When it comes to homesteading, every choice we make shapes the future of our land, our animals, and our families. Investing in your homestead isn’t about frivolous spending—it’s about making intentional choices that will pay off for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been homesteading for a while, finding ways to upgrade your homestead (without breaking the bank) is one of the smartest things you can do.
In this post, we’re diving into why investing in your homestead and yourself matters, how to make upgrades on any budget, and practical ways to build a stronger, more resilient homestead over time.
Why Investing in Your Homestead Matters
Every investment we’ve made in our homestead has been intentional. From the beginning, our goal was to build an old-fashioned, resilient, long-lasting homestead that could support our family for years to come.
But let me tell you—we didn’t always have everything figured out.
We bought this farm while we were still knee-deep in remodeling our old house. Oh, and I was nine months pregnant. And we had just thrown our own wedding. (Great timing, right?) We jumped in headfirst because we knew this was the life we wanted.
We got cows before we had permanent fencing—so we worked with temporary electric wire until we could afford something more solid. I started selling goat milk soap before I felt ready because I knew that waiting until I felt “100% prepared” would mean never starting at all. We took calculated risks, learned as we went, and prioritized progress over perfection.
The key takeaway? Every investment should move your homestead forward. It’s not about spending money for the sake of spending—it’s about being strategic with how you use your resources.
Making Smart Investments on Your Homestead
When I invest in something, I ask myself:
✔ Will this pay me back tenfold? (In time saved, stress reduced, or money earned)
✔ Does this align with my homesteading goals?
✔ Will this make my life easier or more efficient?
If the answer is yes, it’s a smart investment.
The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars to start improving your homestead. Even the smallest investments can have a big impact.
Budget-Friendly Homestead Upgrades
Under $20
If you’re on a tight budget, here are 10 affordable upgrades that can make a real difference:
1️⃣ Compost Tea Setup – A 5-gallon bucket, compost, and molasses create a free, powerful fertilizer for your garden.
2️⃣ Stock Up on Quality Seeds – Instead of buying random seed packets, invest in heirloom varieties that will keep producing for years.
3️⃣ DIY Herbal Bug Spray – Mix vinegar, essential oils, and dish soap to create a natural fly spray for your animals and yourself.
4️⃣ Homestead Journal – Track planting dates, animal health, and seasonal tasks. Over time, this becomes one of your most valuable tools. (Want an easy way to organize? Check out my printable homestead planner!)
5️⃣ Timers for Everything – Automate tasks like opening the chicken coop, watering the garden, or running heat lamps. Here is my choice for outdoor timer
6️⃣ Ferment Chicken Feed – A simple bucket and some apple cider vinegar can make your feed more digestible and nutritious. Bonus: grow black soldier flies or sunflowers for extra chicken feed!
7️⃣ Grow Your Own Fertilizer – Composting, animal manure, and plants like comfrey can provide excellent nutrients for your soil.
8️⃣ DIY Herbal Infused Oils – Use tallow, olive, or coconut oil with homegrown herbs to make healing salves for cuts and scrapes.
9️⃣ Solar Lights for Pathways – Cheap, easy, and great for lighting up barn entrances or coops without running electricity.
🔟 Learn a New Homesteading Skill – Books, thrift store finds, and online courses are some of the cheapest, best investments you can make in yourself.
Mid-Range Investments
$20-$200
If you have a little extra to spend, here are some game-changing upgrades:
🪣 Automatic Waterers & Heated Buckets – Save time and prevent frozen water in winter.
🔄 Drip Irrigation for the Garden – Reduces water waste and keeps plants consistently hydrated.
🐣 Incubators for Chickens or Guineas – Hatch your own poultry and build a self-sustaining flock. This is a five-star rated small incubator and he 41 egg incubator we use on our farm.
👢 High-Quality Muck Boots & Coats – Trust me, investing in warm, dry feet makes winter homesteading SO much easier.
🔧 Better Tools & Soap Molds – If you make homemade products, upgrading your tools can improve efficiency and quality.
Larger Investments That Pay Off
$200+
These investments cost more upfront but pay off massively over time:
🔥 Outdoor Wood Boiler – Provides heat and hot water, reducing dependence on propane or electricity.
🌳 Permanent Fencing – A game-changer for livestock management and security.
🍳 Propane or Wood Stove – Great for off-grid readiness and cooking during power outages.🎨 Cricut Machine for Business & Projects – If you sell homemade products or love DIY projects, this tool is a huge help.
Investments Aligned with values
Before you invest in anything, ask yourself:
✔ Does this align with my homesteading goals?
✔ Will this make my life easier, save time, or pay for itself?
✔ Am I investing in something that truly adds value?
It’s easy to get caught up in buying all the things, but the best investments are the ones that move your homestead forward in a meaningful way. If you haven’t yet, go back and listen to Episode 1 on Planning Your Homestead with the Wheel of Life—it’s a great way to assess what matters most to you.
Investing in Yourself is Just as Important
Your homestead is only as strong as you are. Investing in yourself—whether through education, self-care, or even just giving yourself grace—is just as important as any fence or tool you buy.
Some of the best investments I’ve made in myself include:
📚 Reading books that challenge and inspire me.
💡 Surrounding myself with like-minded people.
🛑 Giving myself permission to rest when needed.
Consider my own chicken keeping manual
Chicken Scratch – A Start-up Guide to Chicken Keeping
for your homesteading growth
Homesteading is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself so you can take care of everything else.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, building a homestead isn’t about how much money you spend—it’s about being intentional. When you make smart, purposeful investments, your homestead grows stronger, your life becomes easier, and your future self will thank you.
So what’s your next investment? Whether it’s a $5 journal, a $100 incubator, or a $500 fencing project, make sure it’s something that truly adds value to your life.
Let’s grow something extraordinary!
With Love,
Kelley
For my practical and easy to use
Tools for Homesteaders including the
Seed Planting Calculator & One Year Harvest Calculator
and more, check out my
