Does Homesteading ACTUALLY Save Money?

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of homesteading, from growing their own food to baking sourdough gingerbread cookies. They emphasize the benefits of homesteading beyond just saving money, such as fostering family connections, enjoying fresh air, and experiencing freedom. While their initial move toward growing organic food was out of financial necessity, the deeper rewards have become central to their lifestyle. The speaker also touches on their inspiring story of overcoming financial hardship to build and pay off a house within 10 years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Homesteading can provide a fulfilling lifestyle, focusing on self-sufficiency and personal values rather than just financial savings.
• 😀 Sourdough gingerbread cookies made with organic cane sugar and whole grain flour are a great example of homemade, healthier treats.
• 😀 The speaker used a recipe from Lisa Bass's blog for sourdough gingerbread cookies, which are easy to make but don't always turn out perfectly in shape.
• 😀 With sourdough-based recipes, it’s beneficial to refrigerate the dough for a few days to improve flavor and ease of use.
• 😀 Homesteading saves money in some areas, but its main value comes from lifestyle benefits like family time, fresh air, and freedom.
• 😀 Growing your own food and living more sustainably often starts out of financial necessity but evolves into a choice for broader life benefits.
• 😀 The journey of the speaker's family moving from financial hardship to paying off their house in less than 10 years is a testament to their dedication to the homesteading lifestyle.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that a successful homesteading journey isn't just about material wealth but about the broader impact on one’s lifestyle and values.
• 😀 The process of making sourdough cookies highlights the ease of preparing some homemade items in advance, especially if you plan ahead with refrigeration.
• 😀 Homesteading encourages thinking ahead, planning, and embracing the simplicity of self-reliant living for long-term benefits.

Q & A

What recipe is being featured in the video?

The video features a recipe for sourdough gingerbread cookies, made with organic cane sugar and whole grain flour.

Where did the speaker get the recipe for the sourdough gingerbread cookies?

The speaker got the recipe for the sourdough gingerbread cookies from Lisa Bass's farmhouse blog.

What is the unique characteristic of the sourdough gingerbread cookie dough?

The dough for these sourdough gingerbread cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing for easy preparation when needed.

Does the dough for these cookies spread when baked?

No, these cookies are not the kind that spread much during baking. This makes them less precise in shape, but they still taste good.

What is the general perspective on whether homesteading saves money?

The speaker suggests that whether homesteading saves money depends on the specific aspects of the lifestyle one chooses to embrace. It is subjective, as the financial benefits depend on the alternative options available.

Why did the speaker initially start homesteading?

The speaker started homesteading because they couldn't afford to buy all the organic food they wanted, but over time, they embraced the lifestyle for reasons beyond just saving money.

What are some of the benefits of homesteading mentioned in the video?

The benefits of homesteading mentioned include spending time with family, enjoying fresh air, and having the freedom that comes with a self-sufficient lifestyle.

How did the speaker transition from financial difficulty to a more stable life?

The speaker shares that they went from being completely broke and living in a basement apartment to building a house and paying it off in less than 10 years.

What video does the speaker recommend at the end of this segment?

At the end of the segment, the speaker recommends watching a video about their story of going from financial struggle to building a house and having it paid off in less than 10 years.

What is the underlying message of the speaker's story about homesteading?

The underlying message of the speaker's story is that while homesteading may not always be a quick way to save money, the long-term benefits in terms of lifestyle, family, and freedom make it a worthwhile choice beyond just financial considerations.