banging on about off grid , some of the channels I watch have so many problems with batteries not charging properly , solar panels scattered all over the place , fume emitting batteries indoors , ugly wireing etc . Ile be most likely on grid when we move to Latvia , but for me its about getting out of the city , learning to farm , building a cabin , enjoying the forest , Its funny how some people think ........some of my friends have gas heating in their houses and said it the electric fails they would still have heat ......I had to remind then about heating control panel (electric) and without their electric water pump that hot water was not going anywhere , like you explained put a little thought and planning into things , Keep safe ..........................Harry

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Balvi small farm Homestead Couldn't of said it better myself Harry. Best of luck with your move. I think you've got the right idea for sure. Cheers :-)

[@lewbates7765]

At my age I would have to keep the homestead and sell the cabins. It seems you are happy there and keeping it up isn’t costing that much. Hope you keep your health and continue doing what you love doing.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Lew Bates Have 3 places is just too much. I like it here but don't love it. I love my cabins though :-))

[@vs74ralph]

We looked into putting electricity into our camp in the early 50 ths, it was several thousand to extend to lines. That is why there is no grid next to your NH cabin. Great vid very good info for folks. Butch G

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Butch Guilmain I hope power never makes it up that road. Looking forward to visiting with you folks this summer.

[@Sheila6325]

Couldn't agree more! I've been working toward self sufficient living for some time now, and you sure told everyone the right way to go. I knew I wasn't ready to go "All Out" until I had several things worked out too, and boy does it ever make it easy to live in a "place" when your actually ready for it. My 12 x 32 finished garage took a while, but today it is comfortable, and has what I need. I have most of my solar ready to put in, but have electric too. When I had to stay in it for a few months, it was a relief to have the electric available to me, but the wood stove kept us warm without electric, and a huge bill. I do have to use lamps sometimes, but never use the electric unless I have to. I have many "off grid machinery" ready to install, but it was really good to do it without having to rush and worry about living so hard, that I would have given up. My electric bill was less than $16.00 this month, (I forgot to unplug my cleaned out my refrigerator) but after this month, it will be next to nothing. I'm working on getting the materials to make your refrigerator too. Hopefully it will be in by this fall. I also have a window refrigerator, and that will be in this summer. Great video, and now I know that I'm not the only one that took their time, and considered their real needs, before going totally off grid. Bless, Sheila

[@jean-noelleger9061]

Yes brother you are a smart man my camp is 500 yards from the main road and i had it since 1992 and have no power i love it like that i have a nice Springs water and i have a old barbecue and good woodstove i love the smell of burning wood i like working in the woods in the summer or fall and I have a old Colman stove to it works well for it like camping all over again so i love it God bless you 2

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Jean-Noel Leger Sounds like you've got a good thing going for yourself. Sounds like heaven :-)

[@debbytomlinson9970]

Lots of valuable insight on Every video you share. I appreciate it more than you know. I am single by choice, raising my last child and two grand children. So many people are trying to achieve some degree of simple living. I just don't know the best way to go about it alone. The plan is simple... Debt reduction first. My debt was around $16,000, down to $5,500. That is the extent of my plan at this point. Pay off debt and then I draw a blank. No adult male relatives. Makes me really value your insight because men just Know Things !!! You do a fantastic job of explaining and teaching.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Debt reduction is a must. Congrats on what you've accomplished so far.

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

Great advice Boss! You should rent out one of your "off the grid" cabins for a week at the time and call it "Test your Off The Grid Ability"! They get to meet you and Frankie then they're on their own for a week or so!!! Take care buddy!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Happilyretiredmark That would work but I don't have much desire to have strangers in my stuff. The cabins are stocked and I travel light :-))

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

+thebossoftheswamp LOL I hear ya man!!

[@melodycapehartmedina2264]

As always just good common sense. I really enjoy these videos. Well I enjoy all of the but these give lots of food for thought. Thanks for sharing.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Melody Capehart Medina Thank you Melody. Nice to hear from you.

[@CaptianConstruction]

April and a little chilly? You make me sick JC, ha ha! Here in Alabama it's been anywhere between 80-90 degrees with very high humidity(70-100%!). Looking on the bright side of things; I don't have to pay for a sauna, just go outside! Always a pleasure to watch your vids, all the best to you and Frankie!!! God bless! Jason M

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+CaptainConstruction It dropped to the high 30's last night. Your 80 degree weather sounds nice right now.

[@chrishawkesford6900]

Guess it's cheaper in the States! I live in Ontario Canada. I am on the grid but also have a 560 W Solar array with 12 Rolls Batteries. That powers the fridge freezer, computer lights etc. I cook on wood or propane, the water heater is propane and the house is a Geodesic dome so lots of light and warmth. I used $23 CDN of electricity last month but the bill also included $76.00 delivery charge, $4.00 debt reduction fee (The Original Hydro company went bankrupt so the Province had to loan money to purchase Hydro One) the there was GST/HST Tax. Total Bill $114.43! Time to invest in more panels and cut the cord :) Really enjoy the channel and look forward always to your next video. Thanks

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Chris Hawkesford Even though my yearly consumption is affordable, I'm very anxious to get back off the grid at my cabins. My homestead uses around 8 or 9 bucks worth of power per month and the rest of the bill is taxes and fees. I don't need the taxes and fees.

[@raptor6616]

Wise words Boss. We use our toaster oven all the time especially during the summer. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Raptor66 Toaster ovens are great and such a money saver.

[@barbarakegebein1800]

When we were full time RVers, the toaster oven lived out side in the hot weather, as did the slow cooker. Saved our ac a lot of work in Vegas and other hot places we worked. Now I want to save up for an All American Solar Oven!

[@dadgad68]

Excellent video JC. I agree if you can be hooked to the grid you should take advantage but being able to conserve and being prepared for down grid situations is the key. Last week i got my power bill and thanks to the coil heating my domestic water on my wood stove my bill was $0.00. Turns out they hadn't been reading my meter and based it on previous usage. They owe me $210.00. That's a first for me and i'll take it lol. I have you to thank for that as well for inspiring me with your channel. I also did your salt water ice bottles in the deep freeze and shut off my fridge. No need running it to keep a couple of things cold for one person. Anyway my friend great advice. It also may inspire others to conserve which helps with the environment. We are such a wasteful society this day and age. Great job. Gonna share this one on FB. Regards. D. Cote.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+dadgad68 You've got a good thing going for yourself over there buddy. Keep up the good work :-)

[@eaglehill6]

You said a mouthful in this vid, too much to comment on the whole thing but I will say this. Being off grid for the past 8 years, living in a very small village with no services except for a post office, were you have to drive 25 minutes to get a coffee or a loaf of bread can be trying at times for me. The most important thing I learned about myself during this process is that even though I'm not a socialite by any means I do miss going for a coffee surrounded by different people that I can observe and occasionally strike up a conversation. So I will probably be changing my location sometime soon to be closer to a larger centre for what those places have to offer but I will still be living frugally just as you do.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+eaglehill6 It's all about balance isn't it? If you do move closer to town, at least you have made great memories to reflect upon. Living the "hybrid" lifestyle works perfect for me.

[@crow4319]

well boss you sure are a very wise man you have a beautiful home ready for any emergency you sure know your carpentry skills also thanks terry

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+crow 43 Thank you Terry.

[@Hatch61]

Great video Boss, thanks for sharing. I enjoy seeing how low that I can get my utility bills, some months, it's not much more than the service charges, but f I need it, it's there.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Hatch61 I wish some women would think like you do. Life would have less struggles ha ha :-D

[@daniellegrandpa]

Yep, great advise.

[@dianehall5345]

Well presented JC. You have struck a balance that works for you. Our homesite is also 400' in. We are currently trying to tie into the grid. And I already have my propane summer kitchen stove picked out > to go along with the kitchen wood stove.We like to have all the non-electric counterparts in place,.but I really enjoy using the oil lamps and cookin on the Home Comfort :-)Just feels good to take care of ourselves mostly bu our own hand. All the best my friend.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+diane hall I share your thoughts Diane. Couldn't agree more my friend.

[@Homesteadhow]

Awesome information. Subscribed and following you. Have a great day!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+HomeSteadHow Welcome to my channel and thanks for subbing.

[@NYCamper62]

Camp has about 1/2 kilowatt array & 400 ah reserve and I'm conservative with use so it works well for me. I'm also almost 2 miles from utility's. This video has a good scale of understanding about the pro's & cons. The boss nails it yet again. It's still fun to razz people who can't camp without a noisy generator.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Gotta love those RV parks :-D

[@denstump4590]

Fun to razz people who cannot live 1 or 2 days without TV LOL Talking to people and they get off into TV junk. I say I don't know the show, I don't have a TV.. WOW, they about get tears in their eyes, look like they are about to pull out their wallet and hand me $20 and yell to the other people in store, hey take up a collection for this guy so we can buy him a TV! LOL I don't have a TV, I have a video display device for my DVD player I explain. No cable, no satellite, no antenna, No TV service at all, just a big screen display device! LOL I gave up TV about 1994 I see yuppy folk, oh wow got a solar panel and battery now can take tv to woods for camping. Gahhhh, why even go camping at all then??? Not even plugged in "display device" or dvd player since early Dec. and JAN 26 today. Well over a month! And people can't CAMP a weekend with out TV? How sad!!!

[@TheOldNorwegian]

Another great video. We live out in the boondocks of the U.P. and slowly reducing our costs as we can. One huge cost for us was the phone bill. My wife is Dutch and her children live in the Netherlands. Calling to them, or her before we were married, on average would cost around $50.00 per call! Way too much. We now used Skype for our phone service for everything. I think our average monthly phone bill is about 26 cents per month. Not too bad I think. If we call using our computers on both ends of the call, there is no cost what so ever. We do try to keep our electric bills to between $35.00-$45.00 per month. Most of the time we are able too. like you, our actual electrical usage cost it very low. It's the rest of the fees, taxes. etc that make the bill large. Keep the videos coming. This Old Norwegian really enjoys them and can relate to most of them.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Chris Nelson Thank goodness for skype. What a money saver that is for you. There are a few bits of technology that I certainly do enjoy. Thanks for commenting.

[@tomyot77]

I love my toaster oven and two burner LP gas surface units. Working on getting LED lights as old type burn out. I have timer on hot water heater. My wishlist is for small solar power setup. I have small chest freezer which does not use much power. AC in summer a major power expense. Use wood burner stove and LP for heat in winter. You have encouraged me to look at more options to decrease power bills. Just more lifestyle changes Thanks for a honest evaluation.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Thomas Thompson This is the kit I bought. It got great reviews and everything is included except batteries. I haven't installed it yet but will film the process when I do. I thought this was very affordable.. amzn.to/1To4pb9

[@tonydivine2551]

Thanks for the advice well I made it 1 step closer being disabled I don't get that .Must money it's taking forever it seems to get the wood I needed still have to get some but I on my way 335 bored ft is a good start be making a 24x24 cabin on 100 acres keep you in my mind as I go

[@fire7side]

I live in a small house in the woods on grid. Mostly, I've found having a refrigerator and freezer are worth the cost, about 30 dollars a month. A hard one is getting internet access, which costs me about 50 dollars a month along with the phone.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+fire7side Couldn't agree more. It would cost all of that for alternative means of refrigeration. Internet is my biggest expense to.

[@johngusmano387]

Wow! Great information! Really good stuff!!! I cannot express my gratitude enough to you for making this vid (and all your other ones too!)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Johnny G Thanks Johnny. I've got some vids coming up I think you will enjoy.

[@johngusmano387]

+thebossoftheswamp Sounds good to me!

[@huntnfishnuts5880]

I just recently switched all my lights to led. Great advice as usual boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Huntnfishnuts LED's are great :-)

[@davebarr9378]

+thebossoftheswamp Call me slow, but how do you change from standard light bulbs to LEDs? They have them that are made for regular size light sockets? I'm new at this....

[@huntnfishnuts5880]

+Dave Barr yes they have led light bulbs that fit standard screw in fixtures. They are really bright with good white light and use way les power than regular bulbs. They are more expensive though. About $8 each but they are supposed to last a long time.

[@EdiblePlants]

you're right on brother I am the same hybrid lifestyle for me

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Pinetar And Robyns Homestead Hybrid Lifestyle sums it up pretty good buddy :-)

[@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors]

Great points made JC, I have been 8 years off the grid and am still learning how to be more conservative! You guys must have some pretty cheap electricity... here in NL we produce some of the largest hydro plants and paying more and more each year. I am so glad to be independent from that! Thanks for sharing boss! Cheers.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors I prefer to be independent as well, even if I end up paying more in the long run.

[@deewise552]

Cool. Thanks!

[@kirkhobbs9003]

Good day again Boss - another great vid on living a simple life ; you have the message that most people should hear - you are bang on & very concise again - I really appreciate that in you & you do an excellent job in your vids so thks again & please keep up the good work my man ; it is always my pleasure to watch what you have next & I for one look forward to keeping up with your story - nothing less than awesome when honesty prevails as you are as real as you are & we can all take a lesson in being more grounded - thks again >> Great job JC ;) - Quick question - how was your trapping session this yr & where's Frankie that wee lad ; I pray all is good with you & spring treats ya fine as > it's new birth of life brings & it's many blessings come to all of us once again & that we can all still enjoy the tasks that come with - lets getter done & have some fun ** take care - JC - blessings to you - have a great day man - Kirk out for now

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Kirk Hobbs Thank you for your kind words my friend. Your comment is much appreciated.

[@backyardmeat]

Always keeping it real, great info as always Boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+backyardmeat Good to hear from you buddy. Haven't seen you post vids in a while.

[@backyardmeat]

thebossoftheswamp It's planting season around here, so not to many free hours.....but hopefully I'll be able to ditch the 9-5 job after this season. Trap all winter and farm all summer, seems just about right :)

[@t.w.milburn8264]

'mornin, Boss & 'Lil-Frankie; Great advice as always & That Red & Black Mackanaw is the Bomb ! Thanks 4 taking the time of your explanations Boss. Always great 2 set & have a cup a Joe while watch'n ya, Friends ! Scratch 4 Frankie ! ATB Terry God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+T.W. Milburn (skillet210) Mornin my friend. Once you go red & black, you never go back haha :-D All the best and God Bless.

[@alicelewis7261]

Thanks for sharing you are a smart man blessings to you.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Alice Lewis Thank you and blessings to you as well.

[@michellescolaro6159]

So glad to see a video. I've missed seeing you on....love it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Michelle Scolaro I'm working on several :-)

[@johngodwin7902]

Wise advise. Another great Video.

[@pamjones6465]

Great video. Thank you for the excellent advice. It is greatly appreciated. Take care and stay safe.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Pam Jones You're welcome my friend.

[@craigcottrell3949]

Interesting to hear of your low cost. I figured today if I shut off every electric appliance, lights, etc the power company would still charge me over 300 per year in taxes and access fees.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Craig C1911 I hear you on that. Most months I consume under 8.00 worth of actual power. The rest is taxes and fees :-/

[@rexbear9756]

Great video, you are the first person I have heard speak in real terms about this. A few years ago we had a ice storm in my area, I was without electric for 10 days. I got firsthand experience with living off the grid. I constantly caught myself flipping light switches, ha, they don't work. I heated my house with my wood stove and cooked on my propane stove, I used the generator to pump water from the well to charge the captive air tank so I could take a shower and wash dishes. I made do but I learned it was a lot of trouble. The local hotels were full, I felt a pride in not having to rely on a hotel.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I may do a follow up on this subject. If people plan to live off the grid o save money, they'll get a rude awakening as they bang their heads against the wall struggling to power their electric things. The accumulated power bill for my NY homestead for 2016 was only 404.00 and that's on National grid. All it takes is adjustments in your lifestyle to live cheap. Unplugging isn't the answer.

[@rexbear9756]

You make a good point about using electric frugally, a person can make real changes by scaling back on usage but it is also a mindset as you have stated. You don;t mind some hard work to make things happen, that is a big difference in mindset in my opinion. I like to wilderness camp, I think this might be a good test for people to find out if the off grid life is for them. I think I could do it but I suspect I would be happier at a cabin with electric, propane and a well, that is how I have lived for the last twenty years. For me it is not about proving anything, I know what my comfort level is and I stay within it. So I open the windows when the weather is nice and burn wood when it is cold, I have central air but don't turn it on, rather I have a window unit in my bedroom. If I lived in Maine or northern WIs. then maybe I would get by without the window unit.

[@cheryltomlin6761]

nice to see you back. keep the videos coming.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Cheryl Tomlin More on the way :-)

[@Bearclaw_Jake]

👍 excellent video. I'm in the market for secluded land. Good points made. picking between more of a homestead vs a mountain man lifestyle is the only thing I've debated. One thing is for certain is giving my life away to some company is coming to an end.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+backwoods outlaw I'm torn between the same decisions. I love the homestead lifestyle, chickens, big garden and all that but I also love the remote cabin life as well. I can get more chickens when I get old ha ha. Cheers :-)

[@dubehigh]

Great information.👍👍

[@rodney12310]

Good advice there JC!!

[@SwampDonkey530]

Sound advise from an elder statesmen. I like the nuthatch on the post..

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+SwampDonkey530 Thank you buddy.

[@photog20001]

Great vid JC! When I first bought this house, I was paying $150.00 a month electric bill. The house is total electric but by implementing a lot of what you mentioned, I have cut it down to $65.00 a month. I took an early retirement from that electric company you mentioned...use to be their staff photographer. Don't want to send any more of my retirement money back to them! LOL Keep up the good work!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+photog20001 Good to hear from you buddy. A while back I opened my electric bill and it was 303.00 but then I realized it was my neighbors bill that got stuffed n my box. What the heck are they running over there?

[@dirtsmiles8098]

Good video. It's often difficult to figure out how to cut the bill especially when you are blind as to what is using the power. There is 4 of us in the house and I think my two biggest uses are hot water and the clothes dryer. Certainly extra lights and phantom loads don't help. I enjoy these insight videos. It is hard to know what you don't know, ha. These help. Peace

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Dirt&Smiles Shutting down the standby power and switching to LED's made a world of difference. I'll be discussing more money savers in an upcoming video.

[@bluecollarmark]

Very true advice! Nice to have a place to visit that is totally off the grid, to escape the stresses of the world, however, I enjoy the comforts that the grid has to offer in my every day life. Besides, the wife and children are not cut out for living off the grid, they use 4 kilowatts just getting ready in the morning. LOL. Wish you the best of luck.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Blue Collar Mark Sounds like a busy morning :-o

[@stalmark]

Spot on advice. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Steen Talmark You're welcome.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Great advice, thanks and please keep it up.

[@8869crysler]

Another fantastic vid Boss. Great information. Take care my friend.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Steven.C. WHHI Than you buddy.

[@jessamygoddard4112]

Excellent advice! Thankyou for sharing. Take care xxx

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Jessamy Goddard You're welcome Jessamy xxx '-)

[@amyknox5349]

Thanks for the video...as always, I enjoyed it! Practical and informative...food for thought

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Amy Knox Thanks Amy :-)

[@ouroffgridlife8605]

very well said

[@wtfoffgrid9156]

I've been off grid for the last 6 months and my biggest drain is our computer equipment. Wife and I both work 50 hours a week from home, are on 2 different shifts, and are required to be on our machines at all times. It's rough no lie and certainly is costing us more than the grid would. Have some more solar panels and a 2nd controller coming tomorrow as a matter of fact.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+WTF Off Grid I prefer to live off the grid for the independence of it but for most folks it's not any cheaper to do so.

[@wtfoffgrid9156]

No it's not. I certainly spend more but when I lose power, I handle that complaint lol, that's my responsibly. Yes, sir.

[@larryjacobs5713]

Boss man I agree with you. What has totally convinced me is that my property tax is 1000.00 per month, electric bill in summer can be as high as 800.00 mo. My water runs about 300.00 per month. The only people who live home now is my wife and I. Believe me there will be some changes in the near future.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

HOLY CRAP Larry!!! I can live a long time on those figures :-o

[@homesteadbeginner]

Another great video Boss. I always appreciate your simple, yet logical explanations. Many people make these decisions way more complicated than they need to be! Thanks again and God Bless my friend.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Jeff Schweiger Lots of people make lots of things way more complicated than need be. Check out some of the comments on my rocket stove ha ha

[@themanwiththecabin8523]

Some really hopefully tips there jc. Thanks for the video and good look in the future

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+themanwiththecabin Thanks for commenting.

[@woodspirit98]

can't believe I just found this video Dec 31, 2018.

[@marcofonseca4511]

Thank' s for advise ...... looking for the next video.. great job..

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Marco Fonseca Thank you kindly.

[@bobbyballengee6221]

Loved the video Boss as always. God Bless my friend

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Bobby Ballengee Blessings to you too Bobby. All the best.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thx for ur input... Lotsa good ideas

[@EdKirkpatrick10]

Super information, thanks JC

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+Ed Kirkpatrick You're welcome :-)

[@jhend8038]

Well said boss! Thank you

[@thebossoftheswamp]

+J HEND You're welcome.