*Get out of debt and stay out of debt is some of the best advice you'll ever give Matty.* It applies, regardless of the chosen lifestyle of the hearer. We made that decision years ago and I still don't regret it. It put us in a position to survive both better half and myself losing good paying jobs within months of each other. Yet, because of that decision we were able to finish paying our mortgage and a few more car payments. Fast forward to today. Better half passed away. One social security check instead of 2. Yet, monthly utility expenses, property taxes, vehicle insurance and etc. remained the same. Planning, all those years ago, to *get out of debt and stay out of debt* means that at the end of each month, I don't owe anybody anything and still have a little nest egg for my remaining years and interment. Lord willing, I'll be 78 in a few weeks.
You were wise to get out of debt. You worked hard to get to this point. That’s awesome! Building wheelchairs that must be so rewarding 👍 New camp spot looks good.
Hey Matt, Your best video yet imo. Trying to take some of my financial fears out of the nomad life. Heading to Digikey in May then to Beet Harvest. Had my van worked on and set to hit the rd. A bit concerning about mechanical repairs cost. Looking forward to 2024!
From my experience in buying many vehicles (including my GMC Savana van!) over the years I have found that if you finance a vehicle you can often get a better deal because car dealers make money from the financing. Then, once you have the vehicle use your saved cash and pay it off. Of course, you have to make sure there is no early payoff penalty.
Awesome video! I’ve watched you got years I think you had less than 200 subscribers when I signed up. I’ve lived on a sailboat and it was the happiest I’ve ever been. I have completed my van and it’s awesome to travel in with my wife and 2 boarder collies. Yes luxury is highly overrated. But at our age a house is kinda required. Love your videos!!!!
I remember when you were living in your van and working full-time and then eventually you left the job 👍 I also I am debt-free and live full-time in my van. Huntington Beach California where the sun shines everyday.
Hi Matt ! Wow ! That was very interesting on how you became a van man !! I have to say you did good and it worked out for you ! You are your own boss and can do what you like ! If you go back to work eventually you can be a park ranger !! Tell people to pick up their trash and be quiet after 10:00 ! And whatever else they do too !! You can do anything you set your mind to !! Good luck !! Take care ! Have fun ! Deborah 🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing all the information, This will come in handy to many people that will need to live in a van or RV witht he way the economy is going. Thanks again
Great vid Matty, Love the way you gave us the tour of your set up while sharing some wonderful wisdom! Many people find themselves starting over after a fallout of some sort in life and your story is an inspiration of how it can be turned around. God bless!
After watching several of your videos, I wondered how you afforded your rock n roll lifestyle, and now I know. Thanks for sharing with us how you cracked the code, very informative - Dave Ramsey meets Bob Wells. Actually, both have a lot in common, just one lives in a van and the other doesn't. 👍
I want so badly to be able to do Vanlife because I want to see the country I want to travel but I’ve been looking for Nomad work for over six years and it either doesn’t pay enough for the jobs that they’re offering for like data entry or some thing or I don’t have the skills to be like a techie person so it’s very discouraging. I have the van built out and I do weekend trips but you can’t get very far when you can’t leave until Friday and you have to be back Sunday night because you gotta get up at 5 AM on Monday morning for work. I live vicariously through you and Amanda. I love your channels. Thank you so much.
Marty, how many times you gonna open that black box🙃 “b” reel , maybe get some footage of animals in the wild, sun sets Ect . Ok as I’m writing this we’re on round 3 ha ha ha love you man!
You should be able to find a job anywhere you want to be or go, as a wheelchair engineer!!! My next Shuttle Bus project is to have the wheelchair lift overhauled.
Matty your vid has good timing. My personal situation may put me out there in the nomad life sooner rather than later! When we met I told you my plans to fund my venture which has yet to fully get off the ground but I may have found a way to fund it another way so maybe out there sooner than I thought!
Great video Matty - Interesting about your career. I knew you did technical work in health care, but wasn't sure what it was. It is great that you have been able to stay for over a year on the road - and more to come! Yea!
Sometimes with van prices its cheaper to rent a room or split rent. I live across from beach. Less than van payment. I have become a hybred. Work in truck at beach with tmobil hotspot
I'm in a car instead of a van so I might have more options than you but what I do is just gig work. Wherever I go I use whatever big city is closest as a sort of "hub" for work, and other errands like gym and laundry. I do things like doordash, uber eats, instacart, etc. It'll never make me rich by any means but being able to go out wherever I am and make 1 to 2 hundred bucks a day has been keeping me on the road for the past 3 years now. Slowly trying to get into other income streams so I don't have to do as much gig work
Excellent video, have always been curious about your journey! I am wkg ft as well, like ui wanted to pay cash for my van but found one I feel in love w ahead of my financial schedule and am pouring everything I have into paying it off ahead of the terrible interest rate! But the upside is I am going out on overnighters and short trips, feeling it out to see if I really like it b4 retiring and becoming a nomad. Also it has cemented my minimalism cuts if it doesn't fit in the Van I don't need it and won't buy it, as opposed to decorating an apt! Have u ever considered grooming as a nomad job? That's my plan and it's very lucrative and enjoyable and everywhere is screaming for groomers. I plan on picking a cute little town I've never been to and wkg 3 or so months at a time and then traveling till my surplus runs out then wkg somewhere else. Also, we're all wanting to know how u and A meet and stated traveling together! What a great team u r!
Question: How do you to keep a physical street address in Tennessee if you are a full-time van dweller? It is my understanding that only Nevada and South Dakota have 'full-timer' residency laws. If you answer this, thank you very much.
Getting a trade really gets your pay up quickly. You have major opportunity to get a trade that pays and is in higher demand. Combine your love for travel with your last job ? Can you go to repair wheel chair? Maybe do OTR nursing ?
*Get out of debt and stay out of debt is some of the best advice you'll ever give Matty.* It applies, regardless of the chosen lifestyle of the hearer. We made that decision years ago and I still don't regret it. It put us in a position to survive both better half and myself losing good paying jobs within months of each other. Yet, because of that decision we were able to finish paying our mortgage and a few more car payments. Fast forward to today. Better half passed away. One social security check instead of 2. Yet, monthly utility expenses, property taxes, vehicle insurance and etc. remained the same.
Planning, all those years ago, to *get out of debt and stay out of debt* means that at the end of each month, I don't owe anybody anything and still have a little nest egg for my remaining years and interment. Lord willing, I'll be 78 in a few weeks.
That was one of the best practical videos for transitional nomads out there. Thx for having the guts to get personal.
AGREE!
Most honest Van life youtuber out there! Thanks Matty for putting real van life out there especially for us divorced guys.
Thank you Matty for a very informative level headed video , I couldn't agree more!👩🦳🚐
Thank you. Very helpful video. I’m paying off my debt, looking forward to retirement and will also check out Quartzite in the beginning.
Good advice. People need to get out of debt no matter where they live!
Great information. Thank you
You were wise to get out of debt. You worked hard to get to this point. That’s awesome!
Building wheelchairs that must be so rewarding 👍
New camp spot looks good.
just made $440 today selling off stuff I dont need. Saving for a Chevy van or RV.
Goin mobile !
@@rickreese5794 No more paying property taxes and homeowners insurance
@@evilhairlessmonkey7700
Bingo PAL, 1/2 way there…😊
Thanks for sharing your story and all the tips and tricks to think about. I find it fascinating.
Hey Matt,
Your best video yet imo. Trying to take some of my financial fears out of the nomad life. Heading to Digikey in May then to Beet Harvest. Had my van worked on and set to hit the rd. A bit concerning about mechanical repairs cost. Looking forward to 2024!
From my experience in buying many vehicles (including my GMC Savana van!) over the years I have found that if you finance a vehicle you can often get a better deal because car dealers make money from the financing. Then, once you have the vehicle use your saved cash and pay it off. Of course, you have to make sure there is no early payoff penalty.
Awesome video! I’ve watched you got years I think you had less than 200 subscribers when I signed up. I’ve lived on a sailboat and it was the happiest I’ve ever been. I have completed my van and it’s awesome to travel in with my wife and 2 boarder collies. Yes luxury is highly overrated. But at our age a house is kinda required. Love your videos!!!!
This kind of thinking is why I started following you 😉👏👏 The van life community is lucky to have you in it
I agree totally...I'm happier not in captivity, roaming, dôing n seeing..ty M
What a fantastic conversation!❤
I remember when you were living in your van and working full-time and then eventually you left the job 👍 I also I am debt-free and live full-time in my van. Huntington Beach California where the sun shines everyday.
Hi Matt ! Wow ! That was very interesting on how you became a van man !! I have to say you did good and it worked out for you ! You are your own boss and can do what you like ! If you go back to work eventually you can be a park ranger !! Tell people to pick up their trash and be quiet after 10:00 ! And whatever else they do too !! You can do anything you set your mind to !! Good luck !! Take care ! Have fun ! Deborah 🇨🇦
Thank you for sharing this Matty. 😊
Everything you said is spot on! Two year van lifer.
Thanks for that info😊
So much great information here and easy to understand and apply!
Thank you for sharing all the information, This will come in handy to many people that will need to live in a van or RV witht he way the economy is going. Thanks again
I love it when your video's go long.
Great vid Matty,
Love the way you gave us the tour of your set up while sharing some wonderful wisdom!
Many people find themselves starting over after a fallout of some sort in life and your story is an inspiration of how it can be turned around. God bless!
After watching several of your videos, I wondered how you afforded your rock n roll lifestyle, and now I know.
Thanks for sharing with us how you cracked the code, very informative - Dave Ramsey meets Bob Wells.
Actually, both have a lot in common, just one lives in a van and the other doesn't. 👍
I want so badly to be able to do Vanlife because I want to see the country I want to travel but I’ve been looking for Nomad work for over six years and it either doesn’t pay enough for the jobs that they’re offering for like data entry or some thing or I don’t have the skills to be like a techie person so it’s very discouraging. I have the van built out and I do weekend trips but you can’t get very far when you can’t leave until Friday and you have to be back Sunday night because you gotta get up at 5 AM on Monday morning for work. I live vicariously through you and Amanda. I love your channels. Thank you so much.
I need a change for sure. I have a teardrop and trying to go through all the scenarios of making a change. My work environment is affecting my health.
All good advice Live it
First 😊 That's very interesting how you evolved into van life.👍 Here in Australia we have a very bad shortage of housing.
Great video Matty!!!
Marty, how many times you gonna open that black box🙃 “b” reel , maybe get some footage of animals in the wild, sun sets Ect . Ok as I’m writing this we’re on round 3 ha ha ha love you man!
Thanks Matty, im about a month away from making that jump to living in my van. All your old videos were very helpful. See you out there somewhere!
Congratulations,
Very exciting times 💯🤙🏻😎
You did well and I smashed the Bell thanks for your honesty
if it wasn't for Quartzsite I would have quit full time van life. this spot in the trees is a nice change.
Great advice….
At least you got a quality vehicle. Cheaping out on a van is not wise unless you go with rebuild engine and standard transmission.
Looks like a nice spot!
Watch it again i always loved freedom need away to do those things that have to be done. Thank you so much
You should be able to find a job anywhere you want to be or go, as a wheelchair engineer!!!
My next Shuttle Bus project is to have the wheelchair lift overhauled.
Thanks for the information, especially on forwarding mail. I thought about using general delivery, but it sounds like UPS is better.
Matty, thanks! This is fantastic information.
This was very interesting and some great tips and tricks. Thanks!
Matty your vid has good timing. My personal situation may put me out there in the nomad life sooner rather than later! When we met I told you my plans to fund my venture which has yet to fully get off the ground but I may have found a way to fund it another way so maybe out there sooner than I thought!
Excellent video as always thank you so much for sharing.
Great video Matty - Interesting about your career. I knew you did technical work in health care, but wasn't sure what it was. It is great that you have been able to stay for over a year on the road - and more to come! Yea!
Very informative! Great Video Matty
Great video. Hope to see you this winter
Sometimes with van prices its cheaper to rent a room or split rent. I live across from beach. Less than van payment. I have become a hybred. Work in truck at beach with tmobil hotspot
Why not become a RV repair person? That seems to be a much needed skill especially in the areas you frequent.
FREEDOM!! Great informational video. Have you thought about staying the 14 or 21 day limit to save gas and wear & tear on van??
This was good man… thanks!
You answered a lot of questions that I have had
I enjoyed this video Matty! Thanks!
Somewhere Dave Ramsey is saying, "Dude is living in a van!"
I'm in a car instead of a van so I might have more options than you but what I do is just gig work. Wherever I go I use whatever big city is closest as a sort of "hub" for work, and other errands like gym and laundry. I do things like doordash, uber eats, instacart, etc. It'll never make me rich by any means but being able to go out wherever I am and make 1 to 2 hundred bucks a day has been keeping me on the road for the past 3 years now. Slowly trying to get into other income streams so I don't have to do as much gig work
If you buy a vehicle in Montana there's no sales tax and if it's ten years old or older you may optionally license it once and permanently.
Great message and info, thanks!
Great video
Hey Matty
Good video....
Hi Matty, I'm interested to know more about your shower pump setup. It looks like you did something creative with the battery-powered water pump.
Thank you for the info. I am trying to find a van now to start my life next year.
Excellent video, have always been curious about your journey! I am wkg ft as well, like ui wanted to pay cash for my van but found one I feel in love w ahead of my financial schedule and am pouring everything I have into paying it off ahead of the terrible interest rate! But the upside is I am going out on overnighters and short trips, feeling it out to see if I really like it b4 retiring and becoming a nomad. Also it has cemented my minimalism cuts if it doesn't fit in the Van I don't need it and won't buy it, as opposed to decorating an apt! Have u ever considered grooming as a nomad job? That's my plan and it's very lucrative and enjoyable and everywhere is screaming for groomers. I plan on picking a cute little town I've never been to and wkg 3 or so months at a time and then traveling till my surplus runs out then wkg somewhere else. Also, we're all wanting to know how u and A meet and stated traveling together! What a great team u r!
Thank you Matty, this is a very helpful video. You give a lot of great information. 😊👍
good, practical vid, matty. you mentioned flagstaff. i’m headed there (as soon it warms) up for the summer myself. will you be having a meet up there?
No meet up is planned. That possibly could change 👍
👍
👍🏻🇺🇸❤️😁🚐☀️☕️🏕️🐾🔥🌈
When living in your van in Nashville, how did you stay cool while sleeping?
Summers were very uncomfortable. All I had was the max air fan
Question: How do you to keep a physical street address in Tennessee if you are a full-time van dweller? It is my understanding that only Nevada and South Dakota have 'full-timer' residency laws. If you answer this, thank you very much.
I tried to explain it in the video. I was already a resident of Tennessee
@@MattyVanHalen Thank you for the answer.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Matty I am in tech and work from van. I can hook you up. What to learn and to work in van. I work on the beach
Enjoyed, too bad didn't run in to you 2012 in fla😊
👍👍👍👍
👍👍
Getting a trade really gets your pay up quickly. You have major opportunity to get a trade that pays and is in higher demand. Combine your love for travel with your last job ? Can you go to repair wheel chair? Maybe do OTR nursing ?
Great video Matty! 👍😊
Awesome video.
Great advice ..thank you..