Today’s world is driven by bustling economies and modern technology. Although the Amish community is known for being deeply rooted in their religious beliefs, culture, and simple way of life, they have somehow found ways to generate income while still aligning with their customs and values.

The Amish community is known for its strong work ethic. They have crafted a financial landscape that not only sustains their communities but also preserves their cultural heritage. This ranges from community-based businesses, to agriculture, and traditional crafts.

In this article, we will look at the various ways the Amish make money. We will also discuss Amish money secrets that you should consider implementing.

The various ways Amish make money

Below are some ways the Amish make money to sustain themselves and the community in general. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list.

Agriculture

For hundreds of years, agriculture has been a source of income for Amish families. Amish children are taught to value farming.  Naturally, the Amish avoid using manmade fertilizers and chemicals on their plants.

Their farming practices are different from numerous contemporary agricultural approaches. They demonstrate a profound reverence for nature.

Other than growing crops for their use and for sale, the Amish also rare livestock including chickens, cows, and pigs. They sell milk, meat, and eggs to the locals at auctions, at roadsides, or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.

Where do the Amish originate from? click to read.

At-home shops

Most Amish operate at-home shops. The most common ones are those that sell wood products, including furniture.

The Amish showcase their exceptional craftsmanship in their products which are a blend of innovation and tradition. These products attract both locals and other customers.

Amish handcrafted items are not only functional, but also good to look at. They are particularly known for their decorative baskets, winter laundry baskets, and long-lasting furniture.

Auctions and Amish markets

The Amish make money through auctions that allow them to showcase their various products. The Amish sell products to locals and outsiders alike. Additionally, they give visitors firsthand experience of their Amish culture.

Stalls in Amish markets sell products ranging from locally produced honey, fruits, vegetables, and meat. They also sell freshly baked goods like cookies, bread, and pies.

Amish markets and auctions are quite lively.  They not only serve as an income-generating opportunity but also a social gathering where the Amish come together to enjoy each other’s company and take part in friendly competition.

Online sales

The Amish generally don’t embrace technology unless it is necessary. Some Amish artists and businessmen have embraced online platforms to sell their hand-crafted goods to a wider audience.

This way, they can earn a living and promote Amish culture at the same time.

Tailoring

Surprisingly, the Amish sew their own clothes to date. They don’t buy any designer clothing and still prefer their simple style.

Some Amish have perfected tailoring and use their talent to make clothes from scratch, which they later sell to other community members. This is how they earn a living.

Factory work

In some Amish settlements in Ohio and Indiana, most Amish work in factories to earn a living.  Most factories in these settlements prefer hiring Amish factory workers because they are known to be hard working. 

This may not be a traditional way of the Amish making money, but it helps put food on the table.

Carpentry

A good number of Amish people operate carpentry crews that work in homes in various locations. They do general contracting work, and sometimes subcontracting.

Their specialization is mostly roofing, masonry and landscaping. They work in both residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, they remodel buildings when required to.

Mutual Aid

Although every Amish household is financially independent, the Amish have a strong community ethic. The church community aids members in need of financial assistance.

This includes people who are victims of disasters like fires, those who have financial hardships due to medical bills, etc.

The Amish come together to help their neighbors in whatever way they can.

Traditional Bank Loans/ Community funds

In some circumstances, for instance, when starting a business or buying a home, the Amish make use of traditional bank loans. Most banks consider Amish people as attractive banking customers. This is because the Amish are known for their dependability and hard work.

The Amish can also obtain loans from Amish-run lending funds. Such funds offer community members funds at favorable interest rates.

Another way Amish youth obtain funds is from their fathers. Traditionally, fathers help their sons in acquiring land or homes for their future families.

Youth

When Amish youth still live with their parents, they are required to contribute to the household budget. Most parents save a percentage of what their children contribute and give it to them when they turn 21.

The youth also save a lot of money because they live with their parents until they marry or get married. This tends to give them a head start in life.

Amish Shoofly Pie Recipe. Click to Read.

Amish money secrets (that you should consider implementing)

It is not in doubt that the Amish are good with their money. They are, in fact, known to be financially independent. Below are a few Amish money secrets and tips that you should consider incorporating to your lifestyle.

Grow food instead of buying

The Amish grow all their vegetables and meat. This means they save a lot of money they would otherwise have spent on groceries. Other than saving money, growing food ensures they always eat healthy meals.

Growing meat may not be an option for you, but you can start growing vegetables in a small outdoor or indoor garden.

Avoid credit cards and debts

Although some Amish use credit cards, most prefer to pay for things when they buy them to avoid debt. The Amish are also strong believers of paying their debts on time.

Amish children are taught to appreciate wat they have rather than get into debt to sustain a lifestyle they can’t afford.

Make savings a priority

Average Amish adults save approximately 20% of their monthly income, which is approximately 15% more than what the average American adult saves in a month.

The Amish have perfected the art of making savings a priority. It gives them a sense of independence, something we all strive to achieve.

Be a smart business owner

The Amish are known to be smart business owners. They have a strong work ethic and great leadership skills. Unlike most business owners, they don’t delegate all work to their employees.

Instead, they actively participate in various roles to ensure customer satisfaction.

Value experiences instead of things

The Amish rarely buy things on account of flashy campaigns. Before they buy any item, they ensure it is of high quality and provides value. Additionally, they place a higher importance on personal relationships and experiences and not material things.

Buy in bulk

We all know that buying in bulk saves you money. The Amish buy things in bulk and make use of any discounts they are entitled to. This saves them a lot of money in the long run.

Avoid wastage

Frugality is a way of life for the Amish. They prefer fixing things instead of discarding and buying new ones. This includes clothes and other items in the home. They don’t pay attention to new brands in the market that cost more, as long as what they have functions just as well.

Also, Check out: Amish Wedding Customs and Traditions.

Conclusion

It is fascinating how the Amish manage to financially do well in the modern world while sticking to their traditions and beliefs. They found a way to strike a balance between innovation and tradition.

When you purchase any handcrafted goods from the Amish, you can be sure you’ve made a solid investment. The goods are of high quality and you’ll also be aiding the preservation of a unique culture.

I hope this article has answered your questions on how the Amish make money. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.