Computer backup options (need cheap or free VPN?)

Factual Questions
1

I was discussing backup of computer info with a friend, and neither of us wants to spend $10 a month for on-line storage…that can add up after a year or two. So I was thinking, maybe we should each get a big drive and back up the other’s data. We each have cable modems, so the only question is how we connect house-to-house across several miles.

a) is this a reasonable plan?
b) is there a better plan?
c) is there a cheap or free VPN that will let us do this?
d) is there another way to connect our two networks?

2

Probably, what you’ll quickly find is that while you have significant downstream bandwidth, your upstream bandwidth will be very limited.

Much simpler: buy two (or more) USB HDDs each, back up, then FedEx them to each other every once in a while. You overwrite the older backup each time.

Or, as you’re within driving distance, just drive them over.