tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717384122902420637.post114349829014534135..comments2022-04-03T23:52:24.969-06:00Comments on Gaia Gardens: The Economic Viability of a Small Urban FarmPOKIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565994373209761555noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717384122902420637.post-7097560612259821092014-01-16T14:01:52.454-07:002014-01-16T14:01:52.454-07:00Hi Poki, thanks for posting the honest real world ...Hi Poki, thanks for posting the honest real world financial results. Very brave of you I think. But I also think that to not include the financial benefits of your "homesteading" lifestyle gives a negative slant on the results. For example, let's take the average "wage slave" who makes $25,000 a year. At least 20% goes to taxes. Then a huge proportion will go to mortgage or rent. Add more for child care, car upkeep and extra mileage, money spent at the gym to stay fit and extra money for needed vacations and eating out because they are so stressed by their job. They would be lucky indeed to come out ahead $5,000 at the end of the year and are more likely to end up in more debt each year. Your $5,000 result should show that your labor also netted you a place to live, healing and healthy food and exercise and a purposeful life. The financial equivalents of these aspects can't realistically be calculated. And you didn't have to worry about the price of gasoline going up! I know many young people today are looking for something they feel has meaning and can't be affected by the contraction of the US economy. No one can take away skills in soil building and food production. Rather than saying you only made $5,000 profit, when you look at the benefits and tax savings - I would say it was superior to someone who made a$25,000 salary but who has more than that in expenses and taxes. I think you will be an inspiration to many - cheers, JanJanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17124387866004286217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717384122902420637.post-1553919632921120092014-01-06T10:45:28.958-07:002014-01-06T10:45:28.958-07:00NIce duck pond! I think as farmers we need to just...NIce duck pond! I think as farmers we need to just be eternal optimists. Revolution Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10556537967718883558noreply@blogger.com