Living Together On $81K A Year Across The U.S. | Millennial Money

Karen, 32, and Sylvester Akpan, 41, travel across the country in their RV and earn around $81,000 a year as content creators. Karen created her blog, The Mom Trotter, in 2016, cultivating a devoted fanbase. Since, her writing has been featured in Camping World as well as The Points Guy, detailing topics like family travel and RVing with kids. They also have many social media channels that document their lives on the road with their son Aiden, 8, and sometimes their niece and nephew.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
What's your budget breakdown? We're looking for stories from all ages, not just millennials! Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in a future installment of Millennial Money: ​cnb.cx/32TYZ2K​
Read more about Karen and Sylvester's budget breakdown here: cnb.cx/3zTrQ7e
It’s hard to get hold of Karen Akpan. One week, the 32-year-old might be visiting family in Florida with her husband, Sylvester, and their son Aiden; the next, the family is sunbathing in Aruba or sightseeing in the Dominican Republic. In the past month alone, their travels also included Colombia, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, where CNBC Make It caught up with them.
The family wasn’t always so mobile. But at the end of 2019, Karen and Sylvester, 41, took a hard look at their finances and decided to make a change. They sold both of their homes in California (they lived in one and rented out the other), used $14,000 from their savings to buy an RV off of Facebook Marketplace in early 2020 and started traveling around the U.S.
The family - yes, even 8-year-old Aiden earns a paycheck - now make a living from Karen’s blog, The Mom Trotter, and by creating ad campaigns for the likes of Camping World, Circle K Stores, Hilton Hotels and Disney, among others, for Instagram and TikTok. Income has varied from month to month since they started in 2020, but last year they took home around $81,000.
“There’s no way we’re going back to a house or careers or anything like that,” Karen says. “We love the freedom that working for ourselves, being entrepreneurs, has given us.”
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Living Together On $81K A Year Across The U.S. | Millennial Money

[@CNBCMakeIt]

What's your budget breakdown? We're looking for stories from all ages, not just millennials! Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in a future installment of Millennial Money: ​cnb.cx/32TYZ2K​

[@futurise_nitian]

Challenge .... How can a student start from zero and become great at something and become financially independent . Can you make a video

[@teslainthehood2521]

With gas prices I bet you it’s cheaper to rent now 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@bigbrowser1]

This is the real American dream, no debt, no corporate job, no cubicles, travelling whenever you like. They have figured it out, well done.

[@TheMomTrotter]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you!

[@Brucelee89896]

Yes 🙌

[@bigbrowser1]

@@TheMomTrotter You're most welcome, best of luck in your current and future endeavors!

[@BudgetingandSavingswithVe]

Great job!! The real American dream

[@erikgonzalez2278]

Yes sir building wealth that’s the real American dream

[@floofbean6653]

Love their growth and personalities! Went from an expensive American Dream into the REAL American Dream of freedom, family, and passions!

[@TheMomTrotter]

Thank you so much !

[@lelabrooks04]

@@TheMomTrotter Look up affordable care healthcare insurance. Open enrollment ends in a few month's. Have had it 2 years and very helpful.

[@Native-Kitty]

The American dream is not about the “house with the white picket fence” anymore. It’s about doing what makes you happy, living the way you want and creating your own traditions. Live and not just exist. I love what this couple did. Great for them!

[@starzzzy22]

I love that the son has a Roth IRA since he works for the family business.

[@mutomboinprogress]

Omg! A Cameroonian! I screamed! 🇨🇲 it is so refreshing to see someone who grew up in Cameroon choose an alternative lifestyle. Mobile living and the associated freedom are things I admire but somehow they feel beyond reach or too far off from the path that we knew growing up. Love this episode! Congrats on clearing off your debt!

[@ngreat4390]

And the husband is from my state in Nigeria. Very cool!

[@bbalderston125]

She has that West African spirit and energy!

[@bbalderston125]

Oh I missed Nigeria + Cameroon. This really explains Aiden as so smart and adorable. There's a sense in West Africa, vibe, energy, spirit, optimism in all sort of challenging and perfect situations that cannot be replicated many other places in the world...except by West Africans ...!

[@organizedchaos4559]

Not gonna lie they’re the first black family I seen living in a RV. I swear all I seen are white peoples living and traveling in a RV.

[@DewTime]

The husband is African. Africans have a different culture than African Americans Edit: actually they’re both African. Makes even more sense

[@552mustang]

@@DewTime Yeah they both are. Thats why they are so ahead of the game compared to born Americans

[@AshaMae]

My husband, son and I have been living in our RV and traveling around for almost 2 years. We are out here, although in small numbers. I will say that I very rarely see other AA families that are doing the same in my travels.

[@TheMomTrotter]

I've meet several people but never anyone from Africa RVing lol. They think we are crazy

[@TheMomTrotter]

@@williamlewis3582 I need to look that up. That'll be amazing

[@chopkicks2664]

Having watched the series this one is definitely the most heartwarming. Your kids will have seen more growing up than most adults in America. I'm a retired expat living in Japan, and your story has just convinced me to keep badgering my wife to let me buy a mini RV so we can travel all over Japan and blog about our adventures.

[@Chirkli]

I would totally read those blogs or watch the vlogs. Go for it!

[@auntyshak1778]

When that happens come back here and put a link so we can follow you i.e if u remember.

[@chopkicks2664]

@@auntyshak1778 Will do, promise!

[@natasia325]

@@chopkicks2664 yes please do I’m obsessed with Japan. If you can remember tag me.

[@candyjamaican]

Your wife is nihonjin? Not happening and you know. But if it does, stop by in Iwate for a craft beer on the house.

[@themind.ofaaron]

I can appreciate seeing an episode with a couple on an average salary 💯

[@hopelife8130]

...nice my dear but today i really need u to save me im broke this year do to covid so i beg u the best with respect to found me 5ghc for food help GOD

[@t.alexander5412]

Exactly bro what's wrong with average people always talking about leveling up six figure salary even if you achieve that after so long you get tired of the rat race the nightmare called The American dream trying to keep up you realize money status doesn't amount to much.

[@infini.tesimo]

@Luís Andrade minimum expenses is how.

[@bigbrowser1]

It's not about how much you earn its about how much you keep.

[@DewTime]

Their salary isn’t average. The video is misleading because it says they make $81K a year but that’s for last year. This year it’s double

[@greeneyes1313]

They are so charming. Karen has charisma oozing out of her and Sylvester melted me when he talked about his dreams for his son. I can't wait to follow along with them on their journey. Thanks for featuring the family!

[@TrademarkTheo]

Holy moly. Graham is going to LOVE THEM. look at THAT investment pie chart. Amazing couple

[@breezluize3282]

She is such a vibrant, energetic, go-getter! Bravo to her! He found a great wife/partner in her!

[@hailelleultesera8643]

this is on another level kids buying stocks just unbelievable

[@insanity6379]

Lol me and other people buy stocks and trade crypto its pretty normal nowadays

[@tysone1254]

I know im 5 also have a roth and UTMA i mainly put my money in the utma but I was delighted to hear he is buying stocks at 8!!!! absolutely absurd!!

[@eurekay4484]

@@tysone1254 you're 5? as in 5 years old??

[@tysone1254]

@@eurekay4484 Lmao No It was a typo I don't know what I was trying to say

[@MajesticDre]

8:46 their son having a roth IRA and picking stocks already is so sweet and amazing

[@TheMomTrotter]

Thank you

[@kayseacamp]

Exactly and as a parent if you open a custodial IRA you can match your child's contribution too. Such a great way to set your children up ahead. If I ever have kids this is a MUST do.

[@tysone1254]

@@kayseacamp just make sure the kid works for the money

[@Jonelle3000]

I love this couple and their wealth building mindset. Beautiful family.

[@bohemianchic638]

I appreciate seeing real life couples working 9-5 budgeting their household.

[@hopelife8130]

jk nice my dear but today i really need u to save me im broke this year do to covid so i beg u the best with respect to found me 5ghc for food help GOD

[@MrDonniemac5]

Congratulations to them!! Looking forward to Graham taking a look at this too...

[@adaisy13songz]

I love this! Appreciate seeing a real life family, a black family living their best life on the road to financial freedom

[@NealForAmbassador]

The kids' smiles are so big and bright! They look genuinely happy, I love it!

[@duncanwalter6471]

Best video I've seen in this series. A family living the American dream after learning from their mistakes and realizing a positive present and future.

[@mrsr4640]

My father, a black man has over 4 acres of lakefront property on Kerr Lake in North Carolina on County Line Park. You are invited to visit our property

[@misshoneynevercame4832]

@@88Kimberly888 How?

[@ankksmith9791]

$9000/months investments is absolutely incredible, these guys are on the right track to become everyday millionaires.

[@pintobeangaming1620]

Are you Dave Ramsey

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Yes, however they don't have insurance, so a lot of their investment progress could be destroyed if something happens.

[@artofnia]

I love this, a Black Family living their best lives ❤

[@ToddBaldwin]

These two are living such an awesome life!

[@blanket1309]

How is it awesome?

[@JonathanSorunke]

That monthly investment budget 👌🏿

[@hopelife8130]

..m hello dear freind i realy need u to send me small coin for help my daugther for food god bless u be safe

[@alakeblake9263]

Your story is so inspiring, I may have questions later but for now I am just so proud of your story !

[@oluomachukwuchukwu7933]

Loved this episode and the shift in focus for this family! Excited to see them progress in the next 10 years!

[@thefinancialsecurelife]

This story is very inspiring. I love how @themomtrotter and her family are living life on their own terms.

[@goy88888]

A great story with really motivated people. Hope to see a update episode in 10 years.

[@renecialbrewton9859]

I love this! Also love that y’all are just down the road in Savannah! Enjoy SE Georgia ❤️

[@jl3578]

LOVE this video! The family figured out what life’s all about!

[@laboheme125]

What a beautiful couple! Their son is going to thank them for setting him up for success.

[@lg6134]

This is my favorite episode to date! My husband and I are thinking of doing the same thing, so it’s nice to see another young couple doing it too.

[@muriellebanackissa]

Wow, this is amazing! So inspiring to see you guys living your best life, travelling the world, saving tons of money, and encouraging your child to save and invest! So inspirational, keep shining 🙌🏽❤️

This video made me realize that my wifey and I can definitely do something like that… We love traveling and she além talk about buying a van; I’m gonna watch this video again later but with her and start drawing a plan 😍

[@AshaMae]

You can !

[@vee9043]

This is amazing and inspirational. Beautiful family with a awesome outlook and mindset. Well done!

[@laurenmorfin927]

I love this family. I’ve been following them for years. So proud of them!

[@melissakaee]

I shouted when she said she was Cameroonian! 😂😂 🇨🇲 🇨🇲🇨🇲

[@MsCharlene87]

Me too. Soo inspiring.

[@raconte-moialice9509]

Me too! I'm Gabonese, that's close enough 😂

[@TheMomTrotter]

Haha YAY 😄

[@theblckgin]

SAME 😭🇨🇲

[@MarshallBurns]

This is amazing! More people should be doing this to escape the wage trap.

[@cherlopes4597]

Omg. Their kid looks exactly like his cousin. 🤭

[@TheMomTrotter]

Lol yesss

[@craftygal4494]

This couple is amazing! I know graham isn't reviewing these much anymore but I really hope he reviews this video.

[@briannawilson2980]

I love this soo much, they are literally living their best life! And on top of that your from Cameroon like me 🇨🇲

[@insanity6379]

Ez

[@fuchadancer94]

I follow them on fb but I had no idea that they lived in an rv. This is so cool.

[@noone-um4hk]

So they don't have any health insurance? That's absurdly risky. Also their "budget" is over 11k that's 130k+ a year not 81. The numbers on these never add up

[@TheMomTrotter]

Last year we made $81,000 which is what they go by. This year our income has gone up hence why the change in numbers.

[@TheMomTrotter]

And for Health Insurance. We just found a plan that works for our lifestyle. :)

[@infini.tesimo]

Not really no. It's super common also in the entrepreneurship space to not have any either.

[@noone-um4hk]

@@TheMomTrotter thanks for the reply, I wish they did a better job explaining your situation. Anyway, congrats on paying off your debt and living the lifestyle your family wants. Health insurance is always that last thing we need to consider when leaving our traditional jobs for us Americans. It's the reason I've stayed in the military reserve, only for the health insurance until my kids are grown.

[@erikgonzalez2278]

What’s absurd is paying $500-1000 a month for health insurance if you don’t your in debt automatically $10k+. Lucky in California I make a decent wage so we have subsidized plans those who don’t qualify for medi-cal low income insurance

[@nicholasmoorman3314]

Man I'm really proud of these two, very admirable.

[@rowddyone3570]

I admire people who dare to live their dreams regardless what other people say. So much pressure and criticism even from family. Good for them.

[@stephaniemclellanlamarche5773]

I am so happy for you. Travelling around with your partner and kids and living your life to the fullest. Looks like a dream!

[@kateg.4780]

This is awesome!! What a unique living situation and experience for them all to have.

[@KayLoveNYC]

This is amazing. So happy they’re living their life exactly how they want and are incredibly happy. Them not having health insurance makes me slightly anxious, I hope they find an option that works for their RV lifestyle.

[@cherrysamj]

Love them! Their KZbin is amazing and they’re such an inspiration. Keep up the great work!!!

[@AlanaK]

Love this idea ! They seem so happy

[@justicejoycetv]

Yes. Regular people not just surviving but THRIVING!!!!!!! #Winning 🙌🏿

[@user-re3en9su7z]

Looooove this! This is how I plan to spend my retirement so this is inspiring.

[@levelup1095]

I love this!!! So nice to see diversity in culture and income!

[@carolcosta6409]

What a amazing and beautiful family! Love them!

[@ApocolypticDonkey]

Very inspiring! Great video.

[@fabroyalty2697]

Wow, this is so inspiring. You have a beautiful family. 😍

[@jazzupyourlife.official]

So many people are commenting on the lack of insurance, but they don't understand that having affordable insurance that actually does something is a privilege. If you're not dirt poor per government standards, or hired by an employer with a good health insurance plan, insurance is expensive af and doesn't cover anything. Catastrophic is like $300-400 minimum/person/month and has an $8500 deductible, with no coverage for preventative healthcare. My mom got insurance for my sibs and me when we were extremely young, but she just couldn't afford it at some point, so I've lived most of my life without insurance and have been lucky to not have any extreme health issues. This is just the reality that a lot of us are living.

[@anoukc6928]

why don't people have universal healthcare like other countries? as a non-US person, I find it so strange

[@lgee9027]

@@anoukc6928 two words MONEY AND GREED!!!!!!!

[@lgee9027]

So true!!!!!!

[@paolabueso]

What an awesome family! Thank you for sharing this. 😀🙌🙌🙌

[@anewzim]

Interesting episode. Loving these Make It episodes by CNBC.

[@2Blessed2BeStressful]

i really enjoyed watching this! I have seen them before!

[@vegacardullo1917]

Love them 💕this is so inspiring ❤

[@ashleyjohnson-lh1oh]

I love this!!! God bless I would love to maybe try this for a year:) keep it up I’m definitely going to subscribe

[@jones2277]

Those kids got their beautiful smiles from their parents!

[@moninsan159]

Awesome. This is what living your best life means, your son in going to be rich in wisdom and knowledge

[@TheDanaYiShow]

Wow! What an amazing story and crazy to see a Roth IRA for someone so young, keep up the amazing work!

[@nickjohnstone9939]

I love how switched on you are with no debt and investing. Well done.

[@garrettzickgraf5202]

This was amazing. What an inspiration!

[@JD-nq6se]

I was just talking about getting an RV yesterday and this pops up in my YT feed today.

[@Dancingbyfaith3]

The phone is listening lol

[@GLAMAFROMNYC]

Do it, you only live once

[@COURTNEYVCK]

It’s a good sign😊

[@daphnemaegonzales]

This is truly inspiring ❤❤❤

[@21prufrock]

I didn't start contributing to my 401 k until I was 46 so this couple is better off! So much respect for this couple - they are living their best life!!

[@diquan892]

Loved this one

[@atypicaladult8720]

I hit the Like button before the video started playing! Go Team Akpan Fam🎉🎉🎉

[@TheMomTrotter]

Aww thank you 🥰🥰🥰

[@Martina_E]

We love to see it! I can't wait for Graham to do a react video.

[@stevi7178]

Awesome to see this family live their best life 😊.

[@ede.5487]

Beautiful family. I love the aggressive investing, keep up the great work it sets a good example for your son/family.

[@iamkerenlouise]

They absolutely need to have some sort of health care coverage for the family; having none is gambling that they will not get sick or ever have an accident-;----unexpected health scares happen when you least expect it.

[@EnterGalactica]

Loved this!!!!

[@asay9308]

this is goals.Family is everything

[@brief-partiality]

I am honestly so happy for them :')

[@aventurasmickeyyaris]

Woow God bless.we did the same sold our house and move to a RV full time. I love this story

[@dinagreaves6686]

Lovely ❤ family thnx you for the videos 🙏🏾 much ❤️ from the UK 🇬🇧

[@ericaj6092]

Lovin it! Beautiful family 🌹

[@ridgewoodgardens6253]

Well done guys!

[@CliffordJDominique]

Amazing video‼️

[@3dcrystalgift8]

Fine People. Peace and Great Prosperity To You and the Kiddo

[@themessengacross1581]

God Bless You All... Enjoyed video

[@sarahjanevintique2387]

Oh my!! I absolutely love everything about this.

[@ericreviews6046]

I’m from Cameroon too. Love this

[@Joshjames1234]

The American Dream! This couple is an inspiration.

[@CheapStocksTV]

"Impressive," to the couple don't worry about other people in their 401K's just get started! Don't worry you will retire with 2 Million Dollars and your son will be a Million before you know it with great parents like you two.

[@brittishcapelle6508]

I love it!

[@octaviakf]

I love love love this amazing 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@Crystalkwashie]

I love this ♥️

[@annee5582]

Love this!💙💙💙

[@carmellabrown3335]

They are living the life 🥰🖤

[@darianreese123]

Such a great video in my personal opinion. But I'll for sure be awaiting Graham Stephan's reaction to this video!

[@CL-lo4wd]

Absolutely love this family!

[@AviyahAbides]

Listen, I see this couple everywhere on social media with interviews and Rv tour😂 get paid ya’ll👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@BasementMinions]

Wow, awesome stuff!

[@reeboo43]

I read about them so glad to see them in action