If you come here with negativity, your comment will be deleted. I don't put out negative content and I don't want it on here. So keep it to yourself please. 📣📣📣
Hi sister! I have renovated old flop houses and cleaned houses. Nearly starved. Butttt I never lived in a vehicle. I lived in an old trailer without amenities. All because I became disabled and lost my nursing career. It took seven years to have a small steady income. Now I'm better off but, it's still hard. I am very grateful for what I have now.❤😊❤
I live in my van in Michigan full-time and work full-time as well by choice just saving and traveling. Best lifestyle ever no stress the freedom is unexplainable.
I'm from Ann Arbor and I know the cold and snow will make you wanna sit on a heater.. good luck, keep your tank full of gas, park for the night way before dark. God bless.
Do you get scared that you are more noticeable parking before dark? I always want to but get nervous someone will notice me more. Do you really think you’re better off parking before dark?
@mellie7016 I usually park after dark because I feel like the less time I'm seen there the longer I can stay without someone saying I'm there all the time. If that makes sense.
Thanks for posting this informative video. I've talked with many full time travelers. Letting go of your storage units is always the hardest. I believe you're going in the right direction with your TH-cam channel.
I've been living in my van for 2 weeks today and got kicked out of the Cracker Barrel by the police because some employees was afraid of me sleeping there overnight. I really like that spot. And you are right about spending on food, i blew the food budget in week one. Stay safe out there and keep posting.
Wow! I'm so sorry that happened to you. 😌 Where the heck was this Cracker Barrel at? Shame on them. I've never heard of them calling the cops on anyone. I hope you find somewhere safe to park at night. Do you have the RV parky app? It tells you where you can park. Check out places during the day and see if they have no overnight parking signs. Push come to shove try a truck stop or hospital parking lot. Blessings to you! 🤗
Love this! Between my SSI and Pension I could easily do this. I’m still in stick and Brick. I’m hoping to sell in a year and get into a van. I currently have a teardrop trailer but can’t be stealthy with that. I’m gradually downsizing. I’m 65 now. Time to fly!!!
Go for it! I wish you the best of luck and blessings! Just do your research and do a trial run, even if you have to do it in your car. Stay at Cracker Barrel or somewhere like that over night to see how you like it and how you feel.
@@MeenasHappyLifeI drove from WA Stateto to CA in my SUV. Slept in my SUV at rest stops and on the street in CA. I really liked it! I’ve been researching for a couple of years. I’ve got this! It’s just a matter of time, downsize, and sell the house and go!
@@MeenasHappyLife THX! This is something I'd truly love to do, Never been camping at 73, and would love to! I purchased a Butane Burner, going to get a twin Air Mattress next. I have a small ice chest and want a Portable cassette potty! Don't know if it will fit in a small car like a Nissan Versa Note though? My son says No don't do it, but I think I'll be fine, staying at an RV site. Any suggestions?
There are bills that would be there whether someone lived in their van or in an apartment. Things like phone, most credit card bills, etc. Van living cost should mainly include "some gas" as if you lived in an apt. you would still be paying for gas, but not as much as van living. You would not be paying for storage, Planet Fitness (maybe, maybe not), eating out (not necessary in a vehicle, just convenient). So getting an idea of how much it costs can be tricky. But the fact is that someone is not paying for a rental house or apt. They are not paying for electricity, water or propane. Once that comes off, and extra gas, gym and storage are added back in, then we can see how much is saved each month as opposed to a "sticks and bricks" kind of living. Vehicle dwellers are permanent campers, and it doesn't cost much to camp at a free "campsite." Putting additional money toward the credit cards also saves a ton on interest, so that's like earnings. Blessings to all who are in their cars because the economy has squeezed you too hard. Take advantage of it, with all the difficulties, and just consider it a full-time job that pays pretty well.
I am setting up vehicle now and trying to clear out my storage unit and belongings in my current rental. I do plan to budget for vehicle maintenance a couple of times a year, and a month's accommodation in summer and in winter.
That's a good plan. Always have "break down" funds and "rainy day" funds. You never know where or when something can happen. See this video for my break down plan. 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/kQR0CRYEt_w/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IhQfiuNwcQlJsGme
180 per month for storage???? Wowwww😮😮😮😮😮. Thats alot!!! 1,000 every 6 months?? Thats unreal!!😮. Omg. I cant imagine paying that for storage . Storage units used to be cheap to rent. I guess they are outrageous now. 😮😮😮
There are just as cheap other ways to live. For example, a 55+ retirement community. Senior apartment rent subsidized. In a country with low cost of living.
Do you recommend any simple budget outline? Maybe a one/2 page explanation to get started. Or is it best to create one’s own criteria, working from a blank page. Thanks much.
My suggestion? I like to use Bings Copilot to get ideas and answers. Just give Copilot your bills and then tell it that you want to live in a van and give you a budget for gas and maintenance and food to travel short distances to fun places. See what it comes up with and you can fine tune it and ask more questions.
The video was about How Much I Spent Living in My Van. Not about other things that go with it. Those things can be searched or researched online. I may think about that at a later date.
Thanks for sharing those numbers! A lot of people think of vanlife as being "free" and don't think about gas prices or having a storage unit. Thanks for keeping it real. As for selling that equipment, that's tough. I would compare prices for what it would cost to drop ship and have someone else print stuff vs. doing it yourself and the cost of that unit. The hardest thing for me with stuff like that is looking how how much I used it compared to how much "I'm gonna someday" use it. Eun the numbers for an entire year's worth of rent and see if it makes sense. I don't have an answer but that's how I'd figure it out for myself. Wish you were closer, I'd probably buy that stuff and start selling Big Rob's Coffee Mugs. :)
Living in your van that's about right, but You can save more if you dont eat out so much or drive a lot. Keep your storage you need that. Cook your breakfast buy a camper stove . I need to start cooking my food. I could save. Sometimes I'm lazy bum😅
Haven't yet seen it, lost the bookmark ... but there's a video somewhere addressing the question of what 'freedom' people have to give up in order to get a free government camping spot. Would be interesting to find out if there's some program brewing about that. It would be especially nice, should that happen, if people could come and go or if they had to stay put or else lose their free spot. I'll see if I can find the video and get back to you.
Insurance is about 130 per month. I had to have a new break system put in, it was close to $700, I put new tires on day 1, $360. I get my oil changed regularly at Valvoline for around $89. And they top off fluids.
@MeenasHappyLife thank you for clarifying...I am embarking next month living in a van...and appreciate all information I can gather as I will be on a very tight budget...God bless you...
If you make $25 per hour you can save 10 K your first year in a van. Say 3200 per month half of that 1500 goes to the van, insurance, food, storage. She's right storage can kill you if you don't need it get rid of it, this is minimum living. I saved thousands of dollars. And I'm thinking about buying another van to have a second home no lie. I need work on my current van and can't really drop it off and get it fixed I have to wait until the weekend to get something fixed and have no time to myself. Plus I want to do this next van differently. I bid on a van today I hope I win the bid. Oh people will try you a few occasions people try to break into my vehicle I tell them "You better get away from my van or else" Update just won a bid for a 2001 Chevy Express with hi top for 2k 93,000 miles Brought it online. Took a chance. I have something to do over the spring and summer.
Food, gas, phone, basic repairs, parking(campgrounds) The Truck Stops, parking lots...are loud and noisy. Eating out is poor nutrition and expensive no matter how you look at it
I try to make good choices about where I park and where I eat. November was off as far as food choices. I have stayed in truck stops before, some are not so bad. I stayed at that Cracker Barrel and it was right off the highway and kinda loud, but after a while I just tuned it out and went to sleep.
@@MeenasHappyLife - I remember the first ad I saw for a studio apartment renting at $1K a month and how it horrified me. That was about 30 years ago in L.A. I think we boomers had it better and easier than later generations. The only reason I'm at all comfortable now in a very frugal way is bc I was able to enter the housing market in 1968. Otherwise on my retirement income I couldn't afford a cardboard box under a freeway these days. As it turned out, I could still only afford to retire in blood-red country, but at least it's an old tiny town where I picked up a good fixer 20 years ago. Now I'm itching to sell someday and just build a nice little dome house, bc - sadly - I'm too old to be driving a scooter almost, let alone a van. I hang around here partly bc I'm jealous! Well, and I can pick up various ideas to live more frugally where I am too.
@@johnniemae794 I felt safest at Cracker Barrel and then it would be The walmart in Colonial Heights. Love's was good in NC. But it all depends on how you feel at that particular moment in time.
@MeenasHappyLife thank you very much my dear I just left from a cracker barrel this morning stayed overnight at Myrtle Beach rained all day but it felt good God Bless
Why buy a van when you can rent a private sleeping room Mexico City for $120 a month. Room and Board for $40 a month in Nicaragua? I live in Costa Rica where I rent a 7 bedroom/5 bath house on 23 acres for $153 a month. Haven't bought gas since 2012, $15 a month/ Water/Sewer/ Trash $6. WIFI $12,cellphone $6. And National Health Care paying 100% for 25% that of Medicare paying only 80% And debts get wiped out when you leave the US, except child support and taxes.
If you come here with negativity, your comment will be deleted. I don't put out negative content and I don't want it on here. So keep it to yourself please. 📣📣📣
THAT'S HOW I DO IT, DELETE NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND BLOCK THE SENDER. ONLY DEAL WITH POSITIVITY.
Hi sister! I have renovated old flop houses and cleaned houses. Nearly starved. Butttt I never lived in a vehicle. I lived in an old trailer without amenities. All because I became disabled and lost my nursing career. It took seven years to have a small steady income. Now I'm better off but, it's still hard. I am very grateful for what I have now.❤😊❤
It is so hard to make ends meet these days. Thanks for watching!
❤♿️
Thank you for the useful information. I am glad that you have a happy life.🥰
I'm glad that it was useful for you.
I live in my van in Michigan full-time and work full-time as well by choice just saving and traveling. Best lifestyle ever no stress the freedom is unexplainable.
It is so liberating!
I'm from Ann Arbor and I know the cold and snow will make you wanna sit on a heater.. good luck, keep your tank full of gas, park for the night way before dark. God bless.
Do you get scared that you are more noticeable parking before dark? I always want to but get nervous someone will notice me more. Do you really think you’re better off parking before dark?
@mellie7016 I usually park after dark because I feel like the less time I'm seen there the longer I can stay without someone saying I'm there all the time. If that makes sense.
@@MeenasHappyLife It does make sense, yes! Thank you :)
Thanks for posting this informative video. I've talked with many full time travelers. Letting go of your storage units is always the hardest. I believe you're going in the right direction with your TH-cam channel.
I live in a shuttle bus.I dont want to let my storage go.I will down size.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Take a look at visible. I am a trucker and I use Visible. I think 120$ is expensive for cell service. Nice video
I appreciate it, I'm still trying to figure out another plan I can use.
@@MeenasHappyLifeI second the visible! I have had it for 4 years now. It is the real deal- no throttling- you can watch TH-cam 24/7…$25/month.
I've been living in my van for 2 weeks today and got kicked out of the Cracker Barrel by the police because some employees was afraid of me sleeping there overnight. I really like that spot. And you are right about spending on food, i blew the food budget in week one. Stay safe out there and keep posting.
Wow! I'm so sorry that happened to you. 😌 Where the heck was this Cracker Barrel at? Shame on them. I've never heard of them calling the cops on anyone. I hope you find somewhere safe to park at night. Do you have the RV parky app? It tells you where you can park. Check out places during the day and see if they have no overnight parking signs. Push come to shove try a truck stop or hospital parking lot. Blessings to you! 🤗
Love this! Between my SSI and Pension I could easily do this. I’m still in stick and Brick. I’m hoping to sell in a year and get into a van. I currently have a teardrop trailer but can’t be stealthy with that. I’m gradually downsizing. I’m 65 now. Time to fly!!!
Go for it! I wish you the best of luck and blessings! Just do your research and do a trial run, even if you have to do it in your car. Stay at Cracker Barrel or somewhere like that over night to see how you like it and how you feel.
@@MeenasHappyLifeI drove from WA Stateto to CA in my SUV. Slept in my SUV at rest stops and on the street in CA. I really liked it! I’ve been researching for a couple of years. I’ve got this! It’s just a matter of time, downsize, and sell the house and go!
@@MeenasHappyLife THX! This is something I'd truly love to do, Never been camping at 73, and would love to! I purchased a Butane Burner, going to get a twin Air Mattress next. I have a small ice chest and want a Portable cassette potty! Don't know if it will fit in a small car like a Nissan Versa Note though? My son says No don't do it, but I think I'll be fine, staying at an RV site. Any suggestions?
I noticed Hello Kitty in the background and I love Hello Kitty!!
I have a collection... in my storage 😁
Awww you're so beautiful! Your video just popped up in my recommendations! Thank you for sharing! Be safe out there may God keep you blessed! 🤍
Thanks! I appreciate you watching! 🤗
There are bills that would be there whether someone lived in their van or in an apartment. Things like phone, most credit card bills, etc. Van living cost should mainly include "some gas" as if you lived in an apt. you would still be paying for gas, but not as much as van living. You would not be paying for storage, Planet Fitness (maybe, maybe not), eating out (not necessary in a vehicle, just convenient).
So getting an idea of how much it costs can be tricky. But the fact is that someone is not paying for a rental house or apt. They are not paying for electricity, water or propane. Once that comes off, and extra gas, gym and storage are added back in, then we can see how much is saved each month as opposed to a "sticks and bricks" kind of living. Vehicle dwellers are permanent campers, and it doesn't cost much to camp at a free "campsite." Putting additional money toward the credit cards also saves a ton on interest, so that's like earnings. Blessings to all who are in their cars because the economy has squeezed you too hard. Take advantage of it, with all the difficulties, and just consider it a full-time job that pays pretty well.
Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like you are on the right path. Living in a van is not for everyone but it can give you freedom. Good luck.
Thank you! 🤗
I am setting up vehicle now and trying to clear out my storage unit and belongings in my current rental. I do plan to budget for vehicle maintenance a couple of times a year, and a month's accommodation in summer and in winter.
That's a good plan. Always have "break down" funds and "rainy day" funds. You never know where or when something can happen. See this video for my break down plan. 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/kQR0CRYEt_w/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IhQfiuNwcQlJsGme
180 per month for storage???? Wowwww😮😮😮😮😮. Thats alot!!! 1,000 every 6 months?? Thats unreal!!😮. Omg. I cant imagine paying that for storage . Storage units used to be cheap to rent. I guess they are outrageous now. 😮😮😮
Yeah, it started out at like $150 2 years ago and keeps going up. I will sell what I can when the weather gets warmer. My grandchildren will help me.
I agree…drop the storage at those prices. Craziness to me.
There are just as cheap other ways to live. For example, a 55+ retirement community. Senior apartment rent subsidized. In a country with low cost of living.
And then I would be stuck paying rent and not able to travel. See this video 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/67hDaz6qKUI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IBRtOdztRT-Cj4_f
Do you recommend any simple budget outline? Maybe a one/2 page explanation to get started. Or is it best to create one’s own criteria, working from a blank page. Thanks much.
My suggestion? I like to use Bings Copilot to get ideas and answers. Just give Copilot your bills and then tell it that you want to live in a van and give you a budget for gas and maintenance and food to travel short distances to fun places. See what it comes up with and you can fine tune it and ask more questions.
Many thanks for the suggestion.
@@andrewminjiras5745 You are welcome! I just did one for myself! Gave me good insight.
Will give it a try. Thanks
Thanks for thoughts❤. Next time hoping you can show more then talk. 🙏⛽️ gas prices overnighting include more info. Your design of van?
The video was about How Much I Spent Living in My Van. Not about other things that go with it. Those things can be searched or researched online. I may think about that at a later date.
Hi there! I like your van and your hello kitty is so cute❤
Thank you! I wish I could show my whole collection.
I have the flu but Iake soup to keep me sane. I broke my wrist so my boys are my saving grace. I think me and my boys would love van life.
Just watch lots of TH-cam videos on living on the road. You could do a bus or an RV.
Good to know what the monthly costs are.
I know, it's crazy how much things cost nowadays.
Thanks for sharing those numbers! A lot of people think of vanlife as being "free" and don't think about gas prices or having a storage unit. Thanks for keeping it real. As for selling that equipment, that's tough. I would compare prices for what it would cost to drop ship and have someone else print stuff vs. doing it yourself and the cost of that unit. The hardest thing for me with stuff like that is looking how how much I used it compared to how much "I'm gonna someday" use it. Eun the numbers for an entire year's worth of rent and see if it makes sense. I don't have an answer but that's how I'd figure it out for myself. Wish you were closer, I'd probably buy that stuff and start selling Big Rob's Coffee Mugs. :)
I agree, it's definitely not "free" - thanks for watching!
Love your channel keep up the hard work
I appreciate it!
Hi Meena Thanks
You're welcome!
Oh-K.... Finally some music! 😊
Living in your van that's about right, but You can save more if you dont eat out so much or drive a lot. Keep your storage you need that. Cook your breakfast buy a camper stove .
I need to start cooking my food. I could save. Sometimes I'm lazy bum😅
Thanks for the tips!
If you use your storage unit for your business you can claim part of it on your business taxes. Ask your CPA.
That is good to know. Thanks!
Great Video! I know, Knowing me, if I did vanlife full time my bill would be like $2000max a month
If I had the budget for it, I would too! I'm trying to get there with the income from my channel. That way I can travel more.
Haven't yet seen it, lost the bookmark ... but there's a video somewhere addressing the question of what 'freedom' people have to give up in order to get a free government camping spot. Would be interesting to find out if there's some program brewing about that. It would be especially nice, should that happen, if people could come and go or if they had to stay put or else lose their free spot. I'll see if I can find the video and get back to you.
I don't know about any programs like that, but it would be great!
Thanks for the insight. How much is the normal insurance coverage? How much is regular maintenance for the year - oil change, brakes, etc.?
Insurance is about 130 per month. I had to have a new break system put in, it was close to $700, I put new tires on day 1, $360. I get my oil changed regularly at Valvoline for around $89. And they top off fluids.
Will you reduce your takeout meals?
Yes, for sure!
What about vehicle insurance?
I paid my insurance in September and then the insurance company changed my coverage so I had a credit for November. But it runs about $130 per month.
@MeenasHappyLife thank you for clarifying...I am embarking next month living in a van...and appreciate all information I can gather as I will be on a very tight budget...God bless you...
Thank you so much. This was a lot of great information 🎉🎉🎉🎉
God bless you my friend.❤
Thanks! 😊
Why did you decide to live in your van?
This video explains it all 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/67hDaz6qKUI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eNSajRDcwgJNJW5Q
Sell, sell, sell because that money can go back in your pockets. Good luck 👍🏾😊
It will happen eventually. When the weather gets warm.
Living costs are the same as anywhere, just without rent. 😮
True!
Hi Meena. It seems that you would have an insurance cost as well. For your van right? Correct me, if I'm wrong.
I paid my insurance in September and then the insurance company changed my coverage so I had a credit for November.
Nice big van. So many live in tiny ones.
I know, I had to have something I could stand up in and floor space.
If you make $25 per hour you can save 10 K your first year in a van. Say 3200 per month half of that 1500 goes to the van, insurance, food, storage. She's right storage can kill you if you don't need it get rid of it, this is minimum living. I saved thousands of dollars. And I'm thinking about buying another van to have a second home no lie. I need work on my current van and can't really drop it off and get it fixed I have to wait until the weekend to get something fixed and have no time to myself. Plus I want to do this next van differently. I bid on a van today I hope I win the bid.
Oh people will try you a few occasions people try to break into my vehicle I tell them "You better get away from my van or else"
Update just won a bid for a 2001 Chevy Express with hi top for 2k 93,000 miles Brought it online. Took a chance.
I have something to do over the spring and summer.
That's awesome! Glad you found another one. Maybe I will be able to save for a newer one this year.
Food, gas, phone, basic repairs, parking(campgrounds)
The Truck Stops, parking lots...are loud and noisy. Eating out is poor nutrition and expensive no matter how you look at it
I try to make good choices about where I park and where I eat. November was off as far as food choices. I have stayed in truck stops before, some are not so bad. I stayed at that Cracker Barrel and it was right off the highway and kinda loud, but after a while I just tuned it out and went to sleep.
$120 for a cell phone. Have you heard of Mint Mobile?
I have. I like mines though.
👵🏽sister i pay 17.00 a month at Xfinity
Depends a lot on location and amount of internet traffic!
I love mint mobile! I've been with them for years and I'm really happy with the coverage
Yes, just imagine what you pay for rent will be in your pocket. 😊
Yes, I can't even imagine paying rent now.
@@MeenasHappyLife - I remember the first ad I saw for a studio apartment renting at $1K a month and how it horrified me. That was about 30 years ago in L.A. I think we boomers had it better and easier than later generations. The only reason I'm at all comfortable now in a very frugal way is bc I was able to enter the housing market in 1968. Otherwise on my retirement income I couldn't afford a cardboard box under a freeway these days. As it turned out, I could still only afford to retire in blood-red country, but at least it's an old tiny town where I picked up a good fixer 20 years ago. Now I'm itching to sell someday and just build a nice little dome house, bc - sadly - I'm too old to be driving a scooter almost, let alone a van. I hang around here partly bc I'm jealous! Well, and I can pick up various ideas to live more frugally where I am too.
Your food 🥘 cost can be much lower if you’re able to cook most of your meals.
👨🏽🍳
Im confused, are you a full timer or van camping? I worked temporarily at WM, trust me, we always knew who was in the parking lot.
😮
You can watch other videos on my channel to find out. 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/67hDaz6qKUI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=66U34NOVK60MVEqQ
Where to sleep safely at night
Did you watch the entire video?
@MeenasHappyLife sorry, yes I did
@@johnniemae794 I felt safest at Cracker Barrel and then it would be The walmart in Colonial Heights. Love's was good in NC. But it all depends on how you feel at that particular moment in time.
@MeenasHappyLife thank you very much my dear I just left from a cracker barrel this morning stayed overnight at Myrtle Beach rained all day but it felt good God Bless
You wouldn't know, you stayed with your son's a family stop keeping? 🛑 capping!!😮😮😂😅
You don't have anything else to do, is that it? 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
Why buy a van when you can rent a private sleeping room Mexico City for $120 a month. Room and Board for $40 a month in Nicaragua? I live in Costa Rica where I rent a 7 bedroom/5 bath house on 23 acres for $153 a month. Haven't bought gas since 2012, $15 a month/ Water/Sewer/ Trash $6. WIFI $12,cellphone $6. And National Health Care paying 100% for 25% that of Medicare paying only 80% And debts get wiped out when you leave the US, except child support and taxes.
Thought about that years ago, but I want to be present in my grandchildren and great grandchildrens life.
@@MeenasHappyLife❤
Why would I go to another country and leave all that I know?
@@susanbrown9998 You mean drugs, crime, natural disasters, bad weather, and oppressive government?
@@riskyron1416Why/ How are debts wiped out when you leave the USA?