When I bump into people in “real life” they say that their favorite post of mine was on how we are “actually” doing this (this post)

Like how we afford it.

It’s either everyone’s favorite because you are all nosy buggers, or because you really want to know, and see if you can afford it too.

Right?

My fingers are crossed hoping it is because you too are looking to see if you can afford to pay for your dream . . . so, let’s roll with that!

This is what we have already discussed:

1. You spend a lot of money on things you don’t need.  Stop doing that and you will have more money

2. Work hard – duh . .

3. Be realistic. Think smaller than you are now . .  okay, a little smaller, and more . .  that’s good.  That’s what you can afford.  Do you still want it? Even if it doesn’t come with all the “stuff”

And now to add a few new things to the list!

1. Go to work, create work, find it, make it. You are a capable, creative and probably pretty cool person if you are even thinking of being courageous enough to leap after your dreams. As that person, I bet you can think of a bundle of different ways to bring in the bacon (yes, you COULD buy a pig! That IS an option!)  If you are leaving a J.O.B. you may need to work a few different angles to make things come together.  There is always money to be made out there, and in big or small amounts, it is always useful, and you can find it.

2. Make it, build it, grow it .  As I said above – you are capable! Grow food. It doesn’t take much to plant a garden of your favorite foods. Reduce your costs at the grocery store and eat what you grow. And if you have extra, trade or sell the extra bits (again, see above – you are creative as well!)

3. Share. We have been house hunting and every house we have looked at has either a rental unit on it or has room for an exchange student.  This is a welcome way to bring in a few extra hundred dollars each month, and if it is a student you get, you are also exposing yourself and the kids to a pretty interesting addition! Contact your international school boards and start the process, or set the bar that you must have an income producing property!  The good news, if you are rural and have enough space, I bet you won’t even see those tenants!

4. Take time & think.  The biggest difference I have noticed since moving is that we have slowed down!  This has affected our previous impulse purchases, as well as how we plan our meals and our days.  My thinking ahead about our week and actually having time to LOOK in the fridge before we go grocery shopping, we are wasting less and buying less.  Think – do you really need it? Is there a replacement? Could you potentially have it already?

Your “dream” life is possible. It is. But as said, (again, and again) it WILL take some sacrifices, and that’s ok.  And you won’t miss the things you ditch! Trust me!

Now, grab some rubber boots and start planning that food garden while your mind is thinking of all your sell-able skills! (see, you ARE a clever person!)