Van Life EXPENSES| How much does VAN LIFE REALLY COST?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Ever wonder about the true cost of van life? Here is a breakdown of everything I spent in 2022 living in my van and traveling around Australia.
    ##vanlife
    #vanlifeaustralia
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    You can contact me at brennalynn@iinet.net.au
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ความคิดเห็น • 128

  • @francespotter7697
    @francespotter7697 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I must also add that I love your candour. In a world full of deception bullshit & lies it is refreshing to say the least. Thankyou!

  • @lianedegville3093
    @lianedegville3093 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is very informative. I'm thinking that when I retire (in about 5 years when I'm 70 as I enjoy my work-from-home desk job too much now) I'm going to buy an RV, put a postie motorbike on the back for trips to the shops (I have a motorbike licence) rent out my house for awhile and travel full time around Oz. Your videos make it seem a real possibility for me.

  • @kimcharters1957
    @kimcharters1957 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thanks for your detailed and precise account Brenna. You are much more disciplined and organised than I ever could be - especially in regards to not needing to stay in a motel or two. However, I am happy never to step foot in a restaurant or to buy take-away food so can save that way. Your total spend is to be applauded. 👏🙂

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Kim. Last year I actually went 8 months without stepping foot in a house 😳

  • @creatinghanley
    @creatinghanley ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brenna, thank you for sharing. This is perfect information for someone considering the van life. It seems very similar to house life expenses except that you get to explore Australia on the daily!!!!

  • @jennismith3083
    @jennismith3083 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Can you tell us more about the van? km's, age, cost, what was important to you when looking for one, etc?
    I had my first overnight trip in my prius, inspired by your earlier vids, needs a few tweaks but was a wonderful couple of days. Looking forward to the next one.
    I really enjoy all the details you give, makes planning from scratch seem achievable. Many thanks.

  • @user-kd1qu6gs3f
    @user-kd1qu6gs3f ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much Brenna; you are wonderfully authentic and inspirational
    I am yet to start my car - life ( in a few months ) and have just “ discovered you “ an Australian woman who is down to earth , real and extremely generous in sharing
    I am looking forward to finding all of your precious posts …. You are a great teacher
    Have a beautiful day ( and Abby too ❤)
    🍃🌸🍃🥰

  • @traveladventuresaustralia
    @traveladventuresaustralia ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love the break down of expenses. It certainly gives me a good indication of expenses when I start traveling full time,

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m sure it is different for everyone but hopefully it helps a bit.

  • @stephenrogers9664
    @stephenrogers9664 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A fantastic video.
    I’ve been watching you for a bit now.
    I’m now following you so I need to watch your old videos.
    You give a lot of people inspiration to travel.
    Keep up the good work btw I’m in Australia

  • @wendyhoward472
    @wendyhoward472 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    New subscriber today. Love wildflowers and great breakdown of expenses. I wondered how much it would cost in Aus with everything being so expensive here and even worse last 3 yrs.

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very expensive to live here but wouldn’t want to live anywhere else 😊

  • @A222Z
    @A222Z 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thx for sharing-> as i mentioned elsewhere, I appreciate videos on budget & gadgets for vehicle living.

  • @SoniaAngiolini-xf8gq
    @SoniaAngiolini-xf8gq ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I will be living in my van in the near future and this was great knowledge

  • @Jackie4FreeSpeech
    @Jackie4FreeSpeech ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very interesting
    Thank you for putting that together
    Wishing you a happy safe 2023
    Jackie

  • @SandVan
    @SandVan ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video , ❤happy new year ❤️😊🙏🚐

  • @trevordean6660
    @trevordean6660 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Like your breakdown and explanation of your finances. Well done!

  • @foxes_king
    @foxes_king ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brenna that is a great video! Thank you so much!

  • @dorothyhissey7211
    @dorothyhissey7211 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent information, thank you so much.

  • @deborahreynolds1552
    @deborahreynolds1552 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Brenda, good information and presented so well. Enjoy your week!

  • @kenneth7610
    @kenneth7610 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a really informative video.

  • @helenguy9475
    @helenguy9475 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for your transparency 🤗👍

  • @francespotter7697
    @francespotter7697 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I can't believe I found this video so interesting! 🤔 Clearly a bean counter exists, deeply buried somewhere inside my psyche... 😅

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Maybe you missed your calling😂

    • @kathyfann
      @kathyfann ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah you might or Nextro money being someone’s accountant or someone’s conservator

    • @kathyfann
      @kathyfann ปีที่แล้ว

      I can’t possibly be that accurate I wouldn’t even be able to stand to try it

    • @kathyfann
      @kathyfann ปีที่แล้ว

      God Bless you my goodness

  • @barbarahughes6009
    @barbarahughes6009 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was wonderful.

  • @miriamking966
    @miriamking966 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the break down of expenses. Great information.

  • @petreamccarthy8635
    @petreamccarthy8635 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really helpful. Thank you :)

  • @HettyHartpreneur
    @HettyHartpreneur 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for being open about costs. That is very enlightening. The categories make it extra clear.
    #onmyway

  • @judyoliver533
    @judyoliver533 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great job!

  • @teresam6843
    @teresam6843 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great videos brenna..hi from ireland.

  • @karendawson9372
    @karendawson9372 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks Brenna- this was such a helpful video. I’m getting ready to live in my van and this was very encouraging!! 😊

  • @ulix4
    @ulix4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you very much indeed!

  • @MissSassy79
    @MissSassy79 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sending you so much love & light beautiful soul! I hope 1 day we cross paths! ❤

  • @della7
    @della7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was looking forward to this video. I still have last your year's budget in my notebook so it was good to compare. Well done on not actually spending any more!! :)

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Della, I’m thinking about making a video of how I keep track of everything and how I do my budget in the first place.

    • @della7
      @della7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully great idea!

  • @TheOriginalHippieChick
    @TheOriginalHippieChick ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting 🤔 Thank You ❣️☮️

  • @A222Z
    @A222Z 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    When i go full-time in a van, I also will have a sm storage unit or a tiny house by family. .. I think I may actually spend more on supplements ea month than on food. 😒 I applaude those who have been able to downsz completely to a sm vehicle, but like you, I'm not there yet, nor may never be so. It depends on what is 'relevant' at each stage in my life.😊

  • @kenneth7610
    @kenneth7610 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @aroundabout
    @aroundabout ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting!

  • @gutmincer2
    @gutmincer2 ปีที่แล้ว

    there goes that idea

    • @businessguide8850
      @businessguide8850 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      No. The expenses are ridiculous. You can do it cheaper. Don’t need private cover, we have Medicare. You don’t need VPN. Don’t need to be on a phone plan. Buy outright and pay from $20 a month for data and calls.

  • @free5663
    @free5663 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Brenna, just found your channel, I've been binge watching your video's! 🙂Would you be willing to share your pet insurance company and health insurer? Thanks so much!

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching, my pet insurance is with RAC and my health insurance is with HBF

  • @annabelryan4132
    @annabelryan4132 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi brenna interesting channel. Your accommodation expense seems so cheap as free camps are getting rare, donation camps with a preferrred cost of usually $5, even national parks are so expensive now. Do you see your accommodation expenses increasing this year?

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My accommodation costs have increased this year by choice.

  • @kaz4164
    @kaz4164 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very Interesting. Thanks. Who do you get your private health insurance with?

  • @Kiwiwanderer
    @Kiwiwanderer ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting. Do you have a spreadsheet & keep lots of receipts? or do you pay with a card that splits it into food, petrol etc
    I love living on a budget, but sometimes i have to break free and have dinner out or buy a discounted item of clothing etc

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I write down everything I spend in my journal and transfer it to my budget spreadsheet.😀

    • @Kiwiwanderer
      @Kiwiwanderer ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully wow I love that! I’m copying that,
      I was keeping receipts in a jar of everything I spent for 3 months , made me very mindful of where I was spending then I got bored and my spending went up. I’m ready to rein in again so definitely time to invest in a journal.
      What type of protein so you buy - pea protein?

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I buy “ Earth Protein” from Bulk Nutrients online. They are located in Tasmania. The protein is Pea, Fava and Rice

  • @garywinkworth3380
    @garywinkworth3380 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    $28000 for year is excellent

  • @MegaSusanc
    @MegaSusanc ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow, that's a lot of money.
    But then again I haven't never sat down and added up my expenses but Australia must be a high cost place to live.
    Thank you for sharing I'm going to add up all my expenses now you have me wondering 🤔 lol
    Stay awesome Brenna
    KEEP ADVENTURING

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Australia is very expensive !

    • @carmenmartinez2882
      @carmenmartinez2882 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully pardon my ignorance, you’re in Australia then?

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, I am in Australia 😊

    • @carmenmartinez2882
      @carmenmartinez2882 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully thanks, it seems more expensive than USA. Your van looks so nice and you’re good at keeping track of your expenses. Some day hopefully I’ll make it to visit there, the closest I’ve been is New Zealand. Thanks for your wonderful videos.

    • @justkerry173
      @justkerry173 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ​@@carmenmartinez2882 definitely more expensive but more than worth it. We're an island in the middle of nowhere, it's to be expected. Still, I'd prefer to spend the extra and have the lifestyle we have here.

  • @quantumchang4410
    @quantumchang4410 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Is van life cheaper for you compared to when you were living in a house?

  • @Basman59
    @Basman59 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well to have basically expended the same amount in what can best be described as a period of exorbitantly high costs is a tremendous achievement. It certainly is food for thought how one can pull this off. What should nit be overlooked is the start-up capital to buy the van the upgrades and repairs and equipment to get to this point. When one depreciates this over say 4-5 years straight line and let's say it cost $25k that's $5k a year or best part of $100 per week that cannot be ignored. It's just like starting a business. Other expenses might be MS Office, ASIC rego et al. business expenses, website comes to mind. Do you have those too?

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว

      My start up cost for the van, fit out and equipment was about $13K. The only business expenses that are not included are my professional indemnity insurance and BAS agent registration fee which come to around $500 per year. I don't include these as these are for me to maintain my profession not really related to living in a van.

  • @Yahoo12
    @Yahoo12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just found your channel. The link to Patreon doesn’t work. 😢

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว

      Apologies Sandy, I have corrected the link in that video and also here it is patreon.com/Brennalivingjoyfully

  • @VrajaVilasini
    @VrajaVilasini ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I please ask who you use for internet & phone? I would assume that Telstra has the best coverage, but someone who has actually tried it - like yourself - may have someone better. Thank you. 😊

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว

      I use Telstra for the best coverage Australia wide and especially in rural communities.

  • @blueoceansaustralia
    @blueoceansaustralia 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    brenna do you rent your house out or did you sell it? im just sorting out what I need/want to do

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I chose to sell my house.

    • @blueoceansaustralia
      @blueoceansaustralia 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully you are inspiring me. I’m 63, and just going to rent out my unit and hit the road 😀

  • @coralieofjumpwithnofear
    @coralieofjumpwithnofear ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do you put money into various accounts to keep it aside for your budget? I have a habit of doing that so that I have at least most of it ready when the thing is due.

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have one account where my millions are kept 😉 and I transfer money out when I’m going to spend it or an automatic payment comes out.

    • @coralieofjumpwithnofear
      @coralieofjumpwithnofear ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully Well, you definitely have your budget under control. I'm impressed. 😊

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am impressed too, I was never this good when I lived in a house 😂

    • @coralieofjumpwithnofear
      @coralieofjumpwithnofear ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully Interesting! What changed, do you think? Maybe a matter of generally having to be more prepared/organised?

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Honestly, I think it’s because I want to be able to have this lifestyle for a long time and also I have realised that “ stuff “ doesn’t make you happy.

  • @Karen-qx7jw
    @Karen-qx7jw 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Brenna , what happened to the Kangaroo??? Xx

  • @banksiasong
    @banksiasong ปีที่แล้ว

    I can see why people employ you as their Bookkeeper, you are meticulous, and very impressive.
    Just generally, so if I do the whole nomad thing, what happens when I need new scripts for chronic conditions? Are GPs in other states willing to write scripts without knowing me?
    Also, my son wants to drive his partner's Corolla hatchback to Sydney. This horrifies me. He can't change a tyre, but has RAC-but it's the Nullabor!!-and he has sort of no idea about the challenges of it. Is there somewhere which has the low-down on driving over, what to avoid, EPIRB requirements, roos, road trains, the whole catastrophe?
    Thank you for your videos, I did wonder whether your original iTechWorld was still sufficient? That was one of my favourite videos. Learned so much, the lingo, the questions to ask, and the costs.
    Thank you 🐾

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for the compliment, I have always been a very organised person and good with numbers.
      For my hormonal script, I have a doctor who is happy to manage it remotely. She emails me blood tests every 6 months and we consult over the phone. You might be able to do the same thing, just ask.
      The Nullabor is not scary and is actually a very pleasant trip these days. The most important thing is to carry plenty of water and keep your fuel tank full. There are a lot of roadhouses and a lot of people on the road. Maybe learn how to change a tyre just in case 😉

    • @banksiasong
      @banksiasong ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully
      Very informative and reassuring,
      thanks Brenna.

  • @coralieofjumpwithnofear
    @coralieofjumpwithnofear ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a terrible/cheeky thought when you mentioned your donations to the WWF: is that to make up for the kangaroo you hit? LOLnotLOL. 🤣😳😱
    I know it's awful to hit animals. Just a bit of dark humour to help with things that aren't so great.

    • @BrennaLivingJoyfully
      @BrennaLivingJoyfully  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I felt so bad when I hit the kangaroo 😔

    • @coralieofjumpwithnofear
      @coralieofjumpwithnofear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrennaLivingJoyfully Even if it's completely unavoidable, it still feels awful, hey. It's almost like a rite of passage as a driver living In Australia, sadly.

  • @businessguide8850
    @businessguide8850 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Buy food before you go. Shake sachets, tinned food, eat fruit, eat simply. Wow, your expenses are ridiculous.

  • @rogerjob2780
    @rogerjob2780 ปีที่แล้ว

    Many thanks for sharing this information, just need to look at my expenses.😎🍷🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍stay safe

  • @aussiewanderer9977
    @aussiewanderer9977 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good video. This would be really helpful to people considering van life 🙂🚐🌬

  • @kenneth7610
    @kenneth7610 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!