6 steps I'm taking to live a self sufficient life

The other day I read an interesting article on living a self sufficient lifestyle. I thought I would take the article dissect it and put it into play with how I intend on living the lifestyle. If anywhere in my article anyone feels I am quoting or repeating their words then I apologize I mean no offense.

The first step I did was downsized my very large house to a smaller house that had larger property. I felt I could not be self sufficient in a house that had very little yard and no potential to do any farming even if it is on a smaller scale so I moved.

The next step I took was simplifying my life. I chose to make do with what I have and buy very little. Before I purchase anything I think it over and make sure I really need it. Now this is really hard because I realized I sure have more wants than needs. I decided to use what I have until it I wear it out and I stay out of stores because it is way too tempting to buy the things I really don't need.

I have learned to love being at home. Instead of constantly going out and paying for entertainment we now stay home and have movie nights, play board games, and games outside like home base, tag, hide and seek and capture the flag.

Fourth thing I am doing is getting out of debt and this is how I am doing it.
-I've created a 5 year plan I figure if I know where I want to be I will be encouraged to make the steps to get there.
-I've created a budget and I made sure I put some spending money in it for my family and myself or I know I will go nuts.

• I started a plan to pay off my nasty credit cards- I picked the smallest debt to pay off first. I make minimum payments to everything else and put the rest on that first debt. Once I pay off the first debt I will pick the next and do the same but this time I will have even more to put on it since the first debt is paid off. If you do this make a pack with yourself not to use credit anymore. Each time I get a debt paid off we reward ourselves with a little treat of our choice like maybe a dinner out, a night out on the town whatever makes us feel good. Now all this sounds great but believe it or not its really working for us.

Lowering my expenses- I didn't cut my cable but I did downsize it. Do you really need a 100 channels? I have come to realize I don't.
-We rent movies instead of going to the theater its way cheaper and the library can get you almost anything you want for free.
-I shop at second hand stores but I am careful I make sure I know my prices before I buy. I personally love Walmart I can get new clothes for almost the cost some of the second stores ask for their stuff. I don't need name brands I just need something pretty and durable. But if you do need those special name brands shop second hand stores or garage stores you may be surprised at what you can find.
-I use leftovers and throw out nothing. Even if I only have a little left over. Once a week I have leftover night its great because you don't have to cook. Its almost like ordering in.
-I only buy fruits and veggies when they are in season and I try to grow as much of my own as I can.
-If you can raise your own meat or find a farmer who will sell their meat by portions do it. I'm not at this point so I need to buy my meat still. In the long run this is proving to be cheaper on the budget and of course healthier.
-I save money on gas for my car by limiting my trips to town and running all my errands on one day.
-I have replaced my old light bulbs for higher efficient ones

• I replaced my hot water tank this year and plan to do my furnace next year. Already I see a difference in my hydro bill and its only been a couple of months.

Last of all I am getting prepared for an emergency or hard times by getting things ready.
-I am slowly stocking my pantry full of food. I am doing this by buying something each payday. It's easier on the budget this way.
-I have 3 to 10 gallon water jugs in case the power goes out.
-I have bottled water for drinking
-If possible have a generator. I do not have the privledge of owning one personally but our shop business has a few that we could use in an emergency.
-I have candles or other forms of lights available to use.
-I make sure my propane tanks for the BBQ is full so I have a way to cook dinner if need be.

I think if I can do and stick to all of these ideas I will be able to live the self sufficient lifestyle. Best of luck in your venture.