Homesteading on LOW INCOME and Our Journey to DEBT FREEDOM

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We want to share our passion for efficient, sustainable homesteading that brings the family together. On our homestead we do chemical-free gardening, grass-fed milk and beef, pastured eggs and broiler chickens, and free range children :) We love to go on adventures as a family, so if we're not workin on the farm, we're probably hiking or out getting ice cream. We're all into DIY, and being inventive and creative. We believe in homesteading that's sustainable, not just sustainable homesteading. In other words, we want to show you that homesteading doesn't have to wear you out to the point that you give it up. We've seen it happen, and almost came to that point ourselves. So go ahead and take a whack at that subscribe button if you'd like to join us on this crazy ride. Get ready to learn and be inspired!

[@thelittlehomeaustralia]

I love this video

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks for sharing! It can be tough, but it’s worth it! Blessings on your journey.

[@Snappypantsdance]

That sounds awesome to me and it sounds like will pay dividends back!

[@ColleenH38]

We are older and own the home that my husband built and paid off in 5 1/2 years. It is so inspiring to hear young people like you in a world of "I want it all and I want it now" kind of world, be willing to make the sacrifices you made in order to have what you do now. I admire you even more than I already did. You not only built a strong foundation for your home, but also for your marriage/family. This is what commitment and determination looks like! Awesome story!!!!

[@mikek4024]

Great story on working your way through adversity and not dwelling on the victim mindset many get trapped in.

[@nancyseery2213]

We married at 17 and had our first child before we hit 18. We were 100% living paycheck to paycheck and it ended up 8 years between our sons. Four years late, we brough a daughter home. Life was very tough, there were lots of fights (verbal only) but here we are at 70 with four grandchildren and a great grand daughter, married for over 53 years and it was worth it! God bless y'all and keep growing.

[@maddierosemusic]

My dad got wind of someone who was going to demo a barn, so we went there and dismantled it and re-used the wood to build our first barn. It wasn't pretty, but it worked for many years. You guys are living breathing examples of 'delayed gratification', something that's todays' youth scorn, at their loss.

[@jessieb7290]

This is where life skills are so important. My dad never learn to do that type of stuff. My grandad knew how to build stuff, he just never thought my dad wanted to learn. So it never happened. My brothers didn’t learn and as girls, my sister and I never thought we’d need to know that. Although, now I wish I’d of asked. If you have kids teach them woodworking, cooking, baking from scratch, money saving, foraging, couponing, any thing else that you think will be needed in their future.

[@jenniferm3572]

Yes!!!🎉 In 2022 we sold our HOA $500k house and .8 property to live completely debt free on our $210k house and 4.5 acre property with NO HOA. It is a bardo home. We had to live in our camper for 9 months while we waited for the house to be finished. The house is now 90% done but we moved in, sold the rv camper to help finish out the rest of the house. It takes some grit but it can be done!! We’ve added a shop, a 1/2 acre pond, garden shed, two gardens, 4 coops to hold various farm animals and are currently fencing the 4 1/2 acres. And our taxes are a fourth of what they were in the previous house. It can be done!!! Great job you guys 🎉

[@sdl5731]

It only cost 210 to build a barndo?

[@jenniferm3572]

@@sdl5731 it was $210 for 4 1/2 acres plus the shell of the 2,600 sq ft barndo framed inside. finished it will be about $280k total.

[@S7H7E7A7]

I've been trying to consider a plan B in the event we can't get into land that has a ready to live in home. I was considering a extended stay hotel, but hearing you mention a camper....what was that experience like? 9mos is a long time...we have 3 boys 4,3,&2. And I'm currently 6mos pregnant. Any advice? Honestly....the rhythm our lives have taken us is, just jump in because there will always be a setback and complacency tends to rear its ugly head often. So we know making a decision and pushing forward is nothing to be lazy about knowing the habits we tend to have.

[@jenniferm3572]

@@S7H7E7A7 It’s great you’re trying to make plans! It will take patience, planning and grit that’s for sure. With how young your children are I would say definitely make sure you’re in a place where they can be outside and play often. Have plenty of options for indoor learning and play for when being outside isn’t an option. We approached it and it felt a lot like being on vacation-had many great times. We had moments or days but if you can just hold on to what the real purpose it has-it will be sooooooo worth it. If you’re anything like me about cleanliness and organization-let your hair down a little and just go with it! Hope this helps. I wish you and your growing beautiful family all the best. 🤍

[@My_Secret_ArtSketchbook]

Well done that would be lovely for us aswell.

[@mickeyroberson9082]

We have recently started watching your videos. My wife and I are enjoying them very much. Jesus is our LORD.❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Awesome! Welcome here!

[@user-oq6pv8um4s]

Nothing wrong for driving a rusted car… only fools feel shame of driving these kind of cars because they concern what others think about them…you are two intelligent couple … agreed your method of recycling every thing… I hope more people had similar ideas…

[@christazoeller5506]

Our car is 18 years old...Paid less than 2k for it...and have put in more than that in repairs lol...BUT no payments are great! Excited to be moving onto property in april...on the hunt for a single wide we're gonna flip to start :)

[@5GreenAcres]

I drive a 2005 Toyota 4runner that needs lots of work. My whole family has been through 3 cars to my one. I am eeking by until I can either fix and replace what needs to be fixed/replaced on my 4runner or buy a different one. (would NEVER buy new) I hate the new radiation boxes that people are driving around in. They wonder why they have arthritis etc. When I win the lotto I will take it to the dealer and have them replace and fix everything on it that needs to be fixed. Either way, I am going to do everything in my power to keep my faithful vehicle.

[@a.p.5429]

At least you can work on the older cars if your mechanically inclined and can get the parts. New cars are a nightmare. Even our mechanic, who does our "in over my head" stuff complains about them.

[@suzeeironwoods5954]

@@5GreenAcres 2004 Toyota Tundra, bought new, still going strong!

[@5GreenAcres]

@@suzeeironwoods5954 Can't go wrong with a Toyota or a BMW. Both very very reliable vehicles.

[@teresawilson1850]

We purchased a used dryer for really cheap when we got married. There was a button that said, Push to Start. What that really meant was… open the dryer, get the drum moving around, quickly close the door, and then push the button to start. 😂 But it worked for us for years! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s inspiring.

[@tonyaboyd2856]

Came over from The Eddy to see you❤❤❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

😂

[@wendylawton8274]

The thing I love about this channel is that the content is always valuable, well thought out and beautifully presented. Thank you.

[@myurbangarden7695]

Thank you for being honest. Money is so taboo and considered rude to talk about publicly. It takes a lot to be this honest.

[@CC-Rider]

A point Michelle made about the RV living affecting y'alls relationship struck a nerve here. In 2020 we had just bought 5 acres and wanted to build on it. Our Contractor estimated no longer than 5-6 months. We rented a 400 Sq ft Cabin with no air, very little insulation. Along with 3 dogs it was extremely tight. Then COVID19 hit, lumber shortages, bad weather, it seemed like everything wrong appeared. That 6 month outside time period turned out to be almost 15 months! Well we didn't kill each other, and we made it through. I too don't recommend it. You guys are a lot farther ahead than you realize. You both should be commended. I should add we are in our mid 60s and we had to work our tails off to get to this point. So you are doing great. Faith in Jesus helped us out immensely.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you! Goin through that during covid woulda been extra tough. I’m glad we got ours done before prices rocketed up! I would definitely do things differently next time, just to put less stress on our marriage and family.

[@Mommyslittlegarden]

I love how honest and candid you both are. Love from Ohio❤

[@steveschumacher5470]

Being debt free is worth all the sacrifice. We moved a old country church a little over a mile to property we had purchased and made it into our home. After over 30 years I am still glad we did it but it is something I wouldn't want to do twice. It is awesome that you have your videos to document your process, we have pictures that remind us how far we have come. Good luck in your journey and thanks for all you do.

[@janaslambor1844]

I am listening to yo and it's like you are telling our story . The only difference is that we came to Canada from Europe 40years ago, no money, no language and no one to help us. It took us 4 years to build a house while living in the old barn that we managed to put together so we could live in it. It took us 15 years to be debt free. I know what it is to go to do your needs in 5 gallon bucket 😂😉. But in the end there is nothing for free and all the sacrifices made you stronger and place you ahead of many others. I'm big fan of yours, kudos to you and best of luck in the future. ❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Wow! Great job! We are stronger because of it for sure. Thanks for being a part of our community here.

[@mrs.broccoli4362]

Michelle and Cody, that's exactly why you're so popular and have taken KZbin by storm. Your honesty and humility are amazing. I know few people who would say this so proudly and sincerely in public. You encourage so many young people and show how you can do it without big loans and high payments but with a lot of hard work. I am even more happy for your success and thank you again and again for taking the time for your videos. You are developing so well and can now finally relax a bit from the strain. You had to pay a high price for your health in terms of your health. Thank God that you can regain your health with great supplements. As an M.D. I know how important good supplements are. Enjoy your vacation, I'm so happy for you.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you Claudia! We always appreciate your encouragement 😊 Have a good week!

[@jennifergasiorowski7471]

Perfectly said!

[@tracyvazquez1205]

I have just started watching and I’m at the debt free. I love your tenacity. I love seeing young married couples working together and working hard with a goal! I love you guys , I’ll be praying for you and your very beautiful family. We have been through similar things and have been together 43 yrs and have been debt free and in debt and debt free again. I have no doubt you will realize your dreams!! God bless!

[@sandygrant9220]

Loved hearing your story and how the Lord gave you strength to persevere through the hard times. He changes us through the process and so glad to see the blessings of the Lord poured out upon you as you are debt free now. You did a wonderful job on your home and I'm sure as you continue that the God will continue to give you creative ideas on what to do on your homestead. I pray many are inspired by your story to get through their own challenging times! May God continue to bless you and your family and your channel!

[@fergusfarm3793]

We lived in mom's basement while we built our 2 story 1 bedroom house (using contractors mostly.) We camped at the property on the weekends. Mom always had a hot meal for us on Sundays when we came home bone tired and dirty. It was the best time in our lives even if it was hard.

[@judyanderson8782]

It's great that you appreciate what your mom has done for you.

[@infunerous666]

What was hard about that?

[@HC123]

New viewer. I greatly appreciate you sharing your story. Excellent editing, easy comfortable to watch, love the unity of the back and forth between a young husband and wife telling your story. Looking forward to future videos, will be going back and watching your previous videos and will let the commercials play through. God bless.

[@caballefam]

Hello Michelle and Cody, I love watching your videos and told my husband about some of your videos. We are homesteading, too, but on a small scale and we love it because it's not stressing. And just last month we became debt-free, too. Thank God! My husband built a house from scratch almost years ago while he was still single. His parents were telling him that he must be crazy for building a house since he don't even have a girlfriend. But he kept on. He told me that during his prayer time, he always hears a voice telling him that he will meet his future wife when he finishes the house. And true enough we met 2 weeks after he moved into his new house. And when he first invited me to the house before we got married, it was like entering into my dream house! The details on the house were the ones I was wishing to have if I'll get my own house. Ex with 2 sinks, no chandelier, and white. He painted it all white without any decoration because he said, he will leave the decorating to his future wife. God is good, all the time! ❤❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Wow, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Pinayfarmgirl]

Hey, subscribe to your channel. I would love to follow your journey.. 😊

[@hopeup2792]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am pretty frugal and most of my furniture is 2nd hand except bedding so I appreciate what you did to keep from going in debt. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

[@katieelliott8329]

I love how you were able to get the doors and windows for free!! thats such a blessing.

[@morethanfarmers]

Who doesn't love free stuff? 🤩

[@patrickadams7120]

12 years ago just after my mother had died (i was her carer while working a full time job) i decided to start a new life,so i quit my job and packed everything i owned and moved for a fresh start....which began with me sleeping in my dads spare room,going £5,000 in debt just to get transportation for a minimum wage job and a bond for a rental property. Over time and a lot of sacrifice i am now 100% debt free with a healthy emergency fund and i own my own house outright....nothing happens overnight,hard work pays off and dreams do come true but you have to be willing to pay the price.....a homestead is next on the list which is a lot harder to do here in the UK,there's way more red tape but it's not going to stop me

[@AbundanceinRest]

Where there’s a will there’s a way- absolutely. That mindset helps with all things homesteading!

[@terrispencer6347]

You guys are awesome. People like you give me hope for the future! You are living the life I wanted to live when I got married, but my man is not that kind of man. However, I've had a large garden everywhere we have lived and the hubsters did help out by rototilling and building tomato cages and raised beds. After 30+ years of living in the same house, the garden soil is nigh unto perfect - no rototilling needed.😊

[@morethanfarmers]

Good to hear from you Terri, and it sounds like your garden will be wonderful this year!

[@krickette5569]

You guys need to write a book! I see a lot of people in my farming homestead FB groups, asking how to get started. I'll be recommending this video to them.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊

[@lizpetruzzi7700]

Such a great testimony. So much is possible with faith and a willingness to work hard and sacrifice. Great job guys! May the Lord continue to bless you, your family and the work of your hands.

[@andielliott7721]

And we bought a 25 year old RV to live in while the contractor rebuilt our home after our house fire. Hey! Y'all were young...we were retirement age when we went through this. :)

[@stephstephen7625]

Well done guys. Everyone has to make big sacrifices at some point in their life… you chose to do it earlier rather than later. Great investment 🎉

[@amykeast7789]

I just saw a video where you got a nose bleed maybe from the dry air. My mom would often put a pot of water out on top of the heat stove to evaporate water into the air to combat the dryness. Sometimes when my daughter is stuffed up I boil a pot of water on the stove for a little while because the space is too big for a regular humidifier. Thank you for your videos!

[@TheWritingNomad]

Well done, it's a wonderful feeling. Even the hard times make great memories.

[@chiefandtato3106]

You guys are very inspirational! Most of what you hear today is whining, complaining and victimhood. So, thank you for always sending a "positive" message and showing what perseverance can do. Thanks for this story!

[@TomHudson00]

"cheaper to build than to remodel" - so much truth in this! I bought a home 3 years ago and I have poured so much money into it that I could have easily built something

[@simplyabetteryou]

So much truth, honesty and wisdom in this video. Thank you for sharing your debt journey.

[@veesdeering9058]

We have been living with no water for 6 months now. 1 problem after the other and now its all frozen. ❤ but we are warm and living the dream!

[@morethanfarmers]

Wow 😬 Keep on keepin on.

[@lindalouis3731]

Love your honesty! Thanks for sharing!

[@trbrig22]

Y’all are SO creative!! Love hearing the background story of how you sourced materials on a budget

[@danielebell4946]

I love how honest you guys are.

[@teresaedwards3659]

Great, thanks for being so humble

[@windriderfarm]

Another excellent video. So many great ideas for folks to source what they need without going into debt. Well done.

[@NicoleHoltActress]

So many great tips! Thank you

[@MRRIntel]

Thank you!! Very encouraging.

[@johnjackson9601]

You both are so inspirational! Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@manueleudave8290]

It’s so encouraging to hear your story!😊 Congrats!. 🎉

[@bethhubbs9937]

I appreciated the positive yet realistic tone of this video. I'm sure you have encouraged many.

[@59kuphoff]

Way to chase your dreams! Big thumbs up for raised beds! As we get older they allow us to keep growing our own food .

[@reneelavoie9807]

Thank you for sharing! What a beautiful story of resilience! ❤

[@sondraowensby5259]

With young couples like you there is hope for our future. Thank you for sharing your journey❤

[@jennifergasiorowski7471]

Awesome story! Thank you so much for sharing! Very inspiring! ❤❤

[@maegardnermills4292]

Great to meet you young people.

[@Dalcar.avotreestudio]

Living simple, much healthier than most, and raising kids with amazing values and experiences most kids don't get these days. Your doing life in a really smart way. One day your kids will look back on their childhood with nostalgia and know what amazing parents they have. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@monahardy978]

We have used DeWitt weed fabric and love it and are never going back. It's heavy but breathable and rain gets through very well.. game changer for us here! Great Channel.!

[@thegardentillerboy1244]

Y'all are very wise in your choices. Beautiful family...beautiful homestead! Thanks so much for sharing ❤

[@charlie16126]

Such an inspiring story

[@graybanditeyes5644]

Keep these videos coming you guys are inspiring to do many trying to start from nothing. Just came up on this page and can't wait to have time to watch all your videos. Love the whole sustainable living idea 😊 very wholesome. I really love your farm and the garden.

[@codypedersen55]

You guys are inspiring. I get out of the Army in a year, and your videos have given us a lot of hope for having our own homestead once I'm out! We've spent a lot of time watching your videos because they are so relatable and realistic! Thank you for all you do in the homesteading community and for the wholesome family content you create!

[@ka6148]

We been there and some worse It can be done You are a stronger person for those challenges

[@perkyplantparent]

I love this so much! Thank you for sharing!!❤

[@annekendziora9114]

Ive been waiting for this video!

[@ottocarmanjones7143]

What a great journey. Kudos to you two. Your children are very lucky little humans.

[@cynthiaj4863]

I LOVE it! I hope a lot of young couples listen to your story. Surviving your (both of you) stress of achieving your (both of you) goal has to be key! Keep up the GREAT job!

[@amandawalls8731]

Thank you so much for your honesty. This day in age that's a rarity.

[@dianegerlach2454]

What a story!! I hope you have an amazing vacation!!!!!

[@theimperfectpantry5936]

Well down. You kids should be so proud of yourselves. This video was very inspirational.

[@GoshenHideaway]

Love your family, thanks for sharing! Our garden will be from scratch, but we are going to do a no till on top of it. Last year it was a mono crop bean field.

[@StarfireE400]

Great job you two! I truly hope your journey encourages and inspires many! My wife (Michele) and I are older, we've experienced the journey and the steps it takes to build a home and a homestead. Starting from scratch, then with the gardening, then preserving is a lot of work , time and sacrifice. I love the honesty and that you shared all of your thrifty bargains, we did much of the same when we moved and built a new home 5 years ago. My wife is especially proud of the bargains she found! We really enjoy watching the two of you and your channel! Thank you for sharing, we'll be watching! :)

[@tealkerberus748]

Yeah I wouldn't go with the RV. A steel shed on a concrete slab gives you a decent amount of clean space, and it doesn't take long to add insulation and lining to make it more habitable while you build. If you want to make it really good, you can have a washroom with a toilet in your shed and it will make a great self-contained workshop or teen retreat or whatever once you're living in your house.

[@southernsunset_farm]

We've never had a truck either. We also use the minivan and trailer. It works great!

[@tracisamuel7077]

Blessings!

[@debbiee7850]

my parents have this KENMORE dryer also. It is a ROCK STAR after 30+ years. Dad changed out the heating element once.

[@ambethk77]

This is a great example of "choose your hard."

[@adairsulhoff5405]

Love this! My husband and I have been together 30 years, and now the sacrifices we made as a team are some of our proudest memories, and our progress over time has shown us that there is nothing we can't endure or accomplish together. Congratulations to you!

[@tracyreaume6451]

You two are RESOURCEFUL!!

[@HS-jh4zm]

Very encouraging video!

[@minervabird1967]

Good on you both. My husband and I bought a fixer upper on 1/2 acre, and it took a decade of DIY and saving, but it is paid off, comfortable, and we were able to save enough to retire early. Financial sacrifice is totally worth the freedom. There were times when we were sanding floors, or dealing with lime mortar dust, or working in a horrible kitchen until we could afford to remodel it that were stressful, but now, so very worth it. I wish you all the best of luck and have fun on that well-deserved vacation!

[@user-sh1do5wz6y]

Thank you for sharing unfiltered honest experience. This is so good. Appreciate this ❤

[@Shellskers]

Awesome life story. Hard times build character.

[@robertamead3687]

A wonderful story! As an older person I wish more young people could and would be like your family. If you can’t afford it, make do! So proud of your family Wishing you many more blessings.

[@NashRambler]

You are my favorite couple on YT. Fantastic job on setting your goals and sticking to them despite the hardships. While doing that you taught your children the value of hard work and sacrifice.

[@chantallabelle4609]

Wonderful video!! It’s inspiring to see and hear all your accomplishments at such a young age.

[@norasayre8318]

Your house is beautiful and the steps you took to get to your goal makes you appreciate and love your home even more, your experience makes you look at life with open eyes, you know that you can be happy with very little and that this season in life is just for a moment and you can do anything you put your mind to

[@marianreddy9848]

You certainly made it work with a great work ethic, good attitude and willingness to sacrifice for what you wanted. Well done, so worth it!

[@goofoffbert]

Sometimes you have to struggle to get to the top of the mountain. It is also a journey. Good job!

[@lauraramosadams2249]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and about all the sacrifices you made to be where you are today! You helped me put things in perspective. I have to stay focused on MY journey and remember that all of our journeys are going to look different. It's also refreshing to see another family making hard sacrifices...helps me remember we are not the only ones. 💛 You guys are a huge inspiration!

[@catracampolieto8989]

Great video and info. Thank you.❤❤❤

[@user-vh5if4qv5r]

So happy for you guys I love to see younger people getting to a place in life that they love.

[@tsilbaugh5314]

I’d say your sacrifices have paid off!!! Beautiful family, property and home!!

[@BiancaVie]

This testimony is everything ❤ God bless y’all and I love your content

[@yvonnewarrick6264]

Wow! You are amazing 👍❤️

[@silviageorgiades5253]

You guys are amazing, you are so humble and hardworking. I have so much respect for you both and wish you well! ❤

[@cyndimoss426]

The raspberry is my favorite LMNT drink!

[@kimberleychapman8416]

I’m blessed you guys are now reaping from your years of sacrifice! Thank you for your transparency and suggestions ❤

[@a.p.5429]

This is one of my favorite videos so far. So much real to it and really go info. My daughter and husband did the camper thing while their home was being built (by family) and it took way longer than expected (no ones fault). Part way through she's pregnant and its turned cold. We cleared out our dining room and they moved in where it was warm for several months. It worked out. You appreciate when things are going good because you persevered when it wasn't.

[@tammyharper2514]

Getting a piece of property that is overgown and is neglected is the best kind. You will probably pay less but it won't take that much to clean it up. Just make sure you are the energetic type of person it takes. Like you said, if there is a will there IS a way. Love your channel!

[@christiegrows2022]

You guys are son inspirational. I love your down to earth honesty. You did such a good build. Could not tell at all the windows don’t match you really did great I wish I had your skills

[@Gabrielle499]

You guys are SO REAL !! 🙌 Keep doing what you’re doing! ❤️

[@ginette8328]

Watching from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦 What an awesome video! 🤗

[@happyjayne2724]

@ginette8328 Manitoba Mennonite here 🤗hi neighbour

[@emekasearthgems3376]

This is a great video! A good reminder that Rome wasn't built in a day. Have fun on your family vacation, and thanks for sharing 💜