Can You Afford RV Life? You Might be Surprised at the Answer!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Try My Partner Mint Mobile Today: TryMintMobile.com/CarolynsRVLife Download the Worksheet for FREE by Joining Patreon today: Patreon.com/CarolynsRVLife Do you need my help working through this or your plan for living in an RV? Book time with me: www.carolynsrvlife.com/rv-living-resources/rv-life-consulting-coaching/ *Suggested Videos* The REAL Cost of Living in an RV: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZK2hGOIr9itZpo Can You Live in an RV for $1000/month? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6OumoyCit1oiM0

[@doloresreynolds8145]

I didn’t see a category for pet expenses, and those costs might vary on the road.

[@BarbBurkley]

Hi, so what about the experience of mail.?

[@cbryce9243]

Good timing.Thanks!

[@papasmurf1904]

Never a waste of time! Carolyn's informative videos are ALWAYS worth the watch and full of invaluable information! 👍👍

[@havenonwheels5158]

Another great, realistic and informative video. We were shocked at how much we ate out (or take out) this past year. We DO like to support local businesses, and we enjoy trying local cuisine. Might have to cut back on that some - or - boondock more LOL!

[@carolyntolliver1146]

So well presented, as always. Thank you.

[@natsonline]

A BIG THANK YOU CAROLYN!!! I'm the queen of spreadsheets at work, and have one going for RV Living, with many many tabs in it. I don't know why I didn't think of doing this yet, so again thank you. YOU'VE CHANGED THE GAME FOR ME!

[@natsonline]

Thanks!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Thank yo8u so much for the tip @natsonline !!!

[@vickiemayo4273]

Carolyn I want to do it but I am still working unfortunately right now

[@ConnieHunter-u1u]

This video was very helpful as I’m researching everything to see if I can possibly try tv life next year thank for the video

[@allentowngal4769]

I'm from PA. I did extensive research before I bought my B+ rv and I have been fulltime for 4.5 yrs. I did my 1st trip this year from FL through the SW, and drove the full west coast hwy from San Diego to Washigton state. I have been through most of the country and parts of Canada. Other than the SW, there are not extensive free camping in warm winter months. Having never been there till this year, and it was in May... I realized I could NEVER enjoy living in a barren, desert environment of TX, NM or AZ. It was windy, constant dust, and no shade or shelter to be found. Unless you have lived in those areas, I would suggest traveling there and experiencing it for yourself. Yes... you can camp free, but I felt my soul was slowly becoming parched there. The lack of greenery made it feel like a moonscape, and the constant noise of generators is not "white noise" quality. I have the greatest respect for anyone who thrives there in sticks & bricks, but I wouldn't want to have to stay inside 20 hrs a day to avoid intense heat & winds. Also, the bad reputations of fulltime rv-ers by the locals is also a great consideration. With more & more rundown rigs cluttering the landscape, locals are not happy. It is sad how much it has increased since I've hit the road. More people are doing it because they could no longer afford rent or a mortgage, have no savings & were probably sold a piece of crap rv by unscrupulous dealers and cannot afford to make repairs. No matter how much you enjoy rv-ing, not being able to maintain a rig properly, quickly turns into a nightmare! I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT BEING DEBT FREE & HAVING EMERGENCY FUNDS AVAILABLE IS KEY!! I'm retired, so my perspective is from a fixed income, no health issues or medical needs/ prescriptions. My rig is only 7 yrs old- yet I have had to replace the frig, get new controller/converter, new toilet, new stair motor, new kitchen water pump, new tires... twice, and brakes- and my new, less than a yr old frig- just crapped out last week & I couldn't get an appt with a mfr dealer until Sept 11th. RVs are not -I repeat- ARE NOT MADE TO LIVE IN FULL TIME. Once you accept that fact you will realize that repairs are the norm... not the exception, and repair costs far exceed normal auto repair costs. Unfortunately... rv-ing is like a drug. It is soooo wonderful when it's good...but the downers can be extremely devastating. I have become more of an urban fulltimer. I stay at campgrounds for about 5 - 10 days per month, charge my batteries & power packs, deep clean my rv, fill/dump my tanks, and more importantly RELAX from not needing to figure out where I'm staying every night. Otherwise I am in rest stops, Crackerbarrels, free forest sites, or truck stops. Spending $300-$400/month in campground fees makes a world of difference in enjoying my fulltime rv life.

[@AtelierTeale]

While I live in and love the low Arizona desert, I realize it isn't for everyone! Good advice for those planning their winter itineraries. :-) Spring typically begins here in mid-February (for gardening!) and most winter visitors tend to depart by late March. April can be lovely; expect temps in the 80s+, but cool at night. May ramps it up. It's typical for the broiler to be in full force in June! 😯 No two years follow exactly the same pattern. Averages, be they temperature or rainfall, are just that. They provide an idea of how comfortable--or not!--one might be at various times. Kudos to you for doing your research and developing plans that suit you! Wishing you joy as you continue your travels! :-) ... Teale 🏜️

[@juliamadison5701]

Wow thanx Caroline I did the spreadsheet..it was very helpful.

[@jogibbons4149]

Wow, this was great and I took notes. I have a similar spreadsheet but you opened my eyes to several things. I appreciate your work.

[@darlameeks]

Quite an eye-opener! Thanks, Carolyn!

[@carmelitaplotnick2316]

Thank you very much, very helpful since i am on a fix ss income. Will be much cheaper to be out from this 2500sf suburb house that I don't need. You are awesome, girl. Found your channel and have been watching your videos. Would like to experience Quartzsite AZ in my golden years, a also dream of seeing the entire US as my bucket list besides going global. I am retired now and also considering Tiny house for a home base and or overseas. You have given me a lot to look forward in the year ahead. Thank you again, Carolyn. Blessings to you and always be safe.

[@candacepeterson8932]

Who do you have for your rv insurance? Thanks

[@CarolynsRVLife]

There are several companies that provide full-time RV insurance. A Google search should bring them up.

[@TheRVWingman]

Thanks for this invaluable information. I think it’s imperative that people know ahead of time what they are getting into. Great video!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindarussell9781]

This was perfect. Now I can breathe! I don't think I will have a problem at all now going full time.

[@lindseymessinger9914]

I am so shocked how much I could save buying an RV. I actually listed RV expenses higher than I’m expecting. My calculations still came out $2,000 per month in expenses if I purchase an RV over my current rate renting. I’m in the planning process of buying an RV in April/May 2025. I’m so excited! Thank you for sharing your content and information about your experiences. I feel a thousand times more confident that I can do this. I greatly appreciate you!❤

[@bettybrigance6784]

Amazing difference....!!!

[@lolasaxby1399]

Great info!!!! Love it

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimprocarione5473]

Excellent content!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Excellent video and exercise, I did a similar forecasting 5 yrs out for home vs. full time RV/van life including change in income/health care. Pared down current expenses as much as possible in preparation, to pay debts and stack $ for a vehicle (costs have spiraled up last few years) and to be able to get on the road sooner in life. I'm budgeting to drive a lot more the first 1-2 years and then less after that. Spending time doing some planning, research, budgeting, etc. up front can make for a fulfilling experience down the road. Thank you!

[@allencheck501]

Thank you carolyn, thats good to know stuff! Some times the diffrences can be quite an eye opener hope your having a blast hi from nm

[@libbygardner3021]

Hopefully, I CAN afford it, although in a van, since I’m now homeless without it. The only alternative for me is subsidized senior housing in some cheaper part of the country, assuming I can find some. That alternative sounds like slow death for me-I’ll stick with the challenges of van life.

[@jerrip7115]

Super helpful video. I am considering full time Rv life. Thank you Carolyn.

[@kathleenputnam5787]

Thankyou for sharing. This video was very helpful.

[@YeahNah100]

Very informative! Even the Mint mobile info was some of the most straightforward that I have heard. If a traveler like you is having good luck with them, that kinda seals the deal for me. I drive a semi and Must have a reliable business cell phone. Thanks!

[@joanneferguson8636]

This was a very informative tutorial! Many little thoughts came up while considering my budget. Thank you so much

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stuartriley]

Thank you for the update and information on RV living.🎉❤

[@auntyv]

Good advice, Carolyn. Its always surprising what we spend when we are not paying attention. So refreshing when a KZbinr actually contributes something to the community unlike some others who contribute nothing, offer no original content of their own and essentially live off other more successful KZbinrs content so they can criticize and whine and be a parasite all at the same time. its sad and pathetic, really. I guess thats when you know you're actually providing something worthwhile to the world - the detractors hate it because it just emphasizes their own inadequacy, lack of initiative and imagination. Keep sharing and speaking your truth and let the haters sink into their own muck.

[@RVthereyetmemaw]

We purchased our rig (class A) diesel! Love it!

[@poodledaddles1091]

I watched your channel when you first started rv life and saw some turbulent years thereafter and I am pleasantly surprised to see you in a happy place. Good for you!!

[@Bakr6432]

Thank you, Carolyn, for this video!! I

[@CarolynsRVLife]

You are so welcome!

[@bonniepettersen4063]

Great video!! Just what dreamers need👍

[@danielvillalobos9487]

I need this info. Thank you

[@bonnieson4989]

Big one is property taxes on sticks and bricks. Yeah rv life would be cheap if everything was newer and no debt on the tow vehicle or rv. Plus ur not driving around gas is a fortune. I guess boondocking would be the only way or some long term parking. Medical insurance costs r out of sight another major cost.

[@wendywallace1528]

Thank you for the great info! I am looking forward to hitting the road in the next yr or so, and this was very helpful. Thank you for all you do.😊😊

[@priscillawrites6685]

Very helpful

[@Arlene_witha_y]

I could definitely quit my “sticks and bricks” job in my city and do travel healthcare work instead. 8-13 week long assignments all in different places in the country and pays more than traditional jobs. I could work less, earn more and travel OMG I’m dying I can’t wait (I have to wait until my 13 year old goes off to college) 😩😩😩

[@valerierobertson2474]

I have credit card bills also.

[@joycecollins5796]

I have lived in RV off and on--just make sure you budget for gas--insurance--and upkeep and repairs of RV--having a part time job really helps me for part of the year!!!

[@dianepines9014]

What is a channel member?

[@lisabeare2366]

Thank you for doing this. It is good for thought. We just spent 1800.00 for tires for our RV. We have had it out in the road maybe 5 times in the last 3 years. We are both still working but closer to retiring. We are also remodeling our stick and brick house. So not ready, at all, to jump in yet.

[@MsNZgal]

Seven years Carolyn, well done. I have only been on the road 10 months he he. I can live quite well in my van on an aged pension. I had a choice to make. Stay in my unit and pay rent but not travel or get a van and travel. For me it is basically the same financial outcome but I am happy I made the decision. I also do pet and house minding which helps. My emergency fund is the same as when I first started even though I have had repairs on my van to do since my start of this life.

[@catherinenelson8676]

where is the spreadsheet link for subscribers?

[@CarolynsRVLife]

It's for paid channel members and Patrons. Patreon.com/CarolynsRVLife

[@catherinenelson8676]

Thank you. Saving every penny I can to retire.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Of course, happy to provide you a library of free content to help you achieve your goals!

[@catherinenelson8676]

@@CarolynsRVLife that would be great. How do I send you my email privately

[@CarolynsRVLife]

It's here on KZbin. More than 800 free videos. Http://KZbin.com/CarolynsRVLife

[@kimberlyprieto2846]

I lost my beautiful husband 5 years ago, and I'm now a 55 year old widow with no ties to anything, I'm a nurse/ caregiver for seniors and a live in, now I live in indio California and I can't stand the heat anymore and just California in general I need to go😅, I'm paying through the nose every month for a place I only live in 8 day's a month because I live 5 or more day's a week with my clients. I guess I'm an introvert because I'd rather be alone than with ppl that aren't seniors and as I'm getting older it's just getting worse, I just don't have the patience for humans anymore the way the world is. I can do my job anywhere so my plan is to get a rig exactly like yours, I've been wanting one forever, I did have a 34 foot bounder for three years and they we're the best of my life. It's just me and my 4 pound Chihuahua Taffy Bean and I'm going to use whatever time left to me to enjoy the natural beauty of this country to the fullest because the way the world is going I just know we'd be much better off, Thank You Carolyn for your time and advice it's priceless to me, this time next year I'll be on the road❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.And big kisses from my fur baby to yours🐶🐶

[@AtelierTeale]

Have you considered working as a Travelling Nurse? I think that's the correct term. ? Not something you need to decide now, just a thought for "down the road"--literally! Best wishes on your journey! ... Teale 🏜️

[@kimberlyprieto2846]

@AtelierTeale Yes that's what I meant when I said I can do my job anywhere and I'm really excited and happy to get moving and enjoy the rest of my life, I actually have clients that tell me if I had an RV already I could park it with them so thank you for responding I love to hear and get suggestions from other ppl❤️❤️, Thank you Teale❤️❤️

[@AtelierTeale]

@@kimberlyprieto2846 👍

[@havenonwheels5158]

We meet a lot of traveling nurses in our travels. Best of luck to you! It’s a beautiful country.

[@kimberlyprieto2846]

@@havenonwheels5158 I can't wait to start🥰🥰

[@BELINDASPIRIT]

Thank you so much for this video Carolyn! If circumstances were different, I would be on the road now, but, I just need to be patient a little longer!!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

You're so welcome. I hope your circumstances change soon so you can be on the road!!

[@lynnpetre525]

Great information, TFS. 👍

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Hi Carolyn 🙋‍♀️ Great information 😊❤

[@cathyray6030]

Great video!! Thank you! ❤🙂

[@IFSTherapyRealResults]

A great service to everyone Carolyn. Thank You -- Many Blessings, Patti Bee, Madison WI

[@MBMCincy63]

thank you! wrote it down but will do the math later, when I have a fresh day! shivering black bell thumbs up!

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Awesome video!! I'm going to watch again in the morning, I didn't have my notebook handy. I do a similar monthly budget so I do have a good idea on my fixed and variable expenses. I'm definitely going to look into Mint mobile. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I'm a newer subscriber and as of yet, I'm not on the road. Looking forward to getting out of Connecticut this winter and seeing Florida and Quartzsite. 😊😊

[@denise9108]

I have laundromat fees on my spreadsheet

[@derylbenoit13]

Are absolutely correct I've been watching you ever since stayed in that weird place North Carolina. I've been unsubscribed at least seven times And subscribe to other videos that I never subscribed for. Have a nice day

[@solofemalevanlifelessons4029]

Carolyn, what do you think about self insuring - medical and car insurance? (Tennessee doesn't require it) Putting the $400/mo premium in savings instead, and paying out of pocket for medical expenses?

[@havenonwheels5158]

400 a month if you are healthy, careful driver and need minimal health care? I’d still suggest insurance. It only takes one incident or accident and you are looking at thousands or tens of thousands to cover yourself. We know from experience. Good luck.

[@nancyadamson6755]

Thanks for this video, I can afford it and I've been doing the rv life for about a year now

[@karenmurdoch8105]

Pet expenses

[@raymondwatts5372]

i cant believe you idiots believe in the democrats.

[@Carol-bk1ro]

$1200 month for taxes? Wow!!! ;-)

[@abundantlifeadventuresdona1918]

Congratulations for having 150k subscribers 🎉🎉🎉

[@caroltaverna4365]

Carolyn how do you go about your mail?

[@paige_n_neri]

Good info for potential future nomads 😁

[@maryt8571]

Great video and info.for some people this way of life is not by choice.more folks will become homeless on the street because of COVID protections on evictions for people who didn't pay rent for many months there.

[@lucybel3615]

❤❤❤❤

[@shadowdawnl6930]

Yes mam. 110% i wish to god i could do what you do.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

I could afford to live in an RV - just not buy one!

[@mayjan74]

I'm on Disability. I really can't.