So I've lurked here for a couple months, then started making posts, so I suppose I should say hello here! My name is Brad, 47, and have lived in Florida Keys (Key West mostly) for about 15 years.
I guess I didn't post here initially because it seems appropriate to say what my plans are, and I'm the kind of person who really dislikes saying I'm going to do something unless I'm sure that's what is going to happen. So at this point, I feel comfortable in saying that I am definately going to do Something, Somewhere, at Some point in the nearish future. There. I feel comfortable with my wiggle room
In the past, I've owned a business, a home and lots of stuff. In the present, I rent an apartment, am a foreman for a contractor, and don't have nearly as much stuff. I've lived out of my van before, and once out of a tent for 4.5 months. I live in an area that sees a yearly deluge of people from everywhere escaping the cold, many of them full time RV'ers. We also have a fair number of vehicle dwellers, as well as homeless.
I guess my thought is that I'm moving towards van-dwelling with my eyes open, and feel pretty enthusiastic about it. I've come a long way rebuilding my credit and I've held a good job for 5+ years that pays a good wage...so part of my decision is also a financial one that will hopefully allow me to move towrds a "retirement plan" that is both achievable and desirable. My initial aim falls in between a basic camper van and a high-end build out. I would rather wait a bit and get what I really think would be cool. I figure I will mostly finance the vehicle (at this point a Sprinter or Transit) to the tune of 20-25k, and spend around 10k in the build. Not certain about those numbers yet, but seems a fair ballpark for something that I could actually build equity in.
I've learned that as long as I am comfortable, I don't require lots of stuff. I feel that the convenience of black/grey water tanks, good solar, refrigeration, on-demand AC and a nice bed, these will allow me to live happily while I continue my job and pay off the vehicle. And save money on top of that. And I need to learn to cook...as a confirmed bachelor, my culinary skills seem limited to Raman w/egg/hot sauce, PBJ sandwiches, and hamburger helper. This is actually something I've begun working on
Thanks to all you internet people that demonstrate the How-To of everything related to a mobile lifestyle. I continue to be amazed at how much "stuff" is out there...so glad I can read about it instead of trying to re-invent the wheel!
Does anyone here make it down my way? IF so, I can point out some good parking spots!
I guess I didn't post here initially because it seems appropriate to say what my plans are, and I'm the kind of person who really dislikes saying I'm going to do something unless I'm sure that's what is going to happen. So at this point, I feel comfortable in saying that I am definately going to do Something, Somewhere, at Some point in the nearish future. There. I feel comfortable with my wiggle room
In the past, I've owned a business, a home and lots of stuff. In the present, I rent an apartment, am a foreman for a contractor, and don't have nearly as much stuff. I've lived out of my van before, and once out of a tent for 4.5 months. I live in an area that sees a yearly deluge of people from everywhere escaping the cold, many of them full time RV'ers. We also have a fair number of vehicle dwellers, as well as homeless.
I guess my thought is that I'm moving towards van-dwelling with my eyes open, and feel pretty enthusiastic about it. I've come a long way rebuilding my credit and I've held a good job for 5+ years that pays a good wage...so part of my decision is also a financial one that will hopefully allow me to move towrds a "retirement plan" that is both achievable and desirable. My initial aim falls in between a basic camper van and a high-end build out. I would rather wait a bit and get what I really think would be cool. I figure I will mostly finance the vehicle (at this point a Sprinter or Transit) to the tune of 20-25k, and spend around 10k in the build. Not certain about those numbers yet, but seems a fair ballpark for something that I could actually build equity in.
I've learned that as long as I am comfortable, I don't require lots of stuff. I feel that the convenience of black/grey water tanks, good solar, refrigeration, on-demand AC and a nice bed, these will allow me to live happily while I continue my job and pay off the vehicle. And save money on top of that. And I need to learn to cook...as a confirmed bachelor, my culinary skills seem limited to Raman w/egg/hot sauce, PBJ sandwiches, and hamburger helper. This is actually something I've begun working on
Thanks to all you internet people that demonstrate the How-To of everything related to a mobile lifestyle. I continue to be amazed at how much "stuff" is out there...so glad I can read about it instead of trying to re-invent the wheel!
Does anyone here make it down my way? IF so, I can point out some good parking spots!
