I've learned first hand that when your not apart of the system and keeping up with the Jones and have zero debt, it takes very little money to be happy. I operate on $600 a month.
@@idkman42069 trust me, I have so much to do especially in the fall I have no time for people. Wood food foraging garden harvesting canning drying gathering etc etc Come to Bulgaria you will feel real peace and freedom but yiu will never be lonely or bored. Oh ya and I cook for 6 dogs and 18 cats every day. Cooking alone can be an adventure and a chore in my house I like 5 km away from the store and walk it 3 times a week loaded with groceries as a donkey. Life is not easy but is never lonely up here in my tiny Homestead Oh and I forgot the quile will come soon. They need foraged food and the new bunny will need food as well. I am constantly to solve problems and the solutions are challenging and funny sometimes super stupid simple sometimes crazy . You have to make the change you want. Nobody will do it for you
Hats off to you both, I love how you clarified that off-grid homesteading, isn't jobless. Its creating an independence from society. You should work, and work doing what makes you happy, not working to be a slave to your debts, by doing an occupation that literally consumes all your energy and time, but pays for your debts.
Homesteading is for people who have finally had enough and are mentally strong enough to support themselves without the kingpins of society! I just stumbled on your tube and became an instant fan! Will be looking forward to seeing all your tubes!
I am a retired RN for 24 yrs, age 77 now, do not live off grid but do try to be self sustaining. love your videos. So sorry about your accident.Praying for your recovery soon
I am actually considering going off the grid and I was curious what about taxes on the land and other bills would it be possible to just not have a job at all and just live out there?
I've seen where people who just go out far enough just become a part of the land, if you live there for ten years (depending on the state it could be more or less), you can basically claim the property as yours, as long as no one is there and you have to live there, I think it's called Squatters rights
Until you shoot a cop and they do one of two things. Put you in jail for the rest of your life, or end up harming a loved one in the house trying to shoot you back. Either outcome is not favorable in opposition to just giving them your land and starting up somewhere else.
I have lived off grid for 30 years; solar power, backup generator, propane fridge, wood heat, backup propane(so I can get away without freeze up),cabin built almost exclusively with materials from site. My water is from a spring, I have a composting toilet and a shower/tub for bathing. I have worked with Vt. youth for 23 satisfying years. It's been great! Taking off for winter in a toyota motor home too see some country.
Starry, I'm a nurse too! But I'm so tired of having to work overtime to make the type of paychecks I need to take care of my really large family. My hubby works all the time too. We have a double-sized lot in an inner city community. I've been dreaming of being off the grid FOREVER. Even if its not 100% off-the grid. I've had a vision of having an urban farm and selling to local chefs. My little daughters are super excited about the idea. Fortunately, we live in a city, chickens are welcomed too. You are inspiring and this coming weekend I have time off. My girls and I are gonna start our layering to prepare for next year's garden. I grew up on a small farm and my hubby lived with his grandparents who had 13 kids. Self-sufficiency is in our roots. I'm tired of utility company's monopolizing control. I hate how our foods in the stores are overly GMO'ed. Even healthy food is questionable. Thanks for your easy to understand tutorials. Just keep doing what you do! You and Mr.Hilder are a great team!
Thank you for bringing another perspective to this! This is exactly what I was talking about! There's a lot of folks that have such a misconception over homesteading or the work of a homesteading mom. With kids in the home-it is essential we have outside income to ensure our needs, healthcare and growth of our farm! While my husband works an outside job-I work the farm and homeschool the kids and all the extras. Both are a job for sure! Great chat! Talk to you soon, friend! xo ~ Patara
thank you for being so positive and encouraging. your an inspiration to all of us wanting to make the switch to an off grid and self sustaining lifestyle.
love you videos. Starry you are an inspiration to all of us you are very very hard-working woman full of lots of laughter and joy and craziness and that's what I love about you I get a big kick out of watching your videos and how you talk to your plants and your animals my husband thinks you're crazy but hey least there's somebody out there that knows what they're talking about and you give us lots of good information and something to look forward to. and we are trying to go off grid as much as we can we're still in debt got a ways to go but we have a garden I do grow my own flowers and have chickens and rabbits and we do the Back to Eden Garden. do lots of canning fruits and vegetables and dry on my herbs and do leather dried fruit .I am 56 years old.. I love getting my hands dirty. getting your hands in the dirt is the best therapy there is on this Earth keep up all the good things u do for God's earth..
I am new to your channel and the first video I watched was about canning peppers. We have a garden and needed some tips on canning. I hope one day to have a homestead like yours and am currently in school to be a nurse, very awesone to hear that you are a nurse! I love your spirit, thanks for the videos!
HI Starry I was at work when i wrote my msg last but i wanted to say That i think its awesome you are a Nurse. My daughter is studying to become a Nurse, and I am studying to get my Medical Billing and Coding degree. I dont think i will ever go off grid but i have learned so much from your videos that i would like to implement in the back yard of my future house. i like the Eden garden and i plan on doing some canning and other things to be a little more self reliable.
Well t hank you..that is so awesome..both of you going into the medical field!! Strong woman! and i always say you DONT need to be off grid to live alot like t his!!
Hi Starry! You have a great channel! I love that you address real questions and discuss real challenges. No one really focuses on the real issues such as money or even being snowed in. Thanks again for your honesty and transparency in how you portray everything.
I am so happy that you addressed the work issue in this video. I have heard you mention from time to time that you are a nurse but you never actually said that you worked as a nurse. I have often found myself wondering how you afford the snow plow, the vehicles, and other supplies if you don't work. Mr. Hilder's working on taxidermy projects led me to conclude that he is doing that for money, as it should be. I appreciate your candid discussion of the subject.
Glad you made this video! I have seen a lot of "homesteaders" who say they are off the grid & keep to them self & no longer work. I also am a RN who worked as a nurse for over 30 years raising 5 kids alone, I worked two jobs most of the time, double shifts, weekends & many holidays to support us. It is fine to live doing what you want & keeping things simple but when they are able bodied & not working by choice & then talk the go fund me accounts I find that annoying & consider them freeloading on others who have or do work . Love your videos!
You sound alot like us..I to worked extra shifts...took on more then one job...and still continued to help my hubby in his taxidermy business. We never sat down. AND Yes I agree to thats so disappointing is seeing people who live off the grid who are able bodied ASK FOR MONEY in the GO FUND me thing...when they have such things as a 50k barn...or they are driving a new truck...or their animals are worth more then our entire homestead! YUCK! And sadly hard working people fall for that and donate!!! There alot of abuses on YT and alot of fraudsters out there as i would call it. I could tell you stories of the people from other channels I have met who are just plain frauds. This is not a harsh judgment but a realization that many people dont see....I think you GET it..but many people dont... Maybe one day when I quite YT I will do a discovery video revealing all the fraudsters!! hahaha probably be my best one yet! God Bless
I've watched several of your videos I just wanted to let you know how we are making it. I've lived most of my life in the mountains of WV We raise what we eat and eat what we raise . When I was 30 I wondered how will I do all this work when I;m 80 . I then started putting up stuff that I'll need when I'm older .My wife and I just got our S.S.checks coming in that was a prep and about 10 year supply of food etc.I own a 135 acre place I sold other properties to become debit free .Homesteaders can't make it with a big mortgage and not work I'm in a good place now but it took 35 years to get here Now I hope to see 80
Must be nice Starry, I envy your situation there in the mountains. My main passion in life is gardening, unfortunately I suffer from bouts of sleep disturbance when I cannot sleep at night, instead sleeping during the day. Today I woke over an hour ago at 3pm utterly exhausted and with little will to do anything. This is so demoralising especially as today is a gloriously sunny day here. I know that there is no cure for my condition, it is something which I have suffered from since the age of 13. I go through go phases and bad ones, right now I'm working my way through a really bad phase and would be grateful to those who would include me in their thoughts and prayers while I do so. Thank you.
For months, I've been searching for relatable information: through google, through blogs, UA-cam videos, cabin articles...everything! And FINALLY, I found YOU! Everything you and your husband believe in is exactly what I believe in and hope to achieve one day! Thank you so much for your channel! I am going to use it as guidance !
I live offgrid & it's a tradeoff. I can work a couple of hrs & buy more veggies than I could grow in a week. I do like to garden but it takes a lot of time. I have some chickens right now that need butchering but just haven't had time with it being hot & getting set up for deer season. I would be better off just buying decent meat. Now if I had the time I would do all this myself. I stopped breeding rabbits due to not having extra time. The tradeoff I have a yr old 5th wheel & a new truck. I have been thinking about what you said about having animals that are chores to take care off, I'm feeling that way about a lot of stuff. There's a saying your a slave to your belongings. So true.
I enjoy your videos so much. Thank you. I don't know if you question is on topic, but you asked for questions. We live in a similar area of the country to you right on a very large lake. I've begun kayaking and absolutely love it. Do you paddle in colder weather? If so, how do you dress to keep warm and dry-ish? Do you bring your dog with you? If so, how did you train him to stay in the boat? BTW-I'm putting in my garden fence and mulch this month to be ready for next spring.WooHoo! Thanks for your inspiration.
Also, bees are way easier than chickens and a good lazy man's livestock. I joke that I have a million head roaming my range. Although I don't eat sweets much, if things change, honey is a good source of calories, trading commodity, medicine, and wound disinfectant. I usually give most of our honey away at present.
Awesome lady I watched a few other videos of yours before this one and near the end I decided to subscribe because for some reason you kept drawing me in.... literally three seconds after I clicked the subscribe button you said you were a nurse and I got a little emotional then laughed and said thats it, that's why i liked listening so much . My wife and I have been together 26 yrs , she's been a nurse for close to 16yrs now and i guess my subconscious brain knows who i'm supposed to be listening to finally...lol.....Great videos and I look forward to many more , thank you for all the information and time you've put into sharing this info so we can benefit from it and hopefully not make too many horrible mistakes going off grid and homesteading.
Thank you for sharing. I've never really heard this side from an off grider (we aren't off grid), but it makes total sense. "Ease", is the key word, and I think that's a pretty smart concept that you've set up there. I haven't met a fellow homesteader who's main meat source is also from hunting. That is our main meat source as well, and a lot of people don't understand that we just simply don't need animals like cows and pigs and rabbits as a meat source on our homestead. I found I was putting unnecessary work into a meat source on our homestead, when I simply didn't need it. So we simplified this year and it has been liberating and so much more enjoyable. Couldn't agree more about the income! Thank you for what you do as a nurse. I wish we had more nurses with your knowledge.
You guys sound like our twins..YEs you get it...and I know using that renewable meat source that is given to us...wow...so many homesteaders set their homes up with all the farm animals and yikes..what a chore...and HOW expensive....we are blessed to be able to hunt and fish for meat sources.
We didn't realize just how expensive *quality* farm animals were until we got into this journey. And animals on a homestead can be very disposable. Keeping up with predators, illnesses, etc. It's a tough job, and stressful at times. You've inspired me, Starry...to simplify more! We are big on foraging/hunting and learning how to live off of just about ANy land, not just the animals we keep, and I feel like that's a really big thing a lot of people miss now days. Thanks for this video! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's refreshing, and assures me I'm doing something right ;)
Sweet Starry, I' m from Costa Rica but I currently live in Puebla, México with my husband and two boys, this year we are trying to buy land and become self sufficient and your videos and positive energy is one of our inspirations. Thank you and Mr. Hilder for all the hard work making videos! We send our prayers for both of you! Abrazos!
Tellin' it like it is - Thanks. I run into folks thinking that off grid means no-workey. Nice for some that they can. In our homestead we live on less than needed in our old suburban house - so I can spend more time getting this place in shape. Those changes can cost significant quanza. One can use lots of time to redux building cost; but its a trade off that has to decide. Generally I try to maximize homestead preparation rate.
+Starry Hilder I really love your Well Thought Out ideas. I understand that mistakes are the best teacher. I live in the Bay Area and I'm really getting tired of the Rat Race. I was born in a small country town 300 miles away from The Bay, but raised in The Bay Area. I really want to return back to my roots "Country". I love the Homesteading lifestyle. Grew up with Gun Smoke and Little house on the prairie. Now, if I could only get my wife whom Hates camping to join me...I would have to have some comforts of home for her. Electricity, running water. I will continue to watch Homesteading videos all the while taking mental notes. You inspire me. Angel from The Bay
I'm a RN and am considering to live off the grid. I'm so happy to hear that you are a RN and living off the grid You honestly just made my dream a reality and Now I know it's possible and extremely excited to make it my own reality Thank you so much!!
You have a balanced perspective; I thoroughly enjoyed this video Mrs. Hilder. I gained some beneficial insight because of the question posed. I'm endeavoring to live this way and be debt free. Thanks for sharing your life...also through your profession. :)
I just absolutely love love watching your videos. you are such a sweet, calm soul and have done so much out there! makes me think it's possible for our family.
WOW, I been looking how to get a food dehydrator so I can dehydrate my fruit and veggies, and you are brilliant on using the car. I will get some trays to do this too. Thanks again for a brilliant idea.
R.N. that is great. I was working for Hospice and I loved it. I was hurt two years ago. Lost my job everything I work for. Great for you working as an R.N.
I would enjoy having a homestead. My husband ..not so much. LOL Thank you for your honesty of needing some type of income to make this work. I knew this couldn't happen w/o money...even if its very small amounts. Love your channel. New Sub 😊
Thanks for all of your good info on Off-Grid_Living. I've been recently looking into it and the video you've posted was one of the most truly informative ones I've found.
Thanks! Good video & knowledge. Many think that off grid is laid back without cash. Wrong! Everyone will need medical care someday Insurance is necessary for that & social security sure helps!
Starry I love your channel and encouragement. I am also a Christian and am learning to be self-sustainable and grow as many vegetables as I can. Your channel is very entertaining and encouraging in the Lord.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm still trying to work on a plan to move my family of four out to the country for mostly of the grid living. The one thing I can't figure out is what to do for income. I'm going to stay at home to homeschool my little ones and my husband has no other skills other than cutting hair. I'm still praying for God to open the doors. In the meantime, we're working on paying off all our debts before my son starts school in three years.
Good points. No matter what we all need a source of available cash for certain expenses. If you don't produce something that can be sold for cash, then you have to work, some how, to have the cash for taxes, insurances, licenses, and things that you can not produce or barter for.
no you don't need a job to offgrid, but it does help to have some extra income that's not dependent upon sales. even if it's a couple minimum wage shifts at the local gas station.
Really depends on the situation for each person/couple/family. If you own land you have to pay taxes, if you have a vehicle there are yearly taxes and insurance. Now if people can get creative and barter maybe they can make enough cash throughout the year to cover those costs without a typical job. Fact is, I don't believe the majority of people who want to go off grid can do so without some sort of residual income or job. The main concern would be the initial costs in getting set up in an off grid property that is self sustainable.
I keep goat and cow not much work I run my herd well below what the property can handle just stay with a small number keep 5000 chickens there a lot of work to
Yes! I really enjoy watching your videos! I am also an acute care RN, working weekends and homeschooling my littles during the week... I don't think I could ever fully give up being a nurse. You're my inspiration! I have my very first garden this year, bought a house last year & hope to eventually get solar panels. Next year though, is doubling the size of our garden & getting chickens!! But first, having baby number three any time now.. Hah! Idle hands are of the devil, right?
Love it!!! You sound like you have your hands full and BLESS you for homeschooling your kids!!! I really give you so much credit...what a great mom you are!! Your the inspiration..truly!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Excellent video Starry. Very practical advice. Another important aspect is professing your faith. I am a believer and follower of Christ and your videos sharing your faith are wonderful. You have been put in a wonderful position to bring people to the Lord.I do have a question about insurance. I know you do have health insurance, but do you insure your home?Thank you so much for all that you share.Gerri
Starry can you share a soap making video also. I saw the one you made lye with the ash. Please give us a update up to soap. thanks God Bless u and mr hilder...:)thanks
I live in North New Jersey USA. I have a relatively large 3500 square foot home. I installed 12 solar panels myself on my roof a few years ago. I paid off my house when I was 30, and I have no debt. My electric bill is about $15 a month. I can afford that. I keep the heat low in the winter, and live very simple. Unfortunately property taxes cost me $1100 a month. I think my neighbors have $300 a month electric, and Very high heat bills. Their air conditioning runs all day and night from May till October. From October to May, I can hear their gas meter hissing from their heat running. We run nothing from April till June, and September to November. AC is only put on at night to take humidity out if the temp is 95 or higher, and it is set to 80 degrees.
At 8:52 you state you still have to pay insurance and taxes. I don't get it. If you live free in nature, without using any public utilities, why do you have to pay taxes? Or even insurances?
if you own land you have to pay taxes. if you dont want to own land then you dont have to pay, so its a choice. same with insurance, if you have a home your smart to get some type of insurance on it. if you want to drive a car its mandatory that you have it and same with health insurance. its just the way it is....taxes are part of the american trap.
Well, if you really want to live off-grid you have to find a remote place where you don't have to pay taxes. I still think paying taxes for owning land is bullshit. The earth is for everybody.
+Snowwie88 well we haven't been there a year yet, but the county sent me a statement saying what the tax bill was last year, so I would know what to expect... I can't remember the exact amount, but it was like $4.50 (!), on 2.5 acres, because it is classified as agricultural. There is a few cows on the property. We got a small piece of a 33 acre tract from the person we are buying from. Not sure what the minimum amount of cattle is required to get a farm / agricultural exemption, but it's very common to do.
I've learned first hand that when your not apart of the system and keeping up with the Jones and have zero debt, it takes very little money to be happy. I operate on $600 a month.
How do you make your money?
How do you make your money?
I would gladly live in a shack,a cave and eat twigs to escape the awful life in the city/suburbs.
I would love to live like you do.
i want to do it so much the only thing i need to fight now is lonelyness
@@idkman42069 Learn to be happy with your own company. If you can do that it's amazing. Then when you do get a partner is 1,000 times better.
@@idkman42069 then do it, nothings stopping you
I want to live off grid in a caravan any advise will help !
@@idkman42069 trust me, I have so much to do especially in the fall I have no time for people.
Wood food foraging garden harvesting canning drying gathering etc etc
Come to Bulgaria you will feel real peace and freedom but yiu will never be lonely or bored.
Oh ya and I cook for 6 dogs and 18 cats every day.
Cooking alone can be an adventure and a chore in my house
I like 5 km away from the store and walk it 3 times a week loaded with groceries as a donkey.
Life is not easy but is never lonely up here in my tiny Homestead
Oh and I forgot the quile will come soon. They need foraged food and the new bunny will need food as well.
I am constantly to solve problems and the solutions are challenging and funny sometimes super stupid simple sometimes crazy .
You have to make the change you want. Nobody will do it for you
Even when you do retire a homestead will keep you busy enough not to get BORED.......
I'm 67 and never had insurance and haven't been to a doctor sinse I was 13.
In the U.S we need insurance or we go to jail :(
wtf?
this my be interesting,my son who is 47 has never been to a doctor.
Wow!! Good for you! Sounds like you have been experiencing excellent health!
not really,just kept on going and i didn't die.
Hats off to you both, I love how you clarified that off-grid homesteading, isn't jobless. Its creating an independence from society. You should work, and work doing what makes you happy, not working to be a slave to your debts, by doing an occupation that literally consumes all your energy and time, but pays for your debts.
Homesteading is for people who have finally had enough and are mentally strong enough to support themselves without the kingpins of society!
I just stumbled on your tube and became an instant fan!
Will be looking forward to seeing all your tubes!
I am a retired RN for 24 yrs, age 77 now, do not live off grid but do try to be self sustaining. love your videos. So sorry about your accident.Praying for your recovery soon
Less debt, more freedom. Thanks for your valuable info, I really enjoy all your informative videos
your so welcome!!!
I am actually considering going off the grid and I was curious what about taxes on the land and other bills would it be possible to just not have a job at all and just live out there?
I've seen where people who just go out far enough just become a part of the land, if you live there for ten years (depending on the state it could be more or less), you can basically claim the property as yours, as long as no one is there and you have to live there, I think it's called Squatters rights
Interesting...🤔
@@IdiotWithEducation adverse possession
Wow, this is really incredible. Youre a very inspiring lady. Instant subscriber. Keep it up!
Too bad we can never truly own any land anymore due to the thief's who own the country.
James Whitherson Good thing we still have our secound amendment rights to protect ourselves from terrorists who try and take our land.
Until you shoot a cop and they do one of two things. Put you in jail for the rest of your life, or end up harming a loved one in the house trying to shoot you back. Either outcome is not favorable in opposition to just giving them your land and starting up somewhere else.
John that has literally nothing to do with land rights for American citizens.
Dylan C. Lol call the gov thieves when the country was based on theft lol the irony of the cries
Dylan C. That's not true 100 percent u own land
We LOVE your channel Starry! God Bless you and your husband!
6:41 is when she starts talking about a job
I have lived off grid for 30 years; solar power, backup generator, propane fridge, wood heat, backup propane(so I can get away without freeze up),cabin built almost exclusively with materials from site. My water is from a spring, I have a composting toilet and a shower/tub for bathing. I have worked with Vt. youth for 23 satisfying years. It's been great! Taking off for winter in a toyota motor home too see some country.
Starry, I'm a nurse too! But I'm so tired of having to work overtime to make the type of paychecks I need to take care of my really large family. My hubby works all the time too. We have a double-sized lot in an inner city community. I've been dreaming of being off the grid FOREVER. Even if its not 100% off-the grid. I've had a vision of having an urban farm and selling to local chefs. My little daughters are super excited about the idea. Fortunately, we live in a city, chickens are welcomed too. You are inspiring and this coming weekend I have time off. My girls and I are gonna start our layering to prepare for next year's garden. I grew up on a small farm and my hubby lived with his grandparents who had 13 kids. Self-sufficiency is in our roots. I'm tired of utility company's monopolizing control. I hate how our foods in the stores are overly GMO'ed. Even healthy food is questionable. Thanks for your easy to understand tutorials. Just keep doing what you do! You and Mr.Hilder are a great team!
Thank you for bringing another perspective to this! This is exactly what I was talking about! There's a lot of folks that have such a misconception over homesteading or the work of a homesteading mom. With kids in the home-it is essential we have outside income to ensure our needs, healthcare and growth of our farm! While my husband works an outside job-I work the farm and homeschool the kids and all the extras. Both are a job for sure! Great chat! Talk to you soon, friend! xo ~ Patara
I raise my bread in the car. Airtight, constant temp.
That is a great idea!
awesome idea!!!
thank you for being so positive and encouraging. your an inspiration to all of us wanting to make the switch to an off grid and self sustaining lifestyle.
love you videos. Starry you are an inspiration to all of us you are very very hard-working woman full of lots of laughter and joy and craziness and that's what I love about you I get a big kick out of watching your videos and how you talk to your plants and your animals my husband thinks you're crazy but hey least there's somebody out there that knows what they're talking about and you give us lots of good information and something to look forward to. and we are trying to go off grid as much as we can we're still in debt got a ways to go but we have a garden I do grow my own flowers and have chickens and rabbits and we do the Back to Eden Garden. do lots of canning fruits and vegetables and dry on my herbs and do leather dried fruit .I am 56 years old.. I love getting my hands dirty. getting your hands in the dirt is the best therapy there is on this Earth keep up all the good things u do for God's earth..
You guys are a true blessing. Thank you for continuing to post videos. They really do make a difference and help me out immensely in planning.
I am new to your channel and the first video I watched was about canning peppers. We have a garden and needed some tips on canning. I hope one day to have a homestead like yours and am currently in school to be a nurse, very awesone to hear that you are a nurse! I love your spirit, thanks for the videos!
HI Starry I was at work when i wrote my msg last but i wanted to say That i think its awesome you are a Nurse. My daughter is studying to become a Nurse, and I am studying to get my Medical Billing and Coding degree. I dont think i will ever go off grid but i have learned so much from your videos that i would like to implement in the back yard of my future house. i like the Eden garden and i plan on doing some canning and other things to be a little more self reliable.
Well t hank you..that is so awesome..both of you going into the medical field!! Strong woman! and i always say you DONT need to be off grid to live alot like t his!!
Hi Starry! You have a great channel! I love that you address real questions and discuss real challenges. No one really focuses on the real issues such as money or even being snowed in. Thanks again for your honesty and transparency in how you portray everything.
You are so welcome!!!
I love the reality factor. it's missing from most videos
I am so happy that you addressed the work issue in this video. I have heard you mention from time to time that you are a nurse but you never actually said that you worked as a nurse. I have often found myself wondering how you afford the snow plow, the vehicles, and other supplies if you don't work. Mr. Hilder's working on taxidermy projects led me to conclude that he is doing that for money, as it should be. I appreciate your candid discussion of the subject.
Glad you made this video! I have seen a lot of "homesteaders" who say they are off the grid & keep to them self & no longer work. I also am a RN who worked as a nurse for over 30 years raising 5 kids alone, I worked two jobs most of the time, double shifts, weekends & many holidays to support us. It is fine to live doing what you want & keeping things simple but when they are able bodied & not working by choice & then talk the go fund me accounts I find that annoying & consider them freeloading on others who have or do work . Love your videos!
You sound alot like us..I to worked extra shifts...took on more then one job...and still continued to help my hubby in his taxidermy business. We never sat down.
AND Yes I agree to thats so disappointing is seeing people who live off the grid who are able bodied ASK FOR MONEY in the GO FUND me thing...when they have such things as a 50k barn...or they are driving a new truck...or their animals are worth more then our entire homestead! YUCK!
And sadly hard working people fall for that and donate!!! There alot of abuses on YT and alot of fraudsters out there as i would call it. I could tell you stories of the people from other channels I have met who are just plain frauds. This is not a harsh judgment but a realization that many people dont see....I think you GET it..but many people dont... Maybe one day when I quite YT I will do a discovery video revealing all the fraudsters!! hahaha probably be my best one yet!
God Bless
I've watched several of your videos I just wanted to let you know how we are making it. I've lived most of my life in the mountains of WV We raise what we eat and eat what we raise . When I was 30 I wondered how will I do all this work when I;m 80 . I then started putting up stuff that I'll need when I'm older .My wife and I just got our S.S.checks coming in that was a prep and about 10 year supply of food etc.I own a 135 acre place I sold other properties to become debit free .Homesteaders can't make it with a big mortgage and not work I'm in a good place now but it took 35 years to get here Now I hope to see 80
Must be nice Starry, I envy your situation there in the mountains. My main passion in life is gardening, unfortunately I suffer from bouts of sleep disturbance when I cannot sleep at night, instead sleeping during the day. Today I woke over an hour ago at 3pm utterly exhausted and with little will to do anything. This is so demoralising especially as today is a gloriously sunny day here. I know that there is no cure for my condition, it is something which I have suffered from since the age of 13. I go through go phases and bad ones, right now I'm working my way through a really bad phase and would be grateful to those who would include me in their thoughts and prayers while I do so. Thank you.
For months, I've been searching for relatable information: through google, through blogs, UA-cam videos, cabin articles...everything! And FINALLY, I found YOU! Everything you and your husband believe in is exactly what I believe in and hope to achieve one day! Thank you so much for your channel! I am going to use it as guidance !
I live offgrid & it's a tradeoff. I can work a couple of hrs & buy more veggies than I could grow in a week. I do like to garden but it takes a lot of time. I have some chickens right now that need butchering but just haven't had time with it being hot & getting set up for deer season. I would be better off just buying decent meat. Now if I had the time I would do all this myself. I stopped breeding rabbits due to not having extra time.
The tradeoff I have a yr old 5th wheel & a new truck. I have been thinking about what you said about having animals that are chores to take care off, I'm feeling that way about a lot of stuff. There's a saying your a slave to your belongings. So true.
I always learn so much from you Starry!! Thanks for the time and effort you put into sharing your off grid life. Such an inspiration. God bless!
I enjoy your videos so much. Thank you.
I don't know if you question is on topic, but you asked for questions.
We live in a similar area of the country to you right on a very large lake. I've begun kayaking and absolutely love it. Do you paddle in colder weather? If so, how do you dress to keep warm and dry-ish? Do you bring your dog with you? If so, how did you train him to stay in the boat?
BTW-I'm putting in my garden fence and mulch this month to be ready for next spring.WooHoo! Thanks for your inspiration.
Also, bees are way easier than chickens and a good lazy man's livestock. I joke that I have a million head roaming my range. Although I don't eat sweets much, if things change, honey is a good source of calories, trading commodity, medicine, and wound disinfectant. I usually give most of our honey away at present.
Awesome lady I watched a few other videos of yours before this one and near the end I decided to subscribe because for some reason you kept drawing me in.... literally three seconds after I clicked the subscribe button you said you were a nurse and I got a little emotional then laughed and said thats it, that's why i liked listening so much . My wife and I have been together 26 yrs , she's been a nurse for close to 16yrs now and i guess my subconscious brain knows who i'm supposed to be listening to finally...lol.....Great videos and I look forward to many more , thank you for all the information and time you've put into sharing this info so we can benefit from it and hopefully not make too many horrible mistakes going off grid and homesteading.
Thank you for sharing. I've never really heard this side from an off grider (we aren't off grid), but it makes total sense. "Ease", is the key word, and I think that's a pretty smart concept that you've set up there. I haven't met a fellow homesteader who's main meat source is also from hunting. That is our main meat source as well, and a lot of people don't understand that we just simply don't need animals like cows and pigs and rabbits as a meat source on our homestead. I found I was putting unnecessary work into a meat source on our homestead, when I simply didn't need it. So we simplified this year and it has been liberating and so much more enjoyable.
Couldn't agree more about the income!
Thank you for what you do as a nurse. I wish we had more nurses with your knowledge.
You guys sound like our twins..YEs you get it...and I know using that renewable meat source that is given to us...wow...so many homesteaders set their homes up with all the farm animals and yikes..what a chore...and HOW expensive....we are blessed to be able to hunt and fish for meat sources.
We didn't realize just how expensive *quality* farm animals were until we got into this journey. And animals on a homestead can be very disposable. Keeping up with predators, illnesses, etc. It's a tough job, and stressful at times. You've inspired me, Starry...to simplify more! We are big on foraging/hunting and learning how to live off of just about ANy land, not just the animals we keep, and I feel like that's a really big thing a lot of people miss now days. Thanks for this video! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's refreshing, and assures me I'm doing something right ;)
Sweet Starry, I' m from Costa Rica but I currently live in Puebla, México with my husband and two boys, this year we are trying to buy land and become self sufficient and your videos and positive energy is one of our inspirations. Thank you and Mr. Hilder for all the hard work making videos! We send our prayers for both of you! Abrazos!
Mucho Gracias...
¡Jesús, María y José!
Tellin' it like it is - Thanks. I run into folks thinking that off grid means no-workey. Nice for some that they can. In our homestead we live on less than needed in our old suburban house - so I can spend more time getting this place in shape. Those changes can cost significant quanza. One can use lots of time to redux building cost; but its a trade off that has to decide. Generally I try to maximize homestead preparation rate.
Thanks for addressing these important topics!
Love the video Starry!! Thank you both very much for taking the time to make this video, I got an education!
+Starry Hilder I really love your Well Thought Out ideas. I understand that mistakes are the best teacher. I live in the Bay Area and I'm really getting tired of the Rat Race. I was born in a small country town 300 miles away from The Bay, but raised in The Bay Area. I really want to return back to my roots "Country". I love the Homesteading lifestyle. Grew up with Gun Smoke and Little house on the prairie. Now, if I could only get my wife whom Hates camping to join me...I would have to have some comforts of home for her. Electricity, running water. I will continue to watch Homesteading videos all the while taking mental notes. You inspire me. Angel from The Bay
You have such wonderful ideas, who would think to dry frut in your car, in the south it's very hot here.
Thank you for sharing the "reality of living off grid or homesteading"!! Lots of great information...
great video and great story you and mister are truly blessed thanks terry
I love your mindset and approach to the self sustainability lifestyle! Very informative video. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Starry you are always a blessing a joy an an encourager. I am very glad I found your channel.
I'm a RN and am considering to live off the grid.
I'm so happy to hear that you are a RN and living off the grid
You honestly just made my dream a reality and Now I know it's possible and extremely excited to make it my own reality
Thank you so much!!
Excellent advice! Love the concepts you used to create your off grid self sustainable homestead. Thank you for sharing. God bless.
Starry I am new and loving your vides so much. I have soooo much to learn at 59 but I am a work in progress and loving it.
You're so inspirational.
This is so awesome. Your place and location looks so beautiful !!!!
You have a balanced perspective; I thoroughly enjoyed this video Mrs. Hilder. I gained some beneficial insight because of the question posed. I'm endeavoring to live this way and be debt free. Thanks for sharing your life...also through your profession. :)
I just absolutely love love watching your videos. you are such a sweet, calm soul and have done so much out there! makes me think it's possible for our family.
Thank you..I so appreciate these sincere comments..they make my hard work well worth it!!
Love your videos. Keep livin' the (my) dream!
WOW, I been looking how to get a food dehydrator so I can dehydrate my fruit and veggies, and you are brilliant on using the car. I will get some trays to do this too. Thanks again for a brilliant idea.
R.N. that is great. I was working for Hospice and I loved it. I was hurt two years ago. Lost my job everything I work for. Great for you working as an R.N.
I appreciate your sense of reality, it's refreshing!
Thanks for sharing
Good points
Gorgeous view
Absolutely beautiful
Starry you are such an awesome person!!
I would enjoy having a homestead. My husband ..not so much. LOL
Thank you for your honesty of needing some type of income to make this work. I knew this couldn't happen w/o money...even if its very small amounts.
Love your channel. New Sub 😊
My husband & I are wanting this life, so much to learn
thank you for sharing this insight!
Very informative. Thanks
How Cool is this!!! Wow!!!
love this, so good to see 🙌well done.
Living is a job.
you are caretaking that land beautifully
Such great tips! Makes so much sense to me. love it
Thanks for all of your good info on Off-Grid_Living. I've been recently looking into it and the video you've posted was one of the most truly informative ones I've found.
Thanks! Good video & knowledge. Many think that off grid is laid back without cash. Wrong! Everyone will need medical care someday
Insurance is necessary for that & social security sure helps!
I Love the Ideal & wonder if as an older woman if I could do this?
Starry I love your channel and encouragement. I am also a Christian and am learning to be self-sustainable and grow as many vegetables as I can. Your channel is very entertaining and encouraging in the Lord.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm still trying to work on a plan to move my family of four out to the country for mostly of the grid living. The one thing I can't figure out is what to do for income. I'm going to stay at home to homeschool my little ones and my husband has no other skills other than cutting hair. I'm still praying for God to open the doors. In the meantime, we're working on paying off all our debts before my son starts school in three years.
Good points. No matter what we all need a source of available cash for certain expenses. If you don't produce something that can be sold for cash, then you have to work, some how, to have the cash for taxes, insurances, licenses, and things that you can not produce or barter for.
Great topic
Well said Starry.
no you don't need a job to offgrid, but it does help to have some extra income that's not dependent upon sales. even if it's a couple minimum wage shifts at the local gas station.
Really depends on the situation for each person/couple/family. If you own land you have to pay taxes, if you have a vehicle there are yearly taxes and insurance. Now if people can get creative and barter maybe they can make enough cash throughout the year to cover those costs without a typical job. Fact is, I don't believe the majority of people who want to go off grid can do so without some sort of residual income or job. The main concern would be the initial costs in getting set up in an off grid property that is self sustainable.
I like this too, A LOT.
I keep goat and cow not much work I run my herd well below what the property can handle just stay with a small number
keep 5000 chickens there a lot of work to
i love the way you live, keep up the strength!
Awesome!
Yes! I really enjoy watching your videos! I am also an acute care RN, working weekends and homeschooling my littles during the week... I don't think I could ever fully give up being a nurse. You're my inspiration! I have my very first garden this year, bought a house last year & hope to eventually get solar panels. Next year though, is doubling the size of our garden & getting chickens!! But first, having baby number three any time now.. Hah! Idle hands are of the devil, right?
Love it!!! You sound like you have your hands full and BLESS you for homeschooling your kids!!! I really give you so much credit...what a great mom you are!! Your the inspiration..truly!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Awesome as always!
Hi Starry your videos are amazing. I am also a nurse looking to go off
grid. Thanks for the valuable info. How expensive is the solar power
system?
I need something like this some people only have the dirt under their feet. Love your family
Smart girl,I bet your a great nurse.
I love your energy in your videos.
Excellent video Starry. Very practical advice. Another important aspect is professing your faith. I am a believer and follower of Christ and your videos sharing your faith are wonderful. You have been put in a wonderful position to bring people to the Lord.I do have a question about insurance. I know you do have health insurance, but do you insure your home?Thank you so much for all that you share.Gerri
Nice setup
Starry can you share a soap making video also. I saw the one you made lye with the ash. Please give us a update up to soap. thanks God Bless u and mr hilder...:)thanks
I live in North New Jersey USA. I have a relatively large 3500 square foot home. I installed 12 solar panels myself on my roof a few years ago. I paid off my house when I was 30, and I have no debt. My electric bill is about $15 a month. I can afford that. I keep the heat low in the winter, and live very simple. Unfortunately property taxes cost me $1100 a month. I think my neighbors have $300 a month electric, and Very high heat bills. Their air conditioning runs all day and night from May till October. From October to May, I can hear their gas meter hissing from their heat running. We run nothing from April till June, and September to November. AC is only put on at night to take humidity out if the temp is 95 or higher, and it is set to 80 degrees.
My home's paid off in Colorado, (5br, 2ba), and my property tax is only $400 a year. If I was you, I'd move.
Over $1,000 a month not on rent or paying off a homeowners loan... but just property taxes? That is insane.
5winder Colorado has turned liberal and is crowded. Not to mention the BS gun laws they passed
thanks for the welcome, looks like alaska maybe
Very interesting video. I love it
You need a nice chunk of money to get started .I hope to do this in the next 5,8 yrs. relocate Vermont in the hills sounds nice
Great video! Thanks! :)
At 8:52 you state you still have to pay insurance and taxes. I don't get it. If you live free in nature, without using any public utilities, why do you have to pay taxes? Or even insurances?
if you own land you have to pay taxes. if you dont want to own land then you dont have to pay, so its a choice. same with insurance, if you have a home your smart to get some type of insurance on it. if you want to drive a car its mandatory that you have it and same with health insurance. its just the way it is....taxes are part of the american trap.
Well, if you really want to live off-grid you have to find a remote place where you don't have to pay taxes. I still think paying taxes for owning land is bullshit. The earth is for everybody.
In Texas you can get farming status for your land or say you are growing trees to harvest.
Michael Carouth
So no paying taxes when doing that?
+Snowwie88 well we haven't been there a year yet, but the county sent me a statement saying what the tax bill was last year, so I would know what to expect... I can't remember the exact amount, but it was like $4.50 (!), on 2.5 acres, because it is classified as agricultural. There is a few cows on the property. We got a small piece of a 33 acre tract from the person we are buying from. Not sure what the minimum amount of cattle is required to get a farm / agricultural exemption, but it's very common to do.
Love this page,,,Great info
Thanks so much!
Awesome
starry. would you do a video on alternative canning methods say if the propane becomes unavailable or unaffordable.
this makes me so happy. you seem so sweet. Inspiring me!