Living Big on a Little Money: A Guide to an Affordable Lifestyle

First of all, it is important for everyone to know that this article reflects my personal views and the way I like to live. I respect the way everyone chooses to live and the path they must follow, let it be a corporate lifestyle, our way of living off the land. Everyone is here to experience their own journey and I respect all of us and the courage that it takes.

With that said, let’s get started.

I was in the newspaper business as a prepress artist and artist for over 20 years. I always got a good paycheck, but most of the time I found myself struggling for money shortly after payday. Of course, I blamed it on not being paid enough and it wasn’t until I left the corporate world that I learned that not being paid enough wasn’t my problem. It was what he was spending it on and how much money he was really throwing away.

I decided to leave the corporate world after reaching the weight of 335 pounds. He was very depressed, on the verge of suicide and saw no hope in life. I had no idea how difficult my decision to leave the corporate world would be, and I had no idea how rewarding and inspiring it would be.

I learned that money wasn’t as important as I thought and that it didn’t bring me happiness, it was honestly part of my depression. What I learned in the summer of 2004 I have to thank Joe, a homeless man I met in Homer, Alaska. I think he realized that he was out of my element and he took me under his wing and taught me how to survive.

The first thing to understand is that people can survive on much less food than they consume every day. My trip to Alaska showed that I had a daily food budget of only $1.00. That’s right, $1.00. The funny thing is that he never seemed hungry, he was too busy trying to find wood to make life a little more comfortable.

When I got back to the lower 48, I was still unemployed, so every penny counted. I would go to the grocery store and look in the reduced price section of the meat department, but most of the time it was still too expensive for my budget. I found something that added flavor to every meal and cost next to nothing. This may sound disgusting, and maybe it is, but the key ingredient in many of my meals at the time was pork fat. I know, my gosh and crap, that’s disgusting. I’ll be honest, it took me a while to get used to it, but it added flavor and was filling. I usually mix it with ramen noodles for a hearty meal.

When I did find miscellaneous employment here and there, I still didn’t splurge, but kept my food choices to not the best cuts of meat. Some of the cuts I really enjoy are the Pork Boston Butt Roast, Beef Chuck Roast, and Chicken Thighs.

Uses for Boston Pork Butt Roast:

– You can cut it to make pork fajita
– Simmer for a great tasting roast.
– Slow grill (3 to 4 hours, medium low heat) for one of the tastiest meals you can imagine.
– Cut into thin slices to make barbecue sandwiches.
– Cut into pieces, mash with a mallet, flour and make your own fried chicken fillet.
– Grind to make pork burgers or homemade chorizo.
– Cut or sliced ​​and served with Ramen noodles.

Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to your desired taste. This is a versatile cut of meat.

Uses for the Beef Roast:

– Cut it to make beef fajita
– Cut into steaks, grill or fry (taste like steak, not roast)
– Slow roast with potatoes and carrots for a pot roast meal

Uses for chicken thighs:

– Too many and varied to list here. Grilled, fried, baked, however you prepare it, it always ends up being a good meal. Experiment and explore the web, you will find great and cost-effective ways to create great food.

I know everyone loves pizza, but let’s be honest, pizza is insanely expensive. I have a great recipe at the end of this article for a simple pizza made with tortillas that is surprisingly good, the kids will love it.

Use something at every meal to help fill you up. Some inexpensive ways to make it are with rice, potatoes, or ramen noodles. A good way I’ve found to make rice is to use beef or chicken broth instead of plain water. I like to use chicken and beef bullion cubes, they cost less than pre-made stock.

When it comes to canned foods and fresh vegetables, look for deals in grocery store newspaper ads. Also shop smart, look for deals, and always buy at least a week’s worth of groceries. Stay away from going to the grocery store every day, get what you are hungry for at the time. Will cost.

If you have the means, grow your own vegetables and herbs, even if you live in an apartment, you can. My wife and I live in an RV and we still grow some of our own stuff. Place planted pots of vegetables and herbs on your terrace, build an above ground garden, making sure it has good drainage. Also, join if your town has a community garden. It’s a great opportunity to grow your own stuff and a way to make new friends. Check the website for other opportunities.

Another good way to save money is to make my own bread. The recipe I use along with others are listed at the end of this article.

I have been known to hit the dollar menu at some of the fast food restaurants and when I do I make sure to bring an extra packet or two of condiments and napkins. Although this may seem unethical, you have to be honest with your situation at the time and it all comes down to survival.

A very important rule to remember is to never steal, hurt on purpose, or take advantage of another human being. When I was in Alaska I had my life savings stolen and as difficult as that made things, it had a good effect and taught me a lot about myself in the end. Like Earl, I believe in karma and what goes around comes around. That’s something I don’t want to be on the losing end of.

Like I said before, my wife and I live in an RV year-round. If you don’t own your own place, this is a good option besides renting. When you rent, you are simply throwing your money away. If you’re worried about living in your RV over the winter, don’t be, read my article How to Winterize Your RV: Enjoy a Cozy and Comfortable Winter Retreat.

We still pay rent for the lot we’re parked in for the winter, $350 a month and that includes sewer, water, cable and internet. During the summer months, we drive into the mountains and only find places to park. You still have to pay to dump the tanks and fill the fresh water tank, but that costs just pennies a day.

There are many ways to live a less expensive life, it’s up to you to find your comfort zone.
If you want to read the story of my trip to Alaska, you can find it on my blog listed on my profile. The name of the story is “Homer in a rush”.

bread of the woods

This is a very simple and easy recipe to make, you don’t even have to knead the dough.

Ingredients:

6 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
2 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons of garlic salt or onion salt. (optional)
3 cups of water at room temperature

In a bowl mix the yeast in the water. In another bowl, mix the salt and garlic or onion salt with the flour. Pour water into the flour and stir with a wooden spoon. This will make a sloppy, stringy wet dough. Cover with a cloth and let sit for 12-24 hours.

After 12 to 24 hours, dust the top with flour and roll into a greased bowl or crock, it doesn’t do well in a skillet. Once in the baking dish, let it rest for 1 hour before baking.

Bake at 375 degrees for 55 minutes at high altitudes, 45 minutes at lower altitudes. Cool on a cooling rack for 1/2 hour. Butter and enjoy.

Extra:

Very good if you butter the bread, place it on a cookie sheet and bake at 410 degrees for 10 minutes or until crisp. I add a fried egg on top for a quick and tasty breakfast.

Indian Fried Bread

4 cups of flour
2 tablespoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of warm water

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the butter and water. Add just enough water for the dough to stick. Knead until smooth, make fist-sized balls. Cover them with a towel for 10 minutes and then pat them dry in pancake-sized circles. Heat the butter in a cast iron skillet and fry until browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Great with butter and jam.

Boston Pork Butt Roast

Ingredients:

1 roasted pork loin (5 pounds)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
4 tablespoons of liquid smoke
1 medium onion, sliced
1 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix salt and pepper, garlic salt, and seasoned salt in a small bowl.

Sprinkle 1 side of the roast with liquid smoke and rub salt and pepper, garlic salt, and the seasoned salt mixture over the meat, making sure to rub well. Flip the roast over and repeat. Place roast in a large roasting pan. Add onion and water to roast. Place in oven and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until thermometer reads 170 degrees F. Let meat cool for a few minutes, then slice.

Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Outdoor cooking always seems to help make the food you prepare taste even better. We wanted to share some of our favorite recipes, hence the reason for this cookbook. Each recipe indicates our personal preference of ingredients, so you can make changes to any recipe for your personal tastes. If you love the outdoors, enjoy cooking, and love the taste of food outdoors, we think you’ll enjoy these recipes.

crispy grilled pizza

Individual portion with the ingredients of your choice

Ingredients you will need:

1 medium flour tortilla
4 tablespoons spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
You can choose the ingredients: pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, etc.

How to prepare your food…
Spread spaghetti sauce evenly over flour tortilla. Cover the spaghetti sauce with the mozzarella cheese and add your ingredients. Be sure not to overdo the toppings or cheese, as this can make the finished pizza soggy.

Grill should be on medium to medium high heat. Rub the grill with olive oil, this will help keep the pizza from sticking and give you nice grill lines.

For a crispy pizza, place the pizza directly on the rack. If you don’t want your pizza to be crispy, place it on a cookie sheet.

Grill for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

It can also be made in the oven. Place pizza on rack and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.