Hi I'm Pamela. I'm a professional photographer and work remotely for a pretty amazing photography hosting tech company out of Cali. I have been splitting my time between Utah and Chicago but with a heartbreaking recent breakup I'm ready for my next adventure. Ever since I was a child I've always wanted to FT in an RV. Right now I own very little possessions and was thinking about moving in with my parents for a few months so I can save on a down payment to buy myself a reliable Class C RV. I need to find a balance of inexpensive and reliable. I'm not well off by any means. I'm still getting on my feet financially. Most of all I really want a little space to call my own and be able to travel and take pictures.
Lots of research, lots of planning and making sure I can do this on a budget. Nervous but super excited for this adventure. As I save up, I plan to do a SD residency to save funds. I'll be in Nebraska as I save up for a downpayment. I'm super excited to dig in a read as much as I can and learn the ropes.
:D
-- Edited by pamelaannberry on Saturday 25th of July 2015 06:32:18 PM
mds1 said
07:54 PM Jul 25, 2015
Welcome to the forums Pamela.
Good for you, take the world by the horns. It's nice to have a job that you can travel with.
I don't want to steal someone else's thunder, but read about this link for solo travelers in another post you might want to check out.
-- Edited by mds1 on Saturday 25th of July 2015 08:07:45 PM
HighwayRanger said
10:00 AM Jul 26, 2015
Welcome! There are plenty of solo travelers out there, so you'll be in good company. Be sure to scour this and the other RV forums for info you can use. There is a wealth of good advice and experience to benefit from.
See you on the road!
Roy
bjoyce said
10:01 AM Jul 26, 2015
One thing - "I plan to do a SD residency to save funds". Just a warning that there are no SD health insurance plans, at least ACA ones, that work for those who travel out of state.
There are lots of people out there living on the road as solos. A resource I have been enjoying is YouTube, with many channels by those who are on the road today. There is an RV Women hangout (Google + video chat) every Sunday at 4PM Pacific/7PM Eastern time hosted by either "RV Lady" or "RVDebs Journey", depending on who has broadband that week. I think it runs about 2 hours.
pamelaannberry said
04:12 PM Jul 26, 2015
Thankfully, I have pretty awesome health insurance already that covers me pretty much in-network anywhere I go. Benefits of a tech company that started when one of the owners had twins so he sought out making sure his company had the best coverage possible. Beyond grateful!! Makes SD residency a good choice.
HighwayRanger said
07:59 AM Jul 27, 2015
Pamela, I'm in the same boat as you regarding having portable, nationwide health insurance, so a South Dakota domicile was no compromise. We just became Dakotans, and you're right, the lack of state income tax is going to be great. Since we are buying a new truck/trailer, we will also appreciate the fairly low 4% tax on those purchases along with a reasonable registration fee schedule.
Good luck!
Roy
pamelaannberry said
08:14 AM Jul 27, 2015
Thanks Roy!
Every little bit helps in saving money for sure. Especially since I'll be financing and will have car payment, RV payment, vehicle insurance. Trying to keep my expenses as low as possible so I have extra set aside for unexpected especially since I'll be going with used. I got really lucky on my car recently. My transmission just went out and I was 800 miles left on warranty. One more trip(which was already planned) would have put me up the creek. I took that next trip within days after getting my car back. YIKES. Getting on my feet has been tough but I'm determined and this is a scary but exciting adventure to look forward to. I just want to be smart, safe, and financially ahead.
Right now I'm looking for a class C RV with the $30,000 or less range. I feel that's a payment I can handle and stay safe. I'm not very handy but I can learn. I have some time to keep looking as I save up funds. I had a dream last night that doing this was the best thing for my photography. That I need the creative edge. I was dreaming of the landscapes I was taking and the portraits of the people I met. It was a very wonderful dream. My mom(because all moms think kids are pretty talented LOL) calls me every time she's at a farmers market saying my prints are far better then what she sees at these markets haha Maybe once I catch my breath in finances I can start printing my work for sale. ...Now I'm rambling. I'm grateful I have a tech job that I can travel with and it's steady (not much) income. I have other avenues of income as well thankfully. I feel strongly that doing this will help me in more ways then just finances. Heck, I've seen some of these RV camps and they seriously need better pictures for their websites. haha
I'm excited for the people I'll meet, the landscapes I'll see and the adventure of the excitement.
gilljr said
08:43 AM Jul 27, 2015
Welcome and good luck Pam. My wife and I have been F/T nine months now. We also have same payments as you and really try to watch our budget. Look at Howards budget worksheet and set one up for your needs. Amazing when you start watching where every penny goes. Following the budget we have even been able to start a contingency fund for the unexpected.
First off, welcome aboard (better late than not at all). I'm hearing your budget concerns in your comments, and without knowing your income situation more clearly you might be wise to consider not hitting the road with RV payments, though many on here have done that. Being debt free in this lifestyle has been wisely lauded by many and I strongly agree with that sentiment. I only say that because if your money is tight and the income is not there to sustain yourself on the road... including decent contingency funding in a separate account, you will inevitably be hit with a "surprise" that can ruin your whole day/week/month depending on the nature of it. Having the prerequisite funds already set aside makes the crisis manageable. Howard (your hosts on this forum) has posted on their website samples of budgets that they feel are reasonable facsimiles of low, middle and high end budgets. Your mileage may vary as they say. Here's the link to that page...
Bear in mind that those budgets are for a typical "couple", as a solo, you'll be able to save on some of the numbers, food etc. but you get the idea they are suggesting.
It's great to dream and I certainly would not discourage it, after all we are also "dreamin"... having a well thought out plan and a clear idea of how it will be financed, while mundane is the cement that holds the dream intact...
Good luck with your research and again, welcome aboard.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 27th of July 2015 09:49:05 AM
Someday said
03:37 PM Jul 27, 2015
To each their own Pamela, but FWIW the best piece of advice we received was from BarbOK a very long time ago and that was to put aside and replenish 10% of the cost of our RV into a repair/maintenance/renewal account. We've been blessed in 13 years with our current RV we feel when read of many folks but, a couple of years ago we did need to have a new engine replacement at over $7K, and it truly was a blessing to have those funds aside. Likewise when tires have needed replacing or when doing our recent solar install. It's still not nice when things need big bucks to repair/replace, but it takes a lot of financial stress off having that contingency fund, and we will continue forwards with it.
pamelaannberry said
04:00 PM Jul 27, 2015
The only debt I have is my car. Do I want to be debt free...of course. If you get to know me and know what I've been through...I'm grateful I have my car. In time it'll be paid off. Yes I'd love to have an RV debt free. Yes I've very conscious about what my expenses will be so that I can set aside funds and I can make this successful. If I'm going to be paying "rent" why not pay towards something I'll own instead. Something I can call my own. Not deal with landlords, I can have my cat, I move around as I please. I can call it home. Paying for an RV verses paying rent in a place I'm stuck in....hmm I know exactly what I'm choosing :D I'm spending the next while at my parents(they actually asked me) to save money so I can start off with savings and a fresh start. Plus I need to get my health under control. I love the idea of setting aside a % each month towards unexpected. Very smart.
For the record, I left an abusive marriage and lost my entire life. I took several years to heal and recover. I had to find a way to make money. I did and I have been working hard since, best of all I get to do what I love. In fact, waiting on a promotion at the moment(exciting). My tech job has been amazing and it takes awhile to get out of a hole. I also write for one of the most popular photography blogs in the world and edit the podcast. I have so much going for me. Things keep getting better.
I've been in a wonderful relationship this past year and breaking up has been quite difficult. Hence, the pain brought this idea back to my mind and in researching it has come to the idea that I'm now planning on doing. Huge support from family and friends. It's gets more exciting everyday.
I'm happy to say that I now just have a car payment at the moment. So I really am starting my life new right now. Walking away and loosing everything to save my life is worth it even if it means I can't buy an RV right out. I'm okay with that :D Hence stick to a budget and have fun. Smile and know life is beautiful if you let it. I love the advice I'm finding on here and I hope to meet a few of you guys in person.
-- Edited by pamelaannberry on Monday 27th of July 2015 05:05:31 PM
Terry and Jo said
05:02 PM Jul 27, 2015
Pamela,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. While most of us won't be able to relate well to looking at things from the mindset of a "solo," this is still a great website for learning.
To start with, when you are back on Howard and Linda's home page, click on the tab labeled "Site Map." In that tab, you will find lots of information, including Howard and Linda's budget and expenses. Also under the Site Map tab will be things to learn about electrical, technological things and numerous other subjects.
In addition to all you can learn from those areas, there is also a lot to learn in reading their journal. Howard is honest enough that should he make a mistake, he's not afraid to share it with others so they don't make the same mistakes. Then, going beyond that, there are a large number of folks here on the forums that have the knowledge and are very willing to share it.
Hi I'm Pamela. I'm a professional photographer and work remotely for a pretty amazing photography hosting tech company out of Cali. I have been splitting my time between Utah and Chicago but with a heartbreaking recent breakup I'm ready for my next adventure. Ever since I was a child I've always wanted to FT in an RV. Right now I own very little possessions and was thinking about moving in with my parents for a few months so I can save on a down payment to buy myself a reliable Class C RV. I need to find a balance of inexpensive and reliable. I'm not well off by any means. I'm still getting on my feet financially. Most of all I really want a little space to call my own and be able to travel and take pictures.
Lots of research, lots of planning and making sure I can do this on a budget. Nervous but super excited for this adventure. As I save up, I plan to do a SD residency to save funds. I'll be in Nebraska as I save up for a downpayment. I'm super excited to dig in a read as much as I can and learn the ropes.
:D
-- Edited by pamelaannberry on Saturday 25th of July 2015 06:32:18 PM
Welcome to the forums Pamela.
Good for you, take the world by the horns. It's nice to have a job that you can travel with.
I don't want to steal someone else's thunder, but read about this link for solo travelers in another post you might want to check out.
www.lonersonwheels.com/
-- Edited by mds1 on Saturday 25th of July 2015 08:07:45 PM
See you on the road!
Roy
There are lots of people out there living on the road as solos. A resource I have been enjoying is YouTube, with many channels by those who are on the road today. There is an RV Women hangout (Google + video chat) every Sunday at 4PM Pacific/7PM Eastern time hosted by either "RV Lady" or "RVDebs Journey", depending on who has broadband that week. I think it runs about 2 hours.
Good luck!
Roy
Every little bit helps in saving money for sure. Especially since I'll be financing and will have car payment, RV payment, vehicle insurance. Trying to keep my expenses as low as possible so I have extra set aside for unexpected especially since I'll be going with used. I got really lucky on my car recently. My transmission just went out and I was 800 miles left on warranty. One more trip(which was already planned) would have put me up the creek. I took that next trip within days after getting my car back. YIKES. Getting on my feet has been tough but I'm determined and this is a scary but exciting adventure to look forward to. I just want to be smart, safe, and financially ahead.
Right now I'm looking for a class C RV with the $30,000 or less range. I feel that's a payment I can handle and stay safe. I'm not very handy but I can learn. I have some time to keep looking as I save up funds. I had a dream last night that doing this was the best thing for my photography. That I need the creative edge. I was dreaming of the landscapes I was taking and the portraits of the people I met. It was a very wonderful dream. My mom(because all moms think kids are pretty talented LOL) calls me every time she's at a farmers market saying my prints are far better then what she sees at these markets haha Maybe once I catch my breath in finances I can start printing my work for sale. ...Now I'm rambling. I'm grateful I have a tech job that I can travel with and it's steady (not much) income. I have other avenues of income as well thankfully. I feel strongly that doing this will help me in more ways then just finances. Heck, I've seen some of these RV camps and they seriously need better pictures for their websites. haha
I'm excited for the people I'll meet, the landscapes I'll see and the adventure of the excitement.
http://www.rv-dreams.com/fulltimingbudgets.html and http://www.rv-dreams.com/spreadsheet-downloads.html for Howard's budgets and spreadsheets. It sounds like you found the forum, but did not realize the http://www.rv-dreams.com/ website exists with lots of great information, including links to the blog/journal and this forum.
First off, welcome aboard (better late than not at all). I'm hearing your budget concerns in your comments, and without knowing your income situation more clearly you might be wise to consider not hitting the road with RV payments, though many on here have done that. Being debt free in this lifestyle has been wisely lauded by many and I strongly agree with that sentiment. I only say that because if your money is tight and the income is not there to sustain yourself on the road... including decent contingency funding in a separate account, you will inevitably be hit with a "surprise" that can ruin your whole day/week/month depending on the nature of it. Having the prerequisite funds already set aside makes the crisis manageable. Howard (your hosts on this forum) has posted on their website samples of budgets that they feel are reasonable facsimiles of low, middle and high end budgets. Your mileage may vary as they say. Here's the link to that page...
http://www.rv-dreams.com/fulltimingbudgets.html
Bear in mind that those budgets are for a typical "couple", as a solo, you'll be able to save on some of the numbers, food etc. but you get the idea they are suggesting.
It's great to dream and I certainly would not discourage it, after all we are also "dreamin"... having a well thought out plan and a clear idea of how it will be financed, while mundane is the cement that holds the dream intact...
Good luck with your research and again, welcome aboard.
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 27th of July 2015 09:49:05 AM
The only debt I have is my car. Do I want to be debt free...of course. If you get to know me and know what I've been through...I'm grateful I have my car. In time it'll be paid off. Yes I'd love to have an RV debt free. Yes I've very conscious about what my expenses will be so that I can set aside funds and I can make this successful. If I'm going to be paying "rent" why not pay towards something I'll own instead. Something I can call my own. Not deal with landlords, I can have my cat, I move around as I please. I can call it home. Paying for an RV verses paying rent in a place I'm stuck in....hmm I know exactly what I'm choosing :D I'm spending the next while at my parents(they actually asked me) to save money so I can start off with savings and a fresh start. Plus I need to get my health under control. I love the idea of setting aside a % each month towards unexpected. Very smart.
For the record, I left an abusive marriage and lost my entire life. I took several years to heal and recover. I had to find a way to make money. I did and I have been working hard since, best of all I get to do what I love. In fact, waiting on a promotion at the moment(exciting). My tech job has been amazing and it takes awhile to get out of a hole. I also write for one of the most popular photography blogs in the world and edit the podcast. I have so much going for me. Things keep getting better.
I've been in a wonderful relationship this past year and breaking up has been quite difficult. Hence, the pain brought this idea back to my mind and in researching it has come to the idea that I'm now planning on doing. Huge support from family and friends. It's gets more exciting everyday.
I'm happy to say that I now just have a car payment at the moment. So I really am starting my life new right now. Walking away and loosing everything to save my life is worth it even if it means I can't buy an RV right out. I'm okay with that :D Hence stick to a budget and have fun. Smile and know life is beautiful if you let it. I love the advice I'm finding on here and I hope to meet a few of you guys in person.
-- Edited by pamelaannberry on Monday 27th of July 2015 05:05:31 PM
Pamela,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. While most of us won't be able to relate well to looking at things from the mindset of a "solo," this is still a great website for learning.
To start with, when you are back on Howard and Linda's home page, click on the tab labeled "Site Map." In that tab, you will find lots of information, including Howard and Linda's budget and expenses. Also under the Site Map tab will be things to learn about electrical, technological things and numerous other subjects.
In addition to all you can learn from those areas, there is also a lot to learn in reading their journal. Howard is honest enough that should he make a mistake, he's not afraid to share it with others so they don't make the same mistakes. Then, going beyond that, there are a large number of folks here on the forums that have the knowledge and are very willing to share it.
Good luck with all you planning and research.
Terry