💰EXTREME BUDGET | Can You Be Happy Without Spending Money?

How my family is able to live on just $850 in 2024. A detailed look at our bare bones monthly budget and why we choose to live THIS frugally.
Support my channel: ko-fi.com/raisingwildflowers
Clever Fox Budget Planner Pro amzn.to/3K1VIW1
MINT MOBILE: See if Mint could help save you money! mint-mobile.58dp.net/do4DnM
• 18 Great Depression Ha...
How we are living off-grid: • Homestead
Berkey Water Filtration System: The legacy launch special! Get a 3-gallon legacy water filter system with four foundation filters and two glass water bottles. (Brand name now Boroux, not Berkey)
boroux.sjv.io/c/3298217/20055...
Off-grid supplies (affiliate links)
Solar Power Station Battery: amzn.to/43vb90Z
Portable Solar Panels amzn.to/3PvQrIK
Solar Camping Light amzn.to/3IP4k0O
Headlamps amzn.to/4c7jX0v
Solar Fan amzn.to/4buCGmH
Mr. Buddy Heater amzn.to/3QYkrhf
Portable Shower amzn.to/3yxIddB
Heath Insurance: www.healthcare.gov
Business Email: [e-mail]

[@raisingwildflowers]

What social norm do you not follow in order to save money? 💰

[@bwillsboys]

Beautiful skin

[@Angie-bl5bx]

I quit dying my hair in 2020. $125.00 every 6 weeks was just ridiculous. I just let it go natural silver and curly and super long. So much of a $ saver and I get compliments on it all the time.

[@Shobyw]

@@raisingwildflowers it’s better to live a frugal life rather than stay in debt. You have done a very wise thing as you anticipated that you will not be able to keep up with the increasing cost of living

[@lindc1070]

​@@Angie-bl5bxI dye my own. More convenient too. My husband or sister help me.

[@lindc1070]

We live on less than 40% of our income. At one time we lived on 20%. We are high income but live modestly.

[@loveandjoy810]

Girl, living debt free in a camper is nothing to be ashamed of. For real. I’m listening to Dave a Ramsey calls where people are so over extended and broke they are returning their groceries to Costco. I think your family is doing great.

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I can't believe people do that

[@loveandjoy810]

@@ashleybosvik3031 I know right?! I would die of embarrassment

[@sorciere...]

​@loveandjoy810 living debt free, actually having educated childern and being happy? Ya that's so embarrassing!

[@pamplant3610]

​@@sorciere...Well said! 👏👏

[@iamlea7905]

​@@sorciere...I think loveandjoy meant it was embarrassing to have to return groceries to costco.

[@CassieDavis613]

I was raised off the grid. I like the grid, just not its expense. Every time I turn on a faucet, I am so grateful for the easy access to water.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Life is a little better when you can be grateful for the little things ❤️

[@user-bb2nb5lj9j]

​@@raisingwildflowersI didn't have running water growing up and our food was always Day old now that I am grown I love taking a long hot shower and just flushing A toilet And eating good food

[@Joyce-id3dr]

FINALLY A YOUNG PERSON THAT MAKES SENSE

[@Feribrat99]

There are more of them out there than you think, not everyone of her age is a twit.

[@MA-jx6yq]

@@Feribrat99 I highly disagree with you! We do not have to cover "everyone” to say the majority of females are twits.

[@Maria-ql3fc]

My parents and grandparents lived what people call off grid these days, for them it was a way of life. They didn't own any modern convinces like tv's, microwaves, etc and drove old beat up trucks that was held together by baling wire . My mom was one of 12 children and I'm one of 11. Our gardens were huge, and worked by mules and a hoe. They even dug their own wells, shallow wells around 60 ft deep,but they provided water for everything. Mom washed our clothes in a #2 wash tub and rinsed them in another #2 tub., we also bathed in those same tubs and drew the water from the well with a rope and bucket. Mom had a peddle operated sewing machine and made all our clothes except the boys jeans. She was up at 4 am seven days a week and everyone went to bed when the chickens went to roost. We had a wood burning stove that was used year round for cooking meals. When daddy bought seed potatoes, he bought them in 50 lb bags because they were to carry a large family for a yr. Just our potatoes took a 1/2 acre, plus we grew corn, cow peas , butter beans, turnips, collards, mustard, sweet potatoes, okra , squash and I'm sure I've left something out. We had lots of nut and fruit trees. Momma never used a pressure canner, but she canned so many things. Our shopping list was flour, corn meal(unless daddy took corn to the grismill) coffee, tea, salt, sugar, washing powder, Clorox, and talcum powder for the baby. We raised our own meat and our grease came from pig fat. We had the cutest dresses to wear to school, but because they didn't have a tag we were looked down on by kids whose parents bought their clothes in town. Our clothes were prettier than anything they bought from the store. When my dad passed away he didn't leave a mountain of debt for my mom to worry about. It was a much more simple life and we had a lot of fun playing in the woods, creeks and fields, hardly ever had anyone sick in the family, but a few broken arms from falling out of trees or something silly we did to ourselves. A cast on for about 6 weeks and we were out doing the same silly things again.

[@brandynash1409]

I very much enjoyed reading your comment! I’m sure if we were neighbors I would come visit just to listen to all your stories on growing up!

[@b-isforbetsy7828]

Me too!

[@alicerafferty9595]

May I ask how old you are?

[@jazziered142]

I don't know, I don't think you have to go to those extremes. It's okay to have running water, and a washing machine.

[@Maria-ql3fc]

@@alicerafferty9595 I'm 73

[@christyv4125]

There is no benefit to conforming to a sick, unhappy society. We are very similar to your family. We are in a single wide on 18 acres. No debt, no limitations. 100% happy. Good for you!

[@mkchris9154]

Agreed. No facials, no expensive hair products, no expensive makeup. (No makeup because i am allergic to it.) I'm to cheap to spend my money of any of that stuff. Im tooo cheap!!! And proud of it.

[@user-po3lj2ug4w]

Actually surviving on less than $200 per month and growing own vegetables and only purchase meat 6 times per year. I drink water and use wild berries for flavor also marked down fruit and vegetables is so much easier than keeping up with trends

[@avasantics8594]

thats good! Meat causes diabetes

[@cjengland2365]

I've never been into things like fancy clothes, cars, etc. Having a bunch of stuff around me makes me unhappy. Always liked the idea of being able to throw everything I own in the back of my car and taking off whenever I feel like it. No burning desire to be rich, just able to meet our needs, help others when I can and enjoy life with firends and family.

[@vln222]

I would not say you are depriving of anything. You are living life the way we were intended to. What an awesome way to raise your child.

[@casey2562]

That Henry David Thoreau quote is one of my favorites. Heres another for you... The only way to deal with an unfree world is to get so free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. ---Albert Camus. Good Luck!!

[@Thomas63r2]

Impressive! I'm a single senior with a paid off house and paid off cars and I live fairly simple on ~ $1,400 a month. I'm conservative and definitely not extravagant, but I guess I could use some lessons on being more frugal! I cut my own hair, do all my own car service, no cable or streaming, basic cell and Internet service, low utilities (no a/c in Texas!), low homestead property tax ($530 yearly), no alcohol, smaller 864 sq. ft. prairie ranch house with an attached 624 sq. ft. garage/shop, no pets or animals.

[@LisaGray1000]

Do you need to be more frugal or can you afford to enjoy yourself a bit more at your stage of life?

[@Thomas63r2]

@@LisaGray1000 Frugal doesn't mean living poorly, next week I'll be starting a three state sight seeing and visiting friends and family road trip. I just don't like to spend wastefully or mindlessly. I'll spend money on some things during the road trip that I normally don't buy - but I won't be buying souvenirs or trinkets. Those things I'm not spending money on are just not that important to me, or not the way I want to spend my time. Cutting my own hair saves time - I'm not driving to a barbershop or solon and waiting for my turn - plus I can do quick trims when needed and always look my best. I like to do my own car service because I think I do a better job than most quick lane shops and it gives me a chance to inspect everything and do preventative work - it also saves me a lot of down time because my car doesn't have to wait for days for repairs like in most shops. I don't watch much T.V. anymore, and most movies are geared towards teenagers and I have no interest in multi players online games. I do have a window A/C that I will use if I'm not feeling well, I do enjoy A/C when I go out for dinner, I like to use dinner time to get out of my house; I usually spend ~ $180 to $270 a month on eating out , I do look for the specials and senior discounts. I also enjoy A/C when I go shopping. Most of the time I just open windows for a breeze, I feel that it is important to acclimate yourself to warm weather so that you can still enjoy outdoor activities even when it gets Texas hot. I like to putter in my yard, I usually wait to do that later in the day when there is less direct sunlight. I don't buy any beer or alcohol because I prefer different flavored drinks or water - which is interesting because I once owned a bar even though I'm not really a drinker. I'm out of my house all the time, so until that changes I don't want to have animals that would need attention while I'm not home. I think I like modestly and decently. If I had more money it wouldn't much change what I do - but I would just be more deluxe, like staying in nicer hotels when traveling and driving a newer car.

[@rachelcrossen8136]

I really admire that you figured out as a young mom that time with your kids was most valuable.

[@shabbyshopper]

I’d love to see you do more a week in the life of meals - for ideas of what that looks like now in the trailer.

[@cruise799]

I won’t live like you but I live a much more frugal life than most these days for sure!

[@annagia153]

Wise beyond your years!! Living a very fulfilling life by not falling into the consumerism instilled life that so many do and teaching your children valuable life lessons!! The family time spent together are what children really need and what they will hold most dear as they grow. Love your channel 🤩🌟💫

[@vanchick3262]

Vanlife taught me so much about the value of "stuff" and "things" and extreme limited space. This has carried over easily to an off-grid micro-tiny 10x12 well insulated and professionally custom-built home with no frills. It gives me a 360 view of the beauty of the forest in which I live. It's easy to heat and to keep cool, and using a compost toilet and hauling water has become second nature through the years. I dont feel the struggle like most do without the stress and worry over rising out-of-control rents, utilities, taxes, insurances, and essentials like gas & and groceries. I've never been happier at 65 years old! People who feel "stuck" right now need to educate themselves about alternative lifestyles because the old paradigm IS NOT SUSTAINABLE!

[@libbysworld7649]

I am very impressed by everything you and your family do for the best of your family. Being debt free is an awesome thing and unfortunately, I didn't learn that until my late 40s. I'm now 52 and am still new to budgeting, savings, long term investing and being frugal (as well as debt free). Great video!

[@eternalvitality]

Your man is very lucky to have you!!! ❤

[@emmamunro7208]

100%

[@jennugent3957]

And I'm sure shes lucky to have him... team work ❤

[@rebacarmack8335]

Love seeing Falcon and the furbabies. Y’all are being smart , not like a lot of folks these days, in this consumer world. Love your being intentional with your spending.

[@juliejohnson8231]

As a single homeschooling momma, who lives in a camper, babysits and works in a nursery. So i can spend as much time withy kids and help others grow while keeping everyone safe. I really find your vixeo refreshing. I am simliar! I live off about $800 a month! We are simple i love it

[@6732Louise]

You are a kind soul caring for animals in the way you do 🩷 teaching children how precious all lives and nature are sets them up very well for life ❤

[@mkchris9154]

I wanted to do that after graduating school in '84. I was told I would be disowned, not accepted, and never able to come home!!! I wish i would have done it. I would be so much more happier!!!

[@planetwalker798]

Wow sorry to hear that. Carpe dime even now if you still want there. There are those who don't like to stretch and try. Doesn't have to be put on you (presumably the son). Sigh

[@kierstenjorgenson5305]

So much wisdom in this video! I also love all the pictures of your little girl, animals and beautiful scenery.

[@GrannyLinn]

One of my greatest fears is debt. Once we got out (it took several years) I’ll do just about anything to STAY out.

[@ericluna2934]

For the seeds: a lot of libraries now have seed libraries and they let you take seeds/share seeds. Worth a check

[@raisingwildflowers]

I will definitely check that out! Thanks for the idea 😊

[@lynnettethen4760]

The older I get the more I wish I had done this when I was your age. Stuff is just stuff and we spend our lives attaining it. You are rich for learning this at a younger age. Live for you and not for others❤

[@jennifermunn6898]

Love seeing your precious baby boy, man he is growing!! It’s crazy seeing how much he is growing since he was born and so smart! Love that you rescue animals, never change ❤ you all have big hearts and the world needs more of that ❤and I love your lifestyle!

[@RAINSMAN79]

You have a family, that makes you wealthier than the majority of people

[@AshleyFerguson-y2q]

When I was born went home from hosp to a tent..lived in a couple of tin sheds and caravans till my father built our beautiful home out of home made bricks.and what a wonderful childhood we had..

[@joculp-yq3qh]

Precious Falcon!! Love that precious soul❤❤❤❤❤

[@simplelifeadventure]

Right there with ya. Moved out of Portland Oregon and built a school bus conversion while working at a KOA campground. We spend the winter living on BLM desert in Az and work in town. Summer allows us to slow travel and work seasonal jobs. We have 3 kids homeschooling. Solar on our bus roof. Propane to cook all our meals is 50$ a year. Rv insurance is 500 a year. Living simple and boring is the best. Most of all our kids are complimented by so many people and that is what we are proudest of. Good on you.

[@bradlafferty]

A thoroughly enjoyable and common sense based video. Sounds like you are doing all the right things for the right reasons. And enjoying and learning whilst doing so! Thanks for sharing. More please!

[@bumblebee7922]

Loved the video! Sounds like a lovely way to live! I'm very frugal as well and enjoy the little things in life. Blessings...

[@mindie72]

Thanks for sharing! I would love to see a video on how you feed your animals for a lower amount.

[@bakon4u]

Me too. I just have chickens, but I too am looking at ways to cut costs

[@katherinehunnicutt321]

I love this! We are right now fixing up a very old 800sq ft house without any plumbing or electricity, it will only cost about $10k to fix up and we’re selling my husband’s motorcycle to fund a lot of that. And then we’ll move there and sell our current house, which is a fixer upper. It’s a fun idea to go live off grid, but it’s mostly so we can pay off all our debt and build our forever home (which will also be small by today’s standards) debt free (which will honestly take a few years to finish). We’re very motivated to live a debt free life. Our plan is to pay off about $300k in debt within 4 years.

[@QuietResilience]

Well said! I have steadily been trying to live a frugal lifestyle. Baby steps but Taking action(That first Step) is the most important. Congratulations on the purchase of your homestead and the Life YOU have chosen to live.

[@lindah6090]

Very smart. I am impressed, especially from one so young.

[@andrewminjiras5745]

You are heroic and an inspiration to me to live well below my income. I’m retired now and am almost at the point of being debt free.

[@ElenordeGuzman]

This is wonderful I need to start to be become frugal again.

[@anelleroux4882]

I really admire you and your family for your values and your commitment to live by them. You are a wise woman and you are giving your children the greatest gift there is, knowing what is really important in life.❤

[@pagepierce891]

So, I am probably old enough to be your mom and let me tell you something......You are living the lifestyle I have taught and preached to my kids. Living debt free is not as hard as people make it out to be. If you understand money and know how and were you want to spend it anything is possible. I am turning 59 this year and we are starting out world tour because retiring before 60 and travel was our goal and what we saved for. (oh I have always used the same soap as you and castor oil as a moisturizer)

[@jaecruz301]

You and your family exude happiness. Thank you for taking care of the animals. Your children are well cared for and are happy. Forget the nay sayers. It’s your life and you all are doing great!!❤❤❤❤

[@vln222]

Great job making the conscience decision not to feed into the narrative of living under the burden of debt. If people only recognized how freeing it is they would stop this materialism. I know this is personal but I'm interested in a video how living full time in an RV works, what are the pros and cons. How do you manage storage, heating, cooling, food storage, etc?

[@valfunk4669]

Dr Bronners is an all natural product!!! Very good stuff!!!!

[@alicerafferty9595]

Magnificient! Getting out of debt should everyones goal. It is strange how we as Americans have been duped into believing we need charge up debt. We buy alot of things we don't need with that plastic. We agree whole heartedly about you managing your budget and lifestyle. You must be doing your laundry for free. With just my husband and doing laundry twice a month it is around $30. Building your own home will be fun. It looks like you have a wooded lot. If so, may I suggest getting a saw mill. You can save alot of money milling your own lumber. Not knowing how many children you have may I suggest you not build under 500 sq. Ft.. We live in a little than 600 sq. ft. and it is doable, but tight. Good video!

[@stevelangston2359]

Through unfortunate circumstances, I have learned to be frugal and doing without. It’s just me and 2 little dogs. But, I no longer worry about or try to figure out what to do. Prayer and specifically Mathew 6: 25 has my answer and Carrie’s me daily. I pray you find the same truth!

[@ojyochan]

My life is far closer to standard but what you're doing is really interesting and cool❤

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

Such a cute journal❤

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

This is one of your very best videos. I love your values.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@IslandGirl7215]

I was going to tell you Organic Castor Oil and or Vaseline will go a long way for your beauty regime. It will keep your skin subtle and soft

[@almostemptynester777]

I thunk you would be interested in the channel Prepper Princess. She shares how she lives on very little money, below the poverty line) and how she does it. She is actually a millionaire and does this.

[@Sasa-pm7jc]

She has quite the channel! I watch her too!! No kids tho...

[@raisingwildflowers]

I have watched and love her channel ❤️

[@fortitudinefarm]

She has a great channel; I m subscribed to her too

[@Ashleigh1221]

Awesome job! Keep up the great work. I wish I'd have done this.

[@badbettybooks4001]

I am not living off grid, but I was taught at a young age about living within your means and not using debt and I agree completely with you. I have used these two principles to live on about 25% of my take home pay in the Midwest US. I buy everything in cash. It is amazing how little you need when you don't owe anybody a cent! Contentment has a lot to do with it too. Everyone's situation looks different- not everyone will be off grid or live on such a low percentage of their income- but everyone can start with contentment and see where it leads. I also love your point about how living within in your means does not mean deprivation, which is a comment I get a lot. I am able to do what I want with my money because I can spend my money on things that matter to me instead of my finances being dictated by my creditors.

[@sagenozko9317]

I bought the planner because of you and love it!!!! Great video and my dream to live like you do.

[@user-is8fn9xk1z]

I'm 28 and my girlfriend is 25 we have 3 kids. Preach!!!!! You are teaching more than yourselves. We here you talk about how you were stressed at first and figuring out what to do. WE ARE THERE! Just know we are watching and hoping to make the sacrifices and live a free life together. Something either one of us had in our families. Thank you for doing this really. Your getting the wheels turning!

[@JennyCarrier-hn1op]

just love your wisdom..!! bravo!

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I always say you do you if it makes you happy.

[@trelainamobley6254]

Thank you for your video’s. They inspire me to live more frugally despite what others think. 💕

[@lindc1070]

We have always been high income but we live way below our means. We dont stinge when we travel or if we really want something but we live frugally day to day. To us that means getting value for money, good money management. Am curious, if for some reason your income went up a lot, say to 150k a year, how would you live?

[@andgabby2510]

I’ve never heard of that book before. Thanks! I’ll check it out ❤️

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

Samuel Clemens said that too The cost of something is the amount of time you spent earning that money. [Or the joy it took to make it.]

[@freeasabird5187]

Beautiful little family. Very wise words. 👏

[@katheryncompton2159]

I'm so impressed by you. Keep up the great content. You really inspire me. ❤

[@julie1roberts]

"Un-useful" animals are the best! 🥰

[@crystalgrenert2424]

If you want to save money on seeds. I buy the produce at the store and use the seeds from them. I've found they seem to do better in my area.

[@gregwestfall6585]

First video I've seen from you......new sub......thought I was alone in trying to get my life this simple

[@raymondpetru721]

My wife is been watching your videos and she would like to meet you at the Cumberland Gap park whenever you're ready she can teach you a lot of off grid living canning foraging she says we can learn from each other thanks for reading.

[@user-tc2vc3pu2i]

I like the style of your videos. As it is helpful to know what to expect on the homesteading journey.

[@MK7x77]

Yea!! I cant wait to slow down aging. No one thinks about how much of a stress of debt has a huge toll on your sleep, skin, cell turnover, overall my health tanked, and so did my joy. I began looking & feeling worn out, and so im not aging the best. Im not fighting age, but the stress of not being financially secure is fighting me. Thanks for bringing to light that huge market of our culture for anti aging products!!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I had so many health problems when I was working, not the stress of the work, it was the building. The excessive dust and mold got me asthma and bronchitis/pneumonia 👻 frequently. After I retired 95% of my asthma and lung issues disappeared. I actually get to breathe now, literally.

[@richardmckinney2646]

I too love Walden .It's all you need to figure it all out! rooster.

[@reginafisher9919]

I commend you for your courageous decisions!!

[@lionness_simsima5941]

Hi there, very interesting I saw your video and said must watch

[@kelseapalmer357]

We were only planning on going 1 month without internet, it’s now been 6 months!! We also homeschool and hope one day to homestead 😊 thanks for making this video!

[@barbhopell1649]

I LOVE it when you share your budget. Thank you! Your cell phone bill is great! I am paying $260.00 ish for 5 lines a month! And it’s with AT&T. It’s killing me! I do enjoy hearing about your perspective on life. So beautiful! Wish I was your neighbor. 😃

[@vln222]

We bought a house larger than we needed but with a plan. We turned a portion into an in law quarters with a small kitchenette and rent it out. The plus is we can write off shared water, propane, property tax, home owners insurance and other miscellaneous things on our taxes.

[@cherylT321]

Awesome!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Having an in-law apartment is common in my area. Until recently, apartment buildings/complexes were rare because the citizens felt it attracted individuals who use a lot of government services and would raise their taxes.

[@eunicef1]

Wow, I'd love this lifestyle.

[@bakon4u]

Hello there from Southwest Va, Did i hear you correctly when u said ur child has graduated ? U look like you in your 20's no offense intended.... I admire you so much. I really wish I could do what you are doing. Its amazing. God bless you and your family. Listening to you gives me hope and makes me want to do better. Thank you so much.

[@raisingwildflowers]

I am 39 and my oldest is 18. No offense taken … I’m pushing 40 so it’s totally a compliment I like hearing these days 😂

[@bridgettbennett5719]

I love the choices you have made. 😃

[@KS-jf2jf]

Love this 💞 your video is like a meditation 🙏

[@teeadvocate]

Love that book and philosophy.❤

[@retrotvshowsone]

Wow this is amazing 😊I love it ❤ and you look great

[@jacki6301]

I love Dr. Bonners soap. I get it unscented and use it for many things. Its the best body wash.

[@Sasa-pm7jc]

I break out using it for shampoo or body wash. Even diluted! I love it for laundry tho.

[@setapartmyjourney]

Very inspiring. Goals. Subscribed. 🩷

[@emmamunro7208]

You inspire me

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Your little guy is adorable 🥰

[@Lovedbythealmightyforever]

You’re amazing and such a wonderful human being

[@Adnanhasb1]

Wow ... The Video is Trurly Eye Opening Tq

[@bakon4u]

Off topic, but I forgot to ask, would you mind doing a video on how you make the lovely bred I saw you pull out. I can cook but have trouble with breads...thank you for being on the air, for teaching an older dog some new tricks 😊

[@claudinebrown5605]

Wow!!! This is my kinda of lifestyle. You got it right honey

[@sarajane_hough6965]

I would love a video on how/ what you spend on animals. Their food shelter and how you feel about saving for vet services ❤

[@mycbr600rr]

You’re ahead of the curve

[@marisag4608]

You should check out your local library. Sometimes they have a free seed library to grow your fall garden!

[@campsteffeshomestead]

We have a homestead and animals come here to be loved and that only. They come here just to be loved and have a happy life no matter how long or short that may be. Sick or healthy.

[@Shobyw]

$850 is a lot of money for me. I am living in Pakistan with 800$ as the dollar is priced at Rs 300! I also live a frugal life budgeting my expenses on daily basis. Life has become difficult with inflation!

[@Shobyw]

God has been very kind. I live in a self owned 3 bedroom apartment with my wife. I have a car and a motorcycle and we live a reasonably comfortable life but survival is getting difficult every month with growing inflation and political chaos. I cannot afford the same life in USA as things are out of my reach

[@lindc1070]

Your cost of living is much lower. It differs from country to country.

[@suzend46]

@@Shobyw I live in CA and the cost of housing is astronomical. Inflation has many struggling in the U.S. I am 67 and I have worked 7 days a week for over 3 years.

[@Shobyw]

@@suzend46 true. One of the most expensive states and now exaggerated with inflation, job losses and homelessness

[@nesadcruz7840]

@@suzend46cost of housing has gone up everywhere in developed countries. Hong kong and Singapore are much more expensive than anywhere in the US, California included. Actually all costs are rising but in some countries wages have kept up.

[@budgetwithfatima6530]

Hello 👋 from Mexico 🇲🇽 on vacation, great 👍 budget.

[@ZXX984]

Her budget book was a big help in our household! I pd. my car off 4 months early and we don’t panic when the taxes and insurance come due. Just wish medicare wasn’t so expensive. Won’t you be taxed if you build a home and garage. Hope you’re cool. Brutal here in Florida.

[@raisingwildflowers]

We plan on getting an agricultural exemption so our property taxes will stay extremely low. We are staying cool here! At least MUCH cooler than everywhere else 🥵 (my sister is melting in Portland and my parents are in FL like you). We just have highs in the low- to mid-80 🙌 with low 60s at night. Thank goodness!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@raisingwildflowersmeant to mention to you to look at the new law for homeschooling in VA. There is actually a tax credit if you homeschool (for each child, I believe). Agriculture exemption separates the house and 1-3 acres and the rest of the land. Each state does it differently. The house and 1-3 acres get treated like any home and the remaining land is treated as agriculture if you meet the requirements. Since you have animals that will need care year round, I’m guessing you will have a permanent residence. Sometimes having a temporary residence ie tiny house on wheels, allows the whole property to be treated as agriculture in some states.

[@pamplant3610]

Nothing to be ashamed living in a camper. When I retired 9 years ago, I bought and paid cash for a used 5th wheel trailer that I live in today. I'm debt free and live on my $900 a month Social Security. I'm happy and totally content. I too cook all my meals from scratch and I don't waste money eating out or having food delivered. I do my dishes by hand and hang my laundry outside to dry. I only shop the outer aisles at the grocery. I don't by junk food or processed food. I make my dogs food as well. He has never eaten commercial dog food. He'10 years old and super healthy. So, I think you are doing a great job and super smart in all you've accomplished. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@user-hw9vf4pl9s]

Where do you park your 5th wheel do you have land and are off grid or are you connected to water and electric? I am considering this a 5th wheel but wondering where to put it

[@pamplant3610]

@@user-hw9vf4pl9s I live full-time in an RV park. I have full hookups. I love this park I'm in. I'm in the mountains in Colorado at about 9,000 ft. Surrounding me is National Forest where my dog and I go hiking a lot in the spring, summer, and fall. The closest city to me is about 30 minutes away but I seldom go there. All I need, I can get in the small town about 3 miles from me. Park rent is a lot higher in big towns so I suggest you look for full-time parks more rural. I paid $7,000 for my unit. It's a 2001 model. I have 3 slides. It's 8x35 when slides are in. Some parks want newer units, but there are ones, like mine, that will take some older ones as long as they are in good shape and look good. Just make sure the roof is in good shape and never leaked, the water heater has been maintained, and the furnace is in good working condition. When living full-time, you will want to skirt your unit, not only for looks, but helps keep it warmer in the winter. Hope this helps.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I’m 15 mos from Medicare. Do you pay a lot out of your $900mo for Medicare?

[@Christyjayne]

Just found you today with this one. We're working on it, but our house is a money pit and it's hard to be positive about ever getting out of it. Recognized Chef's Harvest Farm at one of your farmers market clips in Knoxville, TN- he's awesome! Can't wait to check out the rest of your content!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Knoxville is my hometown ❤️ I understand having a house that feels like drag. Keep going and it will all work out!

[@intuitivegina]

I just read your little bio and I love love love that concept. My parents oh my God I don't even think it was a rose they were trying to create who knows always cutting always pruning always doing something. So when I had children I wasn't going to put them in a school. Oh my god school was a place for me to be bullied because I was always resisting and always trying to be a wildflower. You put it into words so perfectly I wanted them to be free to question to learn and to learn outside the box. We're not a bunch of fish we don't travel in schools where individuals. We're individuals that come together and share our knowledge. Knowledge should not be forced down someone's throat. Oh my God I'm sorry for going on and on but I'm so excited to have found your channel

[@raisingwildflowers]

❤️ I totally get it. I grew up a wildflower too and everyone wanted me to be a perfect rose 🤮 I couldn’t do that to my kids! 🌻 Welcome and I am glad you’ve found my channel too!