Stop renting your digital life.
Own it instead.
Google, Apple, and Dropbox charge you forever for data you could own outright. This guide walks you — step by step — through setting up your own email, file storage, contacts, calendar, and website on a $6/month server.
No Linux experience required. Every command is copy-paste ready.
The math
You're paying rent on data you could own.
Here's a direct comparison. Same capabilities, opposite ownership model.
Their stack
ongoing| Gmail / Google Workspace | $6/mo | |
| Google Drive (2 TB) | $10/mo | |
| Google Contacts / Calendar | — | |
| Squarespace / Wix | $16/mo | |
| Total | $32/mo |
=$384/yr · $1920 over 5 years
Your stack
you own it| VPS (Hetzner CX22) | $4/mo | |
| Domain name | $1/mo | |
| Backblaze B2 (500 GB) | $3/mo | |
| Total | $8/mo |
=$96/yr · $480 over 5 years
Annual savings
$288
5-year savings
$1440
This guide costs
$19
pays for itself in 1 months
What you're building
Six steps. Full independence.
Rent a VPS
Spin up a Hetzner CX22 — a real Linux server in Europe for $4/month. We'll walk through every click.
Replaces: nothing yet — just your launchpad
Set up email
Install Stalwart Mail Server. Point your domain's MX records. Send and receive from your own address.
Replaces: Gmail / Google Workspace
File storage
Deploy Nextcloud. Sync files from your phone and laptop. Works exactly like Dropbox.
Replaces: Google Drive / iCloud / Dropbox
Contacts & calendar
Nextcloud also handles CardDAV and CalDAV. Your phone syncs automatically.
Replaces: Google Contacts & Calendar
Personal website
Deploy a simple static site with Caddy as the web server. HTTPS is automatic.
Replaces: Squarespace / Wix / Linktree
Automated backups
Configure daily encrypted backups to Backblaze B2. $3/month for peace of mind.
Replaces: praying it doesn't break
Pricing
One price. Forever yours.
No subscription. No upsells. You buy it once and own the guide — plus any updates as the software evolves.
- ✓Step-by-step interactive wizard
- ✓Copy-paste terminal commands — no typing
- ✓Cost tracker sidebar (see exactly what you'll spend)
- ✓Covers email, files, contacts, calendar, website, backups
- ✓Tested on Hetzner, Vultr, and DigitalOcean
- ✓Lifetime access + updates
Secure checkout via Stripe. No account needed until after purchase.