HOW MUCH does it COST to be a Homesteader?

We've learned a lot since we became full time homesteaders. Today we are going to discuss a few things.
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Living Traditions Homestead is all about living a simple and sustainable way of life. We believe the world has gotten too “busy” and that people are missing out on many of the true blessings this world has to offer. We started as a small urban homestead in Gilbert, AZ and after the city grew up around us, decided it was time leave corporate America and take a big leap of faith by moving our family to the Missouri Ozarks.
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[@erice424]

I enjoy watching your videos. I miss the time when my husband and I lived on a homestead. My daughter was in FFA and she raised pigs. My stepdaughter raised cows. We had a dairy barn and my husband made me a summer kitchen in one of the rooms. I kept all of my canning equipment in there. When I was finished I would clean up with a garden hose and washed everything down the drain that was in the floor. We raised pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and at one time goats. So your homestead brings so many wonderful memories back to me. I lost my husband 3 years ago and I now live in AZ. Our homestead was in CO. God bless you and your family.

[@AfterTheRains]

Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Now is the present 🎁 And that is a gift

[@ukhomesteading2535]

Regarding fruit flies... at least its a reminder that the vegetables have no pesticides on them! That's what I like to remind myself especially when i get some slug eaten cabbage!

[@primrozie]

Wow. You guys have done so well. Great planning from the beginning. Very smart! Lots of wisdom in being happy today! Jesus said it :) Husband and I had this dream of homesteading. We were fans of Mother Earth News and did many projects right where we were and still are on less than 1/2 acre. Here, we learned how to garden organically in our (6) 4' x 4' raised beds and one 2' x 10' bed. We've had berry bushes and nut trees to harvest from and apples from a neighboring vacant field. I learned how to preserve our food many ways and what we couldn't grow ourselves we bought (still do) from local farms. We raise chickens and would have loved to have had a couple goats but they need more room than what we have for them. I make as much as I can from scratch like apple cider vinegar and many herbal remedies and our meals. We built a green house and stole your center cold frame idea which is brilliant, but of course ours is smaller and we're considering building a couple of hoop houses over the raised beds. The land and animals and huge garden never happened for us. I'm 64 and husband 68. The decisions we had to make over the years just didn't allow that to happen. I guess my point is, even if the big dream doesn't happen for you, you can still have a large part of the lifestyle. We're keeping it simple and enjoyable. We'll improve on what we have when necessary. We have a full pantry and eat well. No debt or unnecessary bills. We also have 8 grandchildren that we need to spend time with which accounts for much of our happiness.

[@robertschroeder1978]

Sarah & Kevin, I would like to convey to you my appreciation for all the information and instructional videos. You both present a real portrayal of the homesteading way of life. In short, you both are "real" in everything that you present to your subscribers. Being a person of faith and working my way to a similar lifestyle, you both give me hope on days when it seems the most difficult. I wanted to convey my appreciation as well when you discuss your commitment to your marriage and relationship together. Many of us laugh and cry with you at different times when watching the videos. God Bless, Rob Schroeder (Rockford MI)

[@paulrice1918]

Always enjoy your family. So glad you shared both the good times and not so good times.

[@stevedeweysmith]

These folks are a beautiful and humble family, true Americans.

[@ruthsolter1077]

About the canning/fruit flies- we do our canning outside on a camp chef stove. We have a canopy that we leave up most of the summer where everything is set up. Works wonderfully. No mess or flies in the house!

[@vixxcottage]

That is such a great idea! Thanks.

[@Beepbopboop19]

🤯👍thank you!

[@petruzzovichi]

I'm a new and very pleased subscriber. You are a beautiful couple, even you Kevin, beautiful, with a beautiful family. May you continue sharing for as long as you wish and may you do so in the best of health.

[@robinr.770]

Thank you both so very much. ❄️

[@donnab8010]

Sarah, I love what Brittany said to you about - "You're stilling the joy out of today by worrying /thinking about tomorrow". Thanks for sharing that inspiring/comforting thought.

[@JB-mf1zc]

There is a church hymn that we use to sing, why worry when you can pray trust Jesus He will lead the way...……………….

[@lisag65256]

This one hit home again folks...I suffer from the "still gotta get 'er done" syndrome. As soon as you said it my daughter said "Mom that is so you"...And she is right .... People stop often to inform me of how wonderful the progress has been.... You see our Homestead was the old unofficial "Dump" for a couple decades before my family purchased the place a few decades ago...I inherited it in 2000 and have steadily removed all the old debris and contaminated soils ... It has been a very, very long road and I really, really need to just take a step back to ADMIRE what I have accomplished..... I can't wait for the next season of progress... Love and Light to yall

[@rubytrotter3766]

You 2 are lucky to have found your best friend and love of your life in each other. May your homesteading lives continue to grow and flourish

[@johndalton9824]

What can I say. You guys are the best. I look forward to every video. I have learned so much from Living Traditions Homestead. Many blessing to your family.

[@patriciausaf9861]

Sarah, it is good to see the happy lights in your eyes again and that beautiful smile is gorgeous! Kevin you are looking so relaxed and happy too . God Bless! Patricia Huff, Kernersville, NC

[@ukhomesteading2535]

Lovely to see your smiling eyes again, Sarah. You guys lift me up x

[@orscrub3161]

UK Homesteading ...........her dimples are too cute!! 😬

[@margezimmer1771]

Amen. Think you're good medicine for all of us watching. Admire your courage to make the change from corporate life to homesteading. One imperative point I want to say to those thinking of having a homestead. A couple must have same work ethics, life goals & agree on how they handle money. God Bless.

[@heatherrichards3154]

You both are a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for another excellent video. God bless!!😊

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great video folks, enjoying the ride along with you all !! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@sherriwolters761]

You both are such inspiration to me

[@lesleyharris3198]

Thanks for answering some questions, it's very true what you said about I see unfinished work but others see the work I've done, I will try to make time to smell the roses more

[@romgvmnwiktawftypwlu9313]

Prayers in evening .Musical instruments for after dinner evenings. Reading, puzzle building knitting, crocheting, needle point, woodworking...

[@dragon6ft5]

Having grown up in rural Iowa, I fully understand the challenges of overwintering in a place that really gets it hard at times. Now, living in Denver, the winters are very easy usually, but this year, we have already had over 2 feet, it is a nice change. I am so very happy that all of the health concerns have turned out to be benign. I am living my farm/rural/simple life vicariously through your channel. Please keep up the good work.

[@CountryViewAcres]

When you said you set your goals to high, that totally hit home. I do the same thing, and I work all the time and never set time aside to enjoy what we have. I know exactly where you are coming from.

[@mssmgirl1]

You've accomplished so much! You're a beautiful family and just great good genuine hard working people. It's a privilege to belong to your KZbin family .I rejoice with you when there are good news and get deeply sadden when something is wrong, because you are family.. May you continue to thrive and may you receive continued blessings. All my love and best wishes.

[@dorothyblack1332]

I sooo needed to hear that today! Homesteading as a single female can certainly turn into constant working! Wise words to take some time to admire what you've accomplished. Thank You! Love your content.

[@Rosethatwantstomove]

I'm trying it myself while driving a semi 🚛 for a living. My goal is April or early May be off the road for various reasons

[@suehinson1629]

Sarah you look 10yrs younger, since your last vlog! No joking you do! I hope and pray that you feel that way too. Much Love and God bless.

[@sabinarowlison9565]

You guys give so much good information and help. Sarah glad to see that smile back again.

[@Coccinelf]

Sorry to be off-topic and I'm sure you've read comments like that before but I'm really jealous of your beautiful thick hair Sarah!

[@markitimjustafamilyfullofa571]

Hey, I was a home health nurse for a long time, and often times I came in contact with a lot of the elderly who still lived in this fashion in Northeast rural Alabama. I learned a lot about the way the y canned, and preserved food. If they didn't have time to can everything when picking, they would out all they picked in a cellar, dirt floor cellar, it kept everything cool, and the flies away. My dad even put potatoes under our modern house and they would keep for the whole year down there. You should consider building an underground cellar and, I have been in some during the summer that felt like a refrigerator! They also would build one or two board thick shelves for canned goods and supplies etc that ran the length of the cellar from floor to ceiling.... Just a thought

[@thehalfcockedhomestead3973]

Regarding your answers to the last question, I was reminded me of the best advice I received and I wish I'd followed it immediately. It was before you buy ANY more equipment, buy a hammock and set it up in the most beautiful place on your property and lay in it for 15 minutes every day. It will keep things in perspective and remind you why you moved out here. Whether it's to allow you to be closer to God or just a beautiful place to unwind or both it will help you. Sounds silly but it keeps me going. Great show!

[@JackieGreen71]

Y'all have done it exactly as it needs to be done. Your financial breakdown is spot on. Missouri is amazing when you don't have to work on top of start up costs. Folks can start small and work up to it, even if they can diminish their grocery bill they should take pride in that. For me I was dirt broke and exhausted because of the high taxes and high cost of living in Colorado. The plus of that issue? My farm there sold for an outrageous amount(at least in my opinion) But that meant I had the financial means to purchase a larger place (3/2 bath home, on 80 acres established hay and cattle, massive shop, hay barn, small run in barn, loafing shed, chicken coop, spring fed pond etc). It meant I could use that money from the house sale to pay for animal transport and household moving. It meant I could pick up a nice camper to live in on the property before actually moving into the house(giving the other folks time to get into their place, as they too had animals and farm equipment) It meant I could buy several things from the seller(larger tractor, baler, hay equipment, air compressor, some cows, and such). This was a very planned move. I researched all over the US. I researched weather and hardiness zones, cost of living, right to farm regulations, AG areas , etc. Do not beat yourself up if it takes you years to get into a piece of your own Heaven on Earth. Reach out to like minded folks for support. Because you truly need to know that if you break down crying in the garden or bathtub? You are not alone, that you are not a failure. You do not need to have the college education in AG fields or some pedigree. With the right motivation and hard work your dreams can come true.

[@Sunshine-ym8bq]

May God bless you and hold you in his loving arms yes we have to live while we are living smell the roses look at the trees AMEN

[@amandahenry5371]

Tammy Smith I could not have said it any better that is the best way to say it

[@Zeke-yv3nw]

Thank you so much for putting yourself out there. I know money and figures is your personal business but it really helps people to understand what it actually takes. Sarah is m so glad your health scare is gone now. God bless.

[@aleshiasterland2217]

Thanks for being so honest!!

[@mikem1509]

you are two of the hardest worker's I have ever seen and truly enjoy what you do. leaving corporate america was an excellent choice.

[@dianehall5345]

Well said! Those living/rural traditions are a mindset that can carry a person far, regarding quality of life. I was fortunate to have my maternal grandmother, her brother and sister-in-law in my life at an early age, to teach me the 1930 rural New Hampshire OLD WAYS. My mother chose to be a nurse and live a suburban lifestyle. She was a "Mrs. Cunningham" ... from Happy Days! So I had both the 1950s post war lifestyle AND the down home Americana traditions. I chose to live the simple country life. It is a personal choice of the heart & soul...

[@shirleywolford3650]

Love to see you guys so happy ❤️

[@Marie-or6hz]

Excellent. This put a smile on my face, and made me reflect a bit. May your new year be a successful one, bring you plenty of good reasons to laugh, and be the stuff of good memories. Best to you and yours.

[@renebyers6153]

Love your work. Love your word. Take care you two.

[@wylawayfarm1863]

For combating fruit flies, try putting sprigs of Basil in/on with the veggies while you are storing them. It does help to repel them and smells good too! Win win lol 🙂

[@winkieandleah]

Good to know!

[@danieldoyle2656]

Y’all are very inspirational. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@pennythompson6773]

Always love your channel!!!!! Have a great week.

[@babasheeny3634]

Love your channel and the info u have to offer. Such GENUINE folks!! Ty!

[@goldierocks.]

Thanks for a wonderful year of advice, tips and encouragement! May God bless your family with a wonderful holiday and happy, healthy productive new year!!

[@meganrapraeger658]

Love your videos, I’ve watched you two for awhile, you’re truly inspiring!!! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!!

[@swianecki]

Love our morning chats while I have my coffee. God Bless.

[@dpofahl]

Thanks for sharing your life with the world! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!!

[@orscrub3161]

you two are sooooo cute! i get so excited when i’m notified of a new video! have a wonderful holiday season!

[@donnab8010]

Kevin, thank you for sharing what someone shared with you about - seeing the things we still haven't done but others see the things we have done. That is awesome. I will keep that in mind. TFS

[@bwhatever2010]

Thank you guys...I really needed to hear your advice today about living in the moment. And also what Kevin said about how we look at what we still need to do and others see what we have done. I am really hard on myself always thinking there is more I need to do, but what I really need to do it sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. I so enjoy all your videos and look forward to when you put new ones out. I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas and New Years.

[@gloriagodfrey3899]

This was just great. Thank you. Love you all.

[@bbqfisherman69]

Great video. I really enjoyed you guys sharing your experiences.

[@kcfamilyfarm939]

I can't love this enough. I have been so hard on myself about not getting so many things done and not meeting some lofty goals I've set for myself, but I also had a surprise surgery this fall, we had a surprise expense with replacing a well pump and 220 feet of well pipe, along with other random happenings sidetracking us, that meeting my lofty goals and getting every single thing done was just extremely unrealistic. But stepping back and looking at all I've accomplished despite setbacks, and seeing where we are now compared to a year ago on a tight budget, we have actually made a LOT of progress for that one year! And we've also learned a lot that will help make next year even more successful. Again, I can't say enough how much I love you guys and how honest you are about this lifestyle, and how it's not this perfect, roses and rainbows life with everything going as planned. And you are a lot more honest about how much work goes into a successful homestead than some other homesteaders on KZbin who are constantly traveling for events and making it seem like they do it all themselves... when the reality is that behind the scenes, they have a LOT of help running their homestead even when they are home, but especially so they can travel constantly to promote their channels, their websites, their classes they charge people for..... and make lots of money on Homesteading newbies. You guys are not at all the events all across the country and have been honest with why, and you have a lot more respect from me for that honesty about your homestead and the work you put into it.

[@denisewilkes7486]

Thank you both for a wonderful video full of information and inspiration.

[@pattifoote1714]

Love,love you two and have learned so much from you ❤️! Sara, so happy for you with your health scare, I’ve been through it also! Thanks again for this video Kevin and Sara, hugs to you both and the girls! 🤗😘

[@staceywishart9971]

Great advice on living in the moment. I think we all need to be reminded of that. I enjoy y’all’s videos very much. Sarah’s smile is a great thing to see too.

[@deborahandrews9728]

I discovered a large wolf spider living in my kitchen and that thing feasted on the fruit flies. At first I was a little alarmed as I'm not a real big fan of spiders, but then I realized I had NO fruit flies. So, I won't be too quick to get rid of the spiders since they helped me out in that area. Incidentally, it only comes out at night and I've only seen it once. Thanks for the updates. Y'all have a happy Christmas and stay blessed!

[@andreamortimer2610]

When I was a kid, my Dad would always get onto us for trying to kill spiders; he'd say that "if there are spiders in the house, you know that your house is not poisoned with chemicals plus you won't have to worry about an invasion of insects!" Should have listened more to my Dad! Just a few weeks ago my hubby told me that he had seen a spider in the kitchen feasting on flies and that he wanted me to stop chasing after the spiders and their webs. We also hardly ever see them during daytime. I had problems with moths, but after I stopped going after the spiders, the moth problem seems to have disappeared. I still don't like the idea of sharing my kitchen with spiders, but I'll be darned ... they seem to be hard at work for me!

[@livingwithcancer1245]

I love your channel, I love your family and I especially enjoy watching the ends and outs of your life. Every year teaches us new lessons and new experiences.

[@sheilasgarden7433]

Good advice ♥️ God Bless you and your beautiful family 🙏🏻

[@mompuff6857]

You guys are great!! God Bless you & your family!! 🙌🏻🦋💜

[@patriciamarino2479]

Good morning! Thank you for sharing and teaching us. Merry Christmas to you and family. ❤️🙏🏼❤️❄️🎄☮️

[@tammypurtee8770]

The best thing I've found to combat gnats is a bowl with 2oz or so of AC vinegar combined with a few drops of blue Dawn dish washing liquid in it, cover the bowl snuggly with cling rap and poke a few holes in it. The vinegar draws the gnats to it and the Dawn kills them.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Thank you for the wise advice. Often I see my unfinished list, but I need to see my accomplishments. Merry Christmas to you all!

[@laurawebb5023]

I always enjoy your Q&A sessions. Good info. And I like seeing you smile again Sarah! 😊

[@susanhepditch9462]

Always watch and enjoy your videos, so nice to see a couple working so hard together. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas from New Brunswick Canada

[@SrPrepsalot]

Watching you guys all the time. Very inspiring. Great info.

[@russellrobinson505]

Loved the saying about enjoying the present.. thanks for sharing your life with us!👍👍👍

[@hollydayshomestead]

You guys are such an inspiration. You are doing such a great job on your homestead! I am very very new to homesteading and still trying to even get started really. I have learned so much from you and can't wait to continue my journey.

[@garyb4929]

A great Q&A, love you'lls straightforwardness. Good luck with HOPE,

[@angiecarrera820]

Good, practical advice! Thanks for sharing.

[@sharonanspach2734]

loved your responses to what you have learned

[@MiddleEastMilli]

This was very helpful and interesting. I learned a lot. Thank you for your carefully prepared content and honesty. :)

[@jeannecooke4862]

You are both Great! Really inspirational and so homesteading enigmatic! Thank you for sharing! Happy Holidays!

[@semco72057]

I love the questions you all answered and as great as your relationship is it have to be difficult at times to be joyful all the time. I love the lifestyle you all are living and it reminds me of how my brothers and sisters and I grew up living in the country and we was so glad of it. I learned so much while a teen and working on our farm, and working for others also. My grandparents provided us with a great place to live and I can never forget them or my mother who worked hard also to provide us with what we needed. I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

[@ritacolborn74]

Thank you for all of your information. I like your down to earth perspectives. And I like the how to videos.

[@beckykukoski8678]

You guys are a wonderful model for success on many levels.

[@MrSnugasaBug]

Love watching y’all’s videos. Starting up our family homestead now on our little 6 acres. Keep it up. 👍

[@BryansGMa]

So nice to see you smiling again, Sarah. Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄. God is good…………all the time. Take care and God Bless. 🙏🏻💓🙏🏻

[@mlm7598]

So happy to see you both more relaxed and with your faces more relaxed.....life is life and it happens every day doesn't it?!! I so love what your friend said and it's so so true! I think many of us could take that to task and live in the moment more. Life, work, family, extended family and we forget where we started out! All blessing to you and the family for a fabulous Christmas and New Year! I can feel the energy you both have inside with the relief of the health issues. So thrilled all's well. Enjoy the holiday/Holyday's to the fullest!!! Blessings

[@malloriehatley]

There's that smile Sarah. Sending love. I am so happy for you and your sweet family.

[@patricianelson7911]

You two are so much part of my day. I sit and learn from you with every video. Thank you for including everyone in your life. God Bless!

[@robertlafollette8931]

Thank you and God Bless. Still thanking God for the good news from you Sarah.

[@richardparker1699]

Thank you so much for your time and consideration in this video. This is something that a lot of people should know about. Y'all seemed to cover the important stuff. Have a wonderful week.

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

The financial information is right on time. Having enough to carry your farm fore at least two yours is a general rule fore starting a small buisness. Even then, things can happen thatll drain your resources. I think society is brainwashed on constantly eating out all the time ,and buying name brand cloths . Love wTching your videos as usual . Keep up the good work (-:

[@patriciaherman6499]

One solution for canning is an outdoor kitchen makes a big difference. Good advice in starting your homestead with having a two year plan for living expenses. Blessings to all. 😊🇺🇸

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Yes a second outdoor kitchen it's the best idea not only that you don't heat up the house.

[@sunshineroots8802]

So happy to see that beautiful smile again god bless!!!

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Thanks so much for all the information and answering questions. This was very good. You too are such a role model. Not just to your children but to your followers as well. I/we, appreciate Y'all. God bless!

[@nancyj9892]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Relaxed me, overjoyed me, made me thankful for all that we all have. God Bless!

[@wayneburks5872]

May I suggest that when you have a male calf that you leave it a bull. It will gain weight faster than a steer. You will butcher it before it becomes a problem. Also what we did was we took enough milk for our wants and let the calf have the rest. We didn't even have to grain him. It was the best meat I ever had.also I am not being notified when new videos come out. Don't know why. Love you guys your always in our prayers

[@teresaperry4726]

Wayne Burks if you go up to the ‘subscribed’ word...go on to the bell and put the curser on ‘All’ that way you get the notifications.

[@MsLippy]

Thank Yall for a great Q&A. As My husband and I said on our 10 question colab, you guys work well as a team, and it shows by volume in your videos. Blessings Yall, and Merry Christmas

[@tonyroberts9009]

Thanks for the road map to homestead success, tried to make the jump this year but the sale of our current home fell through. God is good and he will provide what we need. Thank you for a good game plan for our future success. God bless your family.

[@johntrevor8815]

Love you guys more than you know. The vid that Sarah made a few days ago took me to my knees

[@darlenejordahl5313]

Thank you for this session of questions. You are a great example of your lifestyle. I watch many homestead channels and you each have your own special ways and talents!

[@LarryDoolittle]

Good to see you smiling again, Sarah

[@robboone4367]

Your message at the end is so true. I find myself overwhelmed sometimes with the projects around the homestead, but have learned that things will get done in time. I now make it a point daily to "stop and smell the roses".

[@Imahappygirl25]

This was really great ❤️ I especially love the part about appreciating what you've accomplished instead of focusing on what still needs to be done.

[@wval4379]

You guys are great! God bless you all!

[@kt3300]

I just luv you guys ! Great that you talk about real life and not just fantasy farming for entertainment. I also am a busy body and had to learn to make a few hours a day just to relax and unwind.

[@wendycash54]

One thing I have learned and keep learning over and over (someday maybe it will stick!) is to trust God. So many times I go through difficulties and when things come out in the end I realize God was in control the whole time. My goal is to realize that in the moment whether its a health issue or other challenge I'm facing, to know that God is on my side and that in the end He will provide even more or better than I wish for myself. The end may be some time in coming, but its His plan and time is necessary to achieve it. Thanks for your inspiring videos. Its so easy to sit here and judge sometimes when you are laying out your lives for all to see, and I know it can be hard to lay yourselves open like that. But just know that it is really appreciated and teaches such good lessons, and we are the beneficiaries.

[@geneking1918]

Love your cheerful faces.❤ We we're blessed with a Full Jersey heifer last week...such a Homestead Blessing.