Unplugging to Reconnect: A Journey Toward Full-Time Homesteading — Finances, Part 4

Reader Contribution by John Atwell
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Kids (Of the Two-Legged Variety)

Continuing from the last post, also worth noting is the fact that the very day that we first discussed our future life direction with our four children, we tasked them to begin formulating plans for their own money-making ventures. Rearing an egg-laying flock was a natural pursuit for one ornithologically-inclined tyke, and she has since invested personal savings into acquiring, housing, and regularly feeding a group of heritage breed (Australorp) birds. We (the family) now buy eggs from her as she ramps up production in preparation for farmer’s market and, possibly, door-to-door sales.

Another child immediately began considering selling baked goods at the farmer’s market and is now pursuing the necessary permit. A third focused on the profit potential of live, fresh cut, and dried culinary and medicinal herbs; he is now coddling several trays of starts in a makeshift nursery on our land. Our youngest recently decided to design and make simple jewelry, and she has already secured several sales at the farmer’s market, learning much in the process regarding marketing (display tactics and customer engagement), inventory issues, and pricing.

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