Reliance on craft type items seems to be a risky financial strategy. Groups who
sell items requiring greater skill sets, are likely to
experience a more stable income.
I used to live near the Amish in rural Ontario. Most farms had well managed
wood lots. Maple and oak furniture of exceptional quality found an eager market. The men also specialized in the erection of farm buildings. The women and children produced pies, jams, dried fruit and many more value added food items. Market
gardening was a big business for some families. Maple syrup was the earliest cash crop of the season.
These folks had everything that they needed. Their religion frowns upon frivolous consumption and indebtedness, so money doesn't leave their pockets easily.
When I was about 9, my Amish school friend Caleb earned an income from a section of his parents garden. This was his only money, and he spent it carefully. When the kids talked about wanting various toys, Caleb expressed a desire to get his own taps and pails, so he could make some money selling syrup. I haven't seen him in 40 years, but I'd be willing to bet that he has never been on welfare or been burdened with crushing debt.
The website mentioned student debt. Many people train for a certain type of work and then they simply change their minds and never seriously pursue employment in that field. This is their debt. I hope that nobody expects to have their debts paid off by the entire community.
My daughter is almost finished her first year as a teacher. She is on track to pay off 40% of her student loans by January. A combination of frugality and traveling to the right job have
led to this. I know people 15 years older who still struggle with debt. Some other priority always prevents them from allocating funds to financial
freedom.
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