I have been trying to get out of the horrible private rented sector for so long and would love to live in a van, but am scared of messing it all up. Your videos are always an inspiration and very informative. Thanks man.
Wyzax76, almost everyone ends up with a different rig than they started with. Don't be scared of messing it all up, enthusiastically plan on it! I would encourage you to start simple, cheap (plastic bins are great!) and light. You will learn what you need as you need it. What is essential for someone else might be a waste of time and money for you. Jump in the shallow end with a few dry runs in whatever vehicle you have. If you decide this is something you'd like to do fulltime get all of your ducks in a row with a residential address, vehicle tags, health insurance, bank account, etc. Then hit the road and start messing it all up!
I am ready to do it and I am learning to embrace making mistakes. I have become a little risk averse over the years, but it's something I'm working on and I am hoping that living off-grid will force me to take those risks that will help me be more at ease with taking risks. Thanks man.
Wyzax76 You can live in a van and still keep your job if that is your thing. If you save what you would have paid in housing, you can have a heck of an early retirement fund. Check out Justincredible on RUclips.
Great Advice ! I'm an 80 yr old that worked hard all my life. Kidded myself, that "I liked my job". What they don't tell you is that when you finally get to retire, you're too damn old to enjoy it. Can't run and climb , really experience the outdoors. You're right, live life, don't be a slave. Everything is bright when you're young, all that gets dim when you get old.
I would say at 80 it's time to live your life for yourself. So what if you can't run or climb. You can look at the scenery. Marvel at God's creation. I'm always amazed at the different shaped creatures He created on earth and in the seas. I, too, have worked practically all my life. I set a goal for 70. Didn't quite make it because I needed a shoulder replacement. After that absence from work, I decided I liked not going in every day or being told what to do by a manager who had no training but did have a hostile attitude. Anyway, it's been a long year. I made it to working until I was 69. Last year my mother in law died and left a mess. We are working through that. We decided to sell our house, bought a 5th wheel. It took 8 months to find a truck to pull it. It seems like we've had a lot of road blocks. We are working through them and plan to be on the road later than January '22. We are 71 and 72. So go, do, see, explore. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow. So you might as well live for today the best way you can.
@@gayledunne2657 Gayle, well, I am 74 and with a old-small RV wanting to get going also. Curious what state are you? and what vehicle choice are thinking about? I've thought of finding other ladies in their 70's to connect with.
Traded my car for van got everything packed out of my apartment and now I'm packing everything in my van and tomorrow morning I will be on my epic adventure thank you Bob you've helped me a lot
Pretty depressing how I've spent most of my "life's energy" so that someone else could have a quality life. Well not any more, dammit. Bob, you are an inspiration.
Hi @@whyjustwhy2168 , well 4 years later I've saved enough cash to buy a 3 bdrm, 3 bath house in very desirable place in mexico. my property taxes are $80 a year.
I am 57 years old and I have never had a vacation. I may have taken long weekends but never could afford to take a trip to anywhere or anyplace that I wanted to see. I am now, making changes and looking for a van. Thank you for your informative videos.
Where do you live? Maybe you should vacation in Hawaii. I have lived here 36 years and am afraid to take a day off. I'm afraid of what I'd miss. Nothing is worse than killing time.
Susann Minall have you considered a Toyota pickup?They are reliable vehicles and there are plenty of examples of home built campers that are dirt cheap.
57 also. I am seriously considering RV life. Trying to catch up on back taxes on house for 4 years. Filed bankruptcy 4 years ago and separated at that time. Fed up with throwing everything I've got at 4 walls. The only problem I have is what to do with my daughters favorite goats. They are "left over" from her 4-H days. She's not independent and I just don't know what to do with them. Family in Texas. Considering RV living and maybe sending for them in the future when I get settled out west.
At 38 I said Enough. Me and mom retired from the public sector. She took a job as a private care taker for a few years. I came to Europe and we got .25 acre and a 600 sq ft house for 6.500 . My yearly taxes are aboyt 20 dollars. After mom is gone, I am going completely off grid. which will leave plenty of money for other stuff! Life is good, and I am glad I saw it at 38 instead of 50 or older! Blessings to you!
I am a van lifer and have been watching your videos and have learned a lot from you I really thank you for putting them out you are the guru of nomad life
Bob, on so many levels you have described my life! The good news is last year I decided I would move into a RV to live on the road, it was 3 year plan. The better news is I decided I couldn't wait that long so I started looking into converting my Dodge Caravan into a mini RV. It is all coming together and I will on the road Nov 1st! Thank you and everyone else for the many videos post on this topic. Hope to meet you on road!
Ian Kirk are you doing video's of the van build? I am totally trying to do this myself with a minivan but I'm still trying to find a minivan ...but I am totally into this idea
Haven't decided if I'm going to do videos or not. It looks like the actual build will take place in December. Meanwhile I have been diligently been using a free Google Program called Sketchup Make to design my build. Once you get the hang of the program it is really rewarding to create a 3D design. I could have never envision the 360 degree design I'm ending up with.
Because of you I broke out of the rut and now my front yard is in Steward AK in my RV facing Resurrection Bay! Until I move on from here. Life is so good now because of your inspirational videos! Thanks Bob!
watched most of your videos. Have done a lot of tent camping, but the last 10 years or so have camped in evertthing from a pop up to 35 foot 5th wheel. My goal is to eventually get a small van camper or similar and go fulltime. Life situation right now would make that unrealistic. But wanted to let you know that watching your videos made me realize that my dream can be a reality. Thank you, SueB
I've been on the Internet since 1993, before Microsoft's Internet Explorer and before Netscape... back then we used Mosaic. I even joined eBay, Amazon and Facebook when they first premiered. I watched online videos before RUclips was purchased by Google and have watched 1000's upon 1000's of videos since the old days. As everyone knows, RUclips has all kinds of videos about anything anyone wants to learn about. I have to say that out of all the time I've been on the net and all the videos I've watched over the last 2 decades that this channel is one of the best and most useful I've ever seen. These videos are very useful, very practical, very instructive and money saver, not to mention that it can change people's lives for the better. Great job, Sir! People like you should be getting awards for doing good in the world and not some Hollywood star.
Rent outside of Los Angeles was killing me. I bought a 32' A class Holiday Rambler. 20 years old, low mileage. $10k. Then I moved into it and onto a former horse-property for 3 years, and now I'm on the back of a property right next to where I used to rent a cottage. I pay $400 for my spot, and I'm paying about $800 a month less than what I was paying to rent the cottage. I'm very comfortable, and hoping to put a trailer on my sister's land in Oregon. Right now I'm looking for the right Astro to trick out for traveling. I figure I'll have two tiny houses and a traveling rig by the time I retire. Thanks for all the stellar content, Bob.
My partner and I were tired of being taken advantage of by slumLORDS and moved into a skoolie. Now, we finally have the financial freedom to move out of the Midwest. Your videos are such a valuable resource for our research and planning. Thank you for what you're doing!
I worked 1.5 years 55hrs a week like a slave I had 5 different supervisors in the end I got fired because one of them didn't like me , for no reason he fired simply because I told him not to be swearing at me ,society is sick this system is not working
Exactly. I had a supervisor, and manager that used their phones 2, or 3 hours per day every day. They always passed on the work they didn't do on to me, than they bitched at me for not getting it done. FFS.
Bob, This was a truly from your heart video, your passion showed thru. Thank you for this video, it arrived when I was feeling worried about life and it really helped me decide to continue to follow my Dreams! I look forward to your next one.
I live vicariously through your channel as I am happily married but yeah, no way my husband would ever consider this. So I watch and I dream and enjoy your channel.
KarenT .... why not watch the videos together with your husband....bring him into your dream to make it a realty... let him she the traveling of other nomadic traveler's... let him see it for himself... watch videos together for about a month...then set your discussion to see if he be interested to live on the road and not just set around in your house doing nothing... Do we all realize how much time we spend in our homes or apartments...JUST SITTING???? get out there and LIVE AND EXPLORE
You simply never know what tomorrow will bring. Things can go to 'ell faster than you can believe. But YOU will know how to do it if the need arises. And that will count for more than you realize.
KarenT , the funny thing is my situation is the same as yours , been convincing my wife for years to live a nomad life and rent free. I feed her the positive sides of this lifestyle and each day her mind is changing slowly.
KarenT I don't know how old you are, but don't forget that the "decade after decade" grind Bob complains about gave him a pension as well as social security to fall back on. He also has other money making ventures going on, even now. We retired in a nice, comfy Motor home with a pension and social security and IRA accounts. It is just less stressful when you don't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. But that takes a while to put together. See if your hubby likes that idea better.
I watch you all the time. I cling to every word because this is not the life I want to be living. I have begun getting rid of stuff and simplifying as we speak. I have started getting some things together that I would need for van life. Camp stove etc. Little things. I won't go into my whole situation here, but as soon as I can afford a .van I will be free. Right now I am on my way to freedom. But then I will be free. Thank you for all you do.
good paying job, house full of stuff...still miserable! I told my coworkers that when i show up to work one day with a van they can be sure it won't be long before i'm gone. I love watching your videos and others, they are giving me the courage to do this. One of these days!!
I'm tired of getting others rich. I'm taking baby steps to change my life . I'm tired of electric bills, internet,. Property tax mortgage, car insurance, bank fees, I'm taking bobs wisdom to heart.
Average Chicago-land rents are at $1300 per month, plus all the (nickel & dimed to death) rent insurance, water, garbage, sewage, parking space fee !!!! mine was $65 per month !!!!! so the average total rent related fees are at least $150, even the freeways are not free here, Tollways are almost at $2 now !!!! just to go somewhere .... yep, I'm done..... Thank You Bob !!!!!! Thank You Bob, for reminding me NOT To Sign a 12 month lease !!!! if you do if you want out, the penalty is 4 X's the rent, 4 X's $1300 + $150 rent related fees = $5,800 !!! Even the room for rents are like $900+ utilities.... sorry no roommates here !!!
I think it is great that we are all free to make decisions about how and where to live our life and Bob's information is fantastic. That said, I would like to discuss some of the decisions my wife and I made that support making house payments and working full time. We are currently in our 60's and retired. We made many sacrifices raising kids, paying for their college educations and paying a mortgage. While some may consider that a horrible existence, it has paid dividends beyond our wildest dreams. The home we worked for was the single best investment we have made and allowed us to retire in our 50's. We sold it and purchased a small ranch for cash in the Sierra Foothills. We are currently traveling the USA in a Class A Motorhome. All of this and much more because we worked and paid for a home. Please do not make our choices sound so pathetic. I respect your choice to live in a car, it is a free country and we are all very lucky to be able to make these choices.
You are absolutely right. I commend you and your wife for your hard work. I hope you are still enjoying the fruits of your labor. It is definitely easier when you have a partner or are making adequate money but so many are not in your situation. This country says everyone has the same opportunity, but that really isn't true. It is only true hypothetically. The "american dream" is an American nightmare for far far too many. But you have fared well, congratulations.
WE'RE THE SAME AGE... BUT I FEEL SOOOO VERY LATE.. AND WASTING TIME... THIS YEAR I PLAN TO BEGIN LIVING AGAIN .. FOR MYSELF THIS TIME... THANKYOU BOB!! You're FUCKIN AWESOME !!!!!
When my mother passes away, (she's 74), I'm going to be in a financial situation and it's nice to have a plan. I'm grateful for your work. Thank you. I will be seeing you (hopefully) one day. I'm chronically ill on disability.
Seeing this series again now September 2020 really gave me a reinforced appreciation of Bob and all of his knowledge, his giving spirit, and prescience. Talk about life saving material.
He is telling the truth because I am doing it now. I started April 13 of this year, and every morning I wake up and say to myself with all sincerity that I love my life. Just being alive rocks! Be brave and do it, folks!
Dear Bob, I finally bought a used Class C in my immediate neighborhood! I'll learn on it as I wrap up my dry and dead career here in L.A. Thank you so much for your videos! I didn't know where to start? You are doing a great public service!!! I turned 65 this July 2017. Can't wait to sell this money pit of a townhouse of an albatross around my neck, quit this job, and hit the road !!!
I bring home $2000 a month and my rent and utilities total $1100. I owe $900 a month in credit card payments that I racked up buying stuff and fixing the house. I am $400 short on trying to survive monthly.
@@Abbs_SJ hi there! I got a different job making $2400 a month and am now barely breaking even but grateful. Thank you for asking about me 😊 I hope you are doing ok and hang in there!
Bob you are the savior of our age - don’t want to blow up your head and sure you hear the same a lot but bless you for all you have done for all of us- may the road ahead be smooth and the wind always be at your back
Such a service you are doing. I have all the camping gear and a paid off 4x4 suv. Thank you! I have already made plans for 2 months of this summer just to get my feet wet. And, I plan to dive in after that. Looking forward to the series, Bob.
Your a sweet man caring about people like that, sharing a decent set of ideas that encourage people to start again, instead of giving up, is a beautiful thing to do god bless you, kind sir.
What an informative and knowledgeable video, thank you Bob. . Like many of us, I live in that race race. I no longer enjoy the big house, yard work, financial responsibilities. I want out and dream of freedom. I admire all the people who have had the courage to get out of the rat race and live simply.
You are TRULY a blessing to MANY of us , Bob! Before finding your channel- I too was hopelessly paying my life away...Just reVANping my new home on wheels to SOON be 100% nomadic!!! THANKS a Million!!!🚐💝😉
Hi Bob, great video as usual! Thank you for caring so much about people that you do these videos. We still have you and your Mother in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m tricking out my suv. Yesterday, I installed curtains. I’m 67 years young, and I’m really excited about my nomadic lifestyle! I may keep it really simple, or I may eventually get a cargo trailer and turn it into my little castle. Wheee!!!!! Freedom!!!!
Really buying anything with debt is a horrible idea. The only thing that has any valie with its debt would be a house that you'll own one day with equity. Rent without a chamce of a return is like burning your money away. I personally plan on buying land and putting a house/shed on it fully furnished and paid for for under $15k easily though. It'll serve as a home base of sorts for my travels. You're right, why run the ratrace? I'm glad I've come to realise a lot of this stuff in the last few years (I'm 26). You're doing a good thing for the community Bob.
Thank you Bob for careing and being such an inspiration. I am in the process of living a full life not boggled down by all rent and bills. It's a hard decision to make thinking that you have to have these things like rent and a house....but that little desperate seed inside my soul has grown to be free and full of life.....I'm 54 and ready......much thanks to you for always being there for encouragement and really careing about and for people ....to lead a good full happy life! God Bless you and thanks.....
If I could give you zillion thumbs up I would Bob! I have been following your amazing videos for some time now! I've actually started a notebook for this series you're doing. I'll add these notes to many I've already written on your previous videos. Even as I write this, the fire truck and ambulance are just feet outside my apartment, ready to take away one more 'senior'. It's a daily reminder to me that I have to break out of this cycle before my options run out. FREEDOM is what calls me! Thank you! Thank you! For inspiring so many! Don't stop!
You're a vision of hope. I'm planning my escape right now. Last day in this apartment is July 15th! I hope to one day to cross paths with you and thank you personally for all you taught me and giving me the courage to restructure my whole life for a better way of existing. Hugs!
Tina Torres Ok, I started 11 days ago. I was excited, then I felt super alone. I'm excited to see ladies my age with similar mindset doing this, too. I'm reenergized. hope to see you on the roads! congrats and have fun.
Jane Doe Awesome Jane you're living the life! I hear ya about feeling super alone. I did a couple of test runs in national forests nearby at both empty and crowded campsites and boondocking completely off-grid all alone too with not a soul around for miles. Being out in nature away from the rat race actually living the nomad life for those trips was so incredibly refreshing! I can't wait to be full-time like you! I have to admit I felt a bit unnerved to be all alone as a solo female traveler for security reasons. My little dog kept me company, but I can see how the experience would be so much more enhanced tailgating with other like minded nomads (like Caravan Carolyn, Pandamonium and RV Joey do...they have a blast!). I'm hoping to find my own traveling "tribe” at the next RTR or other big event. Let me know if you end up going to one. Maybe we can meet there. This invitation is open to all solo travelers looking for convoy buddies. Mztventures@yahoo.com.
Tina when i read of Women such as yourself w the courage n fortitude to venture off like this, i say to myself , Hello ??? I'm a 6'2 240lb. STRONG good lookn guy, I CAN DO THIS TOO !!!
I love your videos Bob!!! I'm 59 years old and disabled with a condition called Occipital Neuralgia that causes extreme head pain. I moved from Iowa to Colorado Springs last year to treat it with cannabis oil when I felt I couldn't go on with the pain any longer. My pain is managed much better now. I've worked 2 and 3 jobs most of my life as a divorced mother. My disability is hard to survive on. I was so depressed before watching your videos, then I started to to have hope again! I've also learned so much!!! Now my sister who has helped me a lot has almost convinced me I can't do it because any lifting causes my pain to be worse. I so want to do it! I don't want to be dependent on anyone else and I would love the adventure! I've always loved the outdoors. Safety is another concern. My children are supportive but worried. Thanks for all your videos and the joy they have brought me. I feel I know you already. Best wishes Bob! I hope your mother is doing ok.
This may become the most important video series you have ever made. Really looking forward to all episodes. FYI: Retirement age is rapidly approaching, and I am feeling a need to downsize / simplify, and try to reduce expenses so I will be able to LIVE instead of merely SURVIVING. Thank-you...
Bob, I'm so excited about this series! So much great information. I live in my van pretty often, even though I have a beautiful home, and am in good financial shape. I do it because it feeds me. I have become a much happier person! People often assume that van dwellers are in it because they don't have a choice, but that is just not true. I've slept in the most beautiful places, and met the best people. Thanks for the New Mexico State Park pass information. I just looked it up, and since I'm a resident, can buy a year for $180. Bargain!
Ive been following for 5 yrs. All the while being a caregiver to my mom She just passed in February. Im getting my SUV fixed up new tie rods, new tires and organizing how I want to do this. I plan to be at the RTR in Jan 2021 and start living my life in freedom. I no longer have child support and have few bills. I'm debt free and I'm going to take the plunge. I hope to meet you at the RTR.
I think this is a great topic. Thanks for the video and all the good points. I put your points below, and I'm looking forward to the series "......I'll show you how to 1) disperse camp free on National Forest or BLM land, 2) stay at Ehrenberg, AZ for free, 3) create a free homestead at Slab City, 4) live on Quechen Indian land for $80 a year, 5) stay at a Long Term Visitor Area year-around, 6) buy an Annual New Mexico State Parks Pass that lets you stay for free at any of their State Park Campgrounds for $225 a year, and finally, 7) Live at the Coyote Howls RV Park for $500 a year. ......With all these options, I think everyone who watches my videos should give very serious thought to becoming a full-time nomad and living the life of their dreams!"
Thanks Bob, I just bought an RV and I've got about a month of downsizing before I can hit the road!!! I've traveled across the country three times since 2001 in a van and a car, now with the RV I can go and stop when I want and rest much better in the RV with a lot less cost!!! Thank you for all the tips and encouragement and I hope to meet you on the road someday to thank you in person!!! Enjoy the Journey !!!
I'm 66 years old and have been "living" with an abusive (verbal, mental & physical) wife for over 13 years. When she recently told me that she doesn't like me and hasn't liked me for more than 10 years, I realised that I really need to break free. Living full time in an RV is offering me a way out. No children are involved and the house is hers, as she constantly tells me, so now I am looking for a suitable vehicle from which I can also work, being a freelance bookkeeper/accountant. Just can't decide whether to get a Motorhome (Class C or Class A) or Travel Trailer. The parks themselves may have size restrictions, which will help me choose. I have already started getting rid of 'stuff' that I won't be able to take with me. The future is already here. Great videos, Bob. Thank you so much for what you are doing.
I am patiently waiting for 11 more videos.I have watched all your videos and have learned a lot.Last year we rented a minivan and traveled 6200 kilometers from Toronto to Prince Edward Island and back,always staying in Hotel Walmart.This saved us $120 a day in hotel costs alone.More power to you.
You are so right BoB and honestly i've been doing alot of research from BLM, solar panels, My RYOBI tools ;) , Ehrenburgh, RTR etc etc... See you out there soon!
Thank you so much Bob it’s amazing how many people Have gotten on the road because of you, I’m Going to rent my house which will give me a little extra money because I couldn’t maintain my house & I couldn’t afford it, I had to sell it or rent it so I’m going to try the nomad life for a year and then if I like it I’ll sell my house, I am 73 so that kind of makes me nervous thanks for your encouragement
So happy to have found you, Bob! I'm currently still working eating sleeping ... and repeat ... but know this way of life isnt sustainable for me moving into the future (I'm 59 today). I've been so afraid. You give me real hope. Enjoying your videos so much and learning!
Same here, I'm just a few years younger than you and lost everything during the Great Recession. I've been living paycheck to paycheck and carrying back-breaking debt ever since. If I could RV for three years and pay everything off, the world would be my oyster...and I'd enjoy myself in the meantime as well! I'm going to try it.
Looking forward to seeing these. Also I think rv parks can be very reasonable as well. There seem to be quite a few that are more out in the countryside that have pretty low monthly rates($300). That gives you water, power(for AC), sewage, and maybe even laundry. I lived for 5 years at a marina on a boat for $300 a month, loved it there, paid off my debts and put together a small nest egg from all the money I was saving. I felt like it was a much higher quality of life too, compared to apartment living.
Wow $300 for a boat on the marina. Super affordable. I've been thinking about moving onto a boat. I haven't yet done the research but when my debts are paid off then I can look into that. Inspiring!!
Great Channel Bob ! As a widower & Army retiree age 54, I dipped into my 401K to buy my 1st Rv so I could freely travel. I opened an IRA to put the money back for later retirement at the suggestion of my CPA.
I was getting ready to say you are filming on the east coast. Beautiful background as usual. Humidity and skeeters suck though. Virtual Van Hugs to you and your mom
I have 2 suitable vans for my transportation business. Car payments for 3 vehicles are $1,200 a month. Eventually I will live on the road with income from the pension I am collecting. Thanks to these tutorials it will be like muscle memory.
Bob you have inspired me to work on Cutting loose! Like others, have been researching, but will admit that I am not very "handy" Hopefully I will find others that can assist me with putting together my rv home.
I spent well over 10 yrs living in my dodge camper van in Vancouver,bc,,drove a night shift cab,,saved all my money and bought a beautiful inexpensive lot on a beautiful gulf island,,i must say I surprised myself because now every day I wake up in my own pvt paradise,,and am wealthy beyond any reasonable standard,,also I loved living in a van on the street,,enjoyed it all, I still have that beauty of a 84 dodge ram camper sitting on the property,,just cant seem to sell it,,,,,enjoy your day,,,
Excellent presentation - your format and content are college level. As a matter of fact, they should be teaching practical living as a normal part of our American education. Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to hopefully see you again at the next RTR.
Blue Bird I'm a high school teacher and I guarantee you for me nothing is farther from the truth. I came to teaching late in life...42. Now 62. I teach reality as best as I can. But most people learn best and mainly from their own mistakes. I plan on sharing Bob's channel to my students. Sadly, as an older teacher...many think the older one is...the less we know. Administration being the worst.
I homeschooled 6 children for 27 years. (All educated and productive, working citizens, thank you :-) They learned everything from mechanics to animal husbandry to growing and preserving their own food. I make almost everything from scratch including food, personal care products, clothing, and upcycle/recycle anything I can. Some of the kids don't want to do these things at this stage of their lives and some do a few of the self-sufficient things, but as my dad says, "when the big one hits, it's my kids who will survive"
especially if you get an mba. All they learn how to do is fk other people over without regard for the environment... all for their stock price.ruclips.net/video/hSOKFIQHFrc/видео.html
Love watching Bob"s s vdeos. However I'm British, I live in Wales a very beautiful, Celtic country. We are !lucky to have the NHS which is free health care, I even get my prescriptions free. No wonder a lot of Americans choose to watch Bob's video"a and live a nomads life. Take care everyone x
PIMA20132770579 No, and it can be taken away anytime the fed wants to. I knew a family that bought a home, paid it off, then the city came in and told them they had to leave, forced them out paying them only pennies on the dollar the value of their home, and built a freeway through. That family ended up poor in subsidized housing.
PIMA20132770579 Yes, 30 years ago I bought a 2 bedroom bungalow on the edge of a 1.5 sq mi town. My taxes were $325 a month and I felt once I paid off my mortgage, I would just pay taxes and other monthly costs needed to live in the house. Fast forward 30 years and yes, mortgage is paid but the taxes have more than doubled and so have the other monthly bills for water, sewer, heating oil, etc. It is more costly than living in an apt. Yes, I have equity but bc I live on the border of one of the most dangerous cities in the country, I'd be lucky to get $90k and I paid 65k in 1987. I was told a home price doubles in the 30 years of a mortgage. Maybe so but not for me. I have roofed and sided it for 25k. The bath and kitchen are early 60's and will take about 25k to remodel, the knob and tube electrical wires need to be replaced n updated as does major plumbing and there goes another 10k. So that's 25+25+10. My heater broke down this winter and will be replaced for a few thou as well as a new water heater and 3 room AC units bc I don't have central air. So that's already about 65k. I might just sell the 104 yr old house as is bc of personal problems I incurred due to my depression, when the house sells, I have a huge lien that will be paid off at that time so there is little money I'll actually get to recoup any remodeling costs and I'll still be paying the home equity loan after the house sells bc I'll be "under water" (I think that's the term used). I'm lucky that I saved for retirement and get a pension so I will be okay. This idea of van dwelling appeals to me big time.
Yours is a wonderful way to live life both extraordinarily well & very inexpensively. I can already tell this series is going to be a must see for anyone with a seriously limited income.
Thank you Bob. I loved your video. I can't wait to see the full series. I think it offers an incredible amount of hope to so many of us. Why do we pay for all of these "things"? Or for that matter.....why do we have to stress if we can't? Shouldn't life be more fun and full of simple and happy moments? Quality of life......
An EPIC passionate Bob philosophy lesson...thank you brother! You are right...this might be the most important video you have ever made. There is no economic recovery and things are getting more difficult, not less for most people. Hope and a plan...much needed!
Yeah, I keep watching his videos and dreaming to one day do this myself. I tell my family to not buy me any gifts as I'm slowly trying to downsize myself and don't want more "stuff"!
Joan Milano ...WOW That was pretty check....but, how much did you have to pay the attorney? That's so awesome.... are you going but an RV to live on the road and travel now?
Obiron Kahnobi I have family that work in the Social Security office I can tell you for a fact the first time your file comes across the desk it's not even looked at it is automatically denied and if they can get away with it they'll deny you a second time but the second they bring an attorney in to it it's approved file again immediately
It was about 8 yrs ago - the attorney got a straight fee of $600 (well worth it!) I bought a condo, I hadn't heard of the van life back then. How I wish I had! Now, my health is too bad to travel and I am in a wheelchair, so I watch the videos and dream...
I watch this nomadic videos all the time and this video has got to be the best I've seen yet. I'll be hitting the road in 2 years and seeing videos like this makes me want to hit the road now. keep up the good work
Finally found someone who feels the same way I do about this.Everything your saying makes a lot of sense.Unless your rich pr well taken care of your just a work slave to society and killing yourself in the process to make someone else rich it's set up that way on purpose and I'm sick of it.Theres more to life than being a work slave.Thanks for the info.
"Work, eat , sleep." That's my life. I can't afford to take a vacation. When I have a few days off, I do chores & stay home. The van life you are describing sounds really appealing.
You really are awesome! Thank you for acknowledging those of us who have worked our entire lives and get less than $700 a month Social Security Retirement. I have worked and paid into SS continuously since age 17 and am still working at age 71. I Still pay SSR taxes at about $200 per month even though I get $700 per month SSR. So that means my SSR monthly checks are only $500 per month because I am still working!! I earn less than $18,000 per year. I never went on welfare even though I raised my 4 children alone without any child support money or help from my 2 ex-husbands or my older family members. I never stopped working even when I had my children. My kids are all grown and self-sufficient now. I would like to really retire and start painting art. What you offer through your videos is a chance for me to actually retire and relax. How amazing! Thank you so much!!
You're awesome too! My mom, who just passed Dec. 11, worked hard all her life and raised four of us alone. We did get welfare and army surplus food for a while, but it was a hand up during the oil embargo we needed to get by for a while. Just found out that after working hard her whole life, even with a state government pension, she has NOTHING left over after paying medical, legal, and funeral expenses. My heart breaks for her and you and others who deserve more. Maybe I'll see you on the road!
same here i have a motor home by myself but how im going to live with 700 dls a month i live in florida my rent for the lot is 569 a month plus utilities to expensive
Thanks Bob for the service you provide. We met at last winter RTR. We are getting things together to be full time.. Currently we take the subie off grid. For long weekends. As much as possible. I'm retired, she is still working.
I have watched these types of videos over the years, I didnt get it. Yet it seemed intriguing to live life on ones own terms.Last saturday I had an epiphany- I can do this. The plan is activated. I am planning to hit the road April 1 2021. Have to sell house and belongings, buy a van and exit. Thanks for all the information
Inspiration is an understatement. I've lived the life that you're describing. For me it was by necessity but It didn't take long for me to love it. I'll be returning to it soon!
Barry Allen Not sure what your price range is but have you considered a cargo van instead? It'll likely cost much less and will get you moving forward with your plans faster as a result. I know to some it might sound small but I personally live in my 2007 Honda CR-V so for me a cargo van sounds a lot like a real house. lol Good luck either way though!
Barry Allen ... I am going to buy an RV... I retire in October.2017'.....i just don't have any place to park it if I get it right now. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE WELCOMED....WHERE COULD I PARK IT IF I BUY IT NOW????? I have seen price ranges that are affordable...from $1,000 and up... from pop-up tents, travel trailers to $2,000 to $4,000 for an RV. on Craig's list
Alvara DaCosta start by going as small as you think you can handle, and then go a little smaller. Driving around in a big vehicle is stressful. You can always go bigger later if it really isn't enough room. The first month feels wierd, then it just feel great. if you get something smaller parking won't be such an issue.
Yes, the parking thing is definitely going to be an issue... I have thought of getting a van first...but I can't figure out how to build it to sleep 3 adults.. I will need an external van... I have seen on Amazon that they sale bunk bed cots....my cooking space build will be very small...because I don't need a lot of room to cook Yeah.. your statement is very true
Sadly, my parents thought they were in the rat race for their kids, but we spent many years miserable. To calm the anxiety from living a life they hated... the abuse. Something has to give. I believe giving your kids a good life means being happy, stress free...
I am a 55 Yr young woman who has been renting ALL my life (spent 6 months living in an RV which was not road worthy, yet we were happy in it !) I am disabled now and my child is about to get married and VERY self-sufficient ) In the area I live now there is a 1% vacancy rate and rents are unbelievably high. The paper recently stated a person needs to make at least $68K per year to afford rent here ! I've been looking for a van for a while now , and just recently the Landlord decided if he puts me out he can rent my one bedroom apartment for almost double what it costs now - so they are putting me out , even though I've been paying rent here for almost ten years !! Thanks, Bob, for all the GREAT info !! Hope to meet you out in the road ! : ) ~ Donna ~
You hit the nail directly on the head of who knows how many Bob? Keep this up because I am one who hears the chief the of NOMAD tribe. Ha, I have learned so much from you and the tribe of the enlightened. That's right folks don't touch that dial. See ya soon! See,,, just like the last comment I too am 57 and just bought my 1st class C with the same story until last PM. Man the stars in the sky of 10 billion strong. Loved it and thanks for the inspiration.
I want to do this so bad, I dream about it. I'm only 60 and if I retire early and work part time, I cannot afford Heath Insurance, gas and eat. I'd love your wisdom on getting or avoiding Health Insurance a non F/T person can afford. Thank you and I LOVE your stuff!
looking for advice/feedback...I own a home (debt) but i could make a little profit by renting it out (and a lot of profit by selling). I LOVE having animals and a garden and being a beekeeper - and living simply/off grid. Its "small" @ 1100sq ft on .33 acres but before this i lived in converted garages and sheds so i really dont NEED the space...I want to work towards escaping the rat race while still having a slice of land that brings me even a small income (pays for itself) and acts as a fall back. also, i love having many pets/gardening (save $ by growing food) etc...i was thinking i'd split my small parcel so i could keep most of the yard and leave the house with a small yard. I could rent it out on air bnb or rent it monthly...I'm working on converting my cargo trailer to a camper and was going to live in the camper in my garden. and if i travel or lose the house or need to bug out with my animals, i have a way to flee with all my animals...do you see anything wrong with my plan or have any ideas? Thank you all :)
nope none. sounds like a good plan. My own plan is much the same, but I do not have land, or the means to get it alone. I'll be making a camper from a utility trailer, then saving to buy a share in a co-living community.
I have a 3BR home with a yard I love. Thinking of making the master BR into a motherinlaw and AirBnB it, while camper converting a Prius v (need AC in FL) for long weekend trips. Then when I retire in 4 or so years, trade for a bigger van for travel and rent out main house, keeping the motherinlaw for my main base. Would something like that work for you?
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been trying to get out of the horrible private rented sector for so long and would love to live in a van, but am scared of messing it all up. Your videos are always an inspiration and very informative. Thanks man.
Wyzax76, almost everyone ends up with a different rig than they started with. Don't be scared of messing it all up, enthusiastically plan on it! I would encourage you to start simple, cheap (plastic bins are great!) and light. You will learn what you need as you need it. What is essential for someone else might be a waste of time and money for you. Jump in the shallow end with a few dry runs in whatever vehicle you have. If you decide this is something you'd like to do fulltime get all of your ducks in a row with a residential address, vehicle tags, health insurance, bank account, etc. Then hit the road and start messing it all up!
I am ready to do it and I am learning to embrace making mistakes. I have become a little risk averse over the years, but it's something I'm working on and I am hoping that living off-grid will force me to take those risks that will help me be more at ease with taking risks. Thanks man.
Wyzax76 You can live in a van and still keep your job if that is your thing. If you save what you would have paid in housing, you can have a heck of an early retirement fund. Check out Justincredible on RUclips.
Cheers Jean. I will check out Justincredible.
Wyzax76 So, just because I am incredibly nosy, did you find anything on Justin's channel that helped you?
Great Advice ! I'm an 80 yr old that worked hard all my life. Kidded myself, that "I liked my job". What they don't tell you is that when you finally get to retire, you're too damn old to enjoy it. Can't run and climb , really experience the outdoors. You're right, live life, don't be a slave. Everything is bright when you're young, all that gets dim when you get old.
Thank you for this message David, I'm in my twenties and I will remember this life lesson from you
I would say at 80 it's time to live your life for yourself. So what if you can't run or climb. You can look at the scenery. Marvel at God's creation. I'm always amazed at the different shaped creatures He created on earth and in the seas. I, too, have worked practically all my life. I set a goal for 70. Didn't quite make it because I needed a shoulder replacement. After that absence from work, I decided I liked not going in every day or being told what to do by a manager who had no training but did have a hostile attitude. Anyway, it's been a long year. I made it to working until I was 69. Last year my mother in law died and left a mess. We are working through that. We decided to sell our house, bought a 5th wheel. It took 8 months to find a truck to pull it. It seems like we've had a lot of road blocks. We are working through them and plan to be on the road later than January '22. We are 71 and 72. So go, do, see, explore. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow. So you might as well live for today the best way you can.
Getting ready in the next couple weeks to get on the road and I am 74 and disabled.
@@gayledunne2657 Gayle, well, I am 74 and with a old-small RV wanting to get going also. Curious what state are you? and what vehicle choice are thinking about? I've thought of finding other ladies in their 70's to connect with.
I hope many people can escape the “work-eat-sleep”-ism by moving into their car. I did it 2,5 years ago and I’m so glad I did it. 👍
Traded my car for van got everything packed out of my apartment and now I'm packing everything in my van and tomorrow morning I will be on my epic adventure thank you Bob you've helped me a lot
Jone Robbins I started 11 days ago. it's an adjustment period, but it's also really fun. hope to see you on the roads! HAVE FUN!!
how is your new life going???
BE safe it ain't all hunky dorey. Bob is pushing because he is working for the industry
Ricky Cook ????
Working for what industry? You don't think he's atruistic in his motives?
Pretty depressing how I've spent most of my "life's energy" so that someone else could have a quality life. Well not any more, dammit. Bob, you are an inspiration.
How's it going now?? Good for you
energy vampires and demons are real
Hi @@whyjustwhy2168 , well 4 years later I've saved enough cash to buy a 3 bdrm, 3 bath house in very desirable place in mexico. my property taxes are $80 a year.
@@Xenibalt Yeah they're called landlords and mortgage lenders.
@@Big_Jeff1 energy vampires = work and government
demons = landlords
I am 57 years old and I have never had a vacation. I may have taken long weekends but never could afford to take a trip to anywhere or anyplace that I wanted to see. I am now, making changes and looking for a van. Thank you for your informative videos.
Susann Minall
Where do you live? Maybe you should vacation in Hawaii. I have lived here 36 years and am afraid to take a day off. I'm afraid of what I'd miss. Nothing is worse than killing time.
Susann Minall have you considered a Toyota pickup?They are reliable vehicles and there are plenty of examples of home built campers that are dirt cheap.
I'll have to look into to one of those. I'm not sure what directions I'll actually head into, but I do know it's time.
57 also. I am seriously considering RV life. Trying to catch up on back taxes on house for 4 years. Filed bankruptcy 4 years ago and separated at that time. Fed up with throwing everything I've got at 4 walls. The only problem I have is what to do with my daughters favorite goats. They are "left over" from her 4-H days. She's not independent and I just don't know what to do with them. Family in Texas. Considering RV living and maybe sending for them in the future when I get settled out west.
I wonder how many people watch this video and by the 5 minute mark they have tears in their eyes? Great video.
me
At 38 I said Enough. Me and mom retired from the public sector. She took a job as a private care taker for a few years. I came to Europe and we got .25 acre and a 600 sq ft house for 6.500 . My yearly taxes are aboyt 20 dollars. After mom is gone, I am going completely off grid. which will leave plenty of money for other stuff! Life is good, and I am glad I saw it at 38 instead of 50 or older!
Blessings to you!
I am a van lifer and have been watching your videos and have learned a lot from you I really thank you for putting them out you are the guru of nomad life
Bob, on so many levels you have described my life! The good news is last year I decided I would move into a RV to live on the road, it was 3 year plan. The better news is I decided I couldn't wait that long so I started looking into converting my Dodge Caravan into a mini RV. It is all coming together and I will on the road Nov 1st! Thank you and everyone else for the many videos post on this topic. Hope to meet you on road!
Ian Kirk ... yay good for you
Ian Kirk way to go!
Huzzah! Go get em.
Ian Kirk are you doing video's of the van build? I am totally trying to do this myself with a minivan but I'm still trying to find a minivan ...but I am totally into this idea
Haven't decided if I'm going to do videos or not. It looks like the actual build will take place in December. Meanwhile I have been diligently been using a free Google Program called Sketchup Make to design my build. Once you get the hang of the program it is really rewarding to create a 3D design. I could have never envision the 360 degree design I'm ending up with.
Because of you I broke out of the rut and now my front yard is in Steward AK in my RV facing Resurrection Bay! Until I move on from here. Life is so good now because of your inspirational videos! Thanks Bob!
watched most of your videos. Have done a lot of tent camping, but the last 10 years or so have camped in evertthing from a pop up to 35 foot 5th wheel. My goal is to eventually get a small van camper or similar and go fulltime. Life situation right now would make that unrealistic. But wanted to let you know that watching your videos made me realize that my dream can be a reality. Thank you, SueB
i lived and worked in seward, ak last summer!
I've been on the Internet since 1993, before Microsoft's Internet Explorer and before Netscape... back then we used Mosaic. I even joined eBay, Amazon and Facebook when they first premiered. I watched online videos before RUclips was purchased by Google and have watched 1000's upon 1000's of videos since the old days. As everyone knows, RUclips has all kinds of videos about anything anyone wants to learn about. I have to say that out of all the time I've been on the net and all the videos I've watched over the last 2 decades that this channel is one of the best and most useful I've ever seen. These videos are very useful, very practical, very instructive and money saver, not to mention that it can change people's lives for the better. Great job, Sir! People like you should be getting awards for doing good in the world and not some Hollywood star.
cybersoil100, wow what kind words, thank you!
Rent outside of Los Angeles was killing me. I bought a 32' A class Holiday Rambler. 20 years old, low mileage. $10k. Then I moved into it and onto a former horse-property for 3 years, and now I'm on the back of a property right next to where I used to rent a cottage. I pay $400 for my spot, and I'm paying about $800 a month less than what I was paying to rent the cottage. I'm very comfortable, and hoping to put a trailer on my sister's land in Oregon. Right now I'm looking for the right Astro to trick out for traveling. I figure I'll have two tiny houses and a traveling rig by the time I retire. Thanks for all the stellar content, Bob.
My partner and I were tired of being taken advantage of by slumLORDS and moved into a skoolie. Now, we finally have the financial freedom to move out of the Midwest. Your videos are such a valuable resource for our research and planning. Thank you for what you're doing!
In everything in life, there is a good side and a bad side. One never know how one feels until one tried.
I worked 1.5 years 55hrs a week like a slave I had 5 different supervisors in the end I got fired because one of them didn't like me , for no reason he fired simply because I told him not to be swearing at me ,society is sick this system is not working
Exactly. I had a supervisor, and manager that used their phones 2, or 3 hours per day every day. They always passed on the work they didn't do on to me, than they bitched at me for not getting it done. FFS.
Wow thats really bogus!
There's nothing like being our own boss/independent.
25 yrs doing it.
Bob,
This was a truly from your heart video, your passion showed thru. Thank you for this video, it arrived when I was feeling worried about life and it really helped me decide to continue to follow my Dreams! I look forward to your next one.
I live vicariously through your channel as I am happily married but yeah, no way my husband would ever consider this. So I watch and I dream and enjoy your channel.
KarenT .... why not watch the videos together with your husband....bring him into your dream to make it a realty... let him she the traveling of other nomadic traveler's...
let him see it for himself...
watch videos together for about a month...then set your discussion to see if he be interested to live on the road and not just set around in your house doing nothing...
Do we all realize how much time we spend in our homes or apartments...JUST SITTING???? get out there and LIVE AND EXPLORE
You simply never know what tomorrow will bring. Things can go to 'ell faster than you can believe. But YOU will know how to do it if the need arises. And that will count for more than you realize.
I have shared these but he is one that needs a home base with a foundation not wheels. I do get out and camp quite a bit with his blessing however.
KarenT , the funny thing is my situation is the same as yours , been convincing my wife for years to live a nomad life and rent free. I feed her the positive sides of this lifestyle and each day her mind is changing slowly.
KarenT I don't know how old you are, but don't forget that the "decade after decade" grind Bob complains about gave him a pension as well as social security to fall back on. He also has other money making ventures going on, even now. We retired in a nice, comfy Motor home with a pension and social security and IRA accounts. It is just less stressful when you don't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. But that takes a while to put together. See if your hubby likes that idea better.
I watch you all the time. I cling to every word because this is not the life I want to be living. I have begun getting rid of stuff and simplifying as we speak. I have started getting some things together that I would need for van life. Camp stove etc. Little things. I won't go into my whole situation here, but as soon as I can afford a .van I will be free. Right now I am on my way to freedom. But then I will be free. Thank you for all you do.
Jaoqueline Bell I just did this, I can tell you are so close! see you on the roads! congrats!
Jane Doe thank you!!!!!
Excellent! Congrats
Mee tooooo!
good paying job, house full of stuff...still miserable! I told my coworkers that when i show up to work one day with a van they can be sure it won't be long before i'm gone. I love watching your videos and others, they are giving me the courage to do this. One of these days!!
I'm tired of getting others rich. I'm taking baby steps to change my life . I'm tired of electric bills, internet,. Property tax mortgage, car insurance, bank fees, I'm taking bobs wisdom to heart.
I am learning a lot from watching these old videos Bob, thanks for all of the great information.
What an encouragement for people who have given up.
Average Chicago-land rents are at $1300 per month, plus all the (nickel & dimed to death) rent insurance, water, garbage, sewage, parking space fee !!!! mine was $65 per month !!!!! so the average total rent related fees are at least $150, even the freeways are not free here, Tollways are almost at $2 now !!!! just to go somewhere .... yep, I'm done..... Thank You Bob !!!!!! Thank You Bob, for reminding me NOT To Sign a 12 month lease !!!! if you do if you want out, the penalty is 4 X's the rent, 4 X's $1300 + $150 rent related fees = $5,800 !!! Even the room for rents are like $900+ utilities.... sorry no roommates here !!!
I think it is great that we are all free to make decisions about how and where to live our life and Bob's information is fantastic. That said, I would like to discuss some of the decisions my wife and I made that support making house payments and working full time. We are currently in our 60's and retired. We made many sacrifices raising kids, paying for their college educations and paying a mortgage. While some may consider that a horrible existence, it has paid dividends beyond our wildest dreams. The home we worked for was the single best investment we have made and allowed us to retire in our 50's. We sold it and purchased a small ranch for cash in the Sierra Foothills. We are currently traveling the USA in a Class A Motorhome. All of this and much more because we worked and paid for a home. Please do not make our choices sound so pathetic. I respect your choice to live in a car, it is a free country and we are all very lucky to be able to make these choices.
You are absolutely right. I commend you and your wife for your hard work. I hope you are still enjoying the fruits of your labor. It is definitely easier when you have a partner or are making adequate money but so many are not in your situation. This country says everyone has the same opportunity, but that really isn't true. It is only true hypothetically. The "american dream" is an American nightmare for far far too many. But you have fared well, congratulations.
Bob Im finally living out of my car.... it’s been a month so far.... loving it 👍🏼
WE'RE THE SAME AGE... BUT I FEEL SOOOO VERY LATE.. AND WASTING TIME... THIS YEAR I PLAN TO BEGIN LIVING AGAIN .. FOR MYSELF THIS TIME... THANKYOU BOB!! You're FUCKIN AWESOME !!!!!
When my mother passes away, (she's 74), I'm going to be in a financial situation and it's nice to have a plan. I'm grateful for your work. Thank you. I will be seeing you (hopefully) one day. I'm chronically ill on disability.
Seeing this series again now September 2020 really gave me a reinforced appreciation of Bob and all of his knowledge, his giving spirit, and prescience. Talk about life saving material.
He is telling the truth because I am doing it now. I started April 13 of this year, and every morning I wake up and say to myself with all sincerity that I love my life. Just being alive rocks! Be brave and do it, folks!
Dear Bob, I finally bought a used Class C in my immediate neighborhood! I'll learn on it as I wrap up my dry and dead career here in L.A. Thank you so much for your videos! I didn't know where to start? You are doing a great public service!!! I turned 65 this July 2017. Can't wait to sell this money pit of a townhouse of an albatross around my neck, quit this job, and hit the road !!!
Update? How are things going for you?
Bob, your my hero!
Living in a van, In the simplest terms, boils down to having a place to park up for the night that's safe and secure.
Where do you park
I bring home $2000 a month and my rent and utilities total $1100. I owe $900 a month in credit card payments that I racked up buying stuff and fixing the house. I am $400 short on trying to survive monthly.
That is my exact situation, 400$ a month short. Don’t know what to do. 🤷🏻♀️ hope you’re ok ❤️
@@Abbs_SJ hi there! I got a different job making $2400 a month and am now barely breaking even but grateful. Thank you for asking about me 😊 I hope you are doing ok and hang in there!
@@Frugal_fitchic that’s great! Glad to hear it. ❤️
Bob you are the savior of our age - don’t want to blow up your head and sure you hear the same a lot but bless you for all you have done for all of us- may the road ahead be smooth and the wind always be at your back
Such a service you are doing. I have all the camping gear and a paid off 4x4 suv. Thank you! I have already made plans for 2 months of this summer just to get my feet wet. And, I plan to dive in after that. Looking forward to the series, Bob.
Rebeccamyst inspiration!
Your a sweet man caring about people like that, sharing a decent set of ideas that encourage people to start again, instead of giving up, is a beautiful thing to do god bless you, kind sir.
What an informative and knowledgeable video, thank you Bob. . Like many of us, I live in that race race. I no longer enjoy the big house, yard work, financial responsibilities.
I want out and dream of freedom. I admire all the people who have had the courage to get out of the rat race and live simply.
You are TRULY a blessing to MANY of us , Bob! Before finding your channel- I too was hopelessly paying my life away...Just reVANping my new home on wheels to SOON be 100% nomadic!!! THANKS a Million!!!🚐💝😉
Hi Bob, great video as usual! Thank you for caring so much about people that you do these videos. We still have you and your Mother in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Clisham i
Greg Long , ?
I’m tricking out my suv. Yesterday, I installed curtains. I’m 67 years young, and I’m really excited about my nomadic lifestyle! I may keep it really simple, or I may eventually get a cargo trailer and turn it into my little castle. Wheee!!!!! Freedom!!!!
Really buying anything with debt is a horrible idea. The only thing that has any valie with its debt would be a house that you'll own one day with equity. Rent without a chamce of a return is like burning your money away. I personally plan on buying land and putting a house/shed on it fully furnished and paid for for under $15k easily though. It'll serve as a home base of sorts for my travels. You're right, why run the ratrace? I'm glad I've come to realise a lot of this stuff in the last few years (I'm 26). You're doing a good thing for the community Bob.
Thank you Bob for careing and being such an inspiration. I am in the process of living a full life not boggled down by all rent and bills. It's a hard decision to make thinking that you have to have these things like rent and a house....but that little desperate seed inside my soul has grown to be free and full of life.....I'm 54 and ready......much thanks to you for always being there for encouragement and really careing about and for people ....to lead a good full happy life! God Bless you and thanks.....
Amen!
Inspirational Bob. Living in the UK. However gives me hope for an exit plan. Completely agree work sleep repeat and empty life.
If I could give you zillion thumbs up I would Bob! I have been following your amazing videos for some time now! I've actually started a notebook for this series you're doing. I'll add these notes to many I've already written on your previous videos. Even as I write this, the fire truck and ambulance are just feet outside my apartment, ready to take away one more 'senior'. It's a daily reminder to me that I have to break out of this cycle before my options run out. FREEDOM is what calls me! Thank you! Thank you! For inspiring so many! Don't stop!
You're a vision of hope. I'm planning my escape right now. Last day in this apartment is July 15th! I hope to one day to cross paths with you and thank you personally for all you taught me and giving me the courage to restructure my whole life for a better way of existing. Hugs!
Tina Torres Ok, I started 11 days ago. I was excited, then I felt super alone. I'm excited to see ladies my age with similar mindset doing this, too. I'm reenergized. hope to see you on the roads! congrats and have fun.
Jane Doe Awesome Jane you're living the life! I hear ya about feeling super alone. I did a couple of test runs in national forests nearby at both empty and crowded campsites and boondocking completely off-grid all alone too with not a soul around for miles. Being out in nature away from the rat race actually living the nomad life for those trips was so incredibly refreshing! I can't wait to be full-time like you! I have to admit I felt a bit unnerved to be all alone as a solo female traveler for security reasons. My little dog kept me company, but I can see how the experience would be so much more enhanced tailgating with other like minded nomads (like Caravan Carolyn, Pandamonium and RV Joey do...they have a blast!). I'm hoping to find my own traveling "tribe” at the next RTR or other big event. Let me know if you end up going to one. Maybe we can meet there. This invitation is open to all solo travelers looking for convoy buddies. Mztventures@yahoo.com.
Tina Torres I'd love to cross paths w you someday too Tina ☺😉
Tina when i read of Women such as yourself w the courage n fortitude to venture off like this, i say to myself , Hello ??? I'm a 6'2 240lb. STRONG good lookn guy, I CAN DO THIS TOO !!!
Gosh Tina Torres I sure hope that you made your escape out of that apartment! I hope you’re out on the road enjoying your life!
I love your videos Bob!!! I'm 59 years old and disabled with a condition called Occipital Neuralgia that causes extreme head pain. I moved from Iowa to Colorado Springs last year to treat it with cannabis oil when I felt I couldn't go on with the pain any longer. My pain is managed much better now. I've worked 2 and 3 jobs most of my life as a divorced mother. My disability is hard to survive on. I was so depressed before watching your videos, then I started to to have hope again! I've also learned so much!!! Now my sister who has helped me a lot has almost convinced me I can't do it because any lifting causes my pain to be worse. I so want to do it! I don't want to be dependent on anyone else and I would love the adventure! I've always loved the outdoors. Safety is another concern. My children are supportive but worried. Thanks for all your videos and the joy they have brought me. I feel I know you already. Best wishes Bob! I hope your mother is doing ok.
This may become the most important video series you have ever made. Really looking forward to all episodes. FYI: Retirement age is rapidly approaching, and I am feeling a need to downsize / simplify, and try to reduce expenses so I will be able to LIVE instead of merely SURVIVING. Thank-you...
Bob, I'm so excited about this series! So much great information. I live in my van pretty often, even though I have a beautiful home, and am in good financial shape. I do it because it feeds me. I have become a much happier person! People often assume that van dwellers are in it because they don't have a choice, but that is just not true. I've slept in the most beautiful places, and met the best people. Thanks for the New Mexico State Park pass information. I just looked it up, and since I'm a resident, can buy a year for $180. Bargain!
Great work Bob - you are making a real difference for people!
Thank you Bob, for being so kind to your fellow Americans. You make us feel as if we do have some ownership of our wonderful country. Bless you.
Ive been following for 5 yrs. All the while being a caregiver to my mom
She just passed in February.
Im getting my SUV fixed up new tie rods, new tires and organizing how I want to do this.
I plan to be at the RTR in Jan 2021 and start living my life in freedom.
I no longer have child support and have few bills. I'm debt free and I'm going to take the plunge. I hope to meet you at the RTR.
I think this is a great topic. Thanks for the video and all the good points. I put your points below, and I'm looking forward to the series
"......I'll show you how to
1) disperse camp free on National Forest or BLM land,
2) stay at Ehrenberg, AZ for free,
3) create a free homestead at Slab City,
4) live on Quechen Indian land for $80 a year,
5) stay at a Long Term Visitor Area year-around,
6) buy an Annual New Mexico State Parks Pass that lets you stay for free at any of their State Park Campgrounds for $225 a year, and finally,
7) Live at the Coyote Howls RV Park for $500 a year.
......With all these options, I think everyone who watches my videos should give very serious thought to becoming a full-time nomad and living the life of their dreams!"
Thanks Bob, I just bought an RV and I've got about a month of downsizing before I can hit the road!!! I've traveled across the country three times since 2001 in a van and a car, now with the RV I can go and stop when I want and rest much better in the RV with a lot less cost!!! Thank you for all the tips and encouragement and I hope to meet you on the road someday to thank you in person!!! Enjoy the Journey !!!
these are the videos i love the most 4 months in a camper and loving it
I'm 66 years old and have been "living" with an abusive (verbal, mental & physical) wife for over 13 years. When she recently told me that she doesn't like me and hasn't liked me for more than 10 years, I realised that I really need to break free. Living full time in an RV is offering me a way out. No children are involved and the house is hers, as she constantly tells me, so now I am looking for a suitable vehicle from which I can also work, being a freelance bookkeeper/accountant.
Just can't decide whether to get a Motorhome (Class C or Class A) or Travel Trailer. The parks themselves may have size restrictions, which will help me choose.
I have already started getting rid of 'stuff' that I won't be able to take with me. The future is already here.
Great videos, Bob. Thank you so much for what you are doing.
I'm getting ready to live in my van and travel. This video series is exactly what I need!!! Can't wait to see the rest of them
I am patiently waiting for 11 more videos.I have watched all your videos and have learned a lot.Last year we rented a minivan and traveled 6200 kilometers from Toronto to Prince Edward Island and back,always staying in Hotel Walmart.This saved us $120 a day in hotel costs alone.More power to you.
You are so right BoB and honestly i've been doing alot of research from BLM, solar panels, My RYOBI tools ;) , Ehrenburgh, RTR etc etc... See you out there soon!
Thank you so much Bob it’s amazing how many people Have gotten on the road because of you, I’m Going to rent my house which will give me a little extra money because I couldn’t maintain my house & I couldn’t afford it, I had to sell it or rent it so I’m going to try the nomad life for a year and then if I like it I’ll sell my house, I am 73 so that kind of makes me nervous thanks for your encouragement
So happy to have found you, Bob! I'm currently still working eating sleeping ... and repeat ... but know this way of life isnt sustainable for me moving into the future (I'm 59 today). I've been so afraid. You give me real hope. Enjoying your videos so much and learning!
Same here, I'm just a few years younger than you and lost everything during the Great Recession. I've been living paycheck to paycheck and carrying back-breaking debt ever since. If I could RV for three years and pay everything off, the world would be my oyster...and I'd enjoy myself in the meantime as well! I'm going to try it.
You are doing a public service to many people. You Rock Bob!!
Thanks for another great video Bob.
Hugs from Maine.
You truly are a life saver!, My new life in a van starts in 3 weeks!, Hope to meet you both..someday.
Looking forward to seeing these. Also I think rv parks can be very reasonable as well. There seem to be quite a few that are more out in the countryside that have pretty low monthly rates($300). That gives you water, power(for AC), sewage, and maybe even laundry. I lived for 5 years at a marina on a boat for $300 a month, loved it there, paid off my debts and put together a small nest egg from all the money I was saving. I felt like it was a much higher quality of life too, compared to apartment living.
Mark Mealman really good advice thank you
God i wish I had a boat in a marina for that. My first love is the water, but my friend talked me out of it so I'm in a Skoolie instead.
Wow $300 for a boat on the marina. Super affordable. I've been thinking about moving onto a boat. I haven't yet done the research but when my debts are paid off then I can look into that. Inspiring!!
You can't help admiring & appreciating this wonderful host.
Definitely a Gem.
I wish they had this information for Australians. I’m so proud of Bob for helping people like this. What a champ!
Great Channel Bob ! As a widower & Army retiree age 54, I dipped into my 401K to buy my 1st Rv so I could freely travel. I opened an IRA to put the money back for later retirement at the suggestion of my CPA.
I was getting ready to say you are filming on the east coast. Beautiful background as usual. Humidity and skeeters suck though. Virtual Van Hugs to you and your mom
shayes323 i thought so too, Bob said he's in GA, beautiful spot!
I have 2 suitable vans for my transportation business. Car payments for 3 vehicles are $1,200 a month. Eventually I will live on the road with income from the pension I am collecting. Thanks to these tutorials it will be like muscle memory.
Bob you have inspired me to work on Cutting loose! Like others, have been researching, but will admit that I am not very "handy" Hopefully I will find others that can assist me with putting together my rv home.
I spent well over 10 yrs living in my dodge camper van in Vancouver,bc,,drove a night shift cab,,saved all my money and bought a beautiful inexpensive lot on a beautiful gulf island,,i must say I surprised myself because now every day I wake up in my own pvt paradise,,and am wealthy beyond any reasonable standard,,also I loved living in a van on the street,,enjoyed it all, I still have that beauty of a 84 dodge ram camper sitting on the property,,just cant seem to sell it,,,,,enjoy your day,,,
Excellent presentation - your format and content are college level. As a matter of fact, they should be teaching practical living as a normal part of our American education. Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to hopefully see you again at the next RTR.
Exactly ! Schools are indoctrination centres. They feed you the garbage they want and most buy it hook, line and sinker.
Blue Bird I'm a high school teacher and I guarantee you for me nothing is farther from the truth. I came to teaching late in life...42. Now 62. I teach reality as best as I can. But most people learn best and mainly from their own mistakes. I plan on sharing Bob's channel to my students. Sadly, as an older teacher...many think the older one is...the less we know. Administration being the worst.
I homeschooled 6 children for 27 years. (All educated and productive, working citizens, thank you :-) They learned everything from mechanics to animal husbandry to growing and preserving their own food. I make almost everything from scratch including food, personal care products, clothing, and upcycle/recycle anything I can. Some of the kids don't want to do these things at this stage of their lives and some do a few of the self-sufficient things, but as my dad says, "when the big one hits, it's my kids who will survive"
especially if you get an mba. All they learn how to do is fk other people over without regard for the environment... all for their stock price.ruclips.net/video/hSOKFIQHFrc/видео.html
Love watching Bob"s s vdeos. However I'm British, I live in Wales a very beautiful, Celtic country. We are !lucky to have the NHS which is free health care, I even get my prescriptions free. No wonder a lot of Americans choose to watch Bob's video"a and live a nomads life. Take care everyone x
and you never own your house even if you pay it off as long as you pay property taxes
PIMA20132770579 the nasty secret few know.
PIMA20132770579
No, and it can be taken away anytime the fed wants to. I knew a family that bought a home, paid it off, then the city came in and told them they had to leave, forced them out paying them only pennies on the dollar the value of their home, and built a freeway through. That family ended up poor in subsidized housing.
PIMA20132770579 Yes, 30 years ago I bought a 2 bedroom bungalow on the edge of a 1.5 sq mi town. My taxes were $325 a month and I felt once I paid off my mortgage, I would just pay taxes and other monthly costs needed to live in the house. Fast forward 30 years and yes, mortgage is paid but the taxes have more than doubled and so have the other monthly bills for water, sewer, heating oil, etc. It is more costly than living in an apt.
Yes, I have equity but bc I live on the border of one of the most dangerous cities in the country, I'd be lucky to get $90k and I paid 65k in 1987. I was told a home price doubles in the 30 years of a mortgage. Maybe so but not for me. I have roofed and sided it for 25k. The bath and kitchen are early 60's and will take about 25k to remodel, the knob and tube electrical wires need to be replaced n updated as does major plumbing and there goes another 10k. So that's 25+25+10. My heater broke down this winter and will be replaced for a few thou as well as a new water heater and 3 room AC units bc I don't have central air. So that's already about 65k.
I might just sell the 104 yr old house as is bc of personal problems I incurred due to my depression, when the house sells, I have a huge lien that will be paid off at that time so there is little money I'll actually get to recoup any remodeling costs and I'll still be paying the home equity loan after the house sells bc I'll be "under water" (I think that's the term used).
I'm lucky that I saved for retirement and get a pension so I will be okay. This idea of van dwelling appeals to me big time.
PIMA20132770579 ..... You could rent it and then you would have income
PIMA20132770579 In E. Europe, I pay 18 dollars a year. So it is up to you!
Yours is a wonderful way to live life both extraordinarily well & very inexpensively. I can already tell this series is going to be a must see for anyone with a seriously limited income.
Thank you Bob. I loved your video. I can't wait to see the full series. I think it offers an incredible amount of hope to so many of us. Why do we pay for all of these "things"? Or for that matter.....why do we have to stress if we can't? Shouldn't life be more fun and full of simple and happy moments? Quality of life......
An EPIC passionate Bob philosophy lesson...thank you brother! You are right...this might be the most important video you have ever made. There is no economic recovery and things are getting more difficult, not less for most people. Hope and a plan...much needed!
I just love love love your videos. eventually I want to downsize. thank you for showing us many different aspects of living. really living.
Yeah, I keep watching his videos and dreaming to one day do this myself. I tell my family to not buy me any gifts as I'm slowly trying to downsize myself and don't want more "stuff"!
Ledonna Nubin ...stop putting it off.... start downsizing TODAY, LOL. this too can be a living life style for you too...start now
Ledonna Nubin me tooo !!
I live in a studio with my 2 month old so I'm doing okay. I would love to see some with children.
Ledonna Nubin checkout converted school buses. Justin Rhodes has a really nice one that has beds for four kids! He gives a tour of it on his channel.
Thank you so very much for sharing Bob! You are awesome. Always enjoy and love watching videos Bob! 👍❤️
Wow, really nailed it, I'm hurt been turned down for SSD, & now Son wants me out of his house, scared !
Obiron Kahnobi , for most people it takes 2-3 years to get SSDI. I had mine 2 weeks after they x-rayed my back and hips. Keep trying
I was turned down twice - then I got a disability lawyer - I had my first check with $30,000 back pay in 6 weeks.
Joan Milano ...WOW That was pretty check....but, how much did you have to pay the attorney?
That's so awesome....
are you going but an RV to live on the road and travel now?
Obiron Kahnobi I have family that work in the Social Security office I can tell you for a fact the first time your file comes across the desk it's not even looked at it is automatically denied and if they can get away with it they'll deny you a second time but the second they bring an attorney in to it it's approved file again immediately
It was about 8 yrs ago - the attorney got a straight fee of $600 (well worth it!) I bought a condo, I hadn't heard of the van life back then. How I wish I had! Now, my health is too bad to travel and I am in a wheelchair, so I watch the videos and dream...
I watch this nomadic videos all the time and this video has got to be the best I've seen yet. I'll be hitting the road in 2 years and seeing videos like this makes me want to hit the road now. keep up the good work
Finally found someone who feels the same way I do about this.Everything your saying makes a lot of sense.Unless your rich pr well taken care of your just a work slave to society and killing yourself in the process to make someone else rich it's set up that way on purpose and I'm sick of it.Theres more to life than being a work slave.Thanks for the info.
Thanks for caring, you can tell you feel for all people and desire for us a better life!!!
So glad that you are doing this series! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Excited about the series. I share your channel with my senior citizens and disabled folks every chance I get.
thank you Bob for all your advice & information!
"Work, eat , sleep." That's my life. I can't afford to take a vacation. When I have a few days off, I do chores & stay home. The van life you are describing sounds really appealing.
You really are awesome! Thank you for acknowledging those of us who have worked our entire lives and get less than $700 a month Social Security Retirement. I have worked and paid into SS continuously since age 17 and am still working at age 71. I Still pay SSR taxes at about $200 per month even though I get $700 per month SSR. So that means my SSR monthly checks are only $500 per month because I am still working!! I earn less than $18,000 per year. I never went on welfare even though I raised my 4 children alone without any child support money or help from my 2 ex-husbands or my older family members. I never stopped working even when I had my children. My kids are all grown and self-sufficient now. I would like to really retire and start painting art. What you offer through your videos is a chance for me to actually retire and relax. How amazing! Thank you so much!!
You're awesome too! My mom, who just passed Dec. 11, worked hard all her life and raised four of us alone. We did get welfare and army surplus food for a while, but it was a hand up during the oil embargo we needed to get by for a while. Just found out that after working hard her whole life, even with a state government pension, she has NOTHING left over after paying medical, legal, and funeral expenses. My heart breaks for her and you and others who deserve more. Maybe I'll see you on the road!
same here i have a motor home by myself but how im going to live with 700 dls a month i live in florida my rent for the lot is 569 a month plus utilities to expensive
Thank Reagan for putting a tax on social security. That should be rescinded. It is completely unfair.
Thanks Bob for the service you provide. We met at last winter RTR. We are getting things together to be full time.. Currently we take the subie off grid. For long weekends. As much as possible. I'm retired, she is still working.
I have watched these types of videos over the years, I didnt get it. Yet it seemed intriguing to live life on ones own terms.Last saturday I had an epiphany- I can do this. The plan is activated. I am planning to hit the road April 1 2021. Have to sell house and belongings, buy a van and exit. Thanks for all the information
Inspiration is an understatement. I've lived the life that you're describing. For me it was by necessity but It didn't take long for me to love it. I'll be returning to it soon!
Bob has described my situation to a tee. I'm saving for a motor home. It will take 5 years but I WILL get one.
Barry Allen Not sure what your price range is but have you considered a cargo van instead? It'll likely cost much less and will get you moving forward with your plans faster as a result. I know to some it might sound small but I personally live in my 2007 Honda CR-V so for me a cargo van sounds a lot like a real house. lol Good luck either way though!
Barry Allen ... I am going to buy an RV... I retire in October.2017'.....i just don't have any place to park it if I get it right now. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE WELCOMED....WHERE COULD I PARK IT IF I BUY IT NOW?????
I have seen price ranges that are affordable...from $1,000 and up...
from pop-up tents, travel trailers to $2,000 to $4,000 for an RV. on Craig's list
Alvara DaCosta start by going as small as you think you can handle, and then go a little smaller. Driving around in a big vehicle is stressful. You can always go bigger later if it really isn't enough room. The first month feels wierd, then it just feel great. if you get something smaller parking won't be such an issue.
Yes, the parking thing is definitely going to be an issue...
I have thought of getting a van first...but I can't figure out how to build it to sleep 3 adults.. I will need an external van... I have seen on Amazon that they sale bunk bed cots....my cooking space build will be very small...because I don't need a lot of room to cook
Yeah.. your statement is very true
Due it now, you don't need a large motor home, something small is easier to manage.
Sadly, my parents thought they were in the rat race for their kids, but we spent many years miserable. To calm the anxiety from living a life they hated... the abuse. Something has to give. I believe giving your kids a good life means being happy, stress free...
as soon as i ets out of the military im doing this. building a van now for when i get out. youre my inspiration!
I am a 55 Yr young woman who has been renting ALL my life (spent 6 months living in an RV which was not road worthy, yet we were happy in it !) I am disabled now and my child is about to get married and VERY self-sufficient ) In the area I live now there is a 1% vacancy rate and rents are unbelievably high. The paper recently stated a person needs to make at least $68K per year to afford rent here ! I've been looking for a van for a while now , and just recently the Landlord decided if he puts me out he can rent my one bedroom apartment for almost double what it costs now - so they are putting me out , even though I've been paying rent here for almost ten years !! Thanks, Bob, for all the GREAT info !! Hope to meet you out in the road !
: ) ~ Donna ~
I feel this way This free way of living I Would love to do it ;)
You hit the nail directly on the head of who knows how many Bob? Keep this up because I am one who hears the chief the of NOMAD tribe. Ha, I have learned so much from you and the tribe of the enlightened. That's right folks don't touch that dial. See ya soon! See,,, just like the last comment I too am 57 and just bought my 1st class C with the same story until last PM. Man the stars in the sky of 10 billion strong. Loved it and thanks for the inspiration.
Bob you are my father Christmas. 💛
I want to do this so bad, I dream about it. I'm only 60 and if I retire early and work part time, I cannot afford Heath Insurance, gas and eat. I'd love your wisdom on getting or avoiding Health Insurance a non F/T person can afford. Thank you and I LOVE your stuff!
looking for advice/feedback...I own a home (debt) but i could make a little profit by renting it out (and a lot of profit by selling). I LOVE having animals and a garden and being a beekeeper - and living simply/off grid. Its "small" @ 1100sq ft on .33 acres but before this i lived in converted garages and sheds so i really dont NEED the space...I want to work towards escaping the rat race while still having a slice of land that brings me even a small income (pays for itself) and acts as a fall back. also, i love having many pets/gardening (save $ by growing food) etc...i was thinking i'd split my small parcel so i could keep most of the yard and leave the house with a small yard. I could rent it out on air bnb or rent it monthly...I'm working on converting my cargo trailer to a camper and was going to live in the camper in my garden. and if i travel or lose the house or need to bug out with my animals, i have a way to flee with all my animals...do you see anything wrong with my plan or have any ideas? Thank you all :)
nope none. sounds like a good plan.
My own plan is much the same, but I do not have land, or the means to get it alone.
I'll be making a camper from a utility trailer, then saving to buy a share in a co-living community.
I have a 3BR home with a yard I love. Thinking of making the master BR into a motherinlaw and AirBnB it, while camper converting a Prius v (need AC in FL) for long weekend trips. Then when I retire in 4 or so years, trade for a bigger van for travel and rent out main house, keeping the motherinlaw for my main base. Would something like that work for you?