How Much does it COST to live in your Vehicle?

[@fieldsendart]

I am living in my RV but stationery -- I go to the food pantry once a week, and also help out in the local community garden in exchange for fresh produce. Every bit helps.

[@MinivanLee]

Good for you. Using these organizations help

[@kathleenmcbride1471]

I work at a Food Pantry and get my food there. It helps a lot and allows me to give at the same time.

[@christopherjohn611]

Thanks Lee. I'm preparing for a disability budget of 915 a month plus food card. $160. My rent will be about 200 however I am preparing my Ford edge to live in if I have too. Thank you for the useful information. I'm not sad. I see this as a game of survival. I will service this.

[@bevwood8210]

I know this was done a year ago but I just came across it now. It's the best one for budget for a van life that I've seen. Thank you. I really enjoy your videos

[@k8barkley]

For those of you bringing your pet(s) along on your vehicle journey, your monthly expenses will be the same with the exception of needing to purchase their water along with yours. You may want to purchase different bedding n a harness safety seatbelt restraint.

[@tracyhull7936]

Lee I am so glad you and Paul are able to get a good meal at the senior center thanks for the great budget tips so many can benefit from your experience have a good rest of your weekend

[@Kate11.11]

Thanks Lee and of course Paul!! nice moves guys 💞 big hugs for Abby😘🐕 Good job on "average" expenses! Loves to you all from Florida 🌞🌴

[@boblock7588]

Lee I spend 1050.00$ to 1100.00 a month for everything..If I was boon docking and get the engine turn off ..I would spend less on gas …Loved the ending…..🐈🕺💃..so cool 💜💜

[@MinivanLee]

Fir Paul and I, we don’t spend much on gasoline in a city. We probably spend the same as any local citizen and they have to also spend in rent.

[@donnarobertson252]

Maybe save on gas when traveling long distances by having Paul tow your car and you can sit with him.

[@dennyj8650]

Good breakdown of costs and good tips! Would be hard to keep food budget to $200 cause food is getting outrageously expensive! And that's not for fancy food either. But, having an old vehicle isn't heartbreaking! A LOT of vehicles made between '95 and '10 were made better than ones built since. Cheaper insurance, no payments, cheaper (if more frequent) repairs. The budget living will help low income folks make up for the lack of a big savings account! I also can't emphasize enough, have credit handy and a good credit score, unexpected expenses come up! And keep those cards paid off every month.

[@nanapam1267]

Very cute ending! I love it! ❤❤❤ And good information too! You are both so cute together.

[@toniesan]

I still live in sticks and bricks, but I'll try living on the 500 buck budget. So, next time when I really move into a van, I will have got used to living frugally. Btw, I haven't been to Starbucks in two months and I was able to save 300ish bucks which I could allocate for other important needs! Gee, I just realized how much money I'd spent on coffee and snacks which is not worth it. Now I buy coffee beans and make my own coffee and it's good too! U've taught me how to live simply, thanks to you and Paul. It was a lesson that I never got at college. I suggest that Paul make an estimate of how much it costs to take care of a medium size dog on a monthly basis, cuz I may take my two pugs with me when I start my van life.

[@MinivanLee]

A dog will cost the same as a house dweller.

[@toniesan]

@@kathylong9087 thank you, Kathy. Then I can take my two pugs with me into a van. 👍

[@toniesan]

@@MinivanLee thank you Lee n Paul. Just as I thought . I just spend the same amount of money on their food as the amount I spend when they live in the house. Maybe just some more money as I need to send them to a groomer's because I won't be able to bathe them when living in a van. Thanks once again for the info.

[@Lunarstruck1]

You can self bathe dogs at some Tractor Supply Hardware stores

[@diannebarth4614]

Well done, Lee. Good comparisons..something for everyone! Musical ditty at the end... Hope to meet up with you guys...if only for the dance!!

[@PookieK]

Outro was so good !!! Love it. Paul is looking handsome - you go Lee

[@mildredpierce7728]

Love the Dance 💃 🦮🕺Party at the End!!!!

[@samchin3531]

Health insurance and mailbox fees?

[@k8barkley]

Good questions. Your current health insurance should carry on. Mail box fees for me is close to $300 per year at UPS.

[@TravelsWithAbby]

Good point Sam. My mail forwarding service is $79 per year flat, plus any postage for forwarding.

[@kellyhazel6010]

Great breakdown on the potential costs! I can vouch for your book btw. Strongly recommend getting a copy to newbies especially. Tell Paul "Hello" from a fellow Michigander ( Upper Peninsula in fact 😉).

[@TravelsWithAbby]

Hi Kelly! A genuine “Yooper”!!! I love da UP eh! God’s country.

[@marthahackett8967]

Hi Lee you are spot on as usual. I spend approx. 200 a month on food. I buy most of my favorite meats on sale. I divide what I cook and freeze the rest. I buy Walmart cooked food as a treat the chicken and potato wedges are my favorite A small salad tops it off. For me a freezer is a must. Once a month I treat myself to a hotel stay but its also used to purchace cook and package my food in portions and freeze. Then I hit the road again I always keep road service so if my van breaks down I can be towed to a camp site and not have to move until I make a choice but I can relax and not worry. There I have water power and dumping facilities. I have so much food that I wouldnt have to shop for over 2 months. I learned from you about the importance of having dry and canned foods. Two years ago I met a lady that was in a situation and shared with her my tips that really helped her relax. One campsite I was at the owner ran a trip into town once a week so that people could shop it helped because their vans were down. Watching your channel has been the one thing that has kept me on the road. Especially in the days that my income was less. I started buying can chicken now its a must my favorite way is to drain the chicken heat it add onions cheese and put it on a roll and its delish. Never bought canned chicken until I watched your channel. Keep the good content coming.

[@gayleb9656]

I’m in South Dakota and senior meals are $4, payment required. In Nevada it was $2, payment required.

[@RUNTHERACEWITHFAITH]

Some people may not know the difference between carrying liability vs comprehensive insurance. Please explain that in a video. If they get in a wreck WITHOUT comprehensive insurance, there is no coverage to damage to the car and if their car is totaled, they need to have money saved aside to buy a new car

[@billwiley7216]

Depends on the full coverage insurance cost versus value of the vehicle and the amount the Insurance would pay out if it is smart financially to do the full coverage. An older vehicle it would feasibly be easy to pay more in the insurance premium over a few years than the insurance would pay for a total loss.

[@RUNTHERACEWITHFAITH]

I can’t fix my typo for some reason, trying to point out the necessity of having money set aside to buy a new car if their car is totaled and they don’t carry comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance pays the owner the current value of the car when it is totaled. Important to know the amount paid to you by insurance is NOT what you paid for it BUT rather what it is worth today at the time of the wreck. Sometimes there is math needing done to figure out if you are better off having a fund available to buy a new car in case you total yours or paying to have full coverage. If its a vehicle that is still worth close to what you paid people really should have compressive (also called full) coverage. May be good to do a video in that subject…

[@billwiley7216]

@@RUNTHERACEWITHFAITH Comprehensive Insurance covers fire, theft and vandalism or hitting like a deer or animal. Collision coverage is what pay for vehicle damage resulting from a wreck or driver error accident.

[@deborahgritchen7312]

Food cards can be 150 a month

[@marylittle6988]

Thanks! Shared with my sister 🤗

[@prettyinpink7058]

Thank you Lee . You answered my question!! Plus more!! I am so excited to know that there are such wonderful ways to budget for all things van life.,❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ontheflysoon3113]

Great video Lee! You and Paul are too darn cute! 😊Enjoy your adventures!

[@Gloriasgreenhouse]

Lee i love your dancing at the end of the video! One of your moves is called "the hussle". It was so cute...i loved it!

[@juliemontileaux7467]

Love your videos! You are so positive and just lovely. Thanks for all the good info. 30:03

[@sharonslay1936]

Once again thank you. ❤

[@MadonnaSunSoul]

Lol! I am baking a homemade eggplant parmigiana at this very moment, it’s in the oven! On budgets, I’m one of those people who spends a lot on food, but I’m super frugal on everything else. So yea, budgets definitely have a range depending on income and preferences. Wow! I never knew PF limits the black card usage. I have the bare bones plan. ❤

[@DisabledandPrepping]

As a youtuber how do you deal with internet access? Do you use your phone to upload your videos And it's included Internet? Or do you use starlink?

[@maryolson411]

I recently had to buy a new to me minivan. Thankfully I have an emergency fund and was able to pay for a lot of it. I still had to finance some of it and will pay $250 a month, although I plan to pay more when I can. The payment is still 1/2 of what I was paying for rent. I did keep some of my fund back and dedicate 100-200 a month to replace the funds.

[@OGDreamer]

I eat organic and my food bill is outrageous. Sad. Another great video!

[@OGDreamer]

@@kathylong9087 great point Kathy! 💙

[@karenhellier8790]

That's perfect, thanks SO much Lee. That's just what I needed and have been looking for but couldn't find. You rock!

[@LiveFree123]

This was great info. Keep dancing 🎶❤️💙

[@bettysclassctohightopvanca4451]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Very informative. I love love ur guys playfulness. We should be doing more of that. Love u guys❣️🤗❤️🙏✝️🕊️🥰👍😎😊😍🚐I love u Abby ❣️❤️🤗🥰

[@roww10]

Healthcare?

[@sharonholding5982]

Good suggestions for both Bare Bones Budget and Luxurious Budget. Love the ending you, Paul and Abby girl.✌❤🤗

[@donnarasp3738]

Oh yum eggplant parm

[@Camille_Lee_Æon]

Is there a way I could contact you privately? I have questions, but in a situation where I would appreciate your opinion.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

You were the 1st to mention Planet FItness only allows 10 visits outside home gym for black card. That was a shocker for the higher price and alters my future plan. Do you know if that is per year?

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

I meant "10 visits per location"

[@jacquelens]

I posted that I am stationary but prefer a non home pf location almost equal distance. I go to it almost daily since aug and no one has ever said this limit. It might be that I am not somewhere popular like phoenix.

[@cherylniemi553]

Excellent, excellent video from Cheryl in BC

[@Gracefulblessed]

Love Mini Van Lee and all her contents!!

[@jeanpayne2823]

You can also get water from a gas station to save money.

[@MinivanLee]

Gas station bathroom? Ugh

[@jacquelens]

great info! I go to a different PF than is my home gym nearly daily and never knew this wasnt permitted! I just prefer one almost equal distance than the one I signed up for and originally tried to change home gym but it was too soon after I joined. No one has said anything.

[@MinivanLee]

This is probably bc one person owns all PF gyms in a city. They don’t care which one you use. But when you travel to other cities….

[@jacquelens]

@@MinivanLee very good info! thanks!

[@offroadaussie]

Subscribed 🍀

[@frogmoonmama]

Walmart is the cheapest by far to refill. All the grocery stores near me are 50cents.. Depending on where you are, learning to forage would save you money. Things like young dandelion greens make a great salad, and garlic mustard (considered invasive) makes a great stir fry. Just an idea if you are on a budget. :)

[@TheZbaby10]

Thank you for your video shares and I love the shirt you are wearing, looks great.

[@mitchmcgreal1986]

Thanks Lee and Paul xxx great post xxx

[@annaking9213]

Great ending.

[@brendagirouard29]

Your Beautiful inside and out. For most people like me I could never afford it. And could not see myself so beautiful.

[@dianealexander315]

I think a great idea to make money and save money is doing camp hosting work with wages. You get your camp site free so no miles and low gas needs and plus an hourly or weekly wage. Many people make good money for the summer then travel the rest of the year.

[@mellanie1282]

Great job Lee good base budget and luxurious budget xx love from Australia always enjoy your channel 😊

[@lyndabell1966]

Thank u Lee😊 I'm preparing for this. I love the end of video!!!!!!paul!! You've been practicing your dance skills ❤❤

[@annaking9213]

Great vlog.

[@QueenBaha]

🌴☀️ hey Ms.Lee 🙋🏽‍♀️ I’m a long long time subscriber and I tell ya I’m loving this series thanks so much ☀️🌴

[@bogtrotter5110]

I get all my water for free. I have several ways. The one I like best best is out of mountain streams. I then filter it. Many campgrounds and truck stops also have water. Again I filter it all. Water should cost nothing.

[@MinivanLee]

That is awesome!

[@tonihughart9885]

What is the minimum age for the Senior Center?

[@MinivanLee]

It varies

[@laviniacontraro4705]

My last fill on my kia sedona was $74

[@karenhellier8790]

Yikes!

[@kathleenmcbride1471]

Awful. I try to stick to 1 tank (12 gallons) per month but it's hard to do!

[@tjmarie6554]

Thank you!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Cute ending! Thoughtful, helpful video - I'm not a nomad yet but planning on it. I'd also add for medical costs, fuel for cooking, personal care (haircuts etc.), miscellaneous, travel apps, subscriptions, entry fees if traveling. Do nomads typically use a VPN to protect sensitive info on one's laptop etc. while using internet? Cheers.

[@MinivanLee]

I would include most essentials non food.

[@karinhart489]

On the phone: Verizon owns Visible, which has unlimited data hot spot one device beyond the phone, and unlimited minutes talk & unlimited texts for $30mo. On the gym, many Medicare supplement plans (not to be confused with Medicare Advantage plans) have the gym included (so if your plan covers the PF basic, you only pay $11mo to get the Black Card. Also, someone said they have the basic PF most of the year, but only pay to upgrade to the Black Card for 2 months a year when they travel. I haven’t looked into that yet, but it may be worthwhile to investigate it that maters to you.

[@snobird1115]

Omg! I loved y’all at the end! 😊🎉❤😊

[@Lonelynope]

Tucson gas today was 5.07 a gallon. It cost me 80.00 for my jeep. There’s no way 500.00 dollars a month can cut it now a days. I’m gluten intolerant and that food is so expensive.

[@MinivanLee]

That’s why I suggest everyone who needs to save, stop driving so much.

[@Lonelynope]

@@MinivanLee exactly. I’m far east side. I just bought an e-bike. Just battery to do errand. I’ll be 68 this year. Crazy expensive here. Gas in Oklahoma is 2.99. St Louis. 3.01. Illinois around 3.00. We are even more expensive than some places in California. We have a trucking company. Mike tells me gas and diesel prices. My RV is diesel. Cars are gas

[@KittyKat-vb1nd]

Automotive companies intentionally created duburbsn areas eith no viable publuc transpoet to enslave Americans to car culture hence the infrasctrucure and transportation are so substandard.

[@Melody-bh5cq]

Great video as usual!! But you forgot to budget for CHOCOLATE 111

[@TravelsWithAbby]

Excellent point Melody!!! 😁

[@MinivanLee]

Exactly!!!!

[@Melody-bh5cq]

@@TravelsWithAbby you're awesome!

[@juneautumn3067]

1

[@danib6541]

Just want to say for anyone who needs it that text now offers a one dollar SIM card. You pay once and then it gives you unlimited calls and text anywhere there’s cell service. It’s not just the regular app that runs off WiFi. This SIM card runs off cell towers everywhere and it’s free, other than the dollar, because there’s adds. But for people that don’t need data and just want it for contacting people it might be a good option. I have ordered one but haven’t used it yet so not sure how well it works. But for a dollar it’s worth a try. I plan on putting in an old phone and trying it while still having my current service to see how well it works.

[@tatianablume]

I love see you together 😍 Nice information Lee, even for those that are living inside walls. 🫶🫶🫶

[@k8barkley]

Great informative thought provoking video to share n prepare❤❤❤❤❤

[@annemetz9749]

Thanks lee🙏😁 Can you do a video on if the everything crashes down, and not able to get groceries, gas, water,etc,,,??? Because I would to know if this can happen. The way this are going down hill quickly…so sad seeing things getting bad… Thankyou …love your helpful videos.. Hopefully see a video soon…💐🙏😁

[@danielebolton9702]

Love this one❤❤❤❤

[@michelelovesfreedom]

Beer 🍺 is luxury 😇

[@matthewbonner2261]

Hi Lee , aside from the budge , can you address buying the van , and the cost of getting started ? Love your show especially your voice !!

[@MinivanLee]

No one likes their own voice so thank you for the compliment on my voice. I can address buying a van and getting started too.

[@matthewbonner2261]

Very important ** Along with oil changes you need to have your engine carbon cleaned at least once on a vehicle with over 100 K miles ESPECIALLY if you routinely leave your engine IDILING more than normal . Should cost under $ 150 at a reputable shop . Not talking about using fuel cleaner in your gas , which is great , but not enough for vehicles that do a lot of IDILING .

[@stephaniepersin4222]

Vehicles are cheaper if you don’t travel, boondock. Living in a house makes you have 3 level of local taxes on prop and house maintenance isn’t even an option. Nobody has to eat out everyday or weekly. You don’t need expensive cuts of meat or fish.

[@Bo_xoxo]

New subscriber. Have you done a cost analysis using annual memberships to national/state camping parks with facilities like showers & laundry to live in an RV/van? I imagine it would cost more than your barebones budget, but might be less stressful for newbies. I don't know, what do think?

[@robingoff322]

Insurance companies recommend full coverage on vehicles new to 10 years old....after that liability only.

[@humanityandloves]

❤❤❤❤

[@katyferguson8349]

I got all I need for the nomad life....getting my van mechanical condition is slowing me down.

[@robingoff322]

Hi Lee....do you ever go live? Then you wouldn't have to edit first.....just a thought. Hope you and Paul are having an awesome Saturday night!

[@h.a.barker412]

Auto repair, and emergency savings would have to be at the top for me, there's lots of places to get free/cheap food, then gas/diesel for me😢, But what a great start for a budget 👍

[@maccar2761]

Good video! What about health insurance. Is that still required for everybody?

[@matthewbonner2261]

YUMO…..I LOVE your expression yumo for delicious !

[@Melody-bh5cq]

🍫🍫🍫

[@colinhughes916]

Thanks for helping the older generation ... You have a good Heart ❤ 💙 Love Your Reviews - You are Beautiful ❤

[@MinivanLee]

You are so welcome!

[@TheNails3]

Lee you're amazing. And I love the heart sweater you have on 🤍 and the dancing at the end! 😀

[@debbiehawk-payne8507]

❤️🫂🧝🧙🐕‍🦺🙂