I think you guys have done an awesome job! Having built an off grid cabin I personally think yalls content is on point and shows a realistic view of off grid...
At Sixty years old I started my off grid journey, built a cabin,with gravity water and a small solar system. I live on mostly social security. Always improving and staying busy ,Thanks
Sounds like you both made very wise financial decisions along the way. You two should be proud of where you are today! Too many people spend way beyond their means for material things, go into debt, and then wonder why they don’t have anything for their future. Great job, you two!
That’s the first thing we built too, outdoor shower! The outhouse was here, it just needed a big hug to be usable. A shower is a must when you’re working hard.
Thank you for being “transparent” about your life. I’m in the “should have, would have, could have” stage of life at 78 years old and out of shape. I believe that’s why I like watching y’all and many other “off Griders”. It like living my dream in your videos. Y’all take care of your selves and keep educating and encouraging the younger generation to not live for all the things you can have and no time to enjoy them. God bless you both. ❤
Hello Jay & Jen. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. There will always be negative people so please don’t pay attention to their criticism. God bless you both and your land!
Thank you my friend, I'm not sure why Jen and I can't sit down and chat once In while.....makes zero sense to get upset about it. Anyway....Best wishes my friend
Keep doing what you're doing! Have enjoyed your channel from when you bought the camper and then the tractor. Like how you show the whole process, even the mistakes or almost falling off the ladder. Appreciate the honesty.
Good info. I started watching you a long time ago. I didnt keep up with your channel and now back watching you. I have seen many times on how you help out other off gridders and how they recommend you 2. Good info you 2. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Jay and Jen you both really work hard to get where you are today it wasn't easy but you made it work I always love listen to both talk because that how you learn new things in life by listen to someone you telling you what's going on how thing work if your off grid thank you for that video that you put on here I enjoy it
Well guys you got first hand and leaned how to get thru when no grid at a touch of a switch, I could never get hubby to go this route, I wanted more land but the Lord said stay here and get prepared, I have oil lamps, wood stove, wood ( I still need to get it cut smaller and split) I live a mile from a lake so fishing is optional, I have layers and raise meat chicks, my garden is only 100ft X 100 ft but in my defense I work road construction and 10-12 hr days so this is the largest I can deal with daily. I feel 2025 no matter who is in the big seat will be harsh with inflation. I am so glad you guys have hung in and showed us so much thank you for that.
You guys have created an amazing life on your land, I love your cabin and watching you do the projects on your off grid property, I can only imagine how hard it can be, great video for people who are thinking about living off grid and building their own cabin, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧
Thank you for sharing your journey! I've learned so much. Just purchased some property near Frederic. Been going there for about 10 years and fell in love with the area. You've given me tons of ideas and educated me on so much. I understand the potential now and not as worried about trying something new on this new adventure.
All your videos are wonderful,but I found this one especially interesting!Thanks for sharing!An added benefit to this video is listening to the lovely wind blowing through the trees!Bless you both,I'm proud of you!❤❤❤
Jay and Jen, I’ve observed that you’ll are a very hardworking couple. I’ve been watching your channel right from the beginning. Your honesty in explaining every single step of the way, the lifestyle you’ll live, portrays a lot of humility. Keep going guys. Love from Dubai.
I love your simplicity and not too be fancy! It shows you can do it whithout spending to dollars! Keep up the good work! You are a great mentor for my own homestead! Cheers Jay and Jen
Learning as you go is key! Y’all have learned a lot, but you have also taught us as well! I just learned that I am going to be a Grandpa in March! I’m very excited!
Great talk..we did the same..old house we had pigs and chickens..when we sold everything to be debt free..completely.. Don't have bills because we are off grid..we do have groceries and fuel and insurance..property taxes that's it
Jen you make me smile and laugh when you give Jay crap but anyway you guys have fun doing what you do keep up the content for us love you guys great to watch stay safe ❤
Good advice, I purchased my off grid cabin when I was 55. Now I'm retired and 67. I get my water from a spring. Cabin has all the convenience I need but still have trouble with the water coming into the cabin. This summer, I buried a 1000 gallon tank to hopefully have enough water all winter ,hahaha. Well, have to see
Thanks for being so reasonable Jen... 'high maintenance' and 'off grid' are oil & water. COLA off grid.. a great project would be accounting for all power generation (solar, generator). Keep track of how much power you consume and how much it costs to generate that power... then compare your downstate on-grid power bills. When you are responsible for generating reliable, dependable power in the middle of no where, you quickly realize what a deal 'On-Grid' is! Albeit dirty (high variance, in relative measures). Always a pleasure watching your vids.
Thank you Jay and Jen. I'm thinking of solar and when there's no power from the solar (I work from home) I'll use a generator. Until the rain catchment works for my needs I will go to something like Walmart for Primo jugs of water.
We waited until we retired. I wish we had start living in a cabin years ago. But as you said it takes a lot of work and also takes a toll on your body. But we are almost done with our goal in the 3 year mark. Best of wishes to you both and keep these videos coming we are learning alot for you both.
The thing I am learning is that you need to find an area to build that does not enforce codes. The county I am in is pretty strict on building codes. I wanted to build a small cabin, much like yours but the minimum size is 720 sq ft. It has to have a well and septic too. So I am pivoting and building several buildings under 200 sq ft. And they count gutter to gutter, not the inside. So it makes it tricky.
Building up to the codes isn't necessarily a bad thing in the long run....and can't cost they much more than it has for us here. Septics typically cost a fee thousand dollars if you do the work yourself. Like we said...it all cost money....so be prepared.
AT AGE 57 IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT POVERTY WOULD DRIVE ME INTO OFF GRID LIVING. I watch your channel for specs and morsels of information that can ease this lifestyle I've been forced to live. Like Hagar(Holy Bible) those who were meant to care for me (husband)have turned their backs on me. I don't drink or do drugs, just to clear that up. You say this lifestyle costs money, well in my case it costs dignity. I have in my city, dumpsters that I can dive in and you'd be amazed in a booming construction place how much materials are liberally tossed away. My husband has set the limit on my grocery allowance to $400 U.S. a month. Out of that I have to budget dog feed, home repair what ever comes up. Heaven forbid I get sick again, that really causes issues. He lives 8 feet away in a single wide 900 square foot trailer making $4000 a month. While I live in a shed on wheels of 120 square feet. My accountability does not excuse my choice to stay in the marriage. I struggle everyday with the full knowledge that I'm suffering while he flourishes. There are more reasons than CHOICE that cause someone to live off grid. Hard on the body is accurate, but every day I struggle physically, mentally and spiritually is another day that I'm not allowing myself to lay in the same bed as my betrayer and abuser. Please no pity. I choose this until the doors open that I'm banging on open. When I've been employed every penny goes into the build and a little self care like one year I bought a kayak, which hangs on the side of my home waiting for a day when I can afford the gas to take it out again. I've got issues, and need intervention, until then the demands of this lifestyle gobble every waking hour. God Bless and keep you!
This was great! I want a bug out place in Maine because I love it up there!! But.....my age is stopping me. I need a place at least half cleared. I want to be on a water source (not salt) grow my veggies and have chickens. Your can store the eggs for months as long as you don't wash them. Just wipe them off with a dry paper towel. Put them in vinegar and a small amount of water. They won't pickle if you put them in raw/no boiling. But like I said......age.
Yes, objective number 1. Stay married.... a cute outhouse, a shower and a kitchen were the first things i built. We never imagined that we would still be living here 35 years later.
I agree! I’m a 78 years mature woman with bad knee who bought 2.5 acres of virgin land in the mountains @8500 ft 7 years ago. Slowly, getting it done! Like you two, watch, Craigslist etc Able to get it done..l get a lot of free or really cheap items/ materials! I buy when can find and have when I get around to build or improving.. at my age I don’t know how long I will be able to keep doing this but, having the time of my life, right now! Going to have to start paying someone to help with some task, soon! With the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids lives getting more complicated they have less time to help, don’t mind they have been great at helping me along the way. And still will but not as often because of their own families still growing.. I started out with a craftsman lawn tractor and found a used plow . Used it til I was able to save for a tractor. thanks for all the great videos! Keep on Keeping on!
First off, I love your channel I'm always excited when I see you have a new video. You mentioned that you had chickens before. I've always been curious why you don't have them at the off-grid property?
One thing you learn with age is that you are never free of problems. The problems just change depending on an infinite number of things around you. The best things you can have is God and true friends. Thanks for your videos.
I don't remember- where you built, Did you have to have any inspections or assessments for taxes? When you found the property, did you just go to your county office & ask or did you investigate further to see if you can build what & how you want?
These are all things we have to provide ourselves with being self employed too.....so just pay for insurance monthly out of pocket ....it sucks....but a necessary evil
I don't think any if us is debt free in a way, we still have to property taxes, buy car insurance, medical ins, and car tags, if we don't pay property taxes we will lose everything we own
I think you guys have done an awesome job! Having built an off grid cabin I personally think yalls content is on point and shows a realistic view of off grid...
Thanks, glad you think so, it's been a learning curve for sure.
At Sixty years old I started my off grid journey, built a cabin,with gravity water and a small solar system. I live on mostly social security. Always improving and staying busy ,Thanks
Totally awesome and possible. GLAD you are rocking my friend
Sounds like you both made very wise financial decisions along the way. You two should be proud of where you are today! Too many people spend way beyond their means for material things, go into debt, and then wonder why they don’t have anything for their future. Great job, you two!
Thanks
That’s the first thing we built too, outdoor shower! The outhouse was here, it just needed a big hug to be usable.
A shower is a must when you’re working hard.
100% 😊
Thank you for being “transparent” about your life. I’m in the “should have, would have, could have” stage of life at 78 years old and out of shape. I believe that’s why I like watching y’all and many other “off Griders”. It like living my dream in your videos.
Y’all take care of your selves and keep educating and encouraging the younger generation to not live for all the things you can have and no time to enjoy them.
God bless you both. ❤
😀
Thanks for sharing all, of how you guys started. I'm learning as I'm watching your video's, may u hv a blessed day❤
Nice video guys! Very informative!!
Thanks
Hello Jay & Jen. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. There will always be negative people so please don’t pay attention to their criticism. God bless you both and your land!
Thank you my friend, I'm not sure why Jen and I can't sit down and chat once In while.....makes zero sense to get upset about it. Anyway....Best wishes my friend
Thank you Jay and jen to follow you on this jerny for 6 years now.. you gys ar so pecful and funny to looking on.most regads from sweden west coust
:D
I'm so inspired by the 2 of you! Thank you for so generously sharing your experiences and how-to's.
Woot woot
Debt free, great advice! Debt = enslavement. Being debt free is the most liberating thing you can do for yourself. Be smart, live within your means.
100
thanks so much nice video guys.. you guys are doing great.. slow goes the winner...
Thanks
Thank you! Counting the cost before the endeavor is very important. 🎉
Success or failure depends on YOU! That’s the fun and beauty of it.
You two are wonderful people. Don't let anyone be critical of what you have so beautifully accomplished.
Thanks Nancy
Keep doing what you're doing! Have enjoyed your channel from when you bought the camper and then the tractor. Like how you show the whole process, even the mistakes or almost falling off the ladder. Appreciate the honesty.
Thanks for watching!
Hello Jay and Jen, well said.
You have worked very hard to get to this point with many more projects on the horizon.
Can't wait to see the next video.
Fingers crossed!
Thanks for this video. Love you guys so much. You feel like my family.
Thanks for watching
You guys are awesome, real,not afraid to work, and full of good laughs. I love your videos!
Thanks
Good info.
I started watching you a long time ago. I didnt keep up with your channel and now back watching you. I have seen many times on how you help out other off gridders and how they recommend you 2.
Good info you 2. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
I appreciate that
You guys are doing great, eventually really think how it will play out when you are in your 70's and 80's
I bet you can get it set up really well, just need a plan and you guys seem to have lived on a plan.
Jay and Jen you both really work hard to get where you are today it wasn't easy but you made it work I always love listen to both talk because that how you learn new things in life by listen to someone you telling you what's going on how thing work if your off grid thank you for that video that you put on here I enjoy it
Well guys you got first hand and leaned how to get thru when no grid at a touch of a switch, I could never get hubby to go this route, I wanted more land but the Lord said stay here and get prepared, I have oil lamps, wood stove, wood ( I still need to get it cut smaller and split) I live a mile from a lake so fishing is optional, I have layers and raise meat chicks, my garden is only 100ft X 100 ft but in my defense I work road construction and 10-12 hr days so this is the largest I can deal with daily. I feel 2025 no matter who is in the big seat will be harsh with inflation. I am so glad you guys have hung in and showed us so much thank you for that.
😃
You guys have created an amazing life on your land, I love your cabin and watching you do the projects on your off grid property, I can only imagine how hard it can be, great video for people who are thinking about living off grid and building their own cabin, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧
Thanks' folks really needed this discussion all make sense . Love your honesty. You have come along way in your journey
Thank you for sharing your journey! I've learned so much. Just purchased some property near Frederic. Been going there for about 10 years and fell in love with the area. You've given me tons of ideas and educated me on so much. I understand the potential now and not as worried about trying something new on this new adventure.
The famous Giant Burrito.....you know if you know. =)
We always get the animals before the shelter 😂😂
Lol
All your videos are wonderful,but I found this one especially interesting!Thanks for sharing!An added benefit to this video is listening to the lovely wind blowing through the trees!Bless you both,I'm proud of you!❤❤❤
Thank you for the lovely and helpful info and comment my friend
I soooo agree about being flexible. Our learning curve is steep over here.😄😄
Here too
You guys are great. Down to earth. Loved the video, very informative.
Very informative thank you both. 😊
Thanks for sharing.
You have come a long way. So happy for you.
Wishing you the best of success as you continue.
Thanks
Jay and Jen, I’ve observed that you’ll are a very hardworking couple. I’ve been watching your channel right from the beginning. Your honesty in explaining every single step of the way, the lifestyle you’ll live, portrays a lot of humility. Keep going guys. Love from Dubai.
Thanks for the kind words
great video ....cheers
Thank you
You two do an amazing job at everything you take on!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Love and enjoy your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and working on the homestead and building
😃
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing
Guys, another great video for anyone at any stage of this type of lifestyle !! Keep on keeping on ..WOOT WOOT !!
Thanks!
Jay, when you asked Jen what she liked the most about being off grid, I thought for sure she'd say " having my own untouchable green oven mitts.😅
Lol.....she did hide then from me. 😊
Love your life style
I love your simplicity and not too be fancy! It shows you can do it whithout spending to dollars! Keep up the good work! You are a great mentor for my own homestead!
Cheers Jay and Jen
Thanks
Learning as you go is key! Y’all have learned a lot, but you have also taught us as well! I just learned that I am going to be a Grandpa in March! I’m very excited!
Awe.......SOME....Congrats buddy
Thank you Jay and Jen 😊 Hope you're doing well, stay safe and take care my friends 👍🏻 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you always 🫶🏻
Thanks
Great talk..we did the same..old house we had pigs and chickens..when we sold everything to be debt free..completely.. Don't have bills because we are off grid..we do have groceries and fuel and insurance..property taxes that's it
😃
Jen you make me smile and laugh when you give Jay crap but anyway you guys have fun doing what you do keep up the content for us love you guys great to watch stay safe ❤
😃😃😃
Awesome Compilation of "Tips" & Suggestions! True Facts! Keep it Real! Cheers from Northern Indiana. Peace!
😃
Keep doing what u doing u guys are great love watching y'all 😊
Thanks for watching
Good advice, I purchased my off grid cabin when I was 55. Now I'm retired and 67. I get my water from a spring. Cabin has all the convenience I need but still have trouble with the water coming into the cabin. This summer, I buried a 1000 gallon tank to hopefully have enough water all winter ,hahaha. Well, have to see
👍
Thanks for being so reasonable Jen... 'high maintenance' and 'off grid' are oil & water. COLA off grid.. a great project would be accounting for all power generation (solar, generator). Keep track of how much power you consume and how much it costs to generate that power... then compare your downstate on-grid power bills. When you are responsible for generating reliable, dependable power in the middle of no where, you quickly realize what a deal 'On-Grid' is! Albeit dirty (high variance, in relative measures). Always a pleasure watching your vids.
😃
Thank you Jay and Jen. I'm thinking of solar and when there's no power from the solar (I work from home) I'll use a generator. Until the rain catchment works for my needs I will go to something like Walmart for Primo jugs of water.
tnx
😃
We waited until we retired. I wish we had start living in a cabin years ago. But as you said it takes a lot of work and also takes a toll on your body. But we are almost done with our goal in the 3 year mark. Best of wishes to you both and keep these videos coming we are learning alot for you both.
Thanks
Good video y'all!! J & C
Thanks
I am a great believer in Luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.-Coleman Cox.
Thank both of you in sharing your journey to live Off-Grid. 👩🔬
😃
Can I ask what you guys do about your trash ?
We only have about one small bag a week so we have a neighbor that allows us to put in their can when needed
The thing I am learning is that you need to find an area to build that does not enforce codes. The county I am in is pretty strict on building codes. I wanted to build a small cabin, much like yours but the minimum size is 720 sq ft. It has to have a well and septic too. So I am pivoting and building several buildings under 200 sq ft. And they count gutter to gutter, not the inside. So it makes it tricky.
Building up to the codes isn't necessarily a bad thing in the long run....and can't cost they much more than it has for us here. Septics typically cost a fee thousand dollars if you do the work yourself. Like we said...it all cost money....so be prepared.
AT AGE 57 IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT POVERTY WOULD DRIVE ME INTO OFF GRID LIVING. I watch your channel for specs and morsels of information that can ease this lifestyle I've been forced to live. Like Hagar(Holy Bible) those who were meant to care for me (husband)have turned their backs on me. I don't drink or do drugs, just to clear that up. You say this lifestyle costs money, well in my case it costs dignity. I have in my city, dumpsters that I can dive in and you'd be amazed in a booming construction place how much materials are liberally tossed away. My husband has set the limit on my grocery allowance to $400 U.S. a month. Out of that I have to budget dog feed, home repair what ever comes up. Heaven forbid I get sick again, that really causes issues. He lives 8 feet away in a single wide 900 square foot trailer making $4000 a month. While I live in a shed on wheels of 120 square feet. My accountability does not excuse my choice to stay in the marriage. I struggle everyday with the full knowledge that I'm suffering while he flourishes. There are more reasons than CHOICE that cause someone to live off grid. Hard on the body is accurate, but every day I struggle physically, mentally and spiritually is another day that I'm not allowing myself to lay in the same bed as my betrayer and abuser. Please no pity. I choose this until the doors open that I'm banging on open. When I've been employed every penny goes into the build and a little self care like one year I bought a kayak, which hangs on the side of my home waiting for a day when I can afford the gas to take it out again. I've got issues, and need intervention, until then the demands of this lifestyle gobble every waking hour. God Bless and keep you!
Keep your dreams alive and don't quit
Great video as always. Have you considered digging your own pond on your lower acreage?
No never really gave it thought. Wouldn't know where to put it etc
This was great! I want a bug out place in Maine because I love it up there!! But.....my age is stopping me. I need a place at least half cleared. I want to be on a water source (not salt) grow my veggies and have chickens. Your can store the eggs for months as long as you don't wash them. Just wipe them off with a dry paper towel. Put them in vinegar and a small amount of water. They won't pickle if you put them in raw/no boiling. But like I said......age.
Nice, debt sucks!!! Fortunate is a very good word. Loves me some good second hand goodies👍
💯
Yes, objective number 1. Stay married.... a cute outhouse, a shower and a kitchen were the first things i built. We never imagined that we would still be living here 35 years later.
👍😃
I agree! I’m a 78 years mature woman with bad knee who bought 2.5 acres of virgin land in the mountains @8500 ft 7 years ago. Slowly, getting it done! Like you two, watch, Craigslist etc Able to get it done..l get a lot of free or really cheap items/ materials! I buy when can find and have when I get around to build or improving.. at my age I don’t know how long I will be able to keep doing this but, having the time of my life, right now! Going to have to start paying someone to help with some task, soon! With the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids lives getting more complicated they have less time to help, don’t mind they have been great at helping me along the way. And still will but not as often because of their own families still growing.. I started out with a craftsman lawn tractor and found a used plow . Used it til I was able to save for a tractor. thanks for all the great videos! Keep on Keeping on!
Thanks for watching
First off, I love your channel I'm always excited when I see you have a new video. You mentioned that you had chickens before. I've always been curious why you don't have them at the off-grid property?
Chickens are a lot of work and we are currently enjoying the flexibility of life without them
One thing you learn with age is that you are never free of problems. The problems just change depending on an infinite number of things around you. The best things you can have is God and true friends. Thanks for your videos.
True buddy....very true.
Thank you for sharing your lives and experiences with us. It's refreshing to hear from others who share our passions.
😃
I’ve become a hoarder..I have to clean up my act…my house is way too small for saving things!😏
It is a hard situation.....an annual purge of stuff is a good way to deal with this
👍👍👍
Jen you didn't drink anything out of your bottle there so 🍻
😀
Making maple syrup.
I don't remember- where you built, Did you have to have any inspections or assessments for taxes? When you found the property, did you just go to your county office & ask or did you investigate further to see if you can build what & how you want?
👍
You guys need a few honey 🍯 bees hives in your location
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
😃
I’m wondering about doctors/dentists and health insurance?
These are all things we have to provide ourselves with being self employed too.....so just pay for insurance monthly out of pocket ....it sucks....but a necessary evil
hi want was the price back 6 years for land ?
Depends on the land
No break's. Get to work 😅😅
🤣
🖐😎👍
Do yall have children? If so, were they part of the process??
No kids just furry 4 legged ones 🤣
It's not what you make, it's how you spend it.
💯
First
👍
I don't think any if us is debt free in a way, we still have to property taxes, buy car insurance, medical ins, and car tags, if we don't pay property taxes we will lose everything we own
A sad reality I guess
unsub thanks anyway
Cool man.....👍