Cheap Van Life Living: Living in a Van or RV on Less Than $900 Per MONTH
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- Опубликовано: 10 дек 2022
- NEW SERIES: Nomad's Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom!
Today our roving reporter, Brian Gifford shares how you can achieve financial freedom. Brian has been living on a budget of $887 dollars per month for years. He has lived on the road full-time in the SAME vehicle, (his 1977 Class C motorhome), for 13 years!
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Thanks for watching!
The primary issue I see is that the prices of vans and RVs have skyrocketed the last few years, becoming unaffordable for many. I'm shocked at the current prices for used, high mileage vans and RVs. For those of us who don't have homes to sell or a lot of savings, getting a decent rig to get started is a major obstacle. I don't see a problem leaving on a small, tight budget, but you've got to have the rig to get started. I'd like to see more discussion on this.
agree on that topic, would live to hear mora about that, thanks!!
Agreed!!!. Bought an f150 in february 2019 so i could tow a small rv when i retire in 2025. Now those rv's are twice the amount or more than what i can afford. Last july bought a topper will now build the inside so i can move to B.C. when i retire and spend the winters in arizona.
If you drive around in the rural areas you'll see about every kind of RV's that are no longer in use in peoples back yard, ranches, open fields and the suburbs that are fixer uppers, some are somewhat cherry and some rotted out but there's a huge section out there.
There are no for sale signs posted you have to approach the owners with an offer, most will be glad to get it off their property maybe for free or a deal you cannot pass up and you can slowly repair it to your user friendly needs as you live on down the road with the thousands you saved doing this driving on route "Fixie Fix"...
Now @ 81 yr's old I've been on the road solo full time with my truck camper and KTM dirt bike going on 6 years @ an average of $750.00, a month, the whole USA is my backyard...yeehaw! no more stick an brick maintenance and lawn to mow...good luck on you mah-man.
@@gastonbelanger5346 You rock Gaston.
This is my biggest challenge. Trying to find a vehicle to live in. My ultimate hope is to try to save up some more money and focus on the city auctioning off used service vans. Hopefully, I will be able to get a great deal. The problem with that strategy is that you have to have the money up front so you can pay in full. The benefit is that you get a vehicle with a proven maintenance record.
Either way, I'm going to need another year or two to save up. Hopefully by that time, the prices of vehicle will drop down too so I'll have more options.
Here’s an idea, make a list of all the apps that are helpful to nomads for any reason. Travel, gas, clubs, camping, food, etc
Hi Colleen, Bob already has a Video on that ….all the apps and all the info that you will ever need to be a successful nomad
@@vickymay3157 do you have a link to it or a title for the app video
Maybe an updated list.
@@vickymay3157 what s title of video mentioned that Bob did and date please if you know. Thank you in advance and Merry Christmas!
Where do I find this app.? What do I look under?
I split my life with a home base and traveling in my truck camper. I'm a prepper type person so I store up things I need for going out on the road. I live on $1000 a month S.S. and have VA medical. I also teach personal protection seminars for extra money. It's a great life style for me. As of the time of texting this my beautiful wife passed away 2 years ago today! Life is to short to not enjoy it! Happy travels my friend!
Great share. Thanks. Considering similar situation.
VA medical is probably the only reason I will be able to one day travel full time, good to have. Sad to hear about your wife. Not the same situation but my brother and I were 24/7 caregivers for our mom for several years (Dementia) until she passed in July of 2021, there is always that empty space inside.
That is awesome.!
I'm so happy that you get to spend your life the way you choose.
My beloved sister, Penny passed away two years ago today as well💜
God Bless.
Living on the road for the over 65 folks! Philosophy on aging on the road, health issues, sickness, family both immediate/extended, even worrying about death while living this lifestyle. That's got to be taken into account. Wish I had started this lifestyle when I was a lot younger!!
Bob has videos addressing these concerns
Thank you!
You can prepay your final burial expenses and get an insurance policy to cover those costs. It does not have to be an all or nothing thing. Maybe have a home base near your family that you could rent or have a roommate to cover base expenses. The possibilites are only limited by us. Everyone has different assets and liabilities, but in the end it is up to our personal choices how we want to use them for our best life. Best wishes on finding your best life. Safe travels.
This guy is magic. I didn’t think I could like, appreciate or respect anyone more than Bob Wells. But Bob has done a brilliant job choosing his successor and colleague / friend. What a sincere, honest, calm , humble caring human being.
Thank you so much!
Grateful 🙏
agreed - he projects real sincerity.
Thank you Brian
No one can replace Bob. He is a wealth of valuable information.
How to shop and store groceries and water. How much water you use a day and what you use it for. Cooking with reasonable cost food items that can be stored long term and short term. Everybody makes special dishes for a video, what about every day items. Stretching a food dollar usually means cooking at home and not driving to go eat. Do you eat the same things every day or do your weekly meal plans include a lot of variety. Water, Food and Shelter are usually top concerns of anyone considering leaving home forever.
Please do a video on health insurance options for those who do not qualify for Medicare. Thank you!
I was homeless at the start of quarantine, which forced me to buy a Chevy van sooner than I had planned. I've been living in the van since March 2020 and struggling to create a comfortable, safe environment. I have no emergency fund, no solar and no heat. I struggle every month to survive. Budget, vehicle improvements and safety are my 3 biggest areas of concern. Bob has taught me so much, I am so grateful to him, HOWA and Cheap RV living. I look forward to continuing to learn from you. Thank you for doing this.
If you have a half decent work history take a fulltime wal-mart night shift stocking gig. I did. Pays well & if you do them right they will recommend you to any other wal-mart in the country if you wish to relocate. Then cut your time to part time if you've got to the point where you can make it financially. The other perk is your vehicle will be recognized in the parking lot and at night nobody will give it any thought. It's working for me 😎
@@Beach_Guy love this! You are so resourceful and creating something that works so well!
@@Beach_Guy
Yes I had a 2000 37’ Bounder Class A Motorhome paid for and retired and moved to the Florida keys. My daughter owned the lot and I just paid the electricity.
Then in 2018 she retired and sold the lot.
I left and hit the road solo. I joined Thousand Trails and pay $515 per year frozen for 4 years. I can stay in any TT campground for 2 weeks and then be out for 7 days, all year long. I boondock or use a State Park combo til I go back into TT. Never did upgrade to the park to park $$ plans. Works for me!
I turned 91 in October 2022. No cane, no walker and I can back my rig into a spot in one try.
God has been good to me and I thank him for every new day! I will die in my RV.
I would love to learn 2 things. How to stay in places without spending money to stay there without traveling much and how to eat cheaply . Thank you !
I can attest how important an emergency fund is!! I was tired of chasing my tail and working just to pay taxes and rent. So I sold everything and me and my daughter moved into our vehicles. 1 week later we both got covid.. my emergency fund helped us get a hotel for 2weeks. Almost regretted leaving our apartment, but then I realized this is what emergency funds are for. 😊🙌🏼
Last year I ended a terrible walking on egg shells relationship of 6 years with a narcissist that took me
Years too figure her out for what she was and how she lied for years too me about how great I was too her and her soulmate and the best she’s ever had bla bla
The typical narcissist love bombing and used me and was a control freak and I just had enough and over time started calling her out on everything and she couldn’t take that. Narcissist run when they no longer have control over you and when they know you figured them out and unmasked them they get outta dodge or discard you and then smear campaign you all over town. Anyways we split Nov last year and I had too leave my house before Christmas cause we split bills and with her gone I couldn’t do it by myself as I’m disabled on SSI with limited income and so I got rid of most of my stuff and ended up in my Chevy HHR in 22 below zero weather with windchill and high winds here in Montana last year and about froze too death as my HHR heater was working over time in that weather and wasn’t working good. Drove too Billings from where I was at which is a hour and half away as I’m in the middle of no where in Montana a small town but I stayed in a homeless shelter for near a week before New years and got Covid there and decided to leave and went too my 1980 Chevy Southwind rv that was parked at a rv park as storage with my other stuff I couldn’t sell in it and my rv was pretty packed and things were frozen like a fridge in that 22 below zero weather. I moved stuff around and was going to try and stay in it but my breaker was acting up and kept tripping and turning off a lot and I couldn’t figure out what was up with it it’s so old and it was so cold with no heat in that rv trying too figure the breaker out and I gave up too run back too my HHR and warm up so that was outta question too try and live in it at that time and it so cold so family out of state helped me pay for a week at a motel. That was the worse week of my life fighting that Covid high fever and just felt so bad in that motel room and no one there to help me. But I got through it and eventually had to leave and luckily I figured out my breaker box issue when it warmed up a little. I stayed in it for a few months paying $300 a month at the rv park I’m still at but by now I was able to rent one of the trailers the rv park owner has on his property here. My rv water pipes busted too so that has too be fixed at some point but I fixed water damage too the ceiling 2 years ago when I got it and paid $1,900 for it. I’ve put about a grand into it and it has 67k miles on it and the transmission and engine runs like new in it but yeah I wish it was newer I’d sell everything I have left and just take off in my rv and live in it and keep my HHR and pull it behind the rv but I don’t own. Tow dolly for that. So being just me I can’t drive two vehicles at once. So it’s like I’m stuck in my trailer and never had a trailer before always lived in houses or apartments but it’s a nice trailer though I just ain’t happy on it. Never been single my whole adult life until now so it’s just me and my two cats now and just surviving and now winter is hitting hard here in Montana. I hate Montana winters gets so cold and snows so much. It’s annoying now but I’m not from here I’m from Mississippi but grew up mostly in Arizona Phoenix AZ that is. Moved here in 2001 and been stuck here ever since cause I came here since the ex wife is from here and moved here for her and I divorced her over 6 years ago cause I caught her sexting a old friend of hers from her past and was hiding it from me for over 4 months and I busted her. I filed divorce and was awarded it. Then I meet a narcissist that’s even worse. My luck. But I hope things are ok for you and your daughter. I have 4 kids myself 2 girls and 2 boys. My daughters are grown now In their 20’s and I’m 40. I was a young daddy lol. My boys are teens 13 and 14. But yes I understand the struggle of on the road trying to figure things out. I want too leave my trailer and hit the road like all you guys but it seems so impossible being in the situation I’m currently in being stuck in the middle of no where hours away from major towns no one too sell my rv too and reduce things down and just take off in my HHR too a warmer state and figure it all out there. Montana is just so cold to even wanna leave the house now lol. My kids live over 6 hours away on the other side of Montana from me too which sucks. But boy do I wish I had saved money but being on limited income of SSI disability it’s near impossible too ever save money. Bills always taking near my whole check.
Digi-key in Thief’s River, Minnesota is hiring now for Jan thru April work and provide free housing and pay $20 an hour. They also have a campground to park your RV and or live in their hotel.
Things sound like they can only get better for you.good luck.
Yes, you must have savings and contingency plans!
@@BLUExEYEDxSLICKT Maybe you could try living in your vehicle again but head back to AZ. I lived there decades ago when my dad was stationed in Phoenix and I loved it. I've heard it's not as nice now but the weather at this time is what you need. God bless you!
Have been Nomadic with my daughter in a school bus....I am in my 60's and her in her 30's.....We are spending fantastic moments together.....We document our journey on RUclips....It is not what people envision.... It's like being an early pioneer.....We barely spend money.... only on necessary items....We are preppers and not lavish.... however our bus home is absolutely our home...full time and we would not go back to the city👍😁🚍🚍BTW... I love this channel and Bob has been an inspiration ❤️
That rig is your home, and you are not homeless. I wish everyday citizens could see that. Good video 👍
Yes when you have a rig it is your home so you’re not “ Homeless “ true. The problem isn’t everyday citizens not seeing that, because they do. The problem is City, township, county and state laws that don’t see that having a rig isn’t homeless living literally on the streets with a shopping cart with all your things is homeless.
@@priscillas1016 it's philosophical really. I certainly don't want to be in that situation, it would be completely different, but if A guy has been living in a tent in the woods for some time, then they would consider that their home as well. But I get your point.
If you stay in places for extended periods of time you can live cheep,. Fuel is a major expense.
100% correct!
I'd love to see a segment on eating healthy (truly healthy) on a strict budget.
THe first thing that popped in my head is growing sprouts. They take up almost no room and effort (seeds and water only, oh and a jar). I sound like a crazy 70s hippie but they really do add great nutrition for very little investment. Many blessings 🌻🍄
If you want to be lean, fit, and healthy, investigate the Keto-Carnivore eating lifestyle. I've been on it for the last 48 straight months. It costs about $12 a day, if you prepare all of your meals. Another thing... keep 21-30 days of your food on hand. That a.) alerts you and evens out price changes, and, b.) It keeps you from being tempted to stray from your diet.
Thank you for starting this series - looking forward to more!
A few topic ideas:
Meal prepping/planning/storing/ shopping as few times a month as possible (saves fuel and fewer chances for impulse spending).
Carefully considering bigger purchases for several days or weeks prior to buying.
My favorite tip from the past:
Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it last,
or do without.
The art of simple living,
Daily GRATITUDE!
Great tips!
I would love to hear about all the mistakes folks made and what they would do differently. I would really love to see elderly folks and how they make ends meet? What about when they need help? How do they cope with rising costs, on a fixed, possibly dwindling income, and still have a decent quality of life? What about when they get off of the road?
Great ideas! I'll see what I can put together!
Plan is to hit the road next spring trying to make it on social security with $200/month home base expenses so this series may be a God send.Bring it on!!!-----please How much solar is needed to run most if not all Class C systems minus A/C. Is a tow vehicle necessary. Boondocking safety.
I would LOVE like a monthly breakdown of what you do and how you do it. Groceries, travel, etc. I get around 1700$ from VA disability and I've always told myself it was too little to live that kind of life on, but you're making me seriously rethink things.
How much do you travel? How to find a good vehicle? How much are you parked? Do you own land where you park? What do you do for fun/how do you get around? I'm just curious about everything!
@jr did you here US Military Vets now get a free lifetime pass to all US national parks? Also, depending on the state you live in there could be incentives to state parks for disabled vets. I know here is Texas any vet with at least 60% disability rating get a free lifetime pass to all TX state parks. Look at all the options that might be available to you as a Vet.
$1700/mo is a Dream amount for most people!! You've got this!
74 yr solo female...live on road,FT...doing it on $1200 a month...for .. EVERYTHING...ins,food,gas..if I run low....I just slow down my traveling
I'm a vet too and I live on 1600 a month on the road. It's far less intimidating than it seems. I mostly use state and national parks on the weekdays and dry camp/boondock on the weekends. The most expensive thing was building my van, but I'd saved up for 3 years just so I wouldnt take such a hard hit from the build cost. You'll be fine.
We have been doing van life for almost a year. We are spending around what he is in the video. Average $800--1300/month. We bought a conversion van for $3K from a private seller.
There are some things we want to add like solar but we love the freedom of our time and not paying rent.
Great series. Good advice for people on the road are in sticks and bricks. My wife and i are currently building our rig . We chose to build out of pocket with no loans. Pay as we go and love it. Fun working together, learning new skills and just stepping out there. It has taught use how to squeeze the dollar. We have enjoyed treasure hunting for items we need at 2cnd hand stores. WE are starting our adventure in Feb 2023. This channel started as something odd to watch years ago to cant wait to see video . Looking forward to series. We'll see ya on the road . THANKS Jeff and Darlene
Really great video and much needed I believe. I would like to hear about how to save money doing slow travel. Would also like to hear about tips and tricks on how to save money and hacks. Like how to get internet on the cheap. Or best ways to get cheap gas and best ways to find zero to low cost camping fees. Would also love to know about ways to lower the food bill, insurance, etc. But also love to know about how to make simple fast meals that cost little but are healthy versus eating out too much which costs a lot.
Giving up on city living (Scottsdale ) in 2 weeks to become "homelesss " by choice. to say i'm anxious is an understatement. not scared of living in my Subaru forester in the desert, not afraid of minimalist life. paring down to fit into Subaru is tuff though. But the money is another issue. very concerned about spending and ABOUT ME SPENDING TO MUCH MONEY. Got about 700/month for everything, gonna take some time i think to pare down WHATS REALLY NEEDED. (5 months till i retire ) Very anxious about my future, trying to breathe through it to stay calm, but as time approaches not doing so well. But i'm taking all this advice ( thanks HOWA/BOB/BRIAN !!!! ) to get me thru. my emergency fund has started. Thanks Bob Wells/ Brain Gifford and HOWA !!!! Bob I RELIGEOUSLY FOLLOW YOUR advice. To all the behind scenes people in HOWA... YOUR iNCLUDED TOO !!! THANK YA'LL SO MUCH.... SEE YA'LL DOWN THE ROAD !!!
You can do it! And remember, you don't have to do it alone. There are caravans where you can travel with others and get tips. As you travel, you'll understand more of what you need and don't need on the road. Your setup will change quite a bit until you figure out what really works for you.
I loved Scottsdale. I used to fly in and travel up to Globe, AZ, on business trips to the copper mine. But that was many years ago, back in the 1970's.
Living out of a car I think you would want an easy to setup/take-down tent that is big enough to stand up in. That would give you some place while boon docking to change clothes, go to the bathroom, cook food, store stuff from the car so it isn't always packed full. Remove your passenger seat now and have a sleeping platform. Since cars are super challenging you will probably want to invest in a big hard-sided roof cargo box for storage items: Off season clothes, paperwork, emergency supplies... Also, take your complete setup on test runs to sleep at Walmart and a real boon docking location. Don't make your first night living in it be your first night with nowhere else to go. Use your toilet system in the places you will need to before giving up a place to live. And make sure you fully utilize anything that requires an address: Have a bank account, have auto insurance setup on auto-pilot, have a mail location... If you don't get those things taken care of while you have an address you basically have to go thru the Escapees Club and setup residence in South Dakota, Texas or Florida.
The most helpful resource I found during my brief time being homeless: Libraries. They offer wi-fi, electricity for charging a phone and flashlight, bathrooms, a source of water, comfortable chairs and a place to retreat from homelessness for an hour or two. Many also have job search resources and printers. I would download movies, podcasts, audio books, google maps of places beyond cell range so I had those things later.
@@Tom-Travels I am in Scottsdale - want to ‘nomad’ part time. Won’t give up my house - 2.5% mortgage & can rent it out for a nice additional income. Can’t find the right place to rent/downsize yet. I am keeping the house in case my health goes south also. Can always rent out rooms for extra income if need be.🌵✌🏽😎🇺🇸
Another desert background. What if one does not like sand, weeds, and brown?
Desert is low cost. If you don't like it, look upper New York, Florida, Main...
After a year plus three things come to mind. 1. Address without PO box because of limits on PO box. Suggestion: Lets join together and create an address where nomads can use for their mail. 2. Ties into one, medical insurance. State exchanges require an address. So medical insurance is a real challenge. 3. Create a site where nomads can barter for goods and services.
I’m excited about this series. In the same way that everyone nomads differently, people will budget differently. Maybe interviews on the variety of ways others budget. Kinda like a van tour- but a budget tour. Thanks for putting this together. I plan on being full time by April and this is exactly what I need.
That would be great! I'd enjoy a breakdown of your current budget too. Mine is closer to 2000 though some expenses are business related.
I’d like to see you do a deep dive into the complex income tax situations that digital nomads are faced with now as States are becoming more aggressive about coming after income earned while you are on their soil.
There are a lot of RV channels that will tell you that living on the road cost just as much or more than sticks and bricks, IF , you spend a similar amount on an RV as a house, and you keep the same luxuries you would have in a house, like a phone, Streaming services, heat, cooling, for multiple seasons, insurance, etc. So, i would like to see a cost analysis of start up costs, ( i know RV costs vary a lot depending on if you purchase new or used ) including power needs like batteries and solar for off grid living, since renting camping spots can easily cost 400= 900 dollars per month. TIA :)
Yes. You are correct. I'm not a full time Nomad. It is amazing how much money, I spend each month ($160 on high speed internet, RUclips TV, and Amazon Prime. I was better off paying my neighbor $70 a month to tap into her wifi and DishTV network. We are still great friends, so maybe after the Super Bowl, I'll make another deal with her.
Really like your straightforward approach to talking about the subject. The one thing I'd like to hear more about is Health Care and health costs on the road. What do you do for health insurance.
I cannot to wait to see/hear what you have to share. I’m prepping now to start my nomad journey in my car - gotta start somewhere. Right.
I gave up my apartment and 3/4 of my belongings. Now working on getting rid of another 3/4 of what I have. This is a freeing experience, however now my needs have changed, still having certain needs but on a micro-mini basis, not giving up the things I truly love and enjoy now on a smaller scale.
Wish I did this sooner but now is the time ❤
Good for you. Much continued success on your journey
I just sold everything and moved into my suv 12/1.. been a few bumps in the road, but not looking back!
I would be interested in true costs. Car insurance? Health insurance? Emergency fund? Dealing with escalating food costs?
I think a discussion on finding low cost campgrounds is important. BLM and free spots are not always available and can lead to a lot of expense. More and more Walmarts and other big box stores have stopped allowing overnight stays. Many cities don't allow it.
Buy low cost acreage as a home base. 👍
@@DadMoves Yep and the cost of saving for that would then be included in the $887 monthly expenses.👍🍀
A few more thoughts. Had you considered an expanded series to discuss more than finances? A "Living Free" series could also touch base on topics like: biggest regrets/unexpected challenges faced in 1st 6 months, mental health, staying occupied: how time/days are spent, top emergency fund needs and how much needed, how to pursue medical in Mexico, who and when to ask for help: HOWA, the "community", local, county, state, federal resources, others?. Top ?s living as a nomad.
Theres thousand of those videos...on utube
@@skooliecarol8542 but I’d like to hear Brian’s experiences and approach from within his wheelhouse. Now being influenced by him and would like to stick with him or his recommendations.
This is such an open ended question because of the different situations for each person living on the road full time. If you are on SSI and receive a set amount of money with no way of increasing your monthly income then a plan and budget is definitely needed.
I live and work on the road full time by choice but still have two kids I like to help with some things. So I keep working quite a bit and don't use a budget since I have a good income and a state retirement check.
I think one of the biggest savings can come from buying food a the grocery store and not eating out. Several hundred a month can definitely be saved.
Really liked your video. I'm a senior aspiring to be a nomad because of financial challenges. So dealing with things from that perspective: limited Social Security, limited physical (eliminates some jobs), limited prep, and limited energy would be interesting. Look forward to series regardless of topic.
This applies to me as well. I have a 1984 class A Motorhome, and three sons who who are mechanics. They tell me that this motorhome is mechanically in very good shape and I trust them. But still as a 67-year-old woman it's a bit daunting to think about going out on the road without a net, so to speak, financially. I'm kind of in the same boat. I only have my social security. I am capable of doing some remote work that would increase my finances, but it hasn't materialized yet, so it's not like that's something that I'm counting on. But I think addressing the best ways to get help when you're on the road, as far as not being taken advantage of by mechanics, things that absolutely must be taken care of immediately, or things that can wait, just in general mechanical issues that either can be dealt with as a DIY or must have mechanical intervention. I kind of have a grip on this because of my kids having a background in in auto mechanics, but as I said I'm old I'm a little scared. Unfortunately I am thinking that because of my financial situation and how much time it's going to take to build up the emergency fund I think I'm just going to have to wing it for a while. And hope for the best.
Me too, I have an HHR to live in. I can not find a van. I am on SS and also disabled. I know this is my future, but getting started is tough.
I will soon be 61. I had wanted to be on the road by now but financials keep holding me back. Been trying to pay off debt the last few years, was doing well but then car repairs, etc added to the debt. I'm caught up in working harder just to be able to pay rent, etc (and I live in a studio in a an area that's not so great). My current vehicle is a 2002 Honda CR-V with 240K miles thats in fairly good shape (but I think the started is going).
Before I'd even have an emergency fund, I'd need this vehicle to live in comfortably (for me anyways). I'd love to do a van build but would have no idea where to start. I'd need it to be all encompassing with shower and potty. Where do you start?
@@jamiedenton4492 I'm the same age and thinking about doing videos on real life safety where ever you find yourself. One thing I would suggest for you is to practice going out a week at a time to work out the bugs. I also work around my S.S. , I get paid the first week of the month so I travel the last and first week of the months so my check falls in the middle of my adventure out! Also try camping within 100 radius of where your son's live. Don't know the state you live in but I live in Montana so it works for me. Sorry, not getting into your business just my thoughts! Happy travels my friend!
As a single woman traveling in my TT, I am interested in the personal safety aspects of life on the road, such as how to determine where to camp safely for free, what to avoid, how to make my trailer more secure, etc.
I would recommend going to the Women's RTR. They will be covering many of these concerns in various presentation. There will also be an online version of the RTR if you can't make it to Quartzsite. All the best to you!
A few years ago I survived cancer. I haven't given up my home, but I've made lots of changes to find joy and simplify. I'm not brave enough or healthy enough to live a nomad lifestyle. I have created a life I love so I don't need to get away on vacation. I think that's what I hear in your message. However people get there, it is so important to live your life intentionally and love what you do. Life is fragile and every day is a pre ious gift. I love that you encourage people to think outside the box and do what brings joy and fulfillment. 😊
I also would like to eat out as I travel. That is a large expense.
Emergency funds are essential. WHEN your vehicle breaks down and you don’t have the funds to repair it you will be screwed. Charging items on your credit card with high interest is unsustainable…again you will be screwed if you choose that route. I never slept more soundly after realizing I had some money left over for savings (aka emergencies) every month.
Hi Brian. I'm really looking forward to this series! Something I'd love to see in the future is how to manage health insurance costs on the road and what to do in the case of medical emergencies. Thank you!
Also if you need medications how does one manage that?
I would like to hear some in-depth discussion about ways to do your own maintenance on vehicles while nomading. In my mind this would be the single biggest obstacle keeping me from this lifestyle. In my limited experience with rv parks, parking lots, national parks, you aren't allowed to do ANYTHING on or to your vehicle on other peoples property. So how do all of you old-timers handle these issues? I am talking about routine and emergency maintenance here. I am not advocating hanging engines blocks from trees to rebuild engines, but rather things that you might have to run your vehicle up on portable ramps or use jack-stands, and may take a day or two to complete. Or for if you want to run to Home Depot and get some roof sealer to seal your camper roof, but where do you go to apply it? I hear or read precious little about a subject that EVERYONE on the road has to deal with! Or is everyone on the road so wealthy that they just hire all of the maintenance work out? If that's the case, I might never make it out there! 😁
Hi, I have had no problem doing minor things with my car, like putting oil in, or even changing out a battery, in the parking lot of Auto Zone and other auto parts stores. I do ask but they have never said no. Might want to try that?
yeah, this is a tough topic to address. I do carry jack stands and some other tools with me and just figure out where to do it case by case. Sometimes you can reach out to friends or maybe there are other public options to do this work at? Not the best advice, but I also have been know to do these repairs in auto part store parking lots.
@@briangifford7023 Thanks for your reply Brian! You are doing a great job on the videos btw! I still feel that this is a topic that needs to be discussed in greater detail since the nomad lifestyle depends on saving money while staying mobile! Maybe a discussion with other long-time nomads would distill a "top 10 places' sort of list for dealing with on the road repairs. I would be willing to help out by talking with my local auto parts stores about what they are "officially" willing to allow and then report that info back to you if that would be of help. Also needed is a discussion about what is allowable on BLM land?
One of the best ways to figure out how to make money stretch is to be put in a position of not having a choice and making life changes to fit in the boundaries of income. We figure out what to do about meals, survival, and mental adjustment. It's not easy, but it can be done by anyone if they take things one step at a time... literally.
I love your comment.
Yes, author Robert Greene says to... "Put yourself on death ground. Do it or die."
Best ways to find an affordable reliable van to create my NOMAD HOME on wheels. I prefer a van . Be nice if it had a higher ceiling !! I realize that would increase cost.
My retirement income is adequate & I do have savings. Just want to be able to drive to visit family & friends without costing much to overnight places. And want to spend more time outdoors in NATURE, walking , swimming often & eating NON GMO CLEAN FOOD !
There was a RUclips video of a young lady who raised the roof on her minivan. She added a flat bottom boat upside down. Worked for her!
Good question Carol. Two years ago it was common to find $3,000 good used vans. Now-a-days, the price has almost doubled. I agree that quality food consumption is one of the most important things in life.
Types of vehicles that can last through years of travel and living.
One thing I have to emphasize right along with you and Bob is to have an emergency fund, ideally before you hit the road. Thank God I listened to Bob and had mine before I became a Nomad because the first thing to happen was my transmission gave up the ghost. And guess how much it cost? My emergency fund! What a relief that I was prepared. It's no joke, folks. You really need to have it.
You are certainly someone who emulates Bob Wells' voice, but it is very much your own. Thank you for having enough compassion and the knowledge base in sharing your life and thoughts with your viewing audience. So many in this lifetime are self centered and get "caught up" with the trap of "living to make money and not making money to live" a happy life where we can also "pay it forward". A+
My biggest concern is finding a seasonal job that will allow my canine co-pilot the most time spent together. She has been with me from the start all her life and I find it hard to leave her for any appreciable length of time. So what I'm looking for is the type of job that would allow her to be with me.
I completely understand this. My pup, Stella, was with me on the road from 2010 to 2020. Camp hosting is a great option because I would walk around with her on my "rounds" several times a day and she was at my side the entire time. Hosting with a dog is great!
Work camping has many different types of jobs that give you your space with full hook up, usually accept your animals, and spmetimes also pay you for all hours worked. I enjoy it a lot and have my dog with me. :)
How are we supposed to navigate the vehicle registration/inspection on the road? I left Pennsylvania where my vehicle is registered and am in New Mexico now. I'M NOT DRIVING BACK ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO INSPECT MY CAR. HELP!!!!
Got a tow behind. Figuring out minimal. Currently caring for my 90 year old dad, then, I'm ready to set sail!
I’m with my 89 year old Mom with dementia. I understand. I’m working slowly on a shuttle bus.
Love this. Thank you. Please continue the series. Here are my suggestions: part time RV for baby boomers. Transiting into full time RVing. Working part-time out of your RV. Converting your van or rv into an office. Cost of living in a van, vs class B vs. a Class C. Best places to buy a van, class B, & class c. Companies that do van conversions. Basic items you must have in your car to live in it part-time vs. full time. How to know if RVing or van living is the right move for you. Create a mastermind group of experienced van or rv uses that we can send our questions to and get answered live or recorded. Create a phase I, phase 2, phase 3 on how to make the transition mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.
Where are your favorite campgrounds and cheap places to park I was hoping to find something that wasn't all desert and dry
Great informational video! I sold everything ALL belongings last year, I have a home base, and I do camp hosting! Work 40 hrs with wage in return form FHU, get to explore that area while committed there. Now I’m going south for a few months while on break. I’ve stretched my savings a little but still trying to get all necessities for living abroad! Totally doable!! Jobs everywhere!
CheapRVLiving has been fantastic at encouraging the change to a nomadic lifestyle. And still, I appreciate the focus of this new series. The regular re-presentation of the things to consider and how to cover the bases is really helpful. What is most amazing - and comforting - is the broad variety of lifestyles that can fall under "nomad" - car living, mini-van living, RV-living, all of it's possible. I wonder if there is a plan to share the softskills, too? Being a good neighbor in campspots; Etiquette in communities that host many nomads (is life in Quartzite different from life in San Francisco, for example); when someone gets in a jam, is there a good way to seek help; is it okay to seek services in the community (city/town) where you've found yourself; is seeking healthcare in Algodones really as simple as showing up; how has technology changed nomad life (FaceTime with my family means they're never that far away - has that changed choices for people). These are some of the things I've thought about. Thanks! Looking forward to the series!
I Love your idea about the soft skills. SO important!!!
Go to the..RTR,In Quartzite...in January...you can go to a kazillion workshops and ask a kazilloon questoons...And talk with Real Nomads
Great ideas! And I agree, the RTR is a great resource to meet other nomads and learn a lot of those soft skills. All the best to you!
@@skooliecarol8542 Wouldn’t that be great if the 6.7k viewers of Brian’s introductory vid could do THAT! And I sure wish I could as well! But I have a feeling the larger part of 6.7 k viewers will be looking forward to whatever Brian will be sharing on RUclips.
Do a break down of your 887 cost plz
Brian, wouldn’t it be great to create a loose-leaf notebook that could be purchased by nomads at a reasonable cost to refer to. The videos are a great idea and the notebook is just a way to supplement that.
A pdf document would be helpful for download
Don’t forget that many of us who are seniors have two challenges: poor health and low income. I have serious heart issues, have had two open heart surgeries. But my mind is fine and I cannot tolerate the boredom of a nursing home. And I need to have consistent doctors. I have been looking at Caballo Loco, but they don’t have electricity fulltime and I require it as I use oxygen. So I’m looking for any good ideas.
🍀Thank you for your work. I'm confused. I just posted a comment and maybe it was RUclips- maybe it was an accident. Was very polite. Just asked basic honest questions.🌸
Respectively - a lot of Walmarts and Cracker Barrels are not allowing overnight parking. One has to look for a parking space every night if one is not on BLM land.
💐 One would want to also save to buy land if that's what one wanted to do. That would be need to be included in the monthly income. One can look at the national and State volunteer host positions and yes it is a great opportunity to be given a spot to live in a forest. Most of those positions require 20 to 30 hours a week of volunteer work.
Thank you for your time.🌼
Thanks for everyone's help each video is teaching me exactly what I need to know. Thank you Mr Bob and all of the other experienced team members and the nomad family members I can't wait for my adventures to begin 😎
Looking forward to this series -- thanks!
Excellent video! I agree! Once I found minimalism, FIRE, and nomad life I was sold on it all! I very much resonate with the concept of enough! Looking forward to more of these videos!
My biggest question is not directly financially related, but rather focused more on: For those who are financially free and seeking to venture into nomad life very soon, what are some of the best tips for meeting new friends and community out there? Especially for those of us in our mid-life (late 30's). From what I have seen, it seems that many nomads are either very young van-lifers or later retired, both of which is great. I am open to meeting new friends and connections of all ages, just curious if anyone else in their late 30's is curious about this?
@@jeremytorgersen Escapees has a subgroup for younger members called Xscapers. I think it would be a good fit for you. I began doing this in my late '20s many decades ago. It was hard to meet people close to my age. I was and am open to friends of all ages but find many folks are not. I usually met people through the seasonal jobs I worked. Now there are so many people of all ages doing this plus online communities that it is easier to meet folks. It was often lonely though plus precell phone era it was difficult and expensive to stay in touch via phone calls. Technology advances has made this lifestyle much easier.
Yep, I agree that the subgroup of Escapees (called Xscapers) is a great place to start. Also, attending a few van/nomad gatherings would be helpful, as well. Some of these cost money, but some are free, as well.
I was on the road for 4 years and enjoyed it a lot. I only used my Social Security but got by. Learned to be more of a minimalist the hard way. I found a book by Robin Barrett (Creativity RV) on RUclips it's called Work From Home While You Roam. She has a video that talks about living on the road and finding jobs. Seasonal, Part Time, Online, etc. The jobs are categorized and I would think this is a good resource for folks as well. I purchased it from Amazon books for $9.99 back in 2020.
One thing I am researching is van builders that don’t charge an arm and a leg close to my area, Florida, but it will be good to know for everybody in every area. Know it’s difficult to recommend someone and then it happens somebody is not happy with the work but maybe helpful to have a directory even if small, with the disclosure that of course you cannot guarantee everything will be OK and people should check as in every commercial transaction. People could also report back their experiences. I remember a video from Bib where he stated he didn’t recommend someone that did a job for him. That helps.
This is excellent subject as I'm in the process of looking for a used van and also researching companies that build out your van for you and I'm here to tell you they cost just as much if not more than the van itself making you end up with a rig that's over $100,000. I'm about ready to think about just throwing a cot in the back of the van and some plastic drawers and a table and anchoring them down and calling it good. I have come across some companies that make modular items that you can purchase and build and install yourself. I also came across someone who did an entire van build with Ikea items. That was kind of cool.
Interested in health insurance options and costs for those under 65.
Affordable healthcare act offers health insurance ranging from 0 to 500 monthly depending on income.
If income was $12,000 , the government subsidy would be substantial with premium cost very low for a single person.
BUDGET: How to create and maintain a budget. Frankly, most of us, even of retirement age, were never taught this. Therefore, it's a scary unknown - but so necessary. Thanks.
I’d love to see more videos on jobs for nomads. A lot of work camping jobs aren’t friendly towards van and car dwellers. They require self contained RVs and many of us don’t want or need that but need to work.
Great idea. I've worked as a camp host and while there have always been people working there in vans, cars and tents, I do think that some companies frown upon it. I would recommend finding the companies that are ok with it. All the best to you!
So glad you are doing this series. Thanks!
Choosing a state of residence was a big deal for us when we first started out. Knowing the tax situation, cost for licensing and tags on vehicles, mail forwarding costs and availability, etc, is so important. Also being aware how your health insurance works in other states is vital. Initially, we used South Dakota as our state of residence, though we didn't spend as much time there as we'd thought we would. And when one of us needed extended medical care, we found it was difficult to get the best, or most affordable, care out of state.
Type of vehicle maintenance, finding places for maintenance, insurances, receiving mail/packages, basic auto tools and fluids that should be on board, helpful apps for nomads especially for limited budgets (overnight sites, long term sites), how to travel with warmer weather, basics on how to map out trips, quick/easy affordable meals, keeping cool (self and food)...oh so many topics. Thank you for all your shared experience and expertice!!
If your living on a budget i wouldnt recommend doing this ,anything major happens and your done . Motor tranny tires all the major problems that cost thousands to fix
Most people live on some type of budget & many people nowadays either have no choice in becoming a nomad or else they're sick n tired of all of their paycheck going to a landlord. If you're not traveling constantly & have a cheaper place to park whatever your rig is & work if you need to (Bob has great videos about work & cheap parking around Quartzide & area). Then people can save up for their emergency fund, etc'
I am recently living this life. The most expense for me was the gas from home to Arizona, so now that I'm here I will be able to save for a cpl months and have that amount for return trip in the spring. Thanks Brian and Bob. Love this series. I'm also interested in some seasonal work or jobs in the big tent. Thanks and Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
What kind of social circle do nomads have? Do you tend to travel and camp in the same places and meet up with people that you know through the years? It seems like campers are more friendly but always traveling. What are the things that take up the most time as a nomad? Traveling, maintenance, hobbies, work, fun, etc?
The nomadic community is incredible. Quartzsite is a great place to start since many of us go there and you will meet tons of other nomads there. After that, you tend to either travel with other (if you want) or you end of bumping into them along the way.
@@briangifford7023 Can you rent a camper / van at Quartzite for a visit to get to know folks and see options?
The best advice I can give is to change your mental attitude to make things happen, take one "obstacle" at a time and find a solution to it and move on to the next. I am single, had a transplant and work to support myself. No one gives me anything and yet, I make things happen for me by changing my attitude to achieve a positive outcome. Just visualize what you want, find a way and then another and another until you make it happen.
I took Bobs advice 2 years ago and paid off all my cards and now have cushion. The 1989 Dodge van is almost done , p/s belt & speedo cable replacement this week. I plan on leaving for Quartzite the 1st week of January from Verdi Nv., 1 ft. of snow on the ground here. I do really enjoy all the different videos on how to get ready for the Nomad life style that you and Bob put out. I don't really have certain questions but it seems ya'll come up with a video about what I should put on my list of things to do. Thank you for the encouragement, it keeps my spirits up. I do look forward to being with positive people.
I love this series. Even if you don’t live on the road. At the end of the video you mentioned money management and I think that’s the #1 issue.
Amazing how bad so many Americans are with simple budgeting. A shock when I lived there but Americans are brought u in such a materialistic society where their very worth as a human being in based on consumerism. Very sad way to exist. No quality of life. He's got the right idea. Freedom and exercise always value more than things.
Great idea, I've been a financial planner for 37 year- and my main focus for clients is to live conservative and focus more on management than looking for high returns in investing. A well disciplined life will provide a prosperous free life. Thanks for your focus.
Yes, thank you! Now in the retirement stage of life, I have witnessed lifetime frugal folks with lower earning power and living within or under their ability now far better off in retirement than folks with greater earnings that have lived beyond their means.. who now struggle in retirement. Hard reality and lesson for those who will listen.
The emergency fund is a good idea.
I built a shuttle bus, had a plan, was just beginning to build my emergency fund, and a tree fell on my bus, in the middle of the night, 25 miles from my job.
In the middle of a northeastern us winter.
A year later, I'm still stuck here, but, about to buy a new chassis.
I set out on a journey.
It's been one, just don't expect it to be the one you had planned.. lol.
One thing I would love to see, is more about getting started. Downsizing, selling/eliminating possessions, etc. There's TONS if videos about builds & what not, but I never see anything about downsizing & making the actual shift to on the road, full time.
How many garage sales did people have, did they just give/ donate everything, how much is in storage somewhere, things like that.
Thanks so much, love, love, love all the videos!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Love this! Thank you. People need to see this that are on disability and/or fixed incomes. Making the moments count not the spending? What you do with the hours while not moving? Do you put money in savings each month then take out chunks when you need it? Food stamps as a nomad?
Great ideas! Thanks for the input! Hopefully I'll cover these and more in future videos!
Like a few other comments: health insurance, cost of living increase if boondocking is not the primary way of camping, internet costs for those who must have high speed internet access, additional costs such as monthly services that may be pet or security related . Thanks so much for this series!Really looking forward to it!
My opinion after watching many many videos is to start in a minivan if your are one person . It's the cheapest way in and you can sleep , eat , relax in comfort ." Eric enjoys earth "has the best lay out to max space, storage and yes you can bathe in your minivan too . For advice nobody nobody beats this channel and Bob is the salt of the earth .
One of the best videos on finances I've seen. Very realistic and covers all the bills! Nice job!
I would be interested in budget for travel, the ever-changing cost of fuel and food, it would probably run a hundred a day so there might not be a lot of travel.
Great idea! I would love to hear Maybe two or three minute vignettes or even 5 minute vignettes from people who have felt that they've had a successful Nomad experience financially and things they have learned from their mistakes also. I think it would be fun to hear from Bob and some of the people who are in charge of HOWA, that we see sometimes with Bob and other RUclipsrs and nomads that have learned how to do Nomad life successfully financially. I would also like to see group shares and or a "reporter on the street" 30 second interview of people at the RTR or other gatherings.You could invite RUclipsrs to submit a short...maybe minute long video on tips and tricks, financially, and that would promote their channel too. I appreciate what you had to share in this video. It was very valuable, and if you come up with more valuable things I would like that. I surely want to hear more from you and I also feel that it would be fun to hear little vignettes from people who are nomads and are financially successful doing it. Many of us are seniors. I think a series on giving seniors advice and helpful hints would be nice. Thank you for what you offer this community. I appreciate you!
This is a great idea! I'll see if I can make it happen!
Thanks for taking the time to do this new series on living the nomad lifestyle. Looking forward to future videos as the input comes in. Well done and great info of what you have accomplished since 2009. Merry Christmas to all the Team at Cheap RVing.
I’m super excited to follow this series. My biggest concern is eating healthfully. With the medical system spiraling out of control I find it’s important to take care of my health. I try my best to avoid processed foods and know that storage is extremely important living in a small vehicle. Any information that way would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do, that’s for Bob too!
What's your day-to-day life and how you're living to save money and want to hear those intricacies of your tips and tricks and a day-to-day living this lifestyle and 2 years I'm going to retire and I want to know how I can live is frugal as you are doing
Thanks for the video. I need to know more about how to use Gas Buddy. Where to find cheap safe campsites. How to save on groceries.
What would be useful for me: budget meal prep/ food storage; addressing medical needs on the road; how to invest when building an emergency fund...
Your syntax, conversation style, cadence---perfect!
Awesome, great job on this new series. Cant wait for the next one. Im about 4 years away from retiring and looking to go in the direction of this life style.
As a person who maybe living this way soon There are a couple things important to me that I dont know yet is this. One sources for type C or A used motorhomes that are ok with fair prices. Second, Where east of Mississippi river where to camp that is like BLM land out west. I have family here that I really want to see from time to time. My plan (if you want to call it that) is to be east to visit, Then head west to BLM for winter months.
This is why I watch you guys. Always helping. Thank you.
I would really like to see a video on food. What exactly does a months food look like? Do you eat the same thing for breakfast everyday? Is lunch just snack items i.e. crackers, cheese, apple, pb and j? What are you eating on a day to day, week to week basis? Dinner? cans of chili? do you bar-b-q? cans of veggies? What do you eat in a typical month? How often do you restock? Do you have basic food items that cover most of your needs? Do you get bored with your food?
Excellent! Taking care of personal health and wellness is at, or near the top of the list. (IMHO) Health, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness can make life in general a whole lot better. Nomad or not. Cheap healthy eating, exercise, meditation etc. Could be useful topics to address. Peace out.
Very Much Like the idea of this video series. We have been RVing since 1995 but only on a longer but part-time basis (usually 4-6 months per year) and we've been to 3 RTR's in that time, but you can always learn no matter what age or experience level. One Topic could be the type and age of RV/van/car to choose. We have always had motorhomes/vans under 26' but our current Sprinter is too costly to repair and maintain and sometimes you have to go far to get it serviced or repaired. The Financial Aspects are a critical topic. We don't use an emergency fund, we use credit cards that we payoff after the trip, which gives us cashback, points and other benefits, and you have a record of spending, but it's real easy to overspend! We try to keep our budget to $1500/mo, (with $500 going to RV payment and insurance) but we can only do this rarely. For example, this past trip July-November we spent $2,000 in unbudgeted repairs that totally shot our budget! So, you will need credit cards or an emergency fund because one always seems to go over budget - and the older the RV, probably the more the repairs (ours is a 2012).
you've done a great job creating a lifestyle that reflects your priorities - and it's awesome too!
Of the costs you mentioned food and maintenance have the most flexibility. How do you eat inexpensively as a nomad? What are the tradeoffs among convenience, quality, cost, etc.? How can you avoid costly repairs to your vehicle?
I like your comment on trade offs. In our human economy, there is always a trade off between... Price, Quality, and Urgency.
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Avoiding vehicle break downs.
Back in the 1930's a documented trip was made, from coast-to-coast. They never drove over 26 miles per hour - all to prove the reliability of their vehicle. Meaning, the accelerator causes most breakdowns. A nomad, that I know never, ever, drives over 50 mph. He still has breakdowns but far fewer than the average.
This is my first time really believing that I can actually be free of all the things holding me back. And with every video I watch my confidence is growing. My first question is what's the best or most reasonable vehicle 🤔 that I can start out with? I live on a Social Security income of $890.00 a month and my credit is not to bad yet..
I don't have a specific vehicle in mind, but just ask yourself if you are the kind of person that wants to drive to a new place every day or are you good with sitting still in one place...this will help determine if you need a vehicle with great gas mileage or just so-so mileage. Also, the vehicle market is constantly changing, so just keep you eyes out for a good deal.
@@briangifford7023 Thanks soooo much that makes a lot of sense 👍 Happy Holidays
Thank you so much 4 doing this video. It's so important. Safe travels. Low income folks , really need this information. Freedom in life matter's
Many thanks.
I live in my sedan and I believe doing things like being a campground host/seasonal work require you to be completely self contained (electrical, composting toilet, water). I've done seasonal work in the past but I didn't have a car at the time. I know they offer housing but at this point in my life, I don't want to be required to share a room with up to 3 other people. I also don't have remote worker skills. So I'm just curious what other work options are available. I also think maybe having a community list of reputable mechanics around the country would be nice.
I like your idea about the "community list of reputable mechanics" or mechanics that are "nomads" traveling around the country that can assist those of us that aren't mechanically inclined and who are also reputable.
Best idea yet on this thread
Honest Mechanic list
You might be surprised that you could still camp host while in your sedan. Some companies may frown on this, but when they get desperate, they might accept that situation. I knew a lady working at a campground living in her tent...you have restrooms right there and she set up a separate tent for her kitchen area. Very doable!
I live full time in my vehicle. I work 6 days a week as a carer/farm hand. I earn $2000 a month. My vehicle allows me to live on site while I'm at work. My fuel costs are about $280 a month for one trip to the city to see my grown up kids on the weekend and a bit more. Add car insurance , car rego and maintenance etc.
If I moved back to sticks and bricks where I used to live I would add $1000 a month for rent, $80 a month for power and utilities plus an extra $1000 a month in fuel to get to work 5 days a week. Not to mention 10 hours travel time a week. You can see pretty quickly that it doesn't add up for me to live in a house. My car costs remain the same either way but actually the car maintenance and fuel would be higher if I had a house. Point I'm trying to make is that I'm not exchanging house rent for van life costs I'm just removing the house part and also saving on pre existing vehicle costs. Essentially vanlife is saving me atleast $500 a week plus 10 hours a week commuting time. I would literally only be going home to sleep.
When I lived in a house I had to work a job I didn't really enjoy to pay for a house I would never own anyway. Now I can say at least I own my own home 😊 I wake up in the wilderness and when I want to go on holiday I'm ready to go anytime.
Can’t wait to see this series. Thank you