We are now retired and living on a fixed income & That means saving as much money as we can!
Building on a Budget
We knew we would have to be very budget conscious during this build, but with COVID and inflation, things are even worse than we expected.
There are a lot of ways to save money during the build without compromising the safety and integrity of the building. For example, we chose mid range efficient windows and doors rather than the top quality ones (from lowest priced to highest price: Anderson has 100, 200, 400, A & E series - we chose 400), however we were still able to save money purchasing them!
We also chose to GC (general contract) our own build. This way we could DIY what we were able to, and hire outside help as needed. The only problem with this method was that we had to say YES anytime anyone could squeeze us in so a lot of things were done out of order...but we are making it work!
See the list below of the many other ways we have saved money so far on this build!
There are a lot of ways to save money during the build without compromising the safety and integrity of the building. For example, we chose mid range efficient windows and doors rather than the top quality ones (from lowest priced to highest price: Anderson has 100, 200, 400, A & E series - we chose 400), however we were still able to save money purchasing them!
We also chose to GC (general contract) our own build. This way we could DIY what we were able to, and hire outside help as needed. The only problem with this method was that we had to say YES anytime anyone could squeeze us in so a lot of things were done out of order...but we are making it work!
See the list below of the many other ways we have saved money so far on this build!
Home Depot & Lowes
- Deal of the Day specials - we purchased a toilet for our master bathroom this way! The toilet has smooth sides (easier cleaning) and a dual flush (to save water!)
- Credit Card Incentives - we just purchased windows and doors and by Kathie signing up for a credit card we were able to get $100 off with 2 years deferred financing. Lowes offers 20% off on the first credit card purchase.
- Coupons from the credit card - Rich also has a credit card and when we purchase items using the card we receive coupons in the mail for different percents off purchases. We were able to purchase the doors for the house and garage using coupons.
- Pro account (Home Depot) - The original estimate on the 400 series Anderson windows and door was close to $20,000! (We really hate inflation...) As a pro member they send it over for a bid and the bid came in $6,000 lower at $14,000.00 Is it a scam? We don't know, but it saved us money! Also, as you spend more money you earn additional money off!
- Veterans Discount - You can also get a 10% Veterans discount
Free Stuff - Whether it is in the garbage or someone is simply getting rid of it, we have amassed a lot of materials for our new house!
- Wood Stove - pulled it out of the garbage and fixed it up like new! Came with pipe and all...
- Interior Doors and knobs - brand new out of the garbage (neighbor was moving ad throwing it out)
- Pallets - we save as many pallets as we can and process them into usable wood for finishing the interior of our home.
- Cast Iron Kitchen Sink - a friend of the family pulled it out of a house he was redoing and offered it to us!
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Facebook Marketplace - Just be careful, I always make sure I am dealing with someone decent and never go alone!
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RAKUTEN - Every time I make an online purchase, I go through Rakuten! Previously called E-bates!
On Rakuten you will find coupons and discounts. For example, I get 2% cash back on all my Lowes purchases!
The money adds up in your account, and every two months they send you a check if it is over $10. Sometimes they even offer double cash back! Definitely worth it!
The money adds up in your account, and every two months they send you a check if it is over $10. Sometimes they even offer double cash back! Definitely worth it!
Sign up through the button link below! It will cost you nothing but both you and I will get a bonus after your first purchase through them! Win win!
OTHER WAYS WE SAVE -
- Amazon Prime Credit Card - 5% cash back on Amazon purchases (we purchased exterior lights and many other items from them) and 1 or 2% cash back on everywhere else.
- Amazon Prime Used Like New - We always check to see if there is a used like new available for less money, and there usually is! We purchased our Kayaks, exterior lights, Generac generator, and so many other items this way and we have NEVER had a problem! It is usually just a damaged box. Definitely worth a look!
- Flea Markets and yard Sales - You never know what you will find!
- Clearance Sections - every store has a clearance and we head right to it first in every store! We have purchased many items this way. In fact, I even found the clearance in Craker Barrel and bought two adorable cast iron antler hooks for our new house - regularly $24.99, marked down to $10 each! What a steal!
Debt Free Retirement
First, I've been saving money since I was in my 20's. I have always had a savings account and I started what is called a Whole Life Insurance policy after I had my children. That policy is one of my best investments yet! Over the years I was able to borrow from it at a very low interest and pay it back as I chose. You can learn more about that here. Having savings allowed us to begin our homestead a little at a time as we were still working. For example, we would save up money, and then put in a well. This was so it was all debt free because that was the plan, to be debt free in retirement!
Fixed Income Living
Now that we are retired we are using our savings from the sale of our Long Island home to build the garage, house, and homestead, but that money goes faster than you think, especially with inflation! For that reason we are doing everything we can in order to save money and be budget conscious.
Part of being debt free and living on a fixed income was moving to the Adirondacks to homestead in retirement. It's not only a healthy lifestyle, but it is an economical one!
Part of being debt free and living on a fixed income was moving to the Adirondacks to homestead in retirement. It's not only a healthy lifestyle, but it is an economical one!
Smart Choices...even if they aren't DEBT FREE!
We never thought we would buy a brand new tractor, but when we were in the market and found out it was zero percent financing for 84 months with nothing down, well, it was a no brainer!
With that in mind, we decided to go all out and get the tractor of our dreams. After all it will be the first and the last tractor we ever buy!
The tractor has been invaluable to us on the homestead and we have never looked back!
With that in mind, we decided to go all out and get the tractor of our dreams. After all it will be the first and the last tractor we ever buy!
The tractor has been invaluable to us on the homestead and we have never looked back!
DIY
We aren't as young as we used to be, but we can DIY! From building a 10 x 10 shed, to painting the entire garage on our own, there is still a lot we can do! That said, it is also important to know our limitations because it's not worth risking serious injury :-)
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