Live Like in Early 19th Century to Become Debt Free (2026)

If live like early 19th is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In my about page, I mentioned I can’t write about how you come out of debt, as I never ha...
• I am rather, much comfortable in sharing ideas of avoiding debt trap and remaining debt free.
• Well, for this article I am going against that stated direction because, when I saw my neighbor fishing at a nearby lake few days back, an i...

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In my about page, I mentioned I can’t write about how you come out of debt, as I never have been in debt. I am rather, much comfortable in sharing ideas of avoiding debt trap and remaining debt free.

Well, for this article I am going against that stated direction because, when I saw my neighbor fishing at a nearby lake few days back, an idea stuck my mind - What if people in debt start making their own food? The way our excellent grandparents did in early 19th century, and, adopt their life-style? Will it accelerate debt recovery?

This morning I was reading various debt related blog posts.  All views were about concept of cost cutting and increasing income with variation in pitches.

What about a situation where you don’t have control over these two things? I asked myself.

Being a two member family, renting out, it’s very simple for us to cut cost and control spending. Being a hi-tech worker and having 12 years of experience in designing software programs also give me enough opportunity to remain employed even in a dull economy.

Your situation could be completely different, I thought. You may not be able to increase your income, you may have a large family to feed and extremely difficult for you to cut cost.

The act of fishing reminded me of our ancestors, who lived in 19th century to early 20th century.

Electricity was not available in grids, There were no phones, internet, cable or movies. The men and women still lived, they enjoyed, they ate their meals, they fed their families.

When you are in debt, the social taboo prevents you from living like a poor and you start showing your wealth, charging things to your credit line, knowing very well that you can’t repay the debt. If you continue to do that, you will soon be broke, you can’t sustain, you can’t feed your family. So, what you do?

I have an idea!

This is my first attempt to extend some advice to people in debt, live like 15% of Americans, who live in poverty. Live like the way people lived 100 years ago. And come out of debt successfully.

Before I extend my points, I sincerely request regular readers to bear with this article. This is not for you! If you hate my ideas, please remember this is not for average people, the advises are for genuinely poor and people in extreme debt.

1. Move to least costly area of the city/town/rural area - it is must for living with less that you make housing payment as little as possible. While searching for a least expensive area, keep in mind the availability of public transport and health care facilities.

2. If getting job becomes difficult, start growing your own food - Start farming, start fishing. Live like a farmer. You’ll never have to work for others. Ever seen a fat farmer? The exercise involved in farming should also keep you in shape. No more eating out, its home cooked food all the time.

3. No modern-day entertainment - Use public parks, seasonal carnivals, rodeo shows, etc. You can watch local school football leagues, baseball leagues for free. Take you kids to those events. No movie theater, no malls, no Ringling Bros, no NBA or NFL.

Our grandparents and excellent grand parents didn’t know about an AC or a cable TV or internet, still they were happy. They enjoyed life with their family and friends.

4. No utility consumption - Completely switch off internet, cell phone and cable TV. If you have a public telephone facility near by, sacrifice the home phone too. Remember you are a modern caveman/woman. If weather permits get rid of AC unit as well.

No washer, no freezer no dish washer, everything should be done by you and your family by hand.

5. No car, its public transport always - Get rid of your cars altogether. No more insurance premium, gas fill-up and car repair and maintenance. Invite others to your home, instead of you visiting them. Have them take a tour of your farm land, share home cooked food with them.

You do this for couple of year, and your entire debt can be paid off before you realize hardship. You’ll come out strong.

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This is how 15% of Americans live. and 60% of world population live. If you have $50,000 in credit card debt and $20,000 in yearly income or less (having less yearly income than non-mortgage debt), to sustain your family you should look in to living like this, till you reach a positive cash flow.

There bare social stigma associate with this approach, you need to overcome that, you need to ignore criticism. Yes, others would definitely come to know about you being broke. And you might be a subject of ridicule in your social circles but, that much better than living with borrowed money and going further into debt.

Living in hardship definitely going to hurt your ego and self-respect. If you think living with borrowed money and at the end, declaring bankruptcy is a better option, I don’t have anything to say, except that it’s a bad financial karma. You get only one chance this way, you can’t fool the system again during your next financial struggle.

Whatever be the reason of your debt, apply lifestyle track back and live like people in 19th century. Refer to my another article on extreme frugality, living under $10,000 a year.

Warning: If you at-all try to implement this idea, then keep in mind that its foolish to ignore the benefits of modern times, such as advanced medical care and education.

Government provided medical care, opportunity of learning for free at local libraries and, various scholarships for needy, should come in handy for your family need while living like what is described above.

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Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check live like early 19th against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at onecentatatime.com.