Started living in a van 14 years ago. When I was 51 years old. My dream was to retire somewhere that meets my “ Prepper“ needs and take care of horses…. came true! Two years ago I started living on 20 acre horse ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara,CA I get $1200 a month from Social Security. My only monthly bill is phone. They provide everything, including motorcycle and jeep for short trips into town…. in exchange for me taking care of the horses. I am living my dream!👍😎
Brilliant! I love hearing that. I saw a horse ranch in OKLAHOMA where they had some hands boondocking around. I love the idea of that sort of thing and is a great way to save money! Thanks for watching! -Kenny
@@kristylynn4099 Thank you for the kind words! Yes, I am very “Lucky” that’s why I named my dog that! I enjoy my life very much. However it’s hard to meet a woman being this poor, lol. Thanks so much for watching and the comment- Kenny
Good to hear back from you, some nomads never gwt back with me. glad you got back im having my truck worked on going to New Mexico Ballon fiest in Oct.....then going to quartsite...roadrunner Take Care Stay safe...Joe from Mo i know what ya mean about being poor i only get $1751.00 still hard just paid my hse that sets on 10 wooden acres...saving for class C...
@@user-ld4vt9gz8f an upgrade is always nice and it’s a good goal to make for saving up. I saw a few balloons go up over Taos. The balloon fest is probably pretty cool to see! Where is that, Albuquerque?
ARLN, your still young, these are the years you need to be working as hard as you can, building wealth, this way when your in you 60’s, you will still be young enough to enjoy Van Life with no financial worries. Be careful, you don’t want to end up old and broke, life can get real hard. Drive safe.
@@bluecollarmark I hear that a lot. I spent years setting everything up to do this. I am content at the moment. I am building a wealth of skills and knowledge. A dollar never satisfied me, it just made it more confusing. I used to make a good living, have a country club membership. Never did much for me, had to let it all go. But I hear what you are saying. It’s noted and I appreciate the comment. It’s registered and it means a lot. Happy 4th of July! -Kenny
@@soundslikesweeney that means a lot. Thank you. I will try and be consistent with the message and not bring in any negativity at this point in my life. I just uploaded a new video, it should be available to watch later today, check it out. Take care- Kenny.
@@ARealLiveNomad I think it's ok at times to be 'real' (as you already are) which to some people might be confronting. It's affirming for me to watch your videos as I've landed in a very similar position over here in Australia in the last year or so as single guy living a nomad life on a bare minimum income. But, yeah, I'm totally ok if you need to have a vent on camera about the realities sometimes! I'm certain most of us watching will relate to the difficulties. :)
@@tracyminkins3112 i have no shame or embarrassment about it. I spent years removing outgoing expenses and am very happy and content. It’s only a tool for living on. Glad to have you here! -Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad being a female I’m kind of nervous being out alone I see many women doing it. Hopefully one day I will take that first step because I am not making out here with rent being so expensive
@@tracyminkins3112 watch some van life videos for tips and tricks. Go out for a weekend to a national forest established campground location, you can find them on the forest service website. Then go out for a night or two in your vehicle and give it a couple of test runs. A lot of women are out doing it. I recommend a dog and something for personal protection even just a can of pepper spray. That is just one humble, poor guys advice!
Tennessee is the best place to live and work. Good people, good weather, good work, good music, good churches, it is not to far south nor is it to far north. And the people are nice. Wish you the best.
I have yet to go there. I may pass through there next time I head to my home state of Virginia. Nashville almost drew me in when I was in Kentucky and I would like to see it. Thanks for writing in! -Kenny
my gosh, your in the same spot that i stopped at,but my chest was hurtting i have COPD, I talked with you awhile back,so glad you are doing well, Joe from mo,,,,stay safe might bump into you some day,,,,,,joe
Maybe the reason they come and go so quickly is because they’re going somewhere in a limited amount of time. They probably are still tied down back home, and simply making forays out into the free wild. Give them grace. They aren’t there yet. ❤😅
Hello Kenny🤗 just came across your channel and looking forward to seeing your adventures. I just purchased my wheelchair accessible van with savings and getting it ready for the road. Rent is just to expensive can't afford it anymore.
@@lewisbale1 thanks for checking us out! Yes, it’s expensive out there. I’m glad you got something you are happy with. Did you look on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or somewhere else? Let me know how it all works out for you!
Very interesting, I will take a look at that. I may hit Tahoe then go up and out that way. I have always wanted to hit Idaho and Montana. Thanks for the comment and for watching! -Kenny
@ARealLiveNomad They also have potable water and dump stations on both the RT16 side, and the RT14 side. You can camp in one spot for 14 days, then you just have to move 5 miles down the road and you can camp another 14 days.
@@scenicdriveways6708 thanks! That sounds a lot like what I just did on Tesuque Mountain, move a few miles up the road to a different camping area. Been a great little play to save on gas and wear and tear. I hope to find more places adjacent to ski areas, it seems to be a great play for boondocking.
If you don’t mind me asking what the 1202 from? SSDI or pension etc. that is kinda lean to live on, maybe make vid of a breakdown of spending per month so people such as myself can get a grasp.
Interesting, I may consider that down the road. Can you send some details to my email when you get a chance? Cost, length of time allowed, etc. ARealLiveNomad@gmail.com. I appreciate you watching the channel! -Kenny
Interesting. I'm leaving TX for San Diego in a few days. Planning to live as you do in a couple of years after 'stealthing urban for 15 years in my Sprinter. Always interesting to see how the others live. Good on ya!
@@HuangXingQing I highly recommend trying the lifestyle out. Take a couple practice runs in your vehicle now and see exactly how you will want to go about it when you go full time van lifer! I appreciate the view and comment, Happy 4th of July- Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad I've been full time since 2009 but have virtually no experience off asphalt. Boonster (a seasoned cargo trailer dweller) recommended the same as you but I tossed my spare/cradle on year one of my current 2WD so plan to get at least AWD before I get off road too much.
@@HuangXingQing I want to get a camper to pull, I think. We will see how that goes. Urban is cool, I can’t do urban really it’s too busy for my liking. Good on you! Thanks again for watching!
@@ARealLiveNomad Well, I've worked on/off since the Great Recession so it has been fulfilling to stay in the groove at times. My best gig was working in Hood River 4 days/week and chillaxing in Portland 3. HR is an open container city and what with the wind/water sporters and nice digs for food it was just awesome. Felt guilty almost!!! I love to move around so did a perimeter tour in '19 and have lately just been meandering between Seattle and Tejas over to San Diego, a favorite place to dwell, and back and north. I think when I'm formally retired I'll be in town/cities for the food/entertainment for a few days at least then 14 days in the sticks to center myself with forest/desert bathing. I honestly could never 'go back' to normal life unless it was by force. jejeje
@@nancyseiler2844 i like to set up a camp and enjoy it for a good length of time. There’s no right or error way to do it but it really runs up the fuel bill and runs down the vehicle.
If you have 1200 a month you can hunker down in the desert in the ac for sure. My monthly in laughlin is 1300/mo including 875 rent for. 1 br apt and full coverage ins on my tacoma. You gotta get on food stamps to make it work though 😂
I'm a van lifer, staying in the Reno area. You definitely need to hit Tahoe. I spent the weekend there, and it's amazing. Its only 40 minutes from Reno.
@@Chriscrumley1972 hey dude, thanks for watching! Yes, sir, Tahoe looks lovely I may head that way. I’m definitely going to Nevada at a high elevation. Take care, Kenny
You say you have no fixed address. My question is about license, registration, taxes, insurance etc. I know you have to have an address for that. Some use family for the residency. I live in a house currently, but get no 'mail' since everything can be digital nowadays. I usually go out and empty the junk about twice a week. I have traveled for work in the past, so a jump to nomadic living would be pretty easy. Chasing 70 degrees... lol.
@@anniesshenanigans3815 renew everything for as far out in the future as you are able. Pay your property taxes for 2 years, pay your insurance in full for 9 months, renew your license and it should be valid for 10 years, that should buy you ample time until other arrangements can be made at a later date. It’s a scrappy way to do things but that should keep everything up to date and matching.
Man thats awesome, being able to live on $1200 a mth is achievable if your not driving too much. Food is really your nxt expense but again plan your food and its easier to budget. Your way of life is something people should aspire too. You get to see great places in your home country and live relatively stress free. Nee sub 😊 keep up the good work 😊
Yeah it’s all how you interpret it . I found it to be stressful and at the same monotonous . I don’t think it’s good for your mental health to wonder where you will shit …shower …and get water . It sucks😂 It’s better than being homeless in an urban environment ….that I will agree with but it should be a last resort in my opinion .
@@michaelburbank2276 I’m cutting across Northern Arizona early next week to get to Nevada. Maybe I will try out Flagstaff. You never know what town will stick with you in your heart. Thanks for watching and comment- Kenny
@@katherinegranger1995 currently I don’t get mail, I am essentially homeless. Everything I have is done electronic. If I need something delivered there are mail delivery places I can pick things up at a flat rate per package, each places price is different.
You will be. Start preparing now. Eliminating bills, learning new skills, navigating, start mentally preparing. “Conviction” tell yourself this is what you are doing then go for it. Thanks for watching!
Started living in a van 14 years ago.
When I was 51 years old.
My dream was to retire somewhere that meets my “ Prepper“ needs and take care of horses…. came true!
Two years ago I started living on 20 acre horse ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara,CA
I get $1200 a month from Social Security. My only monthly bill is phone.
They provide everything, including motorcycle and jeep for short trips into town…. in exchange for me taking care of the horses.
I am living my dream!👍😎
Brilliant! I love hearing that. I saw a horse ranch in OKLAHOMA where they had some hands boondocking around. I love the idea of that sort of thing and is a great way to save money! Thanks for watching! -Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad
New subscriber👍
@@jabreck1934 I appreciate the sub! Thanks for giving the channel a shot 🙏.
You may not have material wealth, but you are rich indeed. Blessings to you and yours.
@@kristylynn4099 Thank you for the kind words! Yes, I am very “Lucky” that’s why I named my dog that! I enjoy my life very much. However it’s hard to meet a woman being this poor, lol. Thanks so much for watching and the comment- Kenny
Good to hear back from you, some nomads never gwt back with me. glad you got back im having my truck worked on going to New Mexico Ballon fiest in Oct.....then going to quartsite...roadrunner Take Care Stay safe...Joe from Mo i know what ya mean about being poor i only get $1751.00 still hard just paid my hse that sets on 10 wooden acres...saving for class C...
@@user-ld4vt9gz8f an upgrade is always nice and it’s a good goal to make for saving up. I saw a few balloons go up over Taos. The balloon fest is probably pretty cool to see! Where is that, Albuquerque?
ARLN, your still young, these are the years you need to be working as hard as you can, building wealth, this way when your in you 60’s, you will still be young enough to enjoy Van Life with no financial worries.
Be careful, you don’t want to end up old and broke, life can get real hard.
Drive safe.
@@bluecollarmark I hear that a lot. I spent years setting everything up to do this. I am content at the moment. I am building a wealth of skills and knowledge. A dollar never satisfied me, it just made it more confusing. I used to make a good living, have a country club membership. Never did much for me, had to let it all go. But I hear what you are saying. It’s noted and I appreciate the comment. It’s registered and it means a lot. Happy 4th of July! -Kenny
I've been watching a bunch of your videos now - and thanks for keeping hope alive in these strange times.
@@soundslikesweeney that means a lot. Thank you. I will try and be consistent with the message and not bring in any negativity at this point in my life. I just uploaded a new video, it should be available to watch later today, check it out. Take care- Kenny.
@@ARealLiveNomad I think it's ok at times to be 'real' (as you already are) which to some people might be confronting. It's affirming for me to watch your videos as I've landed in a very similar position over here in Australia in the last year or so as single guy living a nomad life on a bare minimum income. But, yeah, I'm totally ok if you need to have a vent on camera about the realities sometimes! I'm certain most of us watching will relate to the difficulties. :)
I thought I was the only one to make that amount of money. So I see it’s possible You living my dream
@@tracyminkins3112 i have no shame or embarrassment about it. I spent years removing outgoing expenses and am very happy and content. It’s only a tool for living on. Glad to have you here! -Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad being a female I’m kind of nervous being out alone I see many women doing it. Hopefully one day I will take that first step because I am not making out here with rent being so expensive
@@tracyminkins3112 watch some van life videos for tips and tricks. Go out for a weekend to a national forest established campground location, you can find them on the forest service website. Then go out for a night or two in your vehicle and give it a couple of test runs. A lot of women are out doing it. I recommend a dog and something for personal protection even just a can of pepper spray. That is just one humble, poor guys advice!
@@ARealLiveNomad well a poor gal appreciates the advice.
@@tracyminkins3112 😎
Lake Tahoe sounds really nice.. cute dogs. One day I might go on adventures. Good luck to you.
Where do you have in mind? Will you van camp? Start planning for it, take a weekend trip out in your car and do a dry run! Thanks for watching- Kenny
Tennessee is the best place to live and work. Good people, good weather, good work, good music, good churches, it is not to far south nor is it to far north. And the people are nice. Wish you the best.
I have yet to go there. I may pass through there next time I head to my home state of Virginia. Nashville almost drew me in when I was in Kentucky and I would like to see it. Thanks for writing in! -Kenny
Agree 💯 with not driving all over Gods green earth pick a spot stay awhile and enjoy 😀
@@JohnnyRingo1863 I like to sit put for the 14 days. Set up a nice camp and sit back for 2 weeks. That’s how I like to do it 🙌. Thanks for watching!
@@ARealLiveNomad I enjoy watching these type videos on the new subscriber I live in sticks & bricks
@@JohnnyRingo1863 more videos coming down the pike, thanks for watching, it means a great deal to me. Take care.
Just hanging out in the AZ heat. Looking forward to cooler days. Stay safe and enjoy SF
Drink a cold one and watch @ARealLiveNomad, lol. Thanks for watching us. Happy 4th of July!- Kenny and the dogs
my gosh, your in the same spot that i stopped at,but my chest was hurtting i have COPD, I talked with you awhile back,so glad you are doing well, Joe from mo,,,,stay safe might bump into you some day,,,,,,joe
Yes, sir. Glad to hear from you. Thanks for staying with us from early on. How are you feeling?
Chama , NM is super nice , free camping , just outside Chama.
You are getting some good views, watch time should be building up. Heck yeah keep it up.
We’re getting there. It’s been a lot of fun and a real challenge. Thanks for checking us out! Best of luck with you and your channel!- Kenny
Maybe the reason they come and go so quickly is because they’re going somewhere in a limited amount of time. They probably are still tied down back home, and simply making forays out into the free wild. Give them grace. They aren’t there yet. ❤😅
Thanks! Happy 4th of July.
Hello Kenny🤗 just came across your channel and looking forward to seeing your adventures. I just purchased my wheelchair accessible van with savings and getting it ready for the road. Rent is just to expensive can't afford it anymore.
@@lewisbale1 thanks for checking us out! Yes, it’s expensive out there. I’m glad you got something you are happy with. Did you look on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or somewhere else? Let me know how it all works out for you!
I’m originally from Taos NM and I love northern NM. Desert is too hot and southern NM and AZ is miserable this time of year.
@@managingmonasmoula9811 I’m in Taos now. Love it! I boondocked at Walmart 😎. Thanks for watching!
There is free camping on the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. Nice and cool up there.
Very interesting, I will take a look at that. I may hit Tahoe then go up and out that way. I have always wanted to hit Idaho and Montana. Thanks for the comment and for watching! -Kenny
@ARealLiveNomad
They also have potable water and dump stations on both the RT16 side, and the RT14 side.
You can camp in one spot for 14 days, then you just have to move 5 miles down the road and you can camp another 14 days.
@@scenicdriveways6708 thanks! That sounds a lot like what I just did on Tesuque Mountain, move a few miles up the road to a different camping area. Been a great little play to save on gas and wear and tear. I hope to find more places adjacent to ski areas, it seems to be a great play for boondocking.
@ARealLiveNomad
I lived near the Bighorn Mountains in Sheridan, Wyoming for over 20 years. It was my wife and I's playground.
@@scenicdriveways6708 sounds great, I may end up that way late summer or early fall. Always wanted to see that nook of the nation.
West of Taos , NM has lots of free camping
I’m most likely heading in that direction! Thanks for watching!
If you don’t mind me asking what the 1202 from? SSDI or pension etc. that is kinda lean to live on, maybe make vid of a breakdown of spending per month so people such as myself can get a grasp.
@@thetravelingmyfundsarelow1693 I have a small pension from a previous career. I will do a financial video in the near future. Great idea, thanks!
I host people camping in my garden , in 87107 . Mother Bosque Garden , I stay home and clean.
Interesting, I may consider that down the road. Can you send some details to my email when you get a chance? Cost, length of time allowed, etc. ARealLiveNomad@gmail.com. I appreciate you watching the channel! -Kenny
Subscribed today 😊. God bless.
Welcome. Much appreciated! Enjoy the content, Happy 4th of July! -Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad you to. Be safe.
@OffgridDreamers I appreciate it very much. -Kenny and the dogs
Interesting. I'm leaving TX for San Diego in a few days. Planning to live as you do in a couple of years after 'stealthing urban for 15 years in my Sprinter. Always interesting to see how the others live. Good on ya!
@@HuangXingQing I highly recommend trying the lifestyle out. Take a couple practice runs in your vehicle now and see exactly how you will want to go about it when you go full time van lifer! I appreciate the view and comment, Happy 4th of July- Kenny
@@ARealLiveNomad I've been full time since 2009 but have virtually no experience off asphalt. Boonster (a seasoned cargo trailer dweller) recommended the same as you but I tossed my spare/cradle on year one of my current 2WD so plan to get at least AWD before I get off road too much.
@@HuangXingQing I want to get a camper to pull, I think. We will see how that goes. Urban is cool, I can’t do urban really it’s too busy for my liking. Good on you! Thanks again for watching!
@@ARealLiveNomad Well, I've worked on/off since the Great Recession so it has been fulfilling to stay in the groove at times. My best gig was working in Hood River 4 days/week and chillaxing in Portland 3. HR is an open container city and what with the wind/water sporters and nice digs for food it was just awesome. Felt guilty almost!!! I love to move around so did a perimeter tour in '19 and have lately just been meandering between Seattle and Tejas over to San Diego, a favorite place to dwell, and back and north. I think when I'm formally retired I'll be in town/cities for the food/entertainment for a few days at least then 14 days in the sticks to center myself with forest/desert bathing. I honestly could never 'go back' to normal life unless it was by force. jejeje
with 1200 in Europe a family of 3 people can live easily ..
I agree re nomads who bounce from site to site. What’s the point? Show us how you live in a vehicle.
@@nancyseiler2844 i like to set up a camp and enjoy it for a good length of time. There’s no right or error way to do it but it really runs up the fuel bill and runs down the vehicle.
If you have 1200 a month you can hunker down in the desert in the ac for sure. My monthly in laughlin is 1300/mo including 875 rent for. 1 br apt and full coverage ins on my tacoma. You gotta get on food stamps to make it work though 😂
I'm a van lifer, staying in the Reno area. You definitely need to hit Tahoe. I spent the weekend there, and it's amazing. Its only 40 minutes from Reno.
@@Chriscrumley1972 hey dude, thanks for watching! Yes, sir, Tahoe looks lovely I may head that way. I’m definitely going to Nevada at a high elevation. Take care, Kenny
Hopefully you find a great place to camp for another two weeks. I want to try and find a place like this for me to camp in the UK
We had a blast. Does UK have a lot of public land for camping?
You say you have no fixed address. My question is about license, registration, taxes, insurance etc. I know you have to have an address for that. Some use family for the residency. I live in a house currently, but get no 'mail' since everything can be digital nowadays. I usually go out and empty the junk about twice a week. I have traveled for work in the past, so a jump to nomadic living would be pretty easy. Chasing 70 degrees... lol.
@@anniesshenanigans3815 renew everything for as far out in the future as you are able. Pay your property taxes for 2 years, pay your insurance in full for 9 months, renew your license and it should be valid for 10 years, that should buy you ample time until other arrangements can be made at a later date. It’s a scrappy way to do things but that should keep everything up to date and matching.
Stayed home here, looks like your location would be better. Hot and humid in south Florida
There’s plenty of free camping and high country close to you in southern Colorado why don’t you want to go there?
@@Justmekpc I want to run along northern NM for a month or so, then it’s a definite possibility.! You never know! Thanks for watching- Kenny
Man thats awesome, being able to live on $1200 a mth is achievable if your not driving too much.
Food is really your nxt expense but again plan your food and its easier to budget.
Your way of life is something people should aspire too. You get to see great places in your home country and live relatively stress free.
Nee sub 😊 keep up the good work 😊
@@MrSharpe95 Thanks for watching and subscribing! -Kenny
Yeah it’s all how you interpret it . I found it to be stressful and at the same monotonous . I don’t think it’s good for your mental health to wonder where you will shit …shower …and get water . It sucks😂 It’s better than being homeless in an urban environment ….that I will agree with but it should be a last resort in my opinion .
@@rudnndndsrf thanks for checking it out!
@@ARealLiveNomad your wlecome
Try Flagstaff 6900 ft
@@michaelburbank2276 I’m cutting across Northern Arizona early next week to get to Nevada. Maybe I will try out Flagstaff. You never know what town will stick with you in your heart. Thanks for watching and comment- Kenny
Why not work a seasonal job with free housing? Sugar beet harvest?
@@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx I have enough to live on. 1202 is enough for me. I am content with it. Thanks for watching! Happy 4th of July! -Kenny
Ok. Glad you're doing well. Be safe and happy travels. Yes, Wyoming is worth the trip!!
@@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx thanks for watching. Happy 4th of July. Stay tuned for more videos coming down the pike!- Kenny
How do you get mail traveling from place to p
Ace
@@katherinegranger1995 currently I don’t get mail, I am essentially homeless. Everything I have is done electronic. If I need something delivered there are mail delivery places I can pick things up at a flat rate per package, each places price is different.
@@ARealLiveNomad thank you🙂
Taos ski area
Very good. I was looking there or Angel Fire Ski area. Have you been to that one?
Godspeed brother.....I hope to be on the road soon.
You will be. Start preparing now. Eliminating bills, learning new skills, navigating, start mentally preparing. “Conviction” tell yourself this is what you are doing then go for it. Thanks for watching!
Should check out Pagosa Springs Co.....beautiful there.
@@user-ok6os3hf1eI have been wanting to hit Pagosa Springs. I will get there soon. Thanks for watching!- Kenny