The Truth About Homesteading: Costs and Benefits

For years, I’ve joked that I should start a blog called “Things They Don’t Tell You About Starting a Homestead.” And, well—here we are.

Homesteading wasn’t always on our radar. But when we moved up north, I casually said, “When we move, we’re getting chickens!” (Spoiler alert: chickens are just the gateway animal to the homesteading life.) The dream of a simpler, more intentional way of living—one that prioritized self-sufficiency and nourishing food—started to take root. But let me tell you, there’s a whole lot more to this journey than just fresh eggs and picture-perfect gardens.

Why We Started Homesteading

Our homesteading journey officially started in the spring of 2020, but looking back, the seeds were planted long before that. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of making things from scratch (it started with homemade baby food for my kids) and growing a little garden. Over time, that small interest turned into something bigger—a desire to create a home where we could provide for our family in a way that felt natural, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling.

What started as a simple wish for farm-fresh eggs and homegrown produce quickly became a lifestyle shift. We realized homesteading wasn’t just about food—it was about being intentional with how we lived, worked, and cared for our family’s future.

The Real Cost of Homesteading

When people think about homesteading, they often picture the financial cost—buying land, animals, fencing, seeds, tools, and everything else that comes with it. And yes, that’s a big part of it. But there’s a lot more to this life than what you can put a price tag on.

The Financial Investment

Let’s be real—homesteading isn’t cheap, especially in the beginning. There’s a significant upfront cost, and if you’re dreaming of saving money right away, I hate to break it to you… that’s not how it works. Fencing, feed, tools, garden beds, surprise expenses—it all adds up. While homesteading can lead to more self-sufficiency, it takes time (and a whole lot of patience) before you start reaping the financial benefits.

The Emotional Toll

Homesteading is beautiful, but it’s also hard. The dreamy Instagram photos of golden-hour fields don’t show the frustration of a failed crop, the exhaustion of waking up before dawn to care for animals, or the moments of doubt when you wonder if you’re really cut out for this life.

The Spiritual Growth

This lifestyle stretches you. It humbles you. It forces you to lean on faith when things don’t go as planned. Homesteading has taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude in ways I never expected. Some days, the weight of it all feels heavy. But then there are the moments—watching my kids gather eggs, sitting down to a meal made (almost) entirely from our land, seeing the first green sprouts of a new season—that remind me why we chose this path in the first place.

Thinking About Homesteading? Read This First.

If you’re considering jumping into homesteading, here are a few things I wish someone had told me:

1. Start small. It’s tempting to go all in, but homesteading works best when you layer in skills over time. Start with a few chickens, a small garden, or one new skill before diving headfirst.
2. Expect to fail. And be willing to learn from it. Every homesteader has had crops that didn’t grow, animals that didn’t make it, and projects that flopped. It’s just part of the process.
3. Know your ‘why.’ There will be days when you want to throw in the towel and just go back to the grocery store. A clear reason for choosing this life will carry you through those moments.
4. You don’t have to do it all. The idea of being fully self-sufficient is enticing, but homesteading is about balance. It’s okay to buy flour instead of grinding your own wheat. It’s okay to supplement your garden with produce from a local farmer.
5. Find a community. Homesteading can be isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Finding people who understand the ups and downs of this life will make all the difference.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

I want this space to be real. A place where I can share the honest truths of homesteading—the wins, the failures, and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll find plenty here about sourdough baking, gardening, food preservation, and the raw, unfiltered reality of this lifestyle.

If you’re dreaming of homesteading (or just looking for some inspiration), I’d love for you to follow along. Ask questions, share your own experiences, and let’s build a community of people who love this way of life—challenges, messes, and all.