Surviving Van life on a tight budget: Solo Female Van Life

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Hi everyone, I want to let you know that I slipped up in this video and my income is $950 a week not a month.😊 Thanks for watching and have a great day.

[@tb6680]

Hi Brenna, Is that US or Australian Dollars that you're stating 950 per week. Cheers 🙂

[@deniselong6134]

@@tb6680 living in Australia is about double the cost of living in America. living in smaller towns would most likely be a lot cheaper.

[@mathteacherDrEd]

That would be about $650 US dollars per week

[@sophiedereans]

Phew!

[@rowdyposs]

Thank you. I was going to go back and check what you said. 😊

[@wandoorose]

Excellent video Brenna. Thanks for sharing your experience. As a suggestion, I would appreciate a video about the house sitting process. Thank you.

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

Wonderful video as always Brenna 🩷 You are one of my absolute favorite nomads! Thank you again for sharing your life with us. ❤🚐🇨🇦

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are so welcome!

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully I am learning so much from you as a newbie 😎

[@sjordan7085]

I am so glad I came across Brenna's videos and tell my friends about her channel. Such a gentle, delightful soul!

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

@@sjordan7085 me too 😍

[@Jodesnaturepics]

I'm only on a pension and have found staying in a place for longer as you're doing now Brenna definitely helps. I'm not in a hurry to go places so I take my time and do also stay in caravan parks and cheaper hipcamps. I can go fully off grid if I want to, I have plenty of power, compost loo and shower. I still manage to save and really don't want for anything. Great advice once again, thanks for sharing.

[@Leah-dl4yh]

Nutrition one of my fav. Topics as WE all need it! Learning! Protiens are complex in the total balances 🖌️

[@jamieblank4470]

I’m a newly single mum and I found this really helpful, even just to get in the habit of tracking everything and reviewing it, thank you for sharing. 😻

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I love your budget videos! They’re super informative, and really helpful. 😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you like them!

[@Whoever68]

My advice is to be careful of where you take your vehicle for repairs. I know of one mechanic who worked for a popular mechanic who shall remain nameless. He was sacked because he refused to upsell repairs. In other words when someone came in with an issue with their vehicle, he was required to find something else wrong with the vehicle and he was required to highly recommend repairs (sooner rather than later). When he refused to do so, he was fired. He said the repairs were normally nothing urgent or caused issues with safety. Being female it’s not uncommon for mechanics to take advantage of their lack of mechanical knowledge. If in doubt get a second or third opinion without telling each mechanic what another mechanic recommended and see if the advice is consistent.

[@dawnr236]

Thanks

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Wow, thank you so much 🙏

[@DownthunderAu]

Such a good topic. Thanks for sharing Brenna. :)

[@rettesvanlife]

Thanks for this im just planning finances in anticipation of driving away next year

[@rachelkelly7117]

So proud of you ! Money doesn’t go far these days.. I’m planning on hitting the road in May 2025.. my budget will be about $650 pw too. Love vlogs like this. Rach

[@dd1394]

Suggestion for future videos, how to budget and use a spread sheet. I’m sure many people would be interested.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Noted!

[@yipirinya1]

I would definitely love excel for dummies..thankyou..essential on a budget ie pension..Australia..

[@sharynpowell403]

lived in a tiny wheatbelt town for 15 years, was expensive for food, esp gf food but such a great place to live

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

Another good informative video Brenna

[@Kiwiwanderer]

I can’t wait till the end of the video or I’ll forget things …..1. I love that you budget every single thing on spreadsheets …who else thinks being organised , disciplined is so sexy ??!! 🔥🔥. Love it. I’m sorry about the costs for the van / puppy 🐶 but glad both are now doing well! You are so spot on mindful living means you don’t waste money or resources. Budgets need to be flexible like us…budgets need to yoga …and sometimes stretch lol FYI - I’m doing the same about eating more protein….it’s not cheap living in gods paradise ….of Oz and NZ…but we are so lucky 🍀!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Wouldn't live anywhere else ☺️

[@brynhsu2008]

I feel you on the big vet bills! Just discovered your channel and thought this was a super interesting topic to cover

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Welcome!!

[@beverleydryland1146]

Thankyou Brenna this West Australian info is so relevant to us living on a tight budget on one income cheers from Bunbury western Australia x x

[@Fiona_Chasing_Light]

Thanks for sharing this with us Brenna - also semi-retired, and I find tracking spending to be very helpful, especially because those unforseen circumstances (cars in particular I find) can put a dent in the budget. Flexibility on all aspects of life these days, is probably good advice - I hope Abby is recovering well. Here's to a calm quarter for you (for us all).

[@melstephen5191]

Does it help if we watch the full adverts (without clicking on “skip”) during your videos? Does it helps to have your videos run through to the end, for a couple of rounds? How else can we engage with your content that would help? 💐💐

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks for wanting to help, just do whatever you want to do.☺️

[@carolcopley3639]

Hello wonderful lady. Thank you for sharing detailed financial information. Caravan life certainly isn’t free. You are so intelligent and creative. Thank you for being so real and honest. Please continue to be positive, and take care of yourself. Be safe. Look forward to seeing you next time and some of that beautiful art!

[@lh5047]

Please do not skip adverts. She gets paid for them, not a lot but they add up..

[@Sandra-bq9yw]

Thank you Brenna for this great video! Really informative! 🙂

[@carolynthompson6518]

I love your videos - I’m 73 and was an accountant for 48 years in my professional working life (I still work) and always have a budget (Excel spreadsheet) to keep track of my expenses and stick to it religiously. Also about protein - the strongest weightlifters are vegan.

[@raymondpaul4634]

And so are Gorilla's 😊

[@deeoh3708]

Good advice Brenna... sorry about the pooch bills. Hope all goes to plan this coming year.

[@raymondpaul4634]

Thanks for another down ti earth budget video. Would you consider doing one on how you get good enough wi fi for uploading and your bookkeeping work please

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I have been using Starlink since January 2024. Prior to that I used my phone Hotspot with Telstea

[@helenjarman943]

Love your videos Brenna. They are inspirational to me.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you

[@edithsymmans3273]

Hello Brenna, Thank you so very much for your video, it has been so helpful for me and come at the right time. Having you go through everything makes perfect sense. Love watching all your videos and I have gained a lot from them. Hugs, love and prayers to you and Abby. 🫂💜 🙏

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are so welcome!

[@exploringnext1111]

I really appreciate these videos!!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you like them!

[@kyliehoneyman6304]

Brilliant info Brenna! Practical and realistic 🙂

[@dustyroadtherapy]

Great video, really explained everything well, loved it ❤

[@Harry11223]

Thanks for the insights, and have a good day! I hope Abby is doing well and same to you. Harry

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! You too!

[@care2escape_melbo]

another great video.. thank you!! I’m 174 days FT on the road with my 2 cats and still haven’t done a budget. I know that I should, just have difficulty the finding motivation.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You can do it!

[@CB-sx8xh]

I used to do paid pet sitting, they all turned into regular bookings and led to referrals for more. Now I have a rescue birdie so no more pet sitting for me except for my neighbour over the road.

[@norafinley5216]

Hi Brenna, I am still following your videos. Thank you for sharing this video. I have a question: How many times a year do you take your car for service? And how do you find a car service in a remote area? Thank you ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I get it serviced twice a year. I will usually go into a city to get it done but I have also used a small town mechanic.

[@norafinley5216]

​@BrennaLivingJoyfully thank you, Brenna. Have a safe trip ❤

[@martinfinn674]

Great video Brenna!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you liked it!!

[@martinfinn674]

I'm on a pension and have to budget every cent as well. Motorhome insurance (CIL), breakdown insurance (RAC), Mobile phone (Belong). I'm stationary at the moment. In a caravan park (cheapest in Esperance). Finances are tight.

[@martinfinn674]

Caravan Park is 144/4 days!

[@judyoliver533]

Praying for a good winter.

[@judyoliver533]

Love love your videos.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you so much!

[@irenepickering-p4u]

Great video nice to see how you manage financially. How did your artworks fair at the show or have I missed that flog. Take care 😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

The show is this weekend ☺️

[@irenepickering-p4u]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully good luck then your paintings are lovely. I would buy one if the shipping cost to England is not to expensive 😊

[@douglashoward5738]

Are ou monetize on YT? Thank you for sharing. Safe journey for you and Abby❤️

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes

[@caronnest4939]

We had beautiful collie he was a rescue...he ended up needing both cruciate done at different times...a fortune xx

[@robyn-r3g]

I just wondered, Brenna. Did Abbey get over her anxiety issues she had when you were travelling with somebody else? Also, I wonder how you cope with dog hair? Do you just give everything a good shake every day and put up with a bit of hair ? - after all, a bit of dog hair never killed anyone! Thanks for sharing.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

She still has anxiety issues but I do my best to manage them. I just live with the fur😂

[@SimpleFrugalFree]

The nice thing is, statistically speaking anyway, the events of the first quarter are unlikely to happen again anytime soon. 🙏😃

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Good point

[@davidmilledge221]

God bless you 🙏 safe travels and yep this video is an eye opener 4 me making me think twice about stuff cheers 🍻

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 👍

[@steve4524]

Good lord I’m going to live full time in a camper on $400 a week

[@R00RAL]

Wow, you earned heaps of respect from me for your disciplin. Your very good at Budgeting. I earn, to give you an idea $10 k a month.

[@sjordan7085]

You manage your finances very well, Brenna. Vet bills are my downfall too, regardless how frugal I am. A rescued dog cost $6,000.00 just to have his teeth and a benign growth removed which grew back and needed laser. However, I managed to get a surgical extraction for $45.00 for myself, which would normally have been $550.00. Inflation is a killer for those of us who live on Social Security. I'd say many struggle to make ends meet. Single retired women seem to be the most financially challenged. Sometimes life happens, even with the best well made plans.

[@sjordan7085]

You made a very practical decision! So many thousands of animals are killed at Shelters every day that I feel the need to help in my small way. Several years ago I adopted an older dog that was NOT well taken care of, and used for breeding by his previous owner who died. But, by then he had become my responsibility, and he was already too old to buy insurance for. The vet said he is likely 13 now, his breed usually lives to be 16. I feed him human grade healthy foods. Soundsl like financial madness, I know, but his vet bills did not happen in one chunk, rather three surgeries to extract his teeth and a benign tumur regrew that added up to the total cost. I just adopted a little Havenese from a High Kill Shelter LAanimalservices. A kind and very generous lady paid her expenses including tomorrow's vet appt. The little dog, was said to be older, 8 plus, by the shelter, but she looks and acts like an underage mother, so likely much younger. At least she is a small pup. Although, I am mindfully frugal, vet bills can quickly kill my efforts; that said, I feel passionate about helping children and animals in need. Of course, with age one has to consider what arrangements will be made for the care of pets after one's expiraition date, so I am not replacing them as they pass. Famous last words....! That said, the Havenese was at risk of being killed by the shelter for threatening to bite staff, due to being so scared. She is warming my feet as I write this! She's totally charming and adorable, gentle as can be. I am so glad I was able to help her, unfortunately a bigger dog, who first caught my eye, was likely killed. My neighbour says we cannot save them all. Heartbreaking!

[@SusanBurke-c3o]

Really helpful ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you think so!

Gracias por compartir toda esta información, es un vídeo muy útil! También puedes crear tu merchandising y ponerlo aquí, para colaborar contigo.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Wow Brenna. Nothing worse than financial stress. I hope things improve for you. So hard to save when you are on a low income. Best wishes to you.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I am all good, thanks

[@debbieframpton3857]

Her income is not low. I live in the States on $1,272 a month I do have a mortgage paid for no car payment or debt. I pay my car and house insurance monthly gas and light bill, water sewer and trash pickup, cell phone and cheap senior internet equals $326 per month. I put $450 into savings every month the rest I live on.

[@yapkoonrex816]

You are a very strong lady 💪

[@bettykroll]

$950 a month or week? There’s a huge difference! If it’s a week that’s $3800 a month 3 times what I get a month!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It's a week☺️

[@bfdee1603]

This seems to b a lot per month, i live in s US in a house i pay mortgage on. I survive on a $4500 a month budget but thats including $1500 mortgage payment. U dont have mortgage since u live in a van, so how come your monthly budget is still high

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

If you want to see what my detailed expenses for last year were then watch this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4iweaClg9KgiZYsi=DY7vWJ8vXuoWTHhK

[@kathleenwhite6603]

Where is the caravan park located?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

For my personal safety I can't say.

[@chantallachance4905]

Check around a Library to ….free !!

[@jazzycool2950]

I just returned from a trip Sydney to Adelaide and back and stayed at caravan parks. I met a few people living in tents and caravans because there is not enough housing. How long are you allowed to stay at a caravan park before you have to move on?

[@davidmilledge221]

Plenty off new houses getting built but only the new internationals getting a paid package welcome to Australia can afford them its crazy

[@jazzycool2950]

@@davidmilledge221 I don’t think airbnbs are helping either.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It varies a lot. I think it depends on what type of license they have.

[@allegrosotto2126]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfullyless and less places offer longer term these days, one place considered max of 45 days long term😳

[@davidmilledge221]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully when the government welcomes them in to live here they get 70grand each to help set themselves up

[@nikkipage9132]

Maybe I am nuts. I live on 990 a month plus food allowance snd 270 that my advantage plan gives for food. I was thinking of doing van living in a very old van. But I can go slow and hang out till my check each month then drive on. Am I crazy? I am bored of the easy life. I live in Florida in a subsidized apartment. I would have to give it up. It's cheap. ❤

[@ashleybosvik3031]

You're taking a big risk it is no fun and games out there

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

No, you don't have enough money to cover for any problems that could crop up. Try a few overnight trips for a week and see how you like it.

[@tracymorgan5386]

Go on trips with your van but do not give up your apt and I wouldn’t say are crazy but I would think you are being a little self destructive talking about you are tired of having it so easy, though some homeless people who dream of having a place to live may think otherwise.

[@exploringnext1111]

Is there not a lot of free camping there? Wait, a $150 a week a caravan park? Thats $600 a month!! Thats crazy

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I also do a lot of free camping.

[@lindawilson8434]

What do yonget for that amount?

[@deniselong6134]

I'm pretty sure there is rental assistance when staying at caravan parks. I don't know how much you can earn but should look into getting unemployment benefits. you are smart so you should be able to work out what's best for you. Our house wont be built until next June 2025 but I feel lucky to have a caravan with bathroom sitting on our land. I'll have a private space for you to park after that if wanted. Toowoomba Qld region. I am saddened for the over 50's doing it tough these days. take care of you...and of course Abby.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I work part-time and make $50k a year so I don't qualify for help and make more than enough to live well.

[@deniselong6134]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully I thought you said $1000 a month. glad I was wrong. lol

[@kristenlehna2108]

Beans are a better source of protein then meat and less expensive . You should check out Brook Golden . How she beat lupus . There is where you are going to find great health for yourself 😊

[@melstephen5191]

💐💐💐💕💕💐💐💐

[@Kirbygal55]

Hi Brenna.$150 a week in a caravan park beats paying at least $350 a week for a studio flat. No wonder so many older people live the van life eh🚐🚒🚙

[@keepitreal1547]

Thanks for sharing Brenna. I looked into moving to the U.S or Australia some years ago & costs weren't so high then as now. WOW, your costs are extortionate & I wonder how the average person in Australia gets by, makes ends meet. I'm in the UK, fortunately own my own home outright, drive a car, motorbike, 2 dogs, self employed, daughter, eat well, healthy & live well on a total outgoings of £1,000 (1,900Aus) per month... & that's with things gone up here these past few years. I'm not materialistic which helps, don't drink or smoke. I'm gobsmacked at your costs, moreover living in your van. Have a great day.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Australia is a very expensive place to live.

[@keepitreal1547]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully So sorry to learn this Brenna. People here complain about rising costs, yet in comparison it's very inexpensive living, apart from home utilities of gas & electricity, these having skyrocketed & are seemingly going out of control.

[@ykook7000]

It's all relative to the economy but Australia has only becoming very expensive in the last 2 yrs before that most people were way ahead of the pack Although every house in Sydney is worth more than $1 million and they all get sold so plenty of people still have money

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

I have less income than you, try out some showgrounds they are often way cheaper than a can park, also national parks offer a lot of facilities for under $10 a day

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

We don't have showgrounds camping in the West and I can't go into National Parks with a dog. I think the price I pay is very affordable.

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

Not all national parks dont allow dogs, but yes the lion share do

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

@Michelle_Emm i just volunteered in a national park that does…

[@moblet]

I spent a couple of years on the road and also made a spreadsheet for tracking and categorising expenditure because I had no idea what it would cost. Driving is a really significant cost. It's common for folks to think of the cost of driving as only the fuel and then regard wear-and-tear and/or depreciation costs as unexpected and even unfair, but for long-term financial health those other costs really should be factored in from the outset. Wear-and-tear costs may not be perfectly forecastable but they're inevitable, so a per-km assumption can be made. A trade-off that might be interesting to look at is increasing your off-grid capacity. At $150 a week it wouldn't take long to pay for itself. Portable solar panels that can be easily oriented to face the sun are the go-to for winter.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I am fully capable of being off grid with 440 Watt portable solar panels….. But when there is no sun there is no power.

[@moblet]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully Yes, I had days when my panels did squat and I forgot you're in a part of the world where winter is the rainy time of year. Another possible angle with falling LFP prices is enough battery capacity to survive for a week or so, and then return to the grid to recharge.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I really enjoy staying at a caravan park so I am okay with my set up. Thanks

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Great advice,cheers from Downunder ❤️🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 👍