Crunching Numbers

[AmieW]

I'm working toward moving out into my van in July 2018. My lease renews here in July, but I have to make that decision by June, so I pretty much have to wait a year. I couldn't pick up and go now if I wanted to anyway, (don't even have a van!) so taking a year to get it all together is reasonable.

What is bothering me is that I'll only be getting around $700 a month in SS, and won't be able to get my food stamps since I won't have rent or utilities to claim, and will pretty much be considered homeless. I'll have to pay for my own food plus all the van expenses. Is this even possible on $700 a month? I know there are people forced into this life who are doing it on less, but I don't want to get back into a situation where every penny I have goes into surviving, and I can't ever go anywhere or do anything to enjoy myself. That's how I live now, and it sucks.

What I want to know is how much monthly income you think it takes to provide a decent van dwelling life that isn't just survival. I'm sick of just surviving. I've been doing that for too many years since I lost almost everything I owned. I can earn extra money, but how much will I have to earn?

If I'm only going to be taking money out of one hand and putting it into another, like I am now, I may as well stay here.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Forgive my ignorance, Aimee.  I'm not on food stamps myself.  And I don't know which state you currently call home.  Are the requirements for food stamps uniform across the country, or can they differ from state to state?  

If the later, then once you are in your van, your official "state of residence" is easily changed.  We have numerous threads here on that subject.

The states of TX, SD, FL, and NV are the usual suspects because of their lack of state income taxes, but if all you have is Social Security, I understand there are a lot of states that don't tax that.

Indeed, our site founder has suggested that people with nothing but Social Security consider becoming residents of CA, to take advantage of their many "safety net" programs.

As you say, technically you will be homeless (I believe "undomiciled" is now the approved politically correct word) and I find it hard to believe that they would deny food stamps based on that.

 

[AmieW]

Sorry, messed up my reply and don't feel like rewriting that long thing.

 

[jonsun]

$700 would be living high on the hog....you just can't drive 500 miles a week.

 

[AmieW]

$700 would be living high on the hog....you just can't drive 500 miles a week.

Wasn't planning to, but I wouldn't want to be stuck in one place for months on end, either.

 

[SoulRaven]

More than just survival? That varies too much from person to person to even estimate. You'll have to be more specific and also clarify "months on end", how many is that?

I am looking at being on my own with less than $700 in SS. I know it can be done, but my needs are simple and I have always been thrifty even when more money was available. I have "thrift" in my genes.

Are you planning to boondock most of the time? I can tell you that if you don't plan to hold any job or volunteer for a campsite, SS isn't going that far. If you are going to do RV parks and campgrounds, the only way to go is monthly and even then, it can be quite high.

So, if you can describe more the lifestyle you are expecting, I think that would help others help you.

Have you watched Bob's youtube videos? That will give you a pretty good idea of the options available. Money just goes so far. I think being frugal on the road has a "calling" to it, that it is worth going without some things others might desire simply to be out there.

It reminds me of the line from "Me and Bobby McGee": "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose". I have pondering that seriously lately.

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

Since, I believe, food stamps now go on a card; is it possible to apply/get food stamps before you move while you have the valid address then move into the van?

 

[Almost There]

The requirement on both BLM and National Forest land is that you must move 25 radius every 14 days. There are a few places where you can get away with moving less than that.

It is entirely feasible to live year round in a state like Arizona where you can slowly drift up and down in elevation as the seasons change and never go more than 250 miles from lowest elevation to highest elevation in the year.

Keeping within that mileage range is pretty hard to do in almost every other state because there either is no place cool enough or no where warm enough to be comfortable year round so people elsewhere end up travelling somewhat further.

Depending on what you're living in (or out of) your biggest budget item may be gas unless you can limit your driving.

To crunch the numbers, start with your insurance costs and cell phone. Add in a food and essentials budget. Don't forget to include something for showers and laundry and water. If you don't already  have an emergency fund built up then you need to keep something aside each month to build that up. Then you're left with discretionary income - how far you can travel, what you have for 'entertainment' etc.

I know lots of people who live on less than the $700.00 a month...they travel little, live frugally and never pay rent!


Last winter my cost of showers ranged from $5. to $7. but I only used paid shower facilities as a luxury item because I have a pop up shower tent and a pump shower that kept me clean and happy!

 

[AmieW]

More than just survival?  That varies too much from person to person to even estimate.  You'll have to be more specific and also clarify "months on end", how many is that?

I am looking at being on my own with less than $700 in SS.  I know it can be done, but my needs are simple and I have always been thrifty even when more money was available.  I have "thrift" in my genes.

Are you planning to boondock most of the time?  I can tell you that if you don't plan to hold any job or volunteer for a campsite, SS isn't going that far.  If you are going to do RV parks and campgrounds, the only way to go is monthly and even then, it can be quite high.

So, if you can describe more the lifestyle you are expecting, I think that would help others help you.  

Have you watched Bob's youtube videos?  That will give you a pretty good idea of the options available.  Money just goes so far.  I think being frugal on the road has a "calling" to it, that it is worth going without some things others might desire simply to be out there.

It reminds me of the line from "Me and Bobby McGee":  "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose".  I have pondering that seriously lately.

More than just survival means not just being able to pay the bills and that's it. That's survival and I've had to do that for years at a time sometimes, which can really grate on you after awhile. I'm very frugal. My dad always said I was so tight I could pinch a penny into a dime, which is pretty much true. I don't need much to live, but of course, like everyone else, I have a few "wants" I would like to be able to afford, but they are small, like butter instead of margarine and a good meal of surf and turf (cooked at home, of course) once or twice a year. I usually treat myself on my birthday and Christmas, since I'm usually alone. I honestly have found ways to get most of my needs for free or close to free. I came here with 5 pieces of furniture and have scored everything else I have from what people leave by the dumpsters when they move here. I get free plant pots from Lowe's and grow my plants in native soil and compost mixed. Gardening will be what I miss the most, I guess. I've been eating on anywhere from $149 (at the lowest) to $194 a month for 8 years, and I usually have some left over at the end of the month. Of course, on the road, I can't take advantage of stockpiling stuff on sale, so that may change.

I plan on boondocking or maybe WalMarting when I need to be in the city to work online. Not sure I want to stick to one state, though, because the whole idea is to be able to see the U.S., as I've never done that before. I figured I'd map out a path from here in FL to AZ, staying awhile in places I've wanted to see, then up to WA state where my son is for the summer, then to wherever, "chasing 70." AZ would probably be my home base, but I don't want to stay there all the time. If I do it right, I should be able to see a whole lot of the country, staying in one place long enough to earn enough money to move on.

I guess I'm not looking for stability, but more of an adventure. I just need to know that the $700 will cover the essentials when I'm in one place.

I know lots of people who live on less than the $700.00 a month...they travel little, live frugally and never pay rent!

Last winter my cost of showers ranged from $5. to $7. but I only used paid shower facilities as a luxury item because I have a pop up shower tent and a pump shower that kept me clean and happy!

You know, my mother did not have a shower or tub bath for the last 40 years of her life. She had a fear of showers and could not get up and down out of the tub because of a bad knee once she passed 50. She sponge bathed every morning, and she was the cleanest person I knew. She complained when she got 70 that she couldn't get her feet clean, so I bought her a Foot-Fixer vibating foot bath and she loved that so much!

I've seen the popup shower tents, and thought that would be a great thing to have, but I'm fine with sponge bathing most days. My concern is the bathroom issue. I'm going to have to have a porta potty and a way to "create" a little bathroom niche in my van to use it. I need my privacy for that. I had someone tell me that they got a u-shaped shower bar and a heavy curtain for their van to create the potty place. That sounds good enough for me.

 

[AmieW]

Since, I believe, food stamps now go on a card; is it possible to apply/get food stamps before you move while you have the valid address then move into the van?

Are you reading my mind? LOL  I was thinking about that, but I have to renew every six months in June and December. That would work out rather well, since the renewal runs for 6 months, and I'm leaving in July 2018 when my lease is up. I've also thought that since I'm trying to lose weight and get in shape right now, if I eat much less, I can "stockpile" food stamp benefits to use later. I won't be able to do too much of that, because if they see I'm not using them, they might cut my benefits saying I don't need them, but I'll work all that out. I'd love to get off of food stamps to be honest, but the system traps you so you're scared to let go of what you have because it takes so long to get it back. I know at some point, they are going to want mem to prove I still live in some state so I can renew them. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better about all of this. I just don't want to get trapped in one place because I can't afford to move on. That's how I feel about where I am now. I'm sure I'll find a way to work it out.

 

[akrvbob]

There's no question that $700 a month is tough, but it is possible. One thing to remember is that there is not just public help (which you should take full advanatage of) but there is also a lot of private help through private, city and church charities. I know many people who take advantage of food kitchens and pantries and it stretches their dollar much further. I'm familiar with very good resources in Quartzsite, Cottonwood and Flagstaff, AZ. Some require proof of low income but usually that isn't hard. Many offer meals, showers, clothes, and food.

You can do this! And even if money is always tight, the friendships and peace of mind you'll find can still lead to a much higher quality of life!

 

[Txjaybird]

 AmieW Hello and Welcome  Several months ago there was a thread here Re: SSI/SSD and living a nomadic life style.  There was/is a lot of info on it.  I haven't been able to go back and find it as I'm not very good at that.  Maybe someone else here knows or can find it and will give us a link to it. 

 I recently figured out that without apt.rent, elec bill and storage units rent that I pay each month that I could pay off the TT I bought a few mos. back in 5mos by using those funds + also avoid $1,000 in interest.  

Is there a certain state you'd rather live in starting out?  Since 2005 I've moved from TX to SD to KY and then AL.  I found that in each state the rules for various types of helping programs could vary.  I found that by calling and speaking to a live person while making general inquiries I gained a lot of information.  One state I lived in seems to care more about their lower income residents than other states and that was SD  I lived in Turner county and was both a client and volunteer at the food bank in the county court house. 

 You mentioned being able to "stock pile" food.  I do that now with a set goal in mind...mainly food with a long shelf life and sources of protein like tuna, peanut butter and other canned meats and soups, also those dry noodle dinners.  The Publix store here is High priced and also does a ton of BOGO sales items each week and often has or will honor coupons on the sale items.  I've paid 50cents for $3 jars of pickles 11cents for 3bar packs of dial soap and 30cents for 3bag pks of jolly time microwave popcorn,  also 50 cents for name brand tuna.  My goal is to need to buy only fresh food and dairy items + bread the first 6mo on the road if I ever even reach a launch date 

Jewellann

 

[jimindenver]

Every once in a while I see 10 for $10 deals at the store and they are good deals but even in a trailer like I have, it builds up.

 

[SoulRaven]

If one searches for "food stamps" it will bring up several threads that address the issue, too many to link in this post.

 

[AmieW]

Txjaybird AmieW Hello and Welcome  Several months ago there was a thread here Re: SSI/SSD and living a nomadic life style.  There was/is a lot of info on it.  I haven't been able to go back and find it as I'm not very good at that.  Maybe someone else here knows or can find it and will give us a link to it. 

 I recently figured out that without apt.rent, elec bill and storage units rent that I pay each month that I could pay off the TT I bought a few mos. back in 5mos by using those funds + also avoid $1,000 in interest.  

Is there a certain state you'd rather live in starting out?  Since 2005 I've moved from TX to SD to KY and then AL.  I found that in each state the rules for various types of helping programs could vary.  I found that by calling and speaking to a live person while making general inquiries I gained a lot of information.  One state I lived in seems to care more about their lower income residents than other states and that was SD  I lived in Turner county and was both a client and volunteer at the food bank in the county court house. 

 You mentioned being able to "stock pile" food.  I do that now with a set goal in mind...mainly food with a long shelf life and sources of protein like tuna, peanut butter and other canned meats and soups, also those dry noodle dinners.  The Publix store here is High priced and also does a ton of BOGO sales items each week and often has or will honor coupons on the sale items.  I've paid 50cents for $3 jars of pickles 11cents for 3bar packs of dial soap and 30cents for 3bag pks of jolly time microwave popcorn,  also 50 cents for name brand tuna.  My goal is to need to buy only fresh food and dairy items + bread the first 6mo on the road if I ever even reach a launch date 

Jewellann

Jewellann, you sound like my kinda gal! I shop mostly at Aldi here now, but I do BOGOS with coupons at Publix too. I just went to Aldi and for $21, I got enough food for a week with what I already have (mostly staples). I'm going to miss stockpiling my meat specials (got chicken legs for .69/lb today), although I eat mostly fruits and veggies and mostly raw on those. I'll adjust. I've been reading on prepper sites about how to preserve meat, so if I can figure that out, I'll be golden.

I'm just looking to "chase 70F" and see as much of the country as I can. Since my son is in WA state, I figure I'll want to be close to him most of the summer, and follow warm weather south in the winter. Since I'm in FL now, I guess that will actually be my home base. I was born and raised in the South, so not so sure desert life would be to my liking. Mosquitoes and alligators don't bother me as much as rattlesnakes and bears! I definitely want to get away from the coast during hurricane season, and not be in the midwest during tornado season. Other than that, I'm open to just about anything.

My only requirement is to be able to have WIFI so I can work, since I work online. If I can be close enough to a city wherever I go so I can get to WIFI at least 3-4 days a week, I'll be o.k. I don't mind driving a few miles to town from a campsite to make money, but I'm also working on setting up some sort of passive income in the next 14 months, so I'll have to see how that goes.

 

[AmieW]

Every once in a while I see 10 for $10 deals at the store and they are good deals but even in a trailer like I have, it builds up.

Jim, I figure if I can stockpile just enough non-perishable goods for two weeks, I can make it to a store twice a month and be o.k.  I'm really, really good at organizing small spaces and finding places to stash stuff. I always go floor-to-ceiling everywhere I live. No sense in wasting space.

 

[frater secessus]

Wasn't planning to, but I wouldn't want to be stuck in one place for months on end, either.

One way to maybe reframe this concern:  in sticks and bricks housing one is already stuck in one place for months on end.  

When you get set up please post pics of how you work with small spaces.  Folks here are always interested in clever organization approaches.

 

[BadSaver]

Maybe you can find someone (or more) to share costs with. Can you augment your income a little. Pet (or house) sitting or something. Just a few hundred dollars would help you a lot.

I'm sorry for your situation. Perhaps Social Security should have a basic + earned amount rather than just an earned amount. Example of "basic" is Canada's Old Age Security... The poverty rate for elderly is 25% in US (2000 statistics) (29% for women)(46% single women). Higher than most any other country.

https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v68n2/v68n2p53.html

 

[BadSaver]

This video has an interesting (contrary) view on when to take Social Security. Perhaps it will help you understand options available to you.

 

[user 37446]

Try this lady's YouTube videos - "Full time vandwelling" by Caravan Carolyn.  She lives in her van mostly in Tx, is a senior, single and talks about living on jus about what you are thinking of.  I have watched several of her videos, if she can do it with her financial and age concerns, surely you can!

Hang in there, you can do this!