Dan is still getting a constant flow of orders for his hand crafted hobby horses. Making financial ends meet on a smallholding is probably the main challenge of the lifestyle change. We discovered that in our case we need to combine a range of ways and approaches ... to both decrease our expenses and also generate an income.
The hobby horses are an important part of generating income. In terms of reducing expenses we now grow most of our own veg and meat. Growing our own carbon neutral biofuel for central heating is another major saving on our pockets. Naturally, all these activities not only save us money, but are also far more gentle on the environment. Of course, we set out with living sustainably in mind when we moved here, and finding a financially viable way of surviving is part of it. Thankfully, most of the ways to reduce financial expenses, are very often also the best approach in terms of sustainability and eco friendly practice.
This summer is the first time we will be in a position to offer our surplus food for sale, thanks to the polytunnel. I plan to put up a chalk board at the farm gate, and bring a cool box of veg to playgroup. Next year, with any luck, honey will join the items for sale. When autumn arrives I get out my felt and sewing machine, and begin making items to sell at the Christmas fairs.
Finances are probably the biggest source of stress on our smallholding. Giving up regular incomes is a big gamble, and we are still striving to find a comfortable ground. Diversification seems to be the key to this (as it is with the enviroment!), but on the other hand one has to find a balance and not spread energies too thin. Bartering has also become a viable and valuable route in our lives. For example, we recently bought a sausage making machine, which we are 'renting' out to other local people who rear pigs for their freezer, in return for a kilo of their sausages!
Well nothing new there then cos finances are often the biggest stress in everyones lives! And not everyone is living their dream.
Posted by: carolyn | June 25, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Nice to hear about the bartering - much more personal than cash, and of course tax free!
Posted by: hedgewizard | June 25, 2007 at 09:58 PM
Oh I am in awe of your energy and productivity! I love the blog - it makes me feel like I'm nearly a small holder without actually having to do the back breaking work. I am so lazy just now!!
Posted by: Lucy | June 26, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Wow, such adventures! It sounds like you have made huge progress. I'm very impressed.
Posted by: Flibbertygibbet | June 27, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Oh, your leap - jump - summersault into this new life! I'm taking a bit longer, but I'll get there.
You saw that the risks to your mental, physical and family life in your old life were much higher than the risks to your wallet in this new one. And you acted.
More importantly, you acted as a family: you and your husband together. That is some partnership.
You don't need courage, obviously, but I do wish you lots of hungry passers-by.
Posted by: Katrien | June 28, 2007 at 05:26 PM