The upcoming new year always has me thinking more. Thinking about what a good life means. What a life of ease, financial security, and peace looks like. One that prioritizes family and passions and eliminates the society stresses we all so mindlessly jump into.

Over the years we have had opportunities to opt for land and maybe a tiny home or yurt or makeshift home that we could build upon. But we always opted for the mortgage and internet. I think a simply build home with a wood stove, a well, and some oil lamps would be a mighty fine way to live. Add to that a large garden and no debt, and you have yourself heaven right there.

As we look to the future ourselves, I wonder why we didn’t think of these things more seriously before! As my husband struggles to find a job, and we try to make a go of our own business, we certainly need simplify our life more. Without provable income, more land is out of the question, but I do love where we live. So we look at the options with our adorable home and tiny bit of land.

Here is my advice to anyone trying to homestead or live more sustainably:

1. We have gotten out of debt, which is a blessing! That would be my number one advice for young people (or anyone) trying to live a more sustainable life. Debt will kill you. Do not get into it! I suppose the exception is a mortgage, but there are ways to buy land and live more modestly in order to save a lot of money.
2. Try to buy land early on. You can always try and add a yurt or cabin later. Most places in Colorado do not allow off-grid living (the oil companies run the show here and you are required to be on the grid), so check and see what you are getting into before purchasing.
3. Already have a house? Try and pay down your mortgage. My friend, Jona, told me that you are not truly free until your house is paid off! After all, you can grow a lot of food on any plot!
4. Simplify expenses! Do you really need every streaming service? Amazon prime? Two cars? There is a lot of money to be found in the small expenses that go unnoticed.
5. Go simple! Homemade gifts and homemade dinners and home entertainment can save thousands every year. A deck of cards, a Dutch oven of soup, and some friends is good living. A hike to collect pine cones or to watch the sunset behind the mountains is free.
6. Think second hand. Material from old clothes at the second hand store, second hand furniture, housewares, and fiber can all be easily found and paid for this way. Plus, you keep it out of the landfill a bit longer!
7. Use what you have. Eat up everything in the house before going shopping. Try and grow as much food as you can. Make do with the clothes (if they are out of date, don’t worry, they will be back in style soon!) you have in the closet.

Listen, the simpler you live, the happier you will be. The stronger your relationships. The less damage you will do to the earth. The less you have to worry about money. There is no downfall to a simple lifestyle. Embrace where you are today and start saving, paying off, and dreaming of a bright future sitting on the porch listening to birds with a cup of coffee and someone you love.