{"id":1112,"date":"2022-03-27T19:09:39","date_gmt":"2022-03-27T19:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/14-frugal-homestead-ideas\/"},"modified":"2022-03-27T19:09:39","modified_gmt":"2022-03-27T19:09:39","slug":"14-frugal-homestead-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/14-frugal-homestead-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Frugal Homestead Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many homesteaders try to live a more resourceful and simple life. However, keeping monthly expenses from creeping up can still be a significant challenge. Our homesteading family of six has lived off one small income for over a decade and here we share our 14 frugal homestead ideas to thrive on any budget.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fun frugal fact about us &#8211; we&#8217;ve never paid for a babysitter! The picture below is of us sneaking off to our car sitting in our driveway during nap time for a romantic date. With the best homemade local ice cream of course &#8211; an area we never skimp on!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773.jpeg\" alt=\"julie anns car date\" class=\"wp-image-805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-1170x780.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-585x390.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-263x175.jpeg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-250x167.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-550x367.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-270x180.jpeg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1M4A7773-750x500.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our story of not much income and keeping a budget<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year we will celebrate 13 years of marriage. There have been plenty of bumps for us along the way, but surprisingly one area we almost never have spats about is finances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were married young out of college and our first several years together we worked as missionaries with a local campus ministry. As you might imagine, that income was pretty minimal and it didn\u2019t go up because there were two of us and not just one.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Don&#039;t let low income stop you from going after your homestead dream | Practical ways to save money\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IcasJzlTE8I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We earned around $30,000 annually and figured out ways to cut our costs and live on one small income. From that point on, through many job changes, moves, having four children, and now homesteading on top of it all, we\u2019ve made it a goal to keep our cost of living right around that same $30,000 per year mark.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This has ebbed and flowed some, but we have never strayed above $1000-2000 above that number, and currently sit right around $30,000\/yr.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining that budget amount has been no small task, but we are so excited to share many of the ideas and strategies that have helped us not just live, but thrive, on a small budget these many years. These are the things that have helped us to not just have a frugal homestead, but create the homestead of our dreams.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table.jpg\" alt=\"farmhouse kitchen with aga stove\" class=\"wp-image-727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-and-table-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do we live cheaply to have a frugal homestead?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not in the least! We never want you to get the impression that we interchange frugal living with cheap living.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheap prioritizes cost above all else. Little or no regard is given to how something was made, where it comes from, and what is a fair value for it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll see in our 14 frugal homestead ideas below that cheap is not our jam. Even on a shoestring budget we manage to buy quality and often locally sourced products. Regardless of income, we feel like we live richly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So here are our top tips to minimize your budget and still create the frugal homestead (or home) of your dreams.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our 14 frugal homestead ideas to help you thrive on any budget<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Budget<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t overlook this step! A budget, in its simplest form, is having a plan for your money. Without a budget how do you know or track what your dollars are going toward. Or how do you save strategically and effectively toward something in the future?<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-792\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system.jpg\" alt=\"casy envelope system\" class=\"wp-image-792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/casy-envelope-system-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cash envelopes used for budget categories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have kept a budget every year of our marriage and that has brought so much freedom to our world. You don\u2019t need anything complex. We use envelopes that get a designated amount of cash each month for different categories of our spending, along with a simple spreadsheet to track things annually.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s basic but it works. We even nerd out and look forward to our budget \u2018date\u2019 night each month where we reconcile our budget, talk through our spending, and make sure we\u2019re on the same page.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Barter<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bartering allows for an equal exchange of goods or services. What do you produce on your farm that you have extra of? Or what skills or knowledge do you have that you can trade with others? For instance, our milk cow produces more milk than our family can keep up with. So, we have opportunities there to barter with neighbors and locals for things like hay, meat, and other farm products. We even exchanged fresh milk for a family photo shoot before!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key here is to work out a fair price or arrangement for what you offer. For instance, if web design is a skill of yours and you want to exchange for say a veggie CSA share, discuss your typical rates upfront. Don\u2019t mistake bartering with giving away.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk.jpg\" alt=\"fresh cow milk\" class=\"wp-image-793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/fresh-cow-milk-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Purchase intentionally<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve recently been reading <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3JD9EDn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>We Are What We Eat<\/em><\/a> by Alice Waters \u2013 highly recommend it! In the book, she makes the case that fast food culture has permeated far deeper into our lives and values than just food. Her take is that fast food culture has trickled into an attitude of entitlement for instant, cheap convenience in our lives at all times.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our family tries to combat this mentality by thoughtfully choosing what we do or do not bring into our home. Seek out companies, products, and services that align with your personal values and standards of living. We\u2019ve found it helps shift our mindset from chasing deals to chasing the items that truly bring you the most value and joy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s less about chasing the deal and more about being wise and selective in your purchasing.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Buy used or second-hand<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No joke, this is just about our whole homestead. It\u2019s not exclusive, but buying used is how we afford the bulk of the quality items we possess. This list includes kitchen cabinets, appliances, our AGA stove, couches, rugs, hutch, and a whole host of other furniture and kitchen items. Not to mention a good chunk of our wardrobe! This has been key in our frugal homestead journey.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-794\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets.jpg\" alt=\"used garage sale kitchen cabinets\" class=\"wp-image-794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets.jpg 960w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-600x438.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-768x560.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-585x427.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-250x182.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-550x401.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-800x583.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-247x180.jpg 247w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-411x300.jpg 411w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/used-garage-sale-kitchen-cabinets-686x500.jpg 686w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sweet garage sale cabinet score!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you move outside to the farm it\u2019s much the same. Used fencing, tools, trailers, BCS tractor, and so much more. I literally got all of our Premier 1 electro netting fencing and solar fencers used that we use to rotationally graze our animals and protect our chickens and garden areas. We\u2019ve saved thousands of dollars going this route.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our primary strategy for finding used items is through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. But you can also find a lot at local garage sales, barn sales, and thrift stores.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Ask for things as gifts<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a need comes up for a practical item we need, we try to resist the urge to just jump online or head to the store and purchase it. Instead, we think, \u201cAre there opportunities coming up to ask for them as gifts instead?\u201d The beauty is that birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays keep coming up year after year, and people want to buy you things!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the farm, we actually received our first chicken coop as a gift, along with beekeeping equipment and other gardening tools. A practical example in the home is that when we decided it was time to upgrade our kids water bottles, we put it on their Christmas lists, waited a couple of months, and everyone\u2019s rockin&#8217; with new water bottles now.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame.jpg\" alt=\"backyard beehive frame\" class=\"wp-image-795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-550x413.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/backyard-beehive-frame-667x500.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Invest in skills<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are strategic skills you can learn along the way in your homesteading journey that can greatly reduce costs in your life. For instance, learning to sew can open up countless doors of cost savings \u2013 making your own clothes, reusable diapers and wipes, and gifts for others like cloth napkins or table runners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a super basic example, but we purchased a $30 hair trimmer over a decade ago and all the boys in our home get regular free-of-charge mommy trims! Those savings add up fast over that span of time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our ancestors excelled at do-it-yourself everything, and we often think of how much of a bummer it is that those skills are no longer being handed down. But, tools like YouTube, books, blogs, and other educational resources have made learning new skills more obtainable than ever before!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering.jpeg\" alt=\"freedom ranger chicken butchering\" class=\"wp-image-796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-600x450.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-500x375.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-585x439.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-250x188.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-550x413.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-240x180.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/freedom-ranger-chicken-butchering-667x500.jpeg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Reuse things<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be as simple as washing out plastic Ziploc bags to reuse them many, many times. Yep, that\u2019s us! We try eliminate the word \u201cdisposable\u201d from our vocabulary. Why keep buying something over and over again?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, instead of buying Ziploc bags in the first place just get a set of glass snap lid containers that can be used over and over again. Or, we bought a set of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3DeeTqE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reusable produce bags<\/a> a few years back and use them ALL THE TIME.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I built us a custom kitchen island with a couple of our used cabinets, some vintage hardwood trim pieces and an old door we salvaged, along with some scraps leftover from our kitchen remodel. We wanted a butcher block countertop but the custom size was bringing quotes back in the thousands of dollars. Instead, I took some leftover pieces of wood flooring and laminated them to a piece of plywood. It looks great, has held up, and was entirely built with leftover materials we had lying around.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring.jpg\" alt=\"custom counter made with wood flooring\" class=\"wp-image-808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-550x366.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/custom-counter-made-with-wood-flooring-751x500.jpg 751w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Eat what you have<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On our homestead, we have a rule \u2013 no food goes to waste! It\u2019s not easy and we\u2019re not perfect with it. But we\u2019ve found that this mindset, (1) allows us to be really cost-effective in our grocery shopping, and (2) helps us to honor and appreciate both the food itself and those who grew it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do this by meal planning around what we have BEFORE things go bad. No new food is bought until you finish what\u2019s in your fridge or pantry.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a mindset as much as it is a strategy. Cheap food allows us to believe food is disposable in our world. That\u2019s simply not true. When we go through the effort of growing our own food, or buy from other local growers, we honor those efforts by consuming what was grown and allowing it to nourish our bodies \u2013 not sending food (and your money) to the landfill.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested.jpeg\" alt=\"winter storage squash just harvested\" class=\"wp-image-392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-600x450.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-500x375.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-585x439.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-250x188.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-550x413.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-240x180.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/winter-storage-squash-just-harvested-667x500.jpeg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. No-cost or low-cost entertainment<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contrary to what marketing tactics want you to believe, entertainment does not need to be a significant expense. One more subscription is not going to make your life complete. That 30-second trailer aimed at bringing you into the theater can wait until your local library has it for free. Entertainment is expensive and we\u2019ve found it so much more freeing and fun to just come up with our own.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like renting things from the library, going on hikes or bike rides, having a family fishing or forage session, or doing a craft or project with scraps and materials you already have on hand. The possibilities are endless!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We still go out on adventures but even then, you can plan ahead and save costs! Like our recent trip to the zoo on one of their early spring free entry days where we brought our own lunch and didn\u2019t pay a dime besides gas money.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride.jpg\" alt=\"daddy daughter bike ride\" class=\"wp-image-797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-1170x779.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-550x366.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-451x300.jpg 451w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/daddy-daughter-bike-ride-751x500.jpg 751w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Eat seasonally<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying in-season items allows you to stock up when it matters most. For example, when strawberries are in season, we go to the local you-pick strawberry farm, pick in bulk, eat some fresh, and then freeze the rest for a supply of the best strawberries year-round. Then you can avoid the out-of-season markups and also preserve foods at peak nutrition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common grocery shopping strategy is finding some recipes and buying whatever ingredients are needed. But when the ingredients aren\u2019t in season or abundant, you\u2019ll likely pay more. Instead, we have seen a lot of success buying what\u2019s in season and low cost and building a meal plan around those items. Then you get the double benefit of saving money and eating what\u2019s fresh.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries.jpg\" alt=\"picking strawberries\" class=\"wp-image-800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/picking-strawberries-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Buy only what you need<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We live in a \u201cstock up and save\u201d culture. Retail is notorious for trying to get you to throw something in your cart that was never on your list in the first place. Are you really saving anything if you never use that item? Or is it really something you couldn\u2019t live without?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We try and put everything through the filter of living with our basic needs being met. The abundance we want is not an over-abundance, but a <em>just right<\/em> abundance of quality and necessary possessions. That stockpile of spontaneous and inexpensive \u201cjust in case\u201d things will clutter up your world fast.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Forage<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We don\u2019t have <i>grow your own food<\/i> on this list because we assume that\u2019s a strategy you\u2019re already doing on some level as a homesteader. But one area that isn\u2019t always obvious when it comes to food is using what nature produces freely through foraging. We are trying to implement this more in our world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All around you are edible and medicinal plants that can be harvested or preserved for eating, or turning into helpful concoctions like salves and tinctures. We have big nettle patch on our property. Most people try to get rid of nettle, but the more we researched the more we discovered that nettle is packed with more nutrition than other greens and can be cooked and added to dishes just like spinach. We also dry nettle to preserve it and have greens available all year round for soups or a garnish.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"foraging for nettle\" class=\"wp-image-402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-scaled-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/IMG_1089-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Share resources<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharing resources with other small farms means sharing costs. Every farm or homestead within a couple mile radius does not need to own all the same tools and equipment. Livestock trailers, processing equipment, fencing tools, and machinery. Get to know people around you doing similar things and explore ways to share.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We loaned out our BCS tractor to another farmer we know locally and they were nice enough to have the engine tuned up for us. That\u2019s a win-win for both sides. We\u2019ve also gone in on seed and tree orders with neighbors to reduce shipping and get bulk discounts.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Love your space<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of us feel the need to leave our homes often. We build lives around activities and errands that keep us constantly on the move. There\u2019s nothing wrong with getting out of the house and for many that\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the more time we spend away from home the more expenses creep in. The miscellaneous sale item that grabbed your attention. Needing to pick up something to eat on the go. Extra monthly gas fill-ups. It all adds up over time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch.jpeg\" alt=\"farmhouse kitchen hutch\" class=\"wp-image-798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-1170x780.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-585x390.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-263x175.jpeg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-250x167.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-550x367.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-270x180.jpeg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/farmhouse-kitchen-hutch-750x500.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make your home your sanctuary. Prioritize the undone tasks that have been stressing you out and make time to accomplish them. Declutter that ever-looming closet that\u2019s been annoying you since you moved in! Simplify your home. Find joy, and beauty, and value in all that\u2019s around you. Keep costs low by keeping close to home.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A word of caution on frugal homesteading<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Too much frugality can be extremely inefficient and sometimes even cost more in the end. Having a frugal homestead does not mean that you should never pay full price for something along the way. For example, every used purchase you make has an inherent risk that it might not work as promised or last long enough to pay for itself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most purchases have worked out for us after doing our researching and making sure we\u2019ve felt good about the history of an item. But sometimes you get a dud. That will happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other side is that sometimes the best way to be a frugal homestead is to use your dollars to hire a professional for a job that you might just not be able to do adequately or efficiently on your own. But you can also use that as a learning experience to gain confidence and consider tackling it yourself next time!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All this to say, don&#8217;t strive for perfection in your frugal homestead journey. Do your best and give yourself grace.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree.jpg\" alt=\"planting a paw paw tree\" class=\"wp-image-799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/planting-a-paw-paw-tree-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s your money-saving strategy?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These frugal homestead ideas have worked well for our family. But we know that not all of them will translate perfectly to your world. That\u2019s where it\u2019s up to you to adopt what seems practical for your life and develop your own cost-conscious strategies along the way.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What habits and routines have helped you create a frugal homestead? What ideas resonated with you from our list? Are there any you would like more clarification on?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019d love to hear from you in the comments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Some of the above links are affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We are so appreciative of your support!<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-1-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Read more about living on a budget:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size:26px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/buying-a-homestead-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying a Homestead on a Budget<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/setting-up-a-homestead-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Setting Up A Homestead Budget For One Small Income<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/7-tips-to-save-money-on-organic-groceries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7 Tips to Save Money on Organic Groceries<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/buying-food-in-bulk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying Food in Bulk \u2013 What We Buy to Save Money<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fd('form', {\n    formId: '636019b28d1a1ae7948da256',\n    containerEl: '#fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256'\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pin it for later!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/14-Frugal-Homestead-Ideas-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/14-Frugal-Homestead-Ideas-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/14-Frugal-Homestead-Ideas-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/14-Frugal-Homestead-Ideas.jpg 736w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many homesteaders try to live a more resourceful and simple life. However, keeping monthly expenses from creeping up can still be a significant challenge. Our homesteading family of six has lived off one small income for over a decade and here we share our 14 frugal homestead ideas to thrive on any budget. Fun frugal&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[473,478,533,476],"tags":[534,697,698,513,699],"class_list":["post-1112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-homestead-how-tos","category-homestead-living","category-living-on-a-budget","category-natural-living","tag-budget","tag-family","tag-frugal","tag-homestead","tag-low-income"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}