Meet Little House in the Valley, she’s a conscious consumer who discusses her journey into home ownership while providing interesting insight into the world of little houses. After reading her site I found quite a few interesting ideas for future home plans (well under 1,000 sq feet) and like me she often chooses to ride her bike rather than taking the car. After the interview please stop by her site at Littlehouseinthevalley.com.
How did you get into blogging originally? Is this your first blog?
I started blogging a few months ago, but I can’t really say why I started. I think I had read a few personal finance blogs that I really enjoyed and thought I too could add to some of these discussions through my own blog. So, this is my first blog!
When are you most inspired to write and who’s your ideal reader?
I’m usually inspired to write through discussions I have with my husband. Though I am often motivated by reading other people’s blogs, I like to take a personal view of things that are sparked through these talks my husband and I have. My ideal reader is someone who visits and comments on my blog frequently! Though, I am grateful if anyone visits, even if briefly.
How little is too little of a house?
I’d say that anything under 1,000 square feet would be pushing my limits of too small. I admire homes that are smaller than 1,000 square feet, and the people who live in them, but I personally would need a little more space.
Did you ever dream of owning a really big house?
I think that owning a large home is ingrained in the American psyche. So of course I dreamed of owning a large home with a white picket fence. *Imagine the home in Father of the Bride. However, as I’ve grown wiser, I realize that you can own too much of a house. A really large house also equates to a too large carbon footprint, something that I think needs to be reduced.
Do you have a little house design already picked out?
No, not at all. I’m constantly coming across amazing prefab homes and websites that are continually expanding my imagination.
If I gave you $1 million right now, what would you do with it?
Buy land and begin building an eco-friendly home. Of course, I would have a heck of a time choosing the floor plan! (see above answer). The remaining portion would be split in thirds and invested in a savings account, mutual fund, and IRA.
Where does financial freedom begin for you?
I’m not quite there yet, so I guess it will begin once I pay off the car loan, student loan, and line of credit. Then, I’ll be able to save over $1,000 a month that could go towards building my eco-dream home.
What’s your favorite blog post on your site thus far, and what’s it about?
I think my favorite post so far is Selling the American Dream. My husband and I watch a lot of movies (no television) and we were struck by how often the characters in movies own really expensive homes, no matter what career their character has. It really gives the public a distorted view of home ownership.
If you were in my shoes as a 23 year old recent college grad who wants to become a digital nomad, how would you make that happen?
I think I’d be doing exactly what you are doing. Living life to the fullest, blogging, and taking photos of sharks. Who knows where you might end up; perhaps writing for National Geographic or Discovery. I once had this very same dream!
What’s the best financial book you’ve ever read and why?
I have to admit that I don’t read financial books. I rarely have time for reading. So when I do read, I read for pleasure: National Geographic, Adventure Magazine, or mystery novels.
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Thanks again Ryan, for interviewing me! I’ll be checking back frequently for feedback.
.-= Little House´s last blog ..More Coupon Savings! =-.
That was very interesting. Most people (including me) always think about owning the dream mansion sized home. Or maybe I’m the only one. I am interested in what you define as an Eco friendly home – I will stop by your website and see if you have any information on that – Eco is good – and ways to save on home utility costs is even better.
.-= Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..An Introduction To Jeremy’s “Wizard Club” =-.
@ Jeremy – Thanks for your input. I think you’re right too, many people don’t think about the size of their home being hard on the environment. A too large home equates to using more energy, more materials, and sometimes inefficient use of space. Hopefully I’ll inspire others to think “smaller”.
.-= Little House´s last blog ..More Coupon Savings! =-.
I had to google 1200 sq feet and convert it to sq meter. It’s 111.48 sq meter. That’s actually bigger than our house which is around 90+ sq meter (or 1000 sq feet give or take). I’m actually proud of our tiny house because that’s all we need. Plus we can pay off the mortgage within 5 years since we purchased it. Most of our friends bought their houses house more than twice the size of ours with a mortgage to match (or more). Every time I imagine they would slave away 25 years of their lives working to live… Read more »
@Arlene – It’s really great to hear people say that they enjoyed their smaller house more than their larger one. I hope this will become a trend someday, there are some amazing plans out there. I’ll definitely check out your site for the architecture photos. I’m an architecture hound!
.-= Little House´s last blog ..More Coupon Savings! =-.