FullTiming with nothing!!......Dont be afraid to plan for it!!!!!
Boxrkisses said
11:02 AM Mar 4, 2014
LOVE THIS THREAD! I posted this a while back on my FB page for our friends (and myself) that say they have no extra money to put towards savings. I figured someone on here may be able to use it also.
EASY way to save almost $1400 cash in one year when you thought you had no extra money to put away.....
-- Edited by Boxrkisses on Tuesday 4th of March 2014 11:04:30 AM
Lucky Mike said
11:43 AM Mar 4, 2014
excellent post Gina......my kids do it this way! and love it.....and you dont miss the money while your doing it
TRAILERKING said
11:54 AM Mar 4, 2014
Looks minimal until closer to the end of the chart. Then it starts to work out to $160+ per month. I think better off trying to do $25-$26 per week. I guess everyone has their own plan of attack.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
12:35 PM Mar 4, 2014
Good Chart!
Many ways to save, but it always comes down to putting the excuses aside, limiting your "wants" and doing it.
Lucky Mike said
12:43 PM Mar 4, 2014
it is a think & challenge savings plan that works because it becomes a game...........if you use a single value savings it becomes repetitious and most become bored and lose interest.
by using the doubling method it trains someone and increases the challenge of the savings.....but you are right after about week 30 you are taking 30 dollars plus from your paycheck......I guess this would be hazardous if you only make minimum wage.
but even at minimum wage.(8.00)....if you put 1 hour a day into your savings for days worked that would be 2080.00 per year!
BiggarView said
12:46 PM Mar 4, 2014
As a challenge it a great way to put some funds away for whatever and make it a bit fun to boot. for As a strategy to save it does two things,it trains the saver to be more efficient with their remaining money and encourages savers to find new sources of income to fund the saving habit. I see no downside.
I agree with Mike, great post Gina.
Lucky Mike said
01:07 PM Mar 4, 2014
As far as Dealer or private sale......private sale is better if you do your homework and a careful to inspect what you are buying....if the rig is 6 years old you can buy an extended warranty to help offset repairs.
as far as dealers.....I buy and sell , presentation is the game , I have to fine detail it, I display it on my lot , I have paperwork ,utilities,Employees,taxes and I need a paycheck........so yes you will pay more just so you can walk on the lot and look at it......Im not required to tell you whats wrong with it , only tell you whats right and why you should pay close to the MSRP Used........
not all dealers are bad but there is a good mark-up involved and costs with it.
Best buys are always in the private sector....Estate sales , those that are retiring from the road, RePo's....
I still do the RV Flipping.....I started low and worked my way up until I always had 2 for sale and upgraded the one I used.....every year I would go down south in the off season buy them cheaply and run them up north for resale.
the biggest thing with buying used is not so much about mileage , its maintenance....if properly maintained they are great.....but you could come up with a barn find and it had 1200 miles on it and the drivetrain can be junk from lack of use!
Remember........the grand-kids Tonka toys as the get older gain in value even sitting in the sandbox........our Big boy toys loose substantial value as soon as we take them out to play !!!!
manycats said
05:08 PM Mar 10, 2014
Since I'm still working, my meager Soc Sec check is deposited in a separate bank account [No see, No use] to build up an emergency fund. We will be EXTREMELY frugal and workamp when we take off. Our staple diet may be peanut butter and maybe we will have to share our cats' food, (who knows?) but we will still HaPpY Dance.
PIEERE said
06:52 PM Mar 10, 2014
Dyana: I sure enjoy your upbeat and postive posts!!! In 2009 the company I worked for downsized and I was sent packing. I sold my pickup as I had and still have the same old motorhome. I left with $4K$ an insurance policy paid up for three months and the onset of winter was closing fast. I made it to a campground in N. Carolina; paid a months rent and responded to every Hotline Job that Workamper News had to offer a single 59 yr.old man. I found employ starting in December in Mid-Miss. for just space until Feb. when i could work 10 paid and 12 unpaid a week for site and utilities. I know what it was like to live frugal; I posted a note looking for a ride from other workers who did shopping. They sure looked at me funny when My list consisted of rice and beans. LOL! Then that May I was offered employ in Iowa at an amusement park working games. It paid for site and 32 hours at $7.00 hr. Then it got a little better until the health problems if you read my posts in the health and physical problems.
If one wants to do something bad enough and their health allows it; then I say: Go fo it!!! We are only going through this old world one time; we may as well do the best we can with what we have. For when the Piper whistles it's tune there is no second runs. I can't work much at doing anything now and am Happy i started when i did; I was 47 at the first work camping job. I worked at one place for 8+ years; then went back and did it again!!
If i should get physically capable of doing it again I will be the first one standing in line for some more work camp jobs. No matter what happens if one has a good outlook; good things will happen; we only have to stop and recognize what they are in the given moment; even if it is a nice breath of fresh air!!
Millie said
09:51 AM Mar 11, 2014
Lucky Mike wrote:
I thought I would start this thread because some come to the forum and say they cant afford to do it....or are so down and out that this is a last resort , but all they see is People talking about spending big bucks to get out here..
Well I'm A realist!!...........yes you Can... you can pull out of your driveway or pull yourself out of your rut for under 5k........(it can be done for under 1k if your a durable survivalist)
The nice part of RVing is it can be anywhere from survival to the perfect retirement!!!.... you just have to do it within your budget and use your head
at 5k your not pulling out in a state of the art unit....but you can head to a better life and support it if you have an open mind.
so to start this thread I'll start with the unit itself
Class A. & C...the old ugly duckling......plenty around, yup its gonna need work..(most can be done while your moving) I see good moving ones a thousand and up.......Be aware some coach's will keep you in the " boondock and yes officer mode " permanently if you buy a total piece of crap!!
Seasonal 5ver & TT......there are more than plenty of these sitting in back yards and campgrounds across america , and some are actually free just to get them off the property.....some will tell you you cant put alot of weight in them , but if your reading this your probably going to have to sell everything you have to get this far and leave ,so weight wont be a problem.
If you cant afford a campground...Dont go to one.....almost all units are self contained , you dont really need a park but once a week to dump and take on water!!!
There are a million ways to make a daily living on the road if you just look!!!.......you dont really need a job...A job is just working for someone elses pocket change because they are just a little more motivated than you and got you to do the hard part
Workamping
Fleamarkets
Temp labor
Simple self employment....(Get your hussle on)
online.......Online.......online ( you would be amazed if you just looked)
So let the Questions and fun Begin.........I will be more than happy to share what I know with all of you and if your shy Please PM me...we can keep it between me and you until your ready to pay it forward!!!
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 5th of December 2013 04:12:25 PM
Yup! You don't need a lot of money.
GREAT thread, Lucky Mike!
(Sorry, I don't have any time to read any of the reply's.)
tigercx1 said
06:49 PM Mar 23, 2014
Great thread and inspirational.
Thanks
Mark
Lucky Mike said
10:22 AM Mar 24, 2014
Something to think about.......
I ran across this blog this morning , it was worth the read and puts your mind in motion as to what fulltiming really costs...
if you made it to this thread it was most likely because you wanted to know how you can afford to do it.....this person was good enough to explain it !!!!!!
bjoyce said
10:48 AM Mar 24, 2014
Thanks for finding that blog post, Mike!
injunear said
11:52 AM Mar 24, 2014
Thanks Mike, for the blog. Sent it to several friends who may not agree with our plans to full time.
cherylbrv said
02:02 PM Mar 24, 2014
The biggest argument I'm getting from unsupportive family is their concern about the cost of mechanical breakdowns -- that my costs will be the same, if not more, than what I currently pay in mortgage and taxes and everything else! Oy!
Barbaraok said
02:10 PM Mar 24, 2014
There are all sorts of things that can happen in life. People die falling in their shower. Plan for repairs by setting up a repair account and put money in it every month. Lots of people purchase extended warranties. Lots of different ways, but all involve doing some planning.
You do realize that your family is afraid because they don't like change. What is it that you give them now that they won't have when you travel. Work on that with them so that they can become more self-sufficient. That should help them to see things in anew light.
Barb
BiggarView said
04:11 PM Mar 24, 2014
Lucky Mike wrote:
Something to think about.......
I ran across this blog this morning , it was worth the read and puts your mind in motion as to what fulltiming really costs...
if you made it to this thread it was most likely because you wanted to know how you can afford to do it.....this person was good enough to explain it !!!!!!
You hit it right on the head Mike. Sure, it takes financial wherewithall depending one's chosen lifestyle. It can be frugal or it can be extravagant... there is no right or wrong way. You, Mike, have shown us many ways to get going without needing a bank in your pocket to hit the road. One's personal comfort zone is the bottom line. If this is one's dream, can one really afford not to pursue it? Or at the very least truly explore the opportunity without all the Nay-bobs trying to steer one back into the "rut" just because it's "safer"!
Take the Red pill
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 24th of March 2014 04:12:34 PM
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 24th of March 2014 06:38:09 PM
cherylbrv said
04:53 PM Mar 24, 2014
Very well said, Brian (or Cindi?). We didn't hear very much from our family or friends for the past 3 years that we've been planning this, but now that the house is just about on the market (photos will be on the internet in a day or 2, and the first open house is on Sunday), they realize we really are serious about this, and have started the "nay-bobbing". We just have to stay strong and remember this is OUR dream, not theirs. Maybe it'll be safe, maybe it won't, but it's WE that have to take that risk and live with the consequences.
PIEERE said
05:24 PM Mar 24, 2014
Cheryl; How are you ever going to know if you can do it if you don' give it a whirl!!! The worst that could possibly happen??? If you both decide it won't work for you or your decision is you don't enjoy it. You sell the RV and have to work for an employer for awhile; then move back to a S&B's. On the positive note; you have enjoyed the travels; seen the beauty of this vast US of A; had the best honeymoon anyone coulod ask for. Now; you wonder why I drool at the thought of getting better!!!!
I have lived and seen the beauty of the Adirondacks of New York; lived in Arizona and seen the Grand Canyon; Sedonas gorgeous red rock cliffs and gorges; been to California to Ocean City where the Beach Boys; Jan and Dean played thier Music on the beach; Drove a Chevy Van through a tunnel in the base of the great Redwood Tree. Need I go on!!! You can't remember what you haven't seen. All this is outside the door of your RV.
What am i doing now!!! As you knoe I have been kind of stationary since August 2012; however as I said before; "I have a Dream". If getting on the road never materializes again, when I sit back in my easy chair; no one; family; close friends or relatives can ever take away the meomories of my travels that I have done!!!
I hope you and your husband the best and most enjoyable RV life that awaits you both!!! Stop your worrying and roll with the flow!!! It is so nice when a "Plan comes together"!
BiggarView said
05:42 PM Mar 24, 2014
Cheryl, Brian here(Cindi has yet to post anything.) Funny our RV Dream was originally her idea but I surprised her by jumping in with both feet(CANNONBALL!!). She's more cautious about this than I and she's still nervous about our potential jump off date... I've got her reconsidering an earlier start date, but I'm not going to push for it until she indicates more desire for it. Anyway, while our daughter thinks we are crazy, she thinks its cool. Go figure. Others in our family are a broad spectrum of fear and enthusiasm. I've done the math, and I know we can do it and as long as we still want this and things don't get worse for us economically we'll be on the road in 2019. Or sooner!
WestWardHo said
08:11 PM Mar 25, 2014
Thank you Mike for sharing such useful real information. There are useful bits there for any budget level!
I so look forward to the day we can meet you and thank you in personfor taking the time to share with all of your friends,
Jesse
Wheel_Estate said
06:53 PM Apr 9, 2014
Mike,
Like the thread and would like to share a part of our story.
We began full timing after I was injured at home. I fell and punctured a lung and had to give up the contracts that were paying the bills. There was no way we could afford to stay where we were.
We sold off all out beloved antiques and other goodies and traded the SUV straight across for our motorhome. After settling in to our new home we sold the van and hit the road with only my social security and what we had in the bank , which wasn't going to last long.
With $740 a month income, we traveled 5000 miles in this last year. We can only spend $300 on fuel and have to sit out the rest of the month, so we move along in short jumps while boondocking.
It isn't always easy, but we're out here doing what we love and don't regret having to be frugal. Luckily, our rig is in good condition, but you never know what might happen. We might end up sitting for months to save for a repair, but so be it. I'm learning ways to make a few bucks online. Its a little slow for me since I'm not at all tech savvy, but I'm going to master this.
So, if you wanna follow the dream there are ways.
Lucky Mike said
07:18 PM Apr 9, 2014
I like to hear from those that are making it jay!!!.....I know the feeling of making it on the goverment retirement Check..I think thats what got me so interested in boondocking in the beginning and finding something that didnt take alot of space to make money in the fleamarkets and festivals....the fuel budget always helped me from running and let me see more places by doing short hops and then waiting for the market over the weekend........If I can give you a few ideas just PM me.....everyone has a hidden talent$$
Wheel_Estate said
09:53 PM Apr 9, 2014
Thanks Mike. I'm familiar with you from over on Bob's site and appreciate that you pass on good advice based on experience.
We both love flea/antique markets, having worked them in the past. I figure if I can do ok with some online work at some point I can invest in a small product line to build on. I know its not a get rich way to go, but I can bide my time and be positive.
I think being positive is one of my most important assets. One thing I'm most positive about is the lifestyle we've chosen. I'm not about to allow the lack of a fat income to keep me from enjoying all those red highways that lead to so many wonderful sights great people.
We're zig zagging America at 50 MPH and lovin' it.
BTW...always open for new ideas and always welcome your PM.
PIEERE said
07:24 AM Apr 10, 2014
Jay: Welcome! Mike has some very good info on living frugal and earnig a supplemental income. I used to subscribe to a magazine called "Small Business Income Opportunities". In the 1980's I sold "Watkins Products". I was married then and went to Open Markets and Swap Meets and used a local weekly newpaper ad; in Arizona. I would use the weekend of the first and 15th of the month to re-sell used merchandise from yard sales; it was easier then as we didn't collect sales taxes. A month before Christmas; Easter; July 4th; and Halloween would buy items from wholesaler warehouses and re-sell--had to collect taxes on these as the merchandiser always wanted your TIN.
It can be done with the right mind-set and a lot of courage and much devotion to your goals. I had better income from buying; repairing and selling a few used vehicles and also refurbishing used merchandise profit-wise. One has to think "smaller items" or intangibles when traveling; but I've known a few who hauled enclosed trailers for doing various repairs; arts and crafts; carrying vending carts; to multiple varieties of merchandis to sell. Safe Travels and as the old saying goes: "Break A Leg". My understanding means work hard to accomplish what you want. PIEERE
Wheel_Estate said
10:35 AM Apr 10, 2014
Hi Pieere,
Boy, I feel like frugal is my middle name sometimes. I suppose I could think of all the things I miss out on by not having lots of cash. My view is toward all the memories of people, places, and the anticipation of what's down the road yet to be experienced. More dollars might mean more miles and maybe a little more security in some ways, won't make me any happier tho.
We meet people all the time with lots of "disposable" dollars and find it quite evident that we are on a different level in their eyes. Things change drastically when they find out our rig is older, not as snazzy, and we can't afford to go out to dinner every night or spend for expensive event tickets. They just sorta quit stopping by while walking the dog and put up that "wall" of disinterest if we swing by their way. Do I attribute that to my lack of communication skills? Well, I'm not educated in the ivy covered halls, but I'm well spoken, friendly, polite, and a good listener, so let's discount that. Margie is a sweetie, so that's not an issue. Age may be catching up with our looks, but certainly not freaky looking or weird. Shoot, I even get a haircut once in a while, LOL.
What it boils down to is class based on money. How about parks that won't accept us with an older rig? (if we could afford them).
I smile, wave, and go along my merry way knowing I put my pants on the same way they do...eventho I bought them at a thrift store :)
On the other side of the coin are the people in our income range. Many of them are depressed and indulge in excessive drinking/drugs. Now, I'm not trying to classify us, but that's not the way we like to spend our time and resources. I'm not a teatotaler, there are limits tho.
So, we spend a lot of time alone, happy to have the life we have.
Many of our friends from the road are vandwellers who have lived within their means for long enough that they've made sense of it all. They seem to be among the most "stable" for the most part. (not all, mind you).
For us it isn't about what a person can afford, so if you meet us just remember we might be the best friends you ever had. You never know until there are no walls between us.
Positive attitude, a good heart, honesty, and a smile has taken me many wonderful miles over the years. I think I'll stick with that program.
Lucky Mike said
10:46 AM Apr 10, 2014
if you Get to New England durring the summer Feel free to look me up......lots of nice boondocking spots...and always a spare seat at the fire!!
Wheel_Estate said
11:41 AM Apr 10, 2014
Thanks Mike, I'll certainly remember that when we make it up that way. We'd love to have you visit if you're in our area.
Aurora Borealis said
09:12 PM May 18, 2014
As to items to sell at crafts fairs, I remember a young man who bought a popcorn machine so he could sell popcorn at crafts fairs and such. He said it was very profitable, but I do not remember how big the machine was.
Talensnana said
10:21 PM May 18, 2014
We are just beginning to travel more than vacations and long weekends. If you ever see just stop by and say hi. We can have dinner together, I'll even cook. Are you on rvillage? If so, look me up. I am talensnana
-- Edited by Talensnana on Sunday 18th of May 2014 10:23:38 PM
The Junkman said
07:08 PM Jun 2, 2014
Great thread..
But I must say.. It's making me a little nervous.. Nervous enough to break out my books tonight, and review my budget.
It seems the majority of people , while the amount may be small, Still has a check coming in from somewhere.. Social Security , Disability etc.. If nothing else, it pays the rent and your food.. Your safe.
For me, I have no check , no income.. I'm 48 and we are hitting the road in Aug. While I have a little money. We plan on buying/selling on the road.. Seen one guy does the wood signs at events.. We plan similar things , as well as keeping our Ebay going.. To help supplement, and increase our entertainment budget..
I doubt I will be able to move around later, and is mainly why we are making a run at it now... We will get there.. and will be out and about.. I do wish I had the security.. of any check.. coming from anywhere...
Lucky Mike said
05:09 AM Jun 3, 2014
working the market stream works for me and several others Ive met along the way.....once you have learned the ins and outs of what your trying to do, it works out.
Im not much older than you junkman and its all mindset , treat your income stream like a business and it will grow fast....after all your not going to be in one town with a limited customer base.....you now can move about and keep sales at a premium
as far as making it out here......Im beyond the word disabled , I was lucky to start out long before life took its toll on me, and when it came it came with a vengeance with no return.......It took everything I had to make it thru it and left me with nothing but the motivation to get it back (literally)......had to sell the coach and couch surf between hospital stays......during that time I started back from scratch and put another rolling roof over my head and created another business that wasnt physically demanding and got it to grow into a perfect income in a short time.
one thing that was taught to me over the years is to focus......break the problem into small parts and work thru it.......set a realistic goal for each day and achieve it , and most of all do it!!...........I learned a hard lesson in the past few years , life is shorter than you think so live it to its fullest and make no excuses why you didnt!
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 05:27:20 AM
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 06:27:01 AM
suse1023 said
09:16 AM Jun 3, 2014
I'm with you Mike! Life can sure get away from you while making plans---This Vermonter finds herself living in the oil fields of Texas of all places, when just a year ago we were selling our place and preparing to travel the country in an rv.
We did sell the farm, bought the rv, but illness got in the way and decimated our savings and travel account.
We think two years here will rebuild that so we can continue our journey, in the meantime we are learning a lot about Texas and the oil industry and still feeling grateful we get to live in our fifth wheel sans mortgages and the business we had to support that mortgage.
We may be working but we still feel FREE!
The Junkman said
09:21 AM Jun 3, 2014
Very motivational. Thank you.
I just tend to go over board .. Thinking into things too much I think.. I have filed for disability, and have been denied.
So I will have wait a while for social security.. and a small pension to kick in years from now.
As the fairs / carnivals / shows go.. Is there a website that is tracking these for different parts of the country?
I have not studied the profitability of different product sets yet. but I think that is the next move. Thinking Knives, and wife wants to do the leather pocket books and stuff..( I already miss the idea of a toy hauler )
And have you heard of the ASD show here in Vegas? I think they do some in Miami as well. They are the suppliers to retail world. Seems many of the trinkets, jewlery , pocket books, toys, Knives and "stuff" sold at the "shows" come through there.. from china, I imagine. We plan to go again in august, and make some purchases.. How do you feel about these type of products? Do they sell? In general..
We also will be strong "pickers". As we do this now on a large scale.. and ebay.
Thanks
Steve
Lucky Mike said
09:46 AM Jun 3, 2014
Steve there are several Websites for tracking events that I use several are member only but can give you an Idea.....
a simple search of craft fairs & Festivals will bring up some major search engines......also Rallys....Fleamarkets & shows are another.
Keep in mind in alot of states a business lic. or permit is required depending on the event sometimes for each county and town your in.......states that are tax free normally dont require them for transient sellers or have a yearly fee for a peddlers lic.
I try to frequent those states just to keep paperwork down....
As far as what sells where....its all a matter of trial and error also keep in mind that what sells real good in one type of showing might not do so well in another....Re:(fleamarket Vs. Rally or event)
I do real well with Campgrounds and rallys....in some high tourist areas I do real well with simple roadside set-up , it is all in the area and my mood to push product.
Sorry to hear that Disability denied you....that is normal the first 2 times of applying and you also Must have an Attorney do it for you and have all your medical documents prepared.
I find that being on the road is no different than being in A stick and brick.....the costs are either equal or alot less depending on your frugal abilities! I will tell you the stress is alot less , my ability to supplement my disability is alot greater because I can follow the money trail.
and if it will help I have lived for almost 2 yrs on under 800 a month when I couldnt work at all in my RV......now I use it as my base budget and it works well..(I also have money to splurge alot more now)
If I can help or point you in a few directions feel Free to PM me........
The Junkman said
09:10 PM Jun 4, 2014
I'm sure I seen you at the fairs or car show etc.. in the upstate NY area.. Lived there 45 years.. Pretty sure we bought some plaques with our names on it.. for our campground..
Lucky Mike said
05:45 AM Jun 5, 2014
I'm from the Pittsfield Ma. area originally, I still own property over that way in Lebanon NY by Darrow school & shaker village
The Junkman said
10:29 PM Jun 6, 2014
Lucky Mike wrote:
I'm from the Pittsfield Ma. area originally, I still own property over that way in Lebanon NY by Darrow school & shaker village
I used to drag race over there at the Valley. And Ran "Mother's rock", close to pittsfield, with our Off road rigs.
Visted GE ( and other businesses ) there many times while working.
I'm from colonie.. but went to all the shows, car shows, fairs and events.. So much culture and things to do. Not like the desert life , here in the Southwest..
No Snow though.. lol . Love the area.. for 3 seasons..
Started looking into those searches.. Seem i could go a few different directions as to "selling".. Picking and Ebaying is one.. buying new and running events, could be another.. or maybe a little of both..
SharonWegner said
03:10 PM Sep 8, 2014
Mike,
We are coming to this thread late in the game and I'm hoping you are still up for your offer.
We are down to our last $10,000. I just paid half of this months rent and we are using half of our deposit for the remaining amount. Total rent is $2775/mo
I gave notice, so we have 3 weeks to sell everything and/or put stuff in storage. We can stay with my mom for a short period of time, but really need to get on and out. My husband is struggling with letting go of his career, the income and the stuff. He's been out of work since October and our biggest fear is that IF we are able to get out on the road, what happens next? We need income asap.
We don't have any real experience as workampers other than a few weeks at our friend's RV part in the California Gold Country a couple of years ago. Rich is Mr. Fix-it - does just about everything from plumbing, electrical, wood working, light construction, gardening to working on cars - gas and diesel.
I'm a health coach and chef, so I can work just about anywhere.
Fear is our greatest immobilizer. What happens when we get out there? How do support ourselves? Scary stuff.
We are gathering as much information as possible, but it seems that there is just so much to learn before we take the leap of faith. I'm going to be asking my mother for a pre-inheritance to help us pay for the rig. No, we are not looking at the least expensive, nor the most expensive; but something that we can be comfortable in and hopefully not have major regrets. close quarters can create more tension than we currently have.
We live in California - The south San Francisco Bay Area (over the top expensive)
Thanks for all that you contribute
PIEERE said
03:50 PM Sep 8, 2014
First get on the computer and search for a state that is cheaper to live in. Then go to workamper.com; working rvers.com; coolworks.com; Work for Rvers.com; Etc. Workamper.com is a subscription service for job in all the 50 states; Had my best luck at locating work there! Or try some of Mike's suggestions. You will not make a lot of money but should make enough to survive on. Amazon.com hires and pays wages plus site and utilities. You will work hard and are not guaranteed shift choice but with both working in 7-8 weeks you should have about $6,000 + saved to make it until spring when more jobs are available.
Having your own Niche business is nice; but unless you are real savvy about picking popular products to sell and able to profit on it can break you. I did this in the 80's and household products I picked up at yard sales and auction goods bought on the cheap served me well. You have to be savvy enough to go to discount stores during the week and try to sell at 30-50% of the stores cost to profit.
Remember your booth costs at markets; fuel to get there; and bring your own lunch and snacks for on the cheap. Remember time is money so use your time wisely no matter what you do!
OK Mike! Time to jump in!
SharonWegner said
04:36 PM Sep 8, 2014
Oh my goodness you guys (and gals) are all so awesome!!!
I cook and I make Biscotti (Italian cookies) and scones. Not sure what the rules and regs are for selling home cooked/baked items on the road, but if I can bake cookies and sell them, I might be able to make a little money. My immediate goal is to modify my health coaching business and recipes so that they are RV friendly. I'm not an advocate of eating food that is process, has excessive fat, sodium or sugar. That being said, I am able to modify most recipes so that they are Diabetic friendly, as well as heart healthy. Most of all, they are delicious and not difficult to make.
I'm going to be taking a healthy baking and pastry class - low fat, low sodium, lactose free, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Cookbook in process
Forgot to check the email notification , so if anyone responds, I might miss it
-- Edited by SharonWegner on Monday 8th of September 2014 04:37:35 PM
cherylbrv said
06:16 PM Sep 8, 2014
I imagine selling food on the road is going to be quite difficult in terms of Dept. of Health regulations. I'm sure you need more than just a sales permit, but it's worth looking into.
Sushidog said
06:58 PM Sep 8, 2014
I wouldn't sell it. I would give it away to friends and neighbors and ask for donations. A suggested "donation" is OK. ;) I doubt that the local school bake sale baker moms all have health certiicates and health dept. licenses, inspections, etc. In fact, I doubt any do. It helps if you move often so you don't make a pest of yourself. Here's a business model - travel to Colorado and bake magic brownies! You can't eat just one! (Just joking!)
Chip
Lucky Mike said
08:00 AM Sep 9, 2014
First thing before you find a living is find the place your going to be living.....after all making cookies in a tent is not a good thing...
find a rig within your budget and size that will be comfortable and repairable within your means....
making a living on the road is simple......buy and sell on craigslist or Ebay......manufacture product and sell it at fleamarkets and other places...Create residual income on an idea even if it only makes a hundred a month , thats a hundred more than you had.
Im not on the west coast but if you give me an area your in I will help find the coach and get you started on an income
if you have a means to get to the east coast there is a decent36' Diesel here for 8500 that needs a good cleaning....I just looked at it to flip it but found a real good deal on a 40' for myself///
also Old blu is for sale and I would give you a really good deal on it if your looking for a fixer upper(it s mechanically sound)
but really let me know where your at and I will help you find your options to keep you in the safety net and get you going!!
P.S its never to late til you give up and allow it to beat you........I have helped people from the homeless point pick themselves up and create a new RV life and they excelled!!
Im adding the link for the diesel coach in case your interested....
http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/4617750321.html
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:02:03 AM
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:12:47 AM
SharonWegner said
10:03 AM Sep 9, 2014
WOW!! What else can I say Mike? He just dropped the price to $6,000.
On a side note, I do have a question regarding flipping of rv's. Since I was a licensed Realtor in Florida, Texas and California, I am very familiar with the "flipping" concept. Rich and I both like to do fix-up stuff AND I'm into crafting. Christmas wreaths and fabric covered boxes with silk flowers on top.
Back tot he flipping thing. If you could send me an email sharon@sharonwegner.com, perhaps we can chat more there. I'm sending this message to my husband to help him get a better understanding of what we are talking about on this forum. So far, he hasn't registered.
You are the bomb!! I live in Morgan Hill, CA. We have looked at RV's online from LA to Washington and a few beyond the Western states.
Blessings to you
Kathryn said
07:01 AM Oct 30, 2014
Lucky Mike wrote:
Something to think about.......
I ran across this blog this morning , it was worth the read and puts your mind in motion as to what fulltiming really costs...
Hello, Lucky Mike and all. This link doesn't appear to be working anymore. Does anybody know if/where the blog was relocated, or happen to copy and paste the info in this blog journal? Sounded interesting, and I wish I could read it. Thanks!
Kathryn said
07:20 AM Oct 30, 2014
Wheel_Estate wrote:
"Positive attitude, a good heart, honesty, and a smile has taken me many wonderful miles over the years. I think I'll stick with that program."
I can think of no better program on earth than that. I really think this is one of the best gifts anyone can offer the world.
jenjen512 said
01:19 AM Nov 8, 2014
Sharon,
How's your launch going? I'm closeby--I'm in the city of SF. I've been thinking of buying an RV and going full time myself (isn't it crazy that it'll be cheaper than rent...?) I have a FT job in the city though and am trying to figure out how that will work exactly. I'm thinking of parking on the streets Sunday-Thursday and then finding a park for the weekends, but I'm super worried about security during the week while I'm at the office. Gahh, it all makes me so nervous!
-Jenny
Terry and Jo said
01:32 AM Nov 8, 2014
Jenny,
I don't know if Sharon will see your message. She hasn't logged into the forums since September 11. She may be checking back and reading without logging in, though, so let's hope that is what happens.
Terry
SharonWegner said
09:32 AM Nov 9, 2014
I clicked on the fulltimervblog website and it seems that the domain is for sale. I missed the blog post - darn it.
LOVE THIS THREAD! I posted this a while back on my FB page for our friends (and myself) that say they have no extra money to put towards savings. I figured someone on here may be able to use it also.
-- Edited by Boxrkisses on Tuesday 4th of March 2014 11:04:30 AM
Many ways to save, but it always comes down to putting the excuses aside, limiting your "wants" and doing it.
by using the doubling method it trains someone and increases the challenge of the savings.....but you are right after about week 30 you are taking 30 dollars plus from your paycheck......I guess this would be hazardous if you only make minimum wage.
but even at minimum wage.(8.00)....if you put 1 hour a day into your savings for days worked that would be 2080.00 per year!
As a challenge it a great way to put some funds away for whatever and make it a bit fun to boot. for As a strategy to save it does two things,it trains the saver to be more efficient with their remaining money and encourages savers to find new sources of income to fund the saving habit. I see no downside.
I agree with Mike, great post Gina.
as far as dealers.....I buy and sell , presentation is the game , I have to fine detail it, I display it on my lot , I have paperwork ,utilities,Employees,taxes and I need a paycheck........so yes you will pay more just so you can walk on the lot and look at it......Im not required to tell you whats wrong with it , only tell you whats right and why you should pay close to the MSRP Used........
not all dealers are bad but there is a good mark-up involved and costs with it.
Best buys are always in the private sector....Estate sales , those that are retiring from the road, RePo's....
I still do the RV Flipping.....I started low and worked my way up until I always had 2 for sale and upgraded the one I used.....every year I would go down south in the off season buy them cheaply and run them up north for resale.
the biggest thing with buying used is not so much about mileage , its maintenance....if properly maintained they are great.....but you could come up with a barn find and it had 1200 miles on it and the drivetrain can be junk from lack of use!
Remember........the grand-kids Tonka toys as the get older gain in value even sitting in the sandbox........our Big boy toys loose substantial value as soon as we take them out to play !!!!
If one wants to do something bad enough and their health allows it; then I say: Go fo it!!! We are only going through this old world one time; we may as well do the best we can with what we have. For when the Piper whistles it's tune there is no second runs. I can't work much at doing anything now and am Happy i started when i did; I was 47 at the first work camping job. I worked at one place for 8+ years; then went back and did it again!!
If i should get physically capable of doing it again I will be the first one standing in line for some more work camp jobs. No matter what happens if one has a good outlook; good things will happen; we only have to stop and recognize what they are in the given moment; even if it is a nice breath of fresh air!!
Yup! You don't need a lot of money.
GREAT thread, Lucky Mike!
(Sorry, I don't have any time to read any of the reply's.)
Thanks
Mark
I ran across this blog this morning , it was worth the read and puts your mind in motion as to what fulltiming really costs...
www.fulltimervblog.com/
if you made it to this thread it was most likely because you wanted to know how you can afford to do it.....this person was good enough to explain it !!!!!!
Thanks Mike, for the blog. Sent it to several friends who may not agree with our plans to full time.
You do realize that your family is afraid because they don't like change. What is it that you give them now that they won't have when you travel. Work on that with them so that they can become more self-sufficient. That should help them to see things in anew light.
Barb
You hit it right on the head Mike. Sure, it takes financial wherewithall depending one's chosen lifestyle. It can be frugal or it can be extravagant... there is no right or wrong way. You, Mike, have shown us many ways to get going without needing a bank in your pocket to hit the road. One's personal comfort zone is the bottom line. If this is one's dream, can one really afford not to pursue it? Or at the very least truly explore the opportunity without all the Nay-bobs trying to steer one back into the "rut" just because it's "safer"!
Take the Red pill
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 24th of March 2014 04:12:34 PM
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 24th of March 2014 06:38:09 PM
I have lived and seen the beauty of the Adirondacks of New York; lived in Arizona and seen the Grand Canyon; Sedonas gorgeous red rock cliffs and gorges; been to California to Ocean City where the Beach Boys; Jan and Dean played thier Music on the beach; Drove a Chevy Van through a tunnel in the base of the great Redwood Tree. Need I go on!!! You can't remember what you haven't seen. All this is outside the door of your RV.
What am i doing now!!! As you knoe I have been kind of stationary since August 2012; however as I said before; "I have a Dream". If getting on the road never materializes again, when I sit back in my easy chair; no one; family; close friends or relatives can ever take away the meomories of my travels that I have done!!!
I hope you and your husband the best and most enjoyable RV life that awaits you both!!! Stop your worrying and roll with the flow!!! It is so nice when a "Plan comes together"!
Cheryl, Brian here(Cindi has yet to post anything.) Funny our RV Dream was originally her idea but I surprised her by jumping in with both feet(CANNONBALL!!)
. She's more cautious about this than I and she's still nervous about our potential jump off date... I've got her reconsidering an earlier start date, but I'm not going to push for it until she indicates more desire for it. Anyway, while our daughter thinks we are crazy, she thinks its cool. Go figure. Others in our family are a broad spectrum of fear and enthusiasm. I've done the math, and I know we can do it and as long as we still want this and things don't get worse for us economically we'll be on the road in 2019. Or sooner!
I so look forward to the day we can meet you and thank you in personfor taking the time to share with all of your friends,
Jesse
Like the thread and would like to share a part of our story.
We began full timing after I was injured at home. I fell and punctured a lung and had to give up the contracts that were paying the bills. There was no way we could afford to stay where we were.
We sold off all out beloved antiques and other goodies and traded the SUV straight across for our motorhome. After settling in to our new home we sold the van and hit the road with only my social security and what we had in the bank , which wasn't going to last long.
With $740 a month income, we traveled 5000 miles in this last year. We can only spend $300 on fuel and have to sit out the rest of the month, so we move along in short jumps while boondocking.
It isn't always easy, but we're out here doing what we love and don't regret having to be frugal. Luckily, our rig is in good condition, but you never know what might happen. We might end up sitting for months to save for a repair, but so be it. I'm learning ways to make a few bucks online. Its a little slow for me since I'm not at all tech savvy, but I'm going to master this.
So, if you wanna follow the dream there are ways.
We both love flea/antique markets, having worked them in the past. I figure if I can do ok with some online work at some point I can invest in a small product line to build on. I know its not a get rich way to go, but I can bide my time and be positive.
I think being positive is one of my most important assets. One thing I'm most positive about is the lifestyle we've chosen. I'm not about to allow the lack of a fat income to keep me from enjoying all those red highways that lead to so many wonderful sights great people.
We're zig zagging America at 50 MPH and lovin' it.
BTW...always open for new ideas and always welcome your PM.
It can be done with the right mind-set and a lot of courage and much devotion to your goals. I had better income from buying; repairing and selling a few used vehicles and also refurbishing used merchandise profit-wise. One has to think "smaller items" or intangibles when traveling; but I've known a few who hauled enclosed trailers for doing various repairs; arts and crafts; carrying vending carts; to multiple varieties of merchandis to sell. Safe Travels and as the old saying goes: "Break A Leg". My understanding means work hard to accomplish what you want. PIEERE
Boy, I feel like frugal is my middle name sometimes. I suppose I could think of all the things I miss out on by not having lots of cash. My view is toward all the memories of people, places, and the anticipation of what's down the road yet to be experienced. More dollars might mean more miles and maybe a little more security in some ways, won't make me any happier tho.
We meet people all the time with lots of "disposable" dollars and find it quite evident that we are on a different level in their eyes. Things change drastically when they find out our rig is older, not as snazzy, and we can't afford to go out to dinner every night or spend for expensive event tickets. They just sorta quit stopping by while walking the dog and put up that "wall" of disinterest if we swing by their way. Do I attribute that to my lack of communication skills? Well, I'm not educated in the ivy covered halls, but I'm well spoken, friendly, polite, and a good listener, so let's discount that. Margie is a sweetie, so that's not an issue. Age may be catching up with our looks, but certainly not freaky looking or weird. Shoot, I even get a haircut once in a while, LOL.
What it boils down to is class based on money. How about parks that won't accept us with an older rig? (if we could afford them).
I smile, wave, and go along my merry way knowing I put my pants on the same way they do...eventho I bought them at a thrift store :)
On the other side of the coin are the people in our income range. Many of them are depressed and indulge in excessive drinking/drugs. Now, I'm not trying to classify us, but that's not the way we like to spend our time and resources. I'm not a teatotaler, there are limits tho.
So, we spend a lot of time alone, happy to have the life we have.
Many of our friends from the road are vandwellers who have lived within their means for long enough that they've made sense of it all. They seem to be among the most "stable" for the most part. (not all, mind you).
For us it isn't about what a person can afford, so if you meet us just remember we might be the best friends you ever had. You never know until there are no walls between us.
Positive attitude, a good heart, honesty, and a smile has taken me many wonderful miles over the years. I think I'll stick with that program.
As to items to sell at crafts fairs, I remember a young man who bought a popcorn machine so he could sell popcorn at crafts fairs and such. He said it was very profitable, but I do not remember how big the machine was.
We are just beginning to travel more than vacations and long weekends. If you ever see just stop by and say hi. We can have dinner together, I'll even cook. Are you on rvillage? If so, look me up. I am talensnana
-- Edited by Talensnana on Sunday 18th of May 2014 10:23:38 PM
But I must say.. It's making me a little nervous.. Nervous enough to break out my books tonight, and review my budget.
It seems the majority of people , while the amount may be small, Still has a check coming in from somewhere.. Social Security , Disability etc.. If nothing else, it pays the rent and your food.. Your safe.
For me, I have no check , no income.. I'm 48 and we are hitting the road in Aug. While I have a little money. We plan on buying/selling on the road.. Seen one guy does the wood signs at events.. We plan similar things , as well as keeping our Ebay going.. To help supplement, and increase our entertainment budget..
I doubt I will be able to move around later, and is mainly why we are making a run at it now... We will get there.. and will be out and about.. I do wish I had the security.. of any check.. coming from anywhere...
working the market stream works for me and several others Ive met along the way.....once you have learned the ins and outs of what your trying to do, it works out.
Im not much older than you junkman and its all mindset , treat your income stream like a business and it will grow fast....after all your not going to be in one town with a limited customer base.....you now can move about and keep sales at a premium
as far as making it out here......Im beyond the word disabled , I was lucky to start out long before life took its toll on me, and when it came it came with a vengeance with no return.......It took everything I had to make it thru it and left me with nothing but the motivation to get it back (literally)......had to sell the coach and couch surf between hospital stays......during that time I started back from scratch and put another rolling roof over my head and created another business that wasnt physically demanding and got it to grow into a perfect income in a short time.
one thing that was taught to me over the years is to focus......break the problem into small parts and work thru it.......set a realistic goal for each day and achieve it , and most of all do it!!...........I learned a hard lesson in the past few years , life is shorter than you think so live it to its fullest and make no excuses why you didnt!
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 05:27:20 AM
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 06:27:01 AM
We did sell the farm, bought the rv, but illness got in the way and decimated our savings and travel account.
We think two years here will rebuild that so we can continue our journey, in the meantime we are learning a lot about Texas and the oil industry and still feeling grateful we get to live in our fifth wheel sans mortgages and the business we had to support that mortgage.
We may be working but we still feel FREE!
I just tend to go over board .. Thinking into things too much I think.. I have filed for disability, and have been denied.
So I will have wait a while for social security.. and a small pension to kick in years from now.
As the fairs / carnivals / shows go.. Is there a website that is tracking these for different parts of the country?
I have not studied the profitability of different product sets yet. but I think that is the next move. Thinking Knives, and wife wants to do the leather pocket books and stuff..( I already miss the idea of a toy hauler )
And have you heard of the ASD show here in Vegas? I think they do some in Miami as well. They are the suppliers to retail world. Seems many of the trinkets, jewlery , pocket books, toys, Knives and "stuff" sold at the "shows" come through there.. from china, I imagine. We plan to go again in august, and make some purchases.. How do you feel about these type of products? Do they sell? In general..
We also will be strong "pickers". As we do this now on a large scale.. and ebay.
Thanks
Steve
a simple search of craft fairs & Festivals will bring up some major search engines......also Rallys....Fleamarkets & shows are another.
Keep in mind in alot of states a business lic. or permit is required depending on the event sometimes for each county and town your in.......states that are tax free normally dont require them for transient sellers or have a yearly fee for a peddlers lic.
I try to frequent those states just to keep paperwork down....
As far as what sells where....its all a matter of trial and error also keep in mind that what sells real good in one type of showing might not do so well in another....Re:(fleamarket Vs. Rally or event)
I do real well with Campgrounds and rallys....in some high tourist areas I do real well with simple roadside set-up , it is all in the area and my mood to push product.
Sorry to hear that Disability denied you....that is normal the first 2 times of applying and you also Must have an Attorney do it for you and have all your medical documents prepared.
I find that being on the road is no different than being in A stick and brick.....the costs are either equal or alot less depending on your frugal abilities! I will tell you the stress is alot less , my ability to supplement my disability is alot greater because I can follow the money trail.
and if it will help I have lived for almost 2 yrs on under 800 a month when I couldnt work at all in my RV......now I use it as my base budget and it works well..(I also have money to splurge alot more now)
If I can help or point you in a few directions feel Free to PM me........
I'm sure I seen you at the fairs or car show etc.. in the upstate NY area.. Lived there 45 years.. Pretty sure we bought some plaques with our names on it.. for our campground..
I used to drag race over there at the Valley. And Ran "Mother's rock", close to pittsfield, with our Off road rigs.
Visted GE ( and other businesses ) there many times while working.
I'm from colonie.. but went to all the shows, car shows, fairs and events.. So much culture and things to do. Not like the desert life , here in the Southwest..
No Snow though.. lol . Love the area.. for 3 seasons..
Started looking into those searches.. Seem i could go a few different directions as to "selling".. Picking and Ebaying is one.. buying new and running events, could be another.. or maybe a little of both..
Mike,
We are coming to this thread late in the game and I'm hoping you are still up for your offer.
We are down to our last $10,000. I just paid half of this months rent and we are using half of our deposit for the remaining amount. Total rent is $2775/mo
I gave notice, so we have 3 weeks to sell everything and/or put stuff in storage. We can stay with my mom for a short period of time, but really need to get on and out. My husband is struggling with letting go of his career, the income and the stuff. He's been out of work since October and our biggest fear is that IF we are able to get out on the road, what happens next? We need income asap.
We don't have any real experience as workampers other than a few weeks at our friend's RV part in the California Gold Country a couple of years ago. Rich is Mr. Fix-it - does just about everything from plumbing, electrical, wood working, light construction, gardening to working on cars - gas and diesel.
I'm a health coach and chef, so I can work just about anywhere.
Fear is our greatest immobilizer. What happens when we get out there? How do support ourselves? Scary stuff.
We are gathering as much information as possible, but it seems that there is just so much to learn before we take the leap of faith. I'm going to be asking my mother for a pre-inheritance to help us pay for the rig. No, we are not looking at the least expensive, nor the most expensive; but something that we can be comfortable in and hopefully not have major regrets. close quarters can create more tension than we currently have.
We live in California - The south San Francisco Bay Area (over the top expensive)
Thanks for all that you contribute
Having your own Niche business is nice; but unless you are real savvy about picking popular products to sell and able to profit on it can break you. I did this in the 80's and household products I picked up at yard sales and auction goods bought on the cheap served me well. You have to be savvy enough to go to discount stores during the week and try to sell at 30-50% of the stores cost to profit.
Remember your booth costs at markets; fuel to get there; and bring your own lunch and snacks for on the cheap. Remember time is money so use your time wisely no matter what you do!
OK Mike! Time to jump in!
Oh my goodness you guys (and gals) are all so awesome!!!
I cook and I make Biscotti (Italian cookies) and scones. Not sure what the rules and regs are for selling home cooked/baked items on the road, but if I can bake cookies and sell them, I might be able to make a little money. My immediate goal is to modify my health coaching business and recipes so that they are RV friendly. I'm not an advocate of eating food that is process, has excessive fat, sodium or sugar. That being said, I am able to modify most recipes so that they are Diabetic friendly, as well as heart healthy. Most of all, they are delicious and not difficult to make.
I'm going to be taking a healthy baking and pastry class - low fat, low sodium, lactose free, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Cookbook in process
Forgot to check the email notification
, so if anyone responds, I might miss it
-- Edited by SharonWegner on Monday 8th of September 2014 04:37:35 PM
Chip
First thing before you find a living is find the place your going to be living.....after all making cookies in a tent is not a good thing...
find a rig within your budget and size that will be comfortable and repairable within your means....
making a living on the road is simple......buy and sell on craigslist or Ebay......manufacture product and sell it at fleamarkets and other places...Create residual income on an idea even if it only makes a hundred a month , thats a hundred more than you had.
Im not on the west coast but if you give me an area your in I will help find the coach and get you started on an income
if you have a means to get to the east coast there is a decent36' Diesel here for 8500 that needs a good cleaning....I just looked at it to flip it but found a real good deal on a 40' for myself///
also Old blu is for sale and I would give you a really good deal on it if your looking for a fixer upper(it s mechanically sound)
but really let me know where your at and I will help you find your options to keep you in the safety net and get you going!!
P.S its never to late til you give up and allow it to beat you........I have helped people from the homeless point pick themselves up and create a new RV life and they excelled!!
Im adding the link for the diesel coach in case your interested....
http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/4617750321.html
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:02:03 AM
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:12:47 AM
WOW!! What else can I say Mike? He just dropped the price to $6,000.
On a side note, I do have a question regarding flipping of rv's. Since I was a licensed Realtor in Florida, Texas and California, I am very familiar with the "flipping" concept. Rich and I both like to do fix-up stuff AND I'm into crafting. Christmas wreaths and fabric covered boxes with silk flowers on top.
Back tot he flipping thing. If you could send me an email sharon@sharonwegner.com, perhaps we can chat more there. I'm sending this message to my husband to help him get a better understanding of what we are talking about on this forum. So far, he hasn't registered.
You are the bomb!! I live in Morgan Hill, CA. We have looked at RV's online from LA to Washington and a few beyond the Western states.
Blessings to you
How's your launch going? I'm closeby--I'm in the city of SF. I've been thinking of buying an RV and going full time myself (isn't it crazy that it'll be cheaper than rent...?) I have a FT job in the city though and am trying to figure out how that will work exactly. I'm thinking of parking on the streets Sunday-Thursday and then finding a park for the weekends, but I'm super worried about security during the week while I'm at the office. Gahh, it all makes me so nervous!
-Jenny
Jenny,
I don't know if Sharon will see your message. She hasn't logged into the forums since September 11. She may be checking back and reading without logging in, though, so let's hope that is what happens.
Terry
I clicked on the fulltimervblog website and it seems that the domain is for sale. I missed the blog post - darn it.