Hit a $200 Claude API bill last month ($2400 and above on yearly basis!). That was my wake-up call.
Built my own AI server instead:
- RTX 3090 24GB (used): $750 one-time
- Zero monthly costs
- Access from anywhere via VPN
- Unlimited usage
The Setup
# Install Ollama locally
curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh
# Download coding models
ollama pull qwen2.5-coder:14b
ollama pull devstral
# Use with aider
aider --model ollama_chat/devstral --api-base http://10.0.0.1:11434
Remote Access via WireGuard
The trick: secure VPN tunnel to home server.
Tech stack:
- Linux server running Ollama
- WireGuard VPN for encrypted access
- Router port forwarding (UDP 51820)
Works from coffee shops, client offices, anywhere.
Results After 6 Months
- $0 monthly bills (was $40-60/month)
- Faster responses than cloud APIs
- No rate limits
- 100% private - code never leaves my network
Want the Full Guide?
Complete walkthrough here: Stop Paying for ChatGPT - Run Your Own AI Models
Covers:
- Step-by-step server setup
- WireGuard VPN configuration
- Router setup
- Client configs for all platforms
- Troubleshooting
Why This Matters
Beyond saving money, you learn:
- Infrastructure management
- VPN security
- Cost optimization
- Enterprise-ready solutions
Companies increasingly want AI that keeps data internal. This gives you both the skills and the setup.
*Connect: LinkedIn
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