"Escaping The Rat-Race was ESSENTIAL" - Living a cheap and humble life

[@TeeMac68]

Sold my flat during the COL crisis when I could no longer afford my mortgage. Lived on a narrowboat for a while but that didn't work out, so moved into my self build transit instead. I'm a 55 year young solo female (plus Moo my cockapoo!) I'm finally debt free, live on a little pension and have a small nest egg from the sale. When I was forced to sell, I thought it was all down hill, the end of the world, but I've rediscovered my zest for living. I've overcome much in life, but I see now that the hardest of times were actually my best teachers - its all about perspective eh? I dont have a te-LIE-vision, I get out in nature, read and started writing poetry again. I am utterly blessed to live this way. When I lost my flat, I found myself. What an absolute gift that has been. Good luck to the wonderful young man in this vlog (bloody hell I sound old! 😂) Absolute diamond! ❤ happy new year, peace and love to anyone who reads this 🙏

[@MultiStrickland]

Good for you and glad you are enjoying life! Can i ask, as someone has already mentioned, how do you insure your van etc without a fixed address? And address on your drivers licence etc?

[@100Noddy]

💜

[@aaronmaloney8]

Tell LIE vision lol, idiot box to hypnotise the masses 😵‍💫

[@TeeMac68]

Exactly! 😂 ​@@aaronmaloney8

[@TeeMac68]

​@@MultiStricklandthanks lovely. I use my brothers address for anything like that. The puppet masters make it very difficult to live utterly off grid!

[@bluedale6563]

i am living long term homeless hostel last 5 years i dont drink or smoke ...major housing crisis here in Dublin rents are sky high So only me and i hope to buy a van and win back my freedom and dignity

[@OfWodensFolk]

I lived in Rialto for 5 years 13 years ago and even then rent wasn't cheap. It's a disgrace with what's going on in Ireland as those idiot politicians seem to be fast tracking the damage that's been done all over Europe. Still yet to hear ANYONE give a positive to mass immigration.

[@laceysail]

Best of luck to you 💪🏼😊

[@Focusfury05]

Hope your able to get a van and accomplish your dreams! I'm renting a house, and I'd love to be able to buy a van myself, as rent-gas.. electricity is getting unaffordable, its unbearable.. hopefully in the new year sometime il do the same😊

[@adamowen2664]

I wish you lots of luck 🙏

[@barbarahanly4257]

Sending lots of positive can do energy your way ✨️ I'm parked up in my camper next to lough corrib listening to the wind and lake lapping outside and feeling happiness for the first time in a long time. I'm lucky to be able to afford rent/mortgage but refuse to pay these extortionate prices with hard earned cash. Plan to van full time from Feb. Go for it, I'm routing for you , you can do it 👊

[@SongBillong]

"Live with less and you'll have more" - Perfectly said! Some brilliant touches in this van. Very inspiring 🙂

[@angeladawn805]

Some people can spend their whole lives shacked to a job and loveless relationship - and never find the real them. This talented young man has already a wealth of experience, and I wish him the very best in life's journey 🤗

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Nice one!! Appreciate it. Always welcome to come for a brew

[@keepitreal1547]

Brilliantly said, my sentiments on Ricky also.

[@keepitreal1547]

​@@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh Ricky, which Reservoir in the Peaks are you at? I'll definitely drive over for a brew & chat.

[@Tiggy808]

Well done to you. Im 51 now and during this business that went on i glanced over at my crystal ball and thought its going to be economic hell. 4th winter now, sold up, bought a van, fitted it out totally off grid, quit work now live a happy and quiet life. People ask how much does it cost....easy...just subtract mortgage/rent/bills which leaves motoring costs same as anyone. Good luck to everyone thats broken away from slavery and good luck to those in the future.

[@thenoworriesnomad]

You will not meet someone more content and optimistic about van life than me, I can honestly say iv ever been stressed in any way about this life, I work about 3 months and spend the rest of the time in France and this country, the key is to try and be debt free so your outgoings are a minimum, I used to be coin chasing and have the good things in life, new cars, nice apartment and materialistic but I chose to change that literally overnight about 8yrs ago, now im living my own dream in a van, if I need something or extra money then I work for it and TBH my only worry is that I dont run out of milk for my tea..I took the shower out of my van to create more space etc plus its very very easy to keep clean in a van and as for me there are no down sides to van life but im sure many will say different....

[@bigm6649]

Have black tea so you don't have to worry about milk 😂

[@thenoworriesnomad]

@@bigm6649 LOL, I have tried but I have to have milk in it

[@brettmanvalleyvan]

With you all the way there is no downside 👍🏻 we love our life in our van ❤️. Safe travels sending love, peace and good energy ❤️🙏🏻

[@DuncanEdwards-h8k]

I'm doing it, just bought a Berlingo, there's me & my fiance, long term, maybe to small for two, but beggar's can't be choosers, we love It, before we've even converted it, it's the car multispace version. Mortgage has gone up 2 and a half times, always struggling anyway, repossession is inevitable! Well do what we will & have too. A life with less financial stress & worry is sounding very appealing:) Good luck, all ❤

[@wannabemexican]

"Live with less, and you will have more". What an absolutely incredible outlook.

[@manconthemove]

Another brilliant" find" guys. Ricky is another one living the dream. Proper minimalist living. Happy and content which is what we all strive to be. Love the work that you're doing, Keep the faith 🙏🏻💚💚

[@liveration]

Thanks Alan! We appreciate the comments, and we're glad you're still enjoying the videos 😊🙌🏼 next one coming soon!

[@anniemac3075]

The cost of living in either rented or owned houses/flats etc is astronomical, if people can drive & are able to cope with small space living this is the way to go whether it's long or short term it's a roof over your head & a load of grief off your shoulders. Good luck to anyone who needs to live more cheaply & escape the grind of debt living can become. You don't need all the possessions you surround yourself with, once they're gone the freedom is amazing.

[@aaronmaloney8]

Keep her serviced , regular oil change. Mine was smoking & I had the egr valve blanked out, runs better & no more smoke on cold mornings

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Nice one dude il do just that

[@davidjacksonjackson3212]

This vid has me smiling all the way through, what a chilled out guy, best of luck to him,

[@SandraPrice-c5g]

My heart goes out to you. I wish you all the very best and hope your dream comes true.

[@brettmanvalleyvan]

Simple lovely guy, simple van, simple life ❤️ beautiful. Definitely a funny cheeky chap with another great story, but may we say we definitely love van life just as much 🤣🤣🤣 vanlife is truly amazing we'll never go back to bricks and mortar 👍🏻 another great video thank you ❤️🙏🏻

[@gman4473]

I'm starting van life next year going to buy a decent ford transit and build it similar to your build it's gonna be bliss peace and blessings to you brother 🙏

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Aw nice one pal. Are you based in the UK?

[@TheConsciousTrader]

Good on you buddy, living not existing 🥰

[@OfWodensFolk]

This is what I'm aiming for but with constant bills, living on my own and having a 9 year old daughter its been really tricky to save money as I'm sure a lot of you are in the same boat. Getting a loan is out as I don't want to borrow anything from those parasites. I was going to risk a cheap van for £2000 in April 2024 but if it breaks down seriously....then what? With a daughter I simply cannot take the leap without constantly worrying about her.

[@OfWodensFolk]

@@pathfinder303 I've already done that in two countries and got away with it. :P

[@Dutchy695]

Go fund me page to get set up?

[@OfWodensFolk]

@@Dutchy695 I understand the sentiment mate but a lot of people are struggling at the moment and don't want to go cap in hand to others. The intention is full time van life until I've enough to buy some land and go totally off grid. I intend on standing in local elections as well because I have enough of the tramps and inbred low lifes that run our island.

[@justjyri]

My wife and I had one child and we bought a cheap van that was inspected just before the purchase. however, it turned out that I had been cheated and the seller and the surveyor were on the same team. Cheap cars always have their risks, but if you know how to make repairs yourself, you'll save a lot of money. The van we are buying cost €2,400 and I had to do sheet metal work for €1,500. in practice, I rebuilt half of the bottom of the car, skirts and etc. plus the frame. 3,000€ went into the engine, chassis and brake repairs. In the end, the repair took 10 months and in the meantime we had another child. Last Summer We drove the car around Europe in 10 different countries and even though the car was much more expensive than it should have been, I don't regret it because now I know what my car is and I plan to keep it as long as I can get diesel. I just had bad luck, but that doesn't mean the same will happen to you. on my page you can find a few videos about the ducato and a trip by car. Greetings from Finland.

[@RichInRibeyes]

Nice one guys, another great video. Always enjoy them. All the vanlifers seem to be loving life. I can see why with so few constraints. I'll get there one day 😊

[@Jonty_and_Chantal]

Definitely does not look like a "single bloke" van; it's beautiful! Particularly like the 4-way carpet idea. Well done!

[@timhadley3820]

Love the videos 😊it’s a dream to do van life hopefully one day I’ll be able to 🤞

[@beanysamuels6193]

The government will come for us all who want to live off grid or nomadic ...fight the fight

[@Dutchy695]

If you don't know your rights then you don't have any rights.

[@thenordskov]

Nice video! Are the rules still clamping down on uk vanlife? How sustainable is vanlife in the long term? I left the uk to live abroad as housing , land and alternative lifestyles were becoming tougher and much more expensive to achieve so it’s good to see some people are still making it happen!

[@stuartmarsden4142]

F#ck the rules, they will never be able to clamp down on it, anyone who knocks on my van door it’s not getting answered so what they gonna do

[@thenordskov]

@@stuartmarsden4142 there’s a lot they’ll do to clamp down. Just like everything. A million ways they can make it difficult and/or far more expensive, making it unviable and unsustainable. Yeah I get your saying just don’t answer your door etc but surely your insurance , bank and whatever else is attached to an address.. so any charges and that will just get pinned there? Nothing is now as easy as just be off the radar, especially not in developed countries

[@TeeMac68]

​@@thenordskovI hear ya. But, I honestly believe it'll get to the point where people will come together to fight the system. At the moment we're a bunch of disparate alt's who want out of the system to a greater extent. And we can still do that albeit not without some hassle. When the corporate puppet masters up the ante to the point where we cannot live this way, there will be rebellion en mass because we WILL come together to fight. And there are some powerful people with huge platforms who will fight for and with us. We have a system which has treated the individual like fools and they think they can continue to do so. But their propaganda machine, legacy media, is dying on its feet so control is not as easy as it once was. And covid backfired on them. I know a lot of folk who vaccinated in the beginning who now see it for what it was. Jericho is crumbling round the edges. Keep the faith brother 🙏

[@Dutchy695]

There's always a way. Just got to test the system and push the boundaries. What we are programmed to think we need and what we actually need. Research has its benefits. 😊

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

An inspiration. Also huge respect for going for it. Motörhead fan as well… top man.

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Cheers dude should see the back of it

[@phillipbuckley-pu7my]

Im gonna do the exact same thing. Bless you, thanks for the video.

[@cmillar849]

Excellent video mate, food for thought. Many thanks Jack

[@Dikz.70769]

Hi 👋Beautiful place I like it..enjoy your day..i from Malaysia 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur fan's watching have fun and happy new year 🕛🎊😅

[@pathfinder303]

The Transit exterior looks great, good on yer.

[@Mr1992legend]

I have been thinking about escaping normal life. I do have my little business and with that I have a question. What about your post and where your licence is registered too? Thanks

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

I get my post delivered to my workshop. And my parents house

[@hbilbeisi1]

When he said who needs a TV when you've got all this, that was the point I knew that this life is for me

[@Overkill_dnb]

I live in a luton and you just use your phone to watch KZbin and netflix instead

[@BORDERSSAFARISTRAVEL]

🤳📷📸📸 CAMERA MAN AWESOME 👍😎 ......I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS BRO...... KEEP BRINGING MORE CONTENT ❤

[@betterlivingprosperity7927]

What do you do about a permanent address for registration of the van with the DVLA and insurance company? Because I’m not in a position where I’ve got anybody so I could register my van with if I got one? Also, I have spoken to the DVLA and they’ve said that you can’t use a PO Box address or a virtual address to register vehicle. Surely there is a way around this without me being at risk of breaking the law in some way? The other thing is that if I just got a Royal Mail permanent redirect on my flat moved out of my flat and somebody else became the tenant, then I would be guilty of misrepresentation under the fraud act 2006 if I tried to just have a permanent mail redirect to get around the problem. Has anyone else got a potential solution?

[@helendancelot]

Bit of squeeze to sit on roof with solar panels?

[@daveunsworth9931]

Love your van ,brilliant!

[@PeopleMakePictures]

Excellent. You have reinvigorated me to do van life... Also, did you reclassify your tax status with DVLA to a motor home so you don't get penalties for drinking in charge of a van/car ?

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

Nice! Having a compost toilet is a game changer.

[@joblogos2367]

Credit to that lad but what's the plan over the next 10 years when the vans repairs keep getting more costly and it eventually needs replacing. Or when they meet someone else? By then house prices will have gone up even further and will be trying to re-enter the housing market. It's rare that someone increases their income with this living situation either. It might work out OK financially early on but that can quickly change and that asset once owned (house), is no longer there. Really hope it works out for the lad.

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

Good on you all doing this freedom is wonderful i dont drive shame or i would have done it every one connecting to nature great video

[@d1bber]

All good when’s it’s warm and sunny, let’s see a clip when it’s grey dark and raining non stop 😅

[@user-ht9fr6eh9u]

pattering rain is awesome especially at night when resting, better than a box with debt and potential noise from next door and worse

[@alanhughes3904]

Wanting a van but is a budget of 4K enough to start vanlife as seen a few vans on fb marketplace for sale that look ok ie Ford transit etc ? Any tips or advice

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

With that budget dude you may have to build your own. Vans are creeping up in price sadley

[@Hello_I_Must_Be_Going]

Transit’s can have major rust issues. They need a thorough inspection underneath. EBay might be a good place for getting a proper campervan, though inspect first, I’ve seen some bargains on EBay.. AA do vehicle inspections, might be worth doing that before buying - spending £200 on that might save you a hassle later on.

[@veritas4us]

Great content, thank you

[@benmcbride3088]

I need to do this

[@stephenacquah9053]

Another excellent video. Thank you very much for bring us excellent content about those brave enough to follow their dreams. One day this man with a caravan will be brave enough to follow his dreams. Happy new year to both of you - You do an amazing job!😄

[@GF-pc5bt]

Love him… nice to see simple people feeling like they are living their best life and that doesn’t include the riches of money. We can all learn something here.

[@motey99]

How do you have a valid driving licence and insurance without giving the dvla and your insurance company a fixed address?

[@kanehardy6088]

Make some great investments whilst your young create passive income then start van life it’s more enjoyable knowing you don’t have to work full time

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

Vanlife is my future, I made my mind up a few months ago, just gota sell everything I own, buy a van then do up my house and sell that then quit job and be a free man. I have the same walking boots, they're really good for walking in the peaks.

[@keepitreal1547]

What about renting your house out? Won't it cover your mortgage & have some over?

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

@@keepitreal1547 no it won't, best get rid and live on the road

[@keepitreal1547]

@@ArcturanMegadonkey Fair enough, I just wondered because I rent a house out & the monthly income from it, easily outweighs the monthly mortgage.

[@Mookiethedog]

Nice one Ricky! Work to live and you'll have most things sorted out in life.

[@robsadventures4653]

Loving your content keep it coming pls

[@Lonewolf-z2k]

You got an email brother ? I see eye to eye also about the system and much more, been travelling Europe and the uk in my vw caddy maxi camper with my dog, which I still have but recently sold my housing portfolio off I started at 19-32, before this digital switch over, recently bought a new vw crafter MWB converting right now ready for end of oct to go full time on the road in, would be awesome meeting and linking up with like minded individuals for road trips, great conversations and awesome experiences. Massive well done for clearing your mind and taken this jump ! I don’t have social media and tend to be stealth on the internet for the past 5 years now, but this is the only way I can connect with like minded people ae !

[@axutgautam1187]

Great guy great life. Goodluck and wishes to the man.

[@oliverbrown8038]

Well done mate!

[@brotheradeel9708]

My main concern is doesn’t the whole van smell after cooking in any van

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

The maxx air fan sorts that out

[@darrincambridge2377]

The "normal" way to live is the most expensive funny that 😝

[@bertieboo]

What a lovely lad 😊

[@jamesdreynolds3690]

Only problem with a dark van is it gets hot in the summer that’s from my experience

[@helendancelot]

Diesel heater is that enough in winter?

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Yeah pal it's ideal

[@keepitreal1547]

​@@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh Easy enough to fit Ricky? Viewing them on eBay from £85

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Another totally wicked video guys!!!! Well done Ricky 👊

[@liveration]

Thank you 😊🙌🏼

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Nice one dude!!

[@Erm545]

What a bloke!

[@ianwinskill9637]

Excellent video what part of peaks is this looks lovely regards Ian Norfolk uk

[@hakalasami]

How do you wash the cloths?

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Laundret. Wash dried and folded

[@Geoffinfinity]

Excellent inspirational that’s the life being free as a bird ❤

[@jimbandit1250sa]

You seem so happy buddy compared to the rat race norm long may it continue and thanks for sharing have a very happy new joyful many years mate🤝👌😊

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Thanks pal absolutely loving it still

[@StuHolland]

If everyone lives like this, there will be no-one to make the vans to live in 😂

[@aaronmaloney8]

Oh cool. I have the same van , 58 plate also, my only issue is, I can only just stand up, I'm 5ft 11 & have a dodgy back lol

[@RWL2012]

could do an extra high roof conversion?

[@CFreeJ]

Brilliant!

[@youtubehandol]

It's fun how we use sponsor block to block tiny home bss

[@andy_xtr3861]

Nice buddy, must be grim in the winter!! I need to escape the 50+ hour rat race its making me depressed, so may be doing the same thing in the future🤔

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

It's not to bad, just keep your eye on weather warnings

[@keepitreal1547]

​@@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh Hi Ricky, I love what you're doing. I couldn't help but smile & agree with what you're saying & in with a laid back vibe. Very inspirational also. I've viewed a few campers very recently, including a Mk7 lwb transit like yours. Not found the one as yet & also considering to convert my own (as you have). Like yours in blue as it's different to the usual white. Been studying the Peak District for places to camp over night & would love to see you in person, though I understand you could be at any of the reservoirs in that National Park. I've just subscribed to you on KZbin, are you about to share some videos on it? I hope so. All the very best Ricky, you'll be an inspiration to many.

[@TimmyD9]

​@@RichardCrosbie-jd8jhis there anyways we can chat as i would like to get into this lifestyle and get out of the rat race :(

[@adventuresinmyvan]

great video yet again from @Liveration

[@liveration]

Thank you 🙌🏼 glad you enjoyed it

[@aa-kh9ex]

Great stuff. Enjoy

[@surfydurfy5000]

Amazing!👍

[@nonlostsouls]

Another video guys, keep safe ☯️

[@liveration]

Thanks guys and you 🙌

[@MarkJones-ky5dl]

Ricky do you have a channel I can follow ?

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Hey bud I'm just on Instagram

[@shaneshankly4518]

What happens in the winter ? Never ever see them on a rainy winter's day

[@georgenorth2896]

Love it - can’t live life with a Luke warm beer 😂

[@daveevans2665]

Brilliant 👍👍

[@JohannusFandangulus]

Where do people park?

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

There are apps like Park for Night that show all types of places to stay from stop overs to traditional camp sites. Legally you can stay on a camp site 28 days in a row, typically for £10 a night for long termers. Basically lots of options.

[@BORDERSSAFARISTRAVEL]

I love British Accent So awesome 👍 Bro......😊.....l love your Video's Nice Camera 📸 📷 🤳 💯

[@liveration]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it ✌🏻😎

[@BORDERSSAFARISTRAVEL]

@@liveration 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 Am from Kenya one day visit Merry Christmas 🎄🎁🎄🎁

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

mpg?

[@enhancedutility266]

Probably 12-17

[@yopo159]

Man's a legend

[@jackiegammon2065]

AG1.. love the thought of it, but foundational nutrition would give us more than 2 grams of protein...think about that.

[@MathewBoyes]

Hi how are you doing

[@jonwallace7015]

Jesus h christ this is serious. I want to live in a van now but I have a limp and a bad back

[@damienwhinfrey7119]

Good luck to the guy but I can tell with his body language that some things haven't gone right for him and he's not convinced by his own story he's telling himself. I wish him well and hope it works out.

[@stephenbland7461]

The elephant in the room. You still need to have access to a residential address for your driving licence, vehicle log book and insurance. So unless you have a friend or relative willing to let you use their address, and that can be problematic, I can’t see how it works in practice 🤷‍♂️ So, for example, imagine you get pinged going through a speed camera and the fine gets sent to the address listed on the vehicle log book? But you don’t actually ever live there….so the fine goes unpaid, then the bailiffs turn up? Or say the person willing to let you use their address is a single person and so can claim single person discount on their council tax, except now they can’t because technically you are living there as well? I’m not saying that’s it’s not possible. Just playing devils advocate

[@MultiStrickland]

Great comment. Lets hope someone can answer this 👍🏻

[@SongBillong]

Valid point, but the vast majority of people will know at least one person who doesn't live on their own and is willing to let them use their address. I mean, how many people have no family, no friends and no colleagues? I'm sure there are other ways around it if you were unlucky enough to be in that situation, though.

[@23rdian]

You can get mailing addresses which scan and email your letters on if you want. Also if a decriminalised fine goes astray so what? I have known these be chased for a while and then written off. Who cares about credit ratings if you don't need credit.

[@100Noddy]

@@SongBillong 🤔

[@Mathewsmith343]

C/O. Care of address 👌

[@Babylonboy55]

Love the videos but the presenters give me cringe.

[@northwestcoast]

Are all van lifers conspiracy theorists? (Genuine question)

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Hahaha no just had enough life experience to know what's suits 😂

[@rasputindasilva858]

Van life is for losers, this young man with so much to offer to society decided to become an outsider... the life doesn't forgive.

[@davidmarjason4222]

What can he do though? This society is doom by design, no one can afford a house, especially gen Z. How do you exoect us to win in life when everything is against us?

[@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh]

Van life saved me, so if that's being a looser then I'm glad to be apart of it

[@davidmarjason4222]

@@RichardCrosbie-jd8jh did it managed to save you alot of money in the long run? Was thinking of saving up for a van to get started living cheap and then maybe affording a future mortgage.

[@keepitreal1547]

For losers, you can't be serious. I've done all that's expected through my life, including family life, hard work throughout. Now approaching my retirement years & having all I've ever wanted...it's this very simple life Ricky has that not only inspires me, but is seeing life 'for what it is' It's real & it's about doing what each individual wants to do, without succumbing to society norms. It's freedom of living how one wants that matters most & I'm happy to see Ricky or any vanlifer doing just that. He's away from the negative trappings that most think they have to be in...he's used his head in what suits him, instead of following the crowd...for that I applaud him hugely. He's not a loser at all, he's more a winner...He's seen the light & that's something many people never see. I'm about to do what Ricky is doing & I would encourage my own kids to do the same. Life is for living.

[@megataurus7779]

Having a ball and chain mortgage around your neck is also for losers ? Yes?no?

[@jamesgarrard4361]

bless you young guys n gurls