Welcome to my guide on Frugal Living on the Homestead, tailored specifically for single mothers embracing traditional skills! In this article, we will review practical money-saving tips designed to empower single mothers toward self-sufficiency. Whether you’re delving into new hobbies or honing existing skills, I advocate for a mindful approach to spending, emphasizing thriftiness without compromising quality. From repurposing tools to bulk-buying essentials, let’s explore cost-effective strategies that won’t break the bank.
Thrift or gift new hobby tools
As a mother, it can be hard to spend money on yourself even if your kids are cared for and don’t need anything. However, motherhood does not have to stunt your exploration of different skills and hobbies. Here’s the comforting truth: you don’t need a huge upfront investment to learn traditional skills. When you’re just getting your feet wet there’s no reason to spend a bunch. To save money, take the time to thrift or buy it secondhand. A friend, family member, or neighbor may even have something they’re willing to part with for free if you express interest.
Avoid using debt to sustain your homestead
It can be extremely tempting to dip into using credit, especially for necessities. I’ve been there before, using debt out of desperation. Interest rates, prolonged monthly payments, and hidden fees will cost you more money in the end. If you are constantly needing credit to get by – address and resolve the root cause of this financial red flag. Search for local resources to get rent assistance, food, diapers or other household essentials before resorting to credit.
Not all debt is bad, there are some contexts in which debt is being used as financial leverage. For example, a mortgage is considered good debt because you are building equity, and you have the potential to sell the property for a profit later on as an investment. Credit cards, car loans, or installment loans do not offer that same return on investment and have the added strain of a constant monthly payment. Finances will go up and down depending on life circumstances, reduce the burden in the downtimes by keeping your monthly expenses low. Learn the difference between being able to pay for something and being able to afford something. Learn the difference between true wants and needs. Build an emergency fund/cash cushion to add an extra layer of financial resilience.
See Also: Immediate and long-term solutions to manage food insecurity
Monetize your homestead with extra produce and cottage goods
This is not an immediate solution, because you will need time to build foundational knowledge. Once you get the basics down, start replanting and selling your seedlings when you thin them. You can clean and recycle old starter pots or purchase them for cheap in-store and in larger packs for pennies online. If you have an abundance of produce coming in, sell the extra bundles to your local neighborhood, friends, and family. If you’re feeling extra crafty, process your crop for homemade goods and sell those too. Make sure you check your state requirements for selling homemade goods to avoid legal issues down the road. Many states have a cottage goods law to sell certain low-risk goods from resident homes without a state inspection.
You can keep track of your income and expenses using a simple spreadsheet or invest in bookkeeping software. This can be treated as just a hobby, to help offset some of the costs associated with gardening, turned into a side hustle, or become a full-time business. The path you take is a personal decision that will depend on your goals and how you use your resources.
For an easy start finance tracking system, get access to the Personal Budget and Bookkeeping Template by joining The Half Homestead mailing list
(powered by Google Sheets)
Buy things in bulk
There is a larger upfront cost, but it’s typically more economical to buy things in bulk. If you are new to buying in large quantities, start with what you go through frequently, then buy it in larger quantities. It’ll be a great opportunity to learn new skills or preservation techniques. In my kitchen, my bulk staples are beans, rice, eggs, sugar, and flour. Different bulk goods have their pests and challenges that may come with storing them in large quantities for a long amount of time. For buying in bulk to be worth it, the supply should last until you can use it up. If the original container is not good for long-term storage, you can recycle other food-safe containers or purchase new ones.
Depending on how large of a quantity you buy – consider having a large storage bin as well as a smaller, more conveniently sized container closer in the kitchen (or wherever the item is being used). This will reduce the chance of a whole bag being contaminated during everyday use.
Borrow or rent expensive tools and equipment before investing in a large purchase
Once you have invested time into learning a new skill or hobby and are ready to become more advanced, you can spend more. Borrowing or renting tools and equipment per project allows you to “try before you buy” and will typically be cheaper than purchasing outright. It will also reduce accumulating materials especially if it does not work out for you – you won’t have extra things laying around which you now have to work to either resell or keep organized.
Avoid network marketing business opportunities
Network marketing, social retail/selling, or multi-level marketing (MLM) companies will frequently offer a solution for any issue you may be facing. No matter the ailment, their opportunity will fix your issue and bring long-lasting prosperity. The truth is, for anyone to succeed at the top, thousands of families need to be failing underneath them. In the crunchy world, it’s very common to come across products marketed as natural with wild health claims. Essential oils that cure any ailment or disease, powdered drinks that will make you shed pounds without changing your diet or exercise habits. It’s important not to get caught up in buzzwords and consider the source, remember the motive of the individuals making these claims. Is there a financial incentive for you to purchase this item from them or join them in selling the products?
“Consider the source, remember the motive”
– Hannah Alonzo (Anti-MLM YouTube Commentary Channel)
The journey of frugal living on the homestead for single mothers embracing traditional skills is not only practical but empowering. By adopting a mindful approach to spending and prioritizing thriftiness without compromising quality, single mothers can navigate their financial landscape with resilience and resourcefulness. The tips outlined in this guide emphasize the importance of avoiding debt, leveraging homestead resources for monetization, and making strategic bulk purchases to maximize savings. By implementing these money-saving strategies, single mothers can cultivate stability and financial independence while nurturing their home and traditional skills.
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