Make Money Homesteading: So You Can Enjoy a Safe, Self-Sufficient Life
Are you drawn to a simpler life?
I have wanted to live on my own little piece of land and have a garden and chickens for as long as I can remember. As a kid I lived in the city, so that dream was somewhat problematic. My solution? Grow houseplants in my bedroom. My parents thought I was nuts.
Later my husband and I were able to live on our property and have those chickens. It lasted for a few years, in Oregon, but alas, we’ve now moved on.
Now-a-days I drive my husband crazy dreaming of our little 2 acres. I have it all planned out, down to the smallest detail, the only thing missing is the property. Relocating to Texas a few months ago has given me a new opportunity to look for property and dream big again. Until we can find the right place, close to the kids, we were considering purchasing a house in the suburbs.
But no longer!
I just finished reading Make Money Homesteading
by Tim Young and I’m completely inspired to hold out for my property, even if I have to continue renting until I can make it happen. This book is for anyone who is interested in living more self-sufficiently.
ENTER to win a copy of your own below.
As Tim says, “Modern homesteaders look for a compromise between the conveniences of contemporary life and the independence of traditional life; for a way to blend the two together.” So if I have to continue renting until I can find the property that suits us, I will compromise, and continue with the plan as much as possible.
18 families share their successes and failures
The book, Make Money Homesteading, takes a look at 18 different families and the successes they have achieved while living on their own homesteads. Reading their insightful answers gave me valuable ideas about ways to make money on the homestead. These families shared what worked (and didn’t work) for them. This book did not tell me what to do, but opened my eyes to the possibilities of generating income no matter where I live.
Chapter one covered some important concepts to consider before you begin your adventure. The first being – get out of debt. We have already aligned our lives to the Dave Ramsey “Total Money Makeover” idea, so that isn’t going to be a big stretch. Tim also mentions doing things now that will benefit you when you get to your homestead. Things like learning to grow fruits and vegetables, home storage principles and getting in shape will carry you through.
It is not necessary to have property to begin the homesteading lifestyle and make money and this book certainly gave me the ideas about how to accomplish my goal without the property “in hand.”
At the end of chapter one there are 23 questions to answer before buying rural property. That is just the information I needed for our current land search. Each of the questions is really more involved though. Number 1: “How much land do you need? Can you homestead on less than an acre if that is the goal? Many people do. Do you want livestock, an orchard? If so, what do you want?” Each of the 23 questions is that involved and will be a great resource as we evaluate the properties we’re interested in.
How can YOU generate income?
The other huge benefit of Make Money Homesteading is the giant list of ideas to generate income. I didn’t count how many there are, but I bet you’ll find at least one hundred ways to make money on your homestead. If you can’t find an idea from Tim’s suggestions, you’re just not trying hard enough! Here are five varied ideas from the book. Don’t be discouraged if these ideas aren’t or you – there are tons more.
- Grow and sell unique chicken feed
- Sell farm crafts
- Grow vegetables and herbs
- Cheese-making
- Guide fishing or hunting
Who is this book for?
Anyone that dreams of being more self-reliant, even if they are living in the suburbs, will enjoy this book. If you were inspired by Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
by Barbara Kingsolver, you will be just as inspired while reading How to Make Money Homesteading: So You Can Enjoy a Secure, Self-Sufficient Life by Tim Young.
Your homesteading dream can be started wherever you are. The 18 families that have shared their experiences are proof positive that you can make it happen. These interviews, and the suggestions that follow, will help you live your dream.
I’m going to make it happen. Thanks for the inspiration, Tim!
Tim Young has graciously donated a signed copy of his book How to Make Money Homesteading to one lucky reader.
Enter to win below.
This How to Make Money Homesteading Book Giveaway is open to any resident who is 18 years of age or older who lives in one of the 48 US Contiguous States. This giveaway starts on Friday, Dec. 5th at 12:00 am (EST) and ends on Thursday, Dec. 11th, 2014 at 12:00 am (EST). The winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond. If we do not hear back from said winner in the designated time period of 24 hours we will choose another winner and they will have 24 hours to respond from the time the notification email is sent. Please check your SPAM email folders. Good luck to everyone!
Live your homesteading dream!
Shared with: Tuesday’s with a Twist – Backyard Farming Connection –
I actually have 5 acres. I am planning to raise chickens next summer. I have a great plan for a huge garden, but would like to try some things this winter, too. It is hard getting started, as cash is hard to raise, but I’m slowly plodding ahead with my dream of “having it all”…meaning being as self sufficient as possible.
Now that’s what I’m talking about!
This is my dream. We just finished a going back to school season for my husband and now we are finishing the last couple of small debts and on to homesteading. I think this book is what I need. And I LOVED Animal, Vegetable, Miracle so I’m ready for this! Thanks!
We have 3/4 acres and I have started growing vegetables. I would like to learn more about drying and preservation.
I am interested in taking better care of my family and all that God has given us. This book sounds like a wealth of knowledge.
We have the land and have a garden and a few fruit trees. Both of us are in our 60s, so sometimes some of our get up and go gets up and goes, but, man is this phase of our life fabulous.
Grow extra organic vegetables & sell them. Do not have the land for homesteading yet. We do hope to find the right piece of land for us & purchase it in about 3- 5 yrs
Can’t wait to read this book – considering leaving a high paying job in the city and staying home full time!
I love crafts of all kinds and want to try soap making
I’d love to have an aquaculture garden as part of my dream homestead here in Florida! We are also on the Dave Ramsey plan and trying to knock out our debt so we can have chickens!