I am a senior and live in a 5th wheel in an RV park. I have a large dog. Luckily I have a small patio and room for a few plants on my space. I live on about $1,200 a month. I don't eat out, go to movies, drink alcohol or take drugs, etc. My food is about $200 a month. My largest expense is lot rent with utilities. No car payment and little personal expenses. All in all, I am fortunate to be able to live comfortably enough on a fixed income. I live in northern Calif in a very rural area on the banks of a large lake. There are a lot of people in worse situations than me, so I can't complain.
@thesun-N-moon88856 ай бұрын
Horrible, right?! Work all your life and have to cut out having any entertainment or fun because you can’t afford it!! Craziness. Yeah sure some are worse off but have they worked their entire lives. I get tired of hearing “I’m struggling but others are worse” as if it’s ok that we are struggling just not as bad!!! 🙄
@galerae9476 ай бұрын
@@thesun-N-moon8885 I hear you. I just feel that I can't spend what is left of my life being angry. I have alot in my life to be grateful for...my sons, grandchildren, good friends, living in a beautiful area, and more. Yes, I worked hard for 50 years, but I choose to be happy for what I have, rather than unhappy for what I don't.
@justgivemethetruth3 ай бұрын
Banks of a large lake? Wow, that sounds ideal. Best of luck
@raycardona42842 ай бұрын
@galerae947 that's awsome and good thing u kno how to budget your money well I live in northern california as well I wanna live.off grid any tips for this newbie?
@galerae9472 ай бұрын
@raycardona4284 Don't eat in restaurants. 😁 Try to grow some basics like tomatoes, squash, patio fruit trees, etc. Staying home saves fuel in your vehicle and reduces urges to spend money. Stay away from watching TV hours at a time and get out in nature for mental health and to remind you what we have to be grateful for. I live simply, but am happy without all the clutter of the unimportant that weighs us down. Reach out to others for encouragement when you feel yourself drifting off course.
@debc3156 ай бұрын
People think my husband and I are weird , we have no computer, no tv programming, no dishwasher, no clothes dryer. I hang clothes in doorways, over the doors and on an old wooden drying rack $4 at Goodwill and a smaller rack found on the side of the road. We don't take vacations, go to concerts or eat at fancy restaurants .We both enjoy cooking and I eat mostly whole food plant based.We enjoy watching tv shows with an antenna and going for rides in the country with our rescue dog. She is a female Jack Russell Terrior tripod.
@WisdomnInsight5 ай бұрын
That is the way to go. Why spend money unnecessarily in a world where the economy is going crazy when there are more important ways to use it?
@216goldgoddess54 ай бұрын
I did all of that I’m over spending unnecessary money
@sandiedowthitt30704 ай бұрын
I think your smart 👍🏻
@graceturpin30004 ай бұрын
Thats a a practical lovely life❤
@debc3154 ай бұрын
Thank-you🥰
@ajourney506 ай бұрын
Fellow Canadian here. While budgeting and living below your means is important some of our frustrations in this country are as a result of what is happening in Ottawa. Next year is an election year, keep that in mind.
@jimkelly545716 күн бұрын
Young lady your not an ordinary girl, YOUR extraordinary. You choose a lifestyle out of necessity plus your a responsible individual. I don't know your age and don't need to know. I will say this, someday someone will snatch you off the grid and willingly give you the things you have possibly missed out on in life. You go girl.
@phillyfathead6 ай бұрын
The “ system”is predatory no matter ur lifestyle all designed to take every penny possible from the working class ( middle class)
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Definitely seems it!
@beckypennington796 ай бұрын
Interesting and informative thanks Jenna
@Incognito-fe8cw6 ай бұрын
So damn true, it's a "no win" no matter what you do !
@Incognito-fe8cw6 ай бұрын
It's truly a world of rates, fares, tariffs, fees, costs, taxes, levies, outlays, charges, fines, setbacks, amounts, expenditures, tabs, tolls, etc. etc.
@ctarr19736 ай бұрын
Ok, so what’s the “better” solution?
@Thomas63r26 ай бұрын
I occasionally watch and enjoy your videos - I like your kind of uniqueness. Your $2,220 in Canadian dollars is about $1,614 in USD, not bad at all. Food and personal care is also usually my #1 monthly expense. When you are living on the down low, on a modest income - I think that tracking expenses is essential. Most people probably only need 8 to 10 line item categories. Its always interesting to see and compare how other people spend/budget their money. My categories are: 1) fixed variable monthly - these are my utilities phone internet gas water electricity, accident and life insurance 2) Eat out. I'm a single senior and I usually go out for either lunch or dinner - I like to get out of the house, I eat economy deals, I know where all the bargains are, and I take advantage of gift card discounts etc. 3) home food, this is all the food or beverages that I eat at home, I'm not really a beer or alcohol drinker or that much in sugared drinks 4) not food. These are all the cleaning and household supplies, personal care, shoes and clothing 5) car. Everything to keep a car, oil, tires, insurance, repairs. All my cars are paid for and I do almost all my own maintenance and repairs 6) Gas. I track this separately, no good reason. 7) Work, anything job related. 8) House. Anything home related, includes property taxes, gas for mowers and power equipment, furniture and decor. My house is paid in full, this category is a running total. In the nine years so far it is just under $59k for absolutely everything. My house is a rurally located 864 sq. ft. 2 bed 1 bath prairie ranch style with a 624 sq. ft. attached shop/garage all on a 1/3 acre. A regular month for me is ~ $1,300 to $1,400 USD, with some wild spikes for home remodeling projects.
@thesun-N-moon88856 ай бұрын
And you own your home and think paying out 1,400 a month isn’t bad?! Imagine those who are paying a mortgage of 1800 to 2400 or rent of the same. Of course they should buy, right? Yet you get refused a loan because of debt to income but one is still paying more to rent… 😂
@Thomas63r26 ай бұрын
@@thesun-N-moon8885 I was just sharing some of my details. I don't know if my $1,400 USD is good or bad for a single senior, its not a bunch different than her expenses. I'm sorry if you are getting turned down for a loan. If you really want to stay in your current area I guess your only chance is to find a better paying job if possible. I was not living in my current city when I bought my house - I moved here for the low priced houses. I live in a small town outside of Lubbock Texas where there are always at least a couple of houses for sale in the five digits ($20k to $90k). I don't think my house is worth more than what I have into it - all the low priced houses are defective in some way. So when you spend money on them you increase their value by making them less defective. Best wishes.
@lillianbaker75236 ай бұрын
I expected that. I still think I can do it
@Thomas63r26 ай бұрын
@@thesun-N-moon8885 I was just sharing my expenses, I don't know if they are good or not - Jenna's expenses are not bunches more than mine and she is paying for pets that I am not. I'm sorry if you were refused a home loan. The only thing I can think of is for you to find a higher paying job if possible? Or you can do what I did: I moved into my small town specifically for low priced rural houses. I still regularly see houses in the $20k to $90k range locally. Just like my house all the low priced ones are defective in some way. I don't think my house would sell for any more than my current total - all my fixes are less of an investment and have just made it less defective. I'm not moving so I don't care. Up until last month I was working locally, but for the most part these low cost towns have a small job base. In two months I will be driving 23 each way miles for work, not too bad really.
@justgivemethetruth5 ай бұрын
Nice breakdown, and you are doing really well on expenses. I live in CA, US and for me it's about $600 more than you. Do you have to pay for health insurance? And I don't ever eat out any more.
@user-qi4ff5in9z6 ай бұрын
Pets are so expensive, but so vital. I 🩷 to see people like you, who truly love their fur babies. Hope your furry roomies (bosses) bring you joy for years to come.
@timmygilbert13712 ай бұрын
SO TRUE !
@stewartmackay6 ай бұрын
Jenna I think you have a wonderful life and a fantastic set-up. I'm a Scottish guy living on the Greek island of Rhodes. 4 years ago, I met this English couple who did what you are doing, they bought a field, put a caravan on it (a 9 meter caravan, or trailer as you would say), they have their own little world. they put a pergola over the caravan, they have a shipping container as a shed (which is lockable) and they, and you, have given me the inspiration to do it too. One day if I start my own KZbin channel, you'll get my full credit for giving me the motivation to do it. By the way, my cat Brian costs me 50 euros a month. Little fecker.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Awee, Brian is an expensive roomie too! I am glad you found some inspiration and you let me know when you start that channel! 🙂
@CLdriver19606 ай бұрын
Kudos to you. You’re gainfully employed, debt free, careful with your money, and planning for retirement. Those attributes put you well ahead, despite the high prices and paying exorbitant amounts of taxes here in Canada. Well done young lady 👍
@chrisbroughton88236 ай бұрын
I have watched all of your videos, the common denominator is your down to earth approach to everything. Whether it be a project, fishing, out on your scooter or whatever it may be. Your down to earth, demeanor, wit and talent is why I’m such a big fan. We need more people that think as you do. These are some crazy difficult times and we all need frugal methods and need to be aware of what is actually going on. Sometimes it’s hard to see what is directly in front of us. You are on the right path, my friend. You will do well in the long run.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, I appreciate it 💓
@chrisbroughton88236 ай бұрын
@@gypsyjenna You are good people. I know them when I see them.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
@chrisbroughton8823 thank you so much, best compliment all day 👍
@Calvin-m5n4 ай бұрын
A vote for Trump will help America would you be willing to help your fellow man or would people be voting in the other direction and starve children?Democrats are definitely not what they once was!
@clayfree74286 ай бұрын
I live in Alabama and my rent is $1,600 a month…power bill is $175 this month (100F degrees outside today…so much for that number). Our kids are grown and it’s me my wife and our two fur kitties. Groceries (and all other stuff you mentioned) at Walmart cost us about $225 a week. Our car is paid for and we have no other debt. All that to say…. your monthly expenses are probably in the 90% range of all of us in your and my situation. This world is EXPENSIVE! I’m 57 and we have four daughters around your age. All young people need to learn to live frugal! You still have a good life and stay out of debt at the same time. Love your videos!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@frederickmuhlbauer94776 ай бұрын
1600 a month rent in Alabama WOW things really have gotten stupid in my home country Glad I left when Idid
@vladimus97495 ай бұрын
@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 where did you end up and how affordable is it?
@frederickmuhlbauer94775 ай бұрын
@@vladimus9749 Marmaris Turkey and it’s not as inexpensive.as it used to be
@johncarman52076 ай бұрын
Jenna, Great video! As being retired know how the cost has gone up. Your smart and have full control of your life.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thanks John, you're right. Cost has, and will continue to, go up!
@AiryanneMarchese4 ай бұрын
Wow your total cost is high. I live minalist. I live on 1,056 acres month. Food cost 200 a month. Electric cost the most. Pay water. I can’t afford to run my central air. Just a fan. Don’t have cable. Just Antolog atenna tv but bearly watch it. I have no pets but really want a dog but I know I can’t afford it.
@McGentry6 ай бұрын
I think you are an inspiration. Good job Jenna. Not everyone could do what you do. We are full time Rv living on a permanent spot and we moved from expensive Dallas to the state of Arkansas in the mountains. Love it. You helped. I got your storage building like yours. I told hubby about your channel.❤
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Awee thanks so much, love hearing stories like this! 💓
@redhorse66522 ай бұрын
Arkansas seems pretty rural and wild. But it's not the desert. And no hurricanes and less tornados.
@joepeach9976 ай бұрын
I learned one thing in life. You work hard, you play hard. I work to have a living and to have fun. Fun can be free or you pay for it. I have had a blast thru life, I've been creative, responsable, foolish and everything in between. Jenna, thank you for educating and being open about your spending so others may learn from you. Don't ever apologize or explain yourself, folks will judge you from the first time they meet you until they pick to welcome you or see you as different. I think 99% of folks know you as a sinceer, helpful, honest and likeable person, the other 1% no one will ever satisfy. I would be honored to have you as a neighbor because you are a caring, good person that I could depend on. Keep having those beers, love you cats and those you care for, travel, fish, take a few tokes if you wish and keep giving us these quality videos. You are loved, and I know you love most of us. We all want a better world and you have a jump on it.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, I feel the love from this comment! I really appreciate it! 💓
@robertmolina94895 ай бұрын
I live the identical lifestyle and I love it! Thank you for your videos. Same trailer, same roof structure, etc...
@tylergarrick40816 ай бұрын
I should read my comments before hitting send. I have NEVER seen a utuber be that honest. Keep up the great content!
@beverlysyferd3796 ай бұрын
I totally agree with you. It’s very hard to budget today. Prices increase daily. I also live debt free. I am shocked at my monthly expenses. I live a simple life too.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
It's tough, I wish it would get better but doesn't look that way, does it?
@ronschofield86416 ай бұрын
Thank you for showing us the reality of living a sensible budget. I agree, it is an eye- opener to keep receipts and total them, especially if you do this over an extended time....most people have no idea how much they actually are spending each and every month. Excellent job !!
@MissRegg6 ай бұрын
Really enjoy your content. You've accomplished alot by becoming debt free. I'm $176.00 away from being able to say the same. My husband and I are empty nesters and have rented for the last 28 yrs. We've purchased a fifth wheel and will be moving into it within a few weeks. I was never happy with renting but allowed hubby to steer our life...until now. Your channel was one of the deciding factors that convinced me that it is possible to do this and finally get ahead. Thank you for always being transparent with the day to day life of full time stationary rv living. We will be on my mothers property, very small electric bill, no water bill, no rent, no mortgage, cars are paid for. Thank you again, I feel so blessed to have found your channel. Here's to debt free living on our own terms!!! 🍸🍹
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
That's amazing!! 👏 I am going to congratulate you early because you are SO CLOSE! debt free is right around the corner for you and you will 100% feel that Weight get lifted! Happy for you!
@joepeach9976 ай бұрын
Everytime I read of someone that sacrificed and made their goal I get a little emotional because then I know a door has opened for them that could be life changing! Please let Jenna know a year down the line what new has happened in your lives if you wish. So happy for you!
@suitebabygurl1979Ай бұрын
Congratulations! Happy debt free to you!!!🎉
@richardschaefer38896 ай бұрын
It's so neat watching how effortlessly you can throw these together now. What a pro. Never a dull moment at the Den.
@littlegriffoffgridalberta68376 ай бұрын
Great break down Jenna ! I am 100% off grid 40km from town have two cats & a dog always building something needing screws or other little things & I live on $1900 a month every month, If it's something big you need then you have to save for a few months :) I garden and hunt so I have a lot of my own food & I get by pretty good 😊If you have seen little griff off grid you know I always have something on the go :)
@codysmom60716 ай бұрын
Great video and good for you showing the benefit of budgeting. I recently saw an article where people had no idea what was coming in or going out or even what budget was. Teaching life skills is sadly lacking in schools and families.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Schools need to incorporate these skills more, for sure!
@CarolPearse-q3w6 ай бұрын
We all just need to accept the thing that prices for everything will never go down in price, only up,, the Government and the stores won’t be happy until we are all home, hungry, with minimal existence, though a lot live like this right now, sad isn’t it 😢
@johnmcalpine89036 ай бұрын
Jenna you are a fresh breath of life. Remember to not give up some fun and enjoyment when you can like the occasional beer, etc. What you are doing, i.e. tracking your expenses, is fantastic but your total for the month surprised me as well as some others (considering you have no rent or mortgage and prop. tax). I can only surmise that in subsequent months your expense would be much lower. Anyway you're on the right track. Look after yourself. A Canadian viewer.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@cathys92276 ай бұрын
We've been watching your videos since you started. Thanks for the valuable information you've shared! We're on the same path as you but not quite there yet. Purchased our land in Cape Breton just under 2 years ago. Hoping to be living on it off grid very soon. We switched to wood pellets for our cats a while back. It smells way better, and costs much less than litter. And the cats don't track litter throughout the house. We stock up at the end of the season for the summer.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Good idea, thanks! 🙂 best of luck with your off grid move!
@oldminer53876 ай бұрын
Good video Jenna. I have in been surprised that my expanses for food or one stop shopping at Walmart runs number one or two. I just buy simple foods that can be prepared at home, cleaning supplies and basics. Thank you for your honest report. Take care.
@TIREDOFEVIL6 ай бұрын
Jenna, enjoy your life as you see fit and make sure you keep taking care of your roomies.
@emiljohnson59896 ай бұрын
Great video Jenna...pretty much getting impossible to make ends meet...beer should never be sacrificed, lol. Take care.
@tomasviane38446 ай бұрын
Wow, that's still expensive! I live in Belgium, work part-time and I earn about $1000 a month. That covers all my costs, including renovations (on a shoestring). I fully own a small house that I bought 3 years ago, I live on my own, have a car, but no kids or pets and have no debt. I manage, but I dread the day my car will break down completely. I guess I will have to buy a scooter when that happens. Well done, Jenna!
@ryanmoore7127Ай бұрын
also nova scotia here. thinking about moving to an off grid lifestyle. just found your channel and will be following!
@walterboard-sf6tb6 ай бұрын
You only go around once. Itr is great to be dept free and you are doing a great job. Keep up the great work.
@deanproctor26906 ай бұрын
30 years of being a Plumber, #9 Fun Fund is also #8 Medications and supplements. That’s just how it is. I only need to find the annual total so I can claim it as Medical expenses seeing how they won’t let me claim my liver as a Dependent. lol…. In all honesty though, living has definitely become rather expensive since the Covid freak out. I truly believe keeping things simple is the way to go. (If you can handle it). Another nice vid, Gypsy J. Have a great weekend!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thanks, you too!
@inkydoug6 ай бұрын
That smash burger is brilliant, I'm going to make one now.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
They are delish!!
@markbell16 ай бұрын
It did look good, didn't it?
@dennisrichard44806 ай бұрын
Yeah, all that grease soaking into that tortilla! Just a delight for your arteries, why is my cholesterol so high. I’m no health food nut but geeezz!
@inkydoug6 ай бұрын
@@dennisrichard4480 Moderation in all things.
@joepeach9976 ай бұрын
@@dennisrichard4480 I'll bet you're a real joy wherever you show up.
@martyseeley75315 ай бұрын
I am also am in Canada. I have saw your videos before . Really enjoyed this video and also can’t imagine how families with children and mortgages are surviving . I think your set up is awesome .
@gypsyjenna5 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@bradviola8746 ай бұрын
You are dialed in and living life, your WAY!! Without the cats, you would need special counseling and would blow your budget!! You don't have to live like a hermit....the best thing you're on track and still able to save!! Great job!!!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@Aquameem6 ай бұрын
I enjoy watching your videos you live a life much like mine these days. I used to be a work camper traveling the country in my 24 ft Ford Shasta with a 50cc in tow but now I'm in one spot (on my youngest daughters property) due to health issues from my back fusion. At 61 years old I thought I knew all I needed to know about rv living but I don't lol... Now I have a 2011 5th wheel and it's hooked up to 30 amp but I really want to learn more about solar you make it look so easy. Anyway thanks for sharing your RV living looking forward to the next one...
@Tom-sg4iv6 ай бұрын
Wow that's expensive. I'm spending about USD 1.000 on average living in Barcelona, Spain. Living debt free, with quite new condo and vehicles, so no maintenance and no pets.
@captaincrustyradio5 ай бұрын
New subscriber, the algorithm brought me. So big brother is good for something. Has been suggesting videos that I actually like. I really enjoyed your video. Just a real person doing it off grid, debt free. Not some flashy bs. Thank you for uploading. Respectfully, Crusty Kirk
@paulhoffmann47996 ай бұрын
Thanks Jenna. Way more $ than I was expecting.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Same here! Ouff
@scable-eq7bp6 ай бұрын
Hi Jenna, great video, lots of useful information. We just recently sold our condo in Key Largo, Florida and moved onto our off-grid property in southern Alabama, The condo was paid for but insurance and taxes were killing us. Our new zipcode is 2.78 acres and sits on a 800 acre spring feed private lake. For now we are living in a 28 foot camper, pretty much like yours, we did add on a screened in porch and purchased a fairly large storage shed that sits on a concrete slab and anchored down. We did have a well and septic system installed and had 6000 watts of solar installed. We use propane for cooking, hot water heater and heat for the winter months. Really thinking about installing a wood burning stove. I do have to crank up the generator to transfer water from the well to our storage tanks. The solar system keeps our battery banks full and our Bluetti AC 240 power systems, which we have 3 of them. This lifestyle is new to us and each day brings new challenges but the trade off is no mortgage, no electric, water, sewer bills. The big savings is no overpriced homeowners insurance and real estate taxes, our taxes on this property is $373 dollars a year, in Florida we were paying $11,000 a year for homeowners insurance and $6,883 in real estate taxes, big savings. Julie just transferred her job from Miami to Dothan, Alabama, she's a critical care RN nurse, she has about a 15 mile drive each day.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Wow, huge savings by making that move! Good job! 👏
@jimsears24346 ай бұрын
The food bill for the fur baby's shocked me a little. I didn't think it would be that much..but everything is high priced now. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about your lifestyle. Soooooo many are living in crazy dept and struggle to make it with 2 adults working. The traveling nomads have similar bills except the fuel/maintenance/fee's is crazy high compared to your stationary set up. Being debt free is huge.....so good job! Is there gonna be a big water fishing video coming this year? God Bless....stay safe
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
The fur baby food and litter cost shocked me too! When I did this over 5 months ago, it was less than half of that!
@karenquick87376 ай бұрын
The way of living is higher than ever these days. One really has to budget. You're doing the best you can, I feel!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thanks, now I am gonna try to budget more after those results 😅
@joshuahanson52336 ай бұрын
I don’t see any issues with an alcoholic beverage here and there provided it’s in moderation. Great video! 👍
@chuckg60395 ай бұрын
Need to include monthly savings for retirement, all forms of insurance, car maintenace, dental, medical, taxes, clothes, hair. It all has to be factored in and accounted for into each month. So you have left out much expense necessary to live.
@oilfinder6 ай бұрын
The item of " Beer" should be listed under medications, supplements, self-improvement. But you did good, girl, proud of you.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Good idea, I will have to switch up my expense categories for next time! 😀👍
@stinkfinger630Ай бұрын
Well done! I’m envious: sitting here preparing for another day on the treadmill tomorrow, living vicariously through you.
@garyfreedom6 ай бұрын
Good video... Just like what you said, this one was really an eye opener. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to create interesting and fun videos for all of us on your channel. It's definitely become one of my "Must See TV", woops I mean "Must See YT" channels. Love and peace to you, oh and your fur babies too!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 🥰
@tylergarrick40816 ай бұрын
I appreciate your very real and brave video!! I have seen a utuber be that open and honest!! Most people are afraid to say how much their electric bill is!! Much, much respect!!
@francesrivard6 ай бұрын
Pets are worth the money. I love Rory and Ramsey. One of my cats is older and is very picky. Love my cats.
@janetbolinger16636 ай бұрын
You have inspired me to do the same. I record all my spendings so I just have to categorize them. I own my home in Florida, USA so no mortgage & I pay off my credit card each month. I use the credit card so I don't carry much cash. I pay utilities which includes electric bill & water bill. I pay insurance on home and car. I'm retired on a fixed income and get a small pension for teaching in 20:12 Florida for 17 years. Taxes are high property, Federal income tax, sales tax is 7 percent, no state tax in Florida which is a plus. I do have a dog, Zebedee a small Chiweenie. Chihuahua Dachshund mix. Food & treats for him. Heartworm pill monthly & Flea & tick pill every 3 months. Like you, not a shopper and drive a 2016 Honda Fit. Gets 35 mpg. Don't drive much. Do travel far once a year, France in May, last year Great Britain. When I owned my RV motor home traveled to 49 states. Went to Prince Edward Island stopping in Nova Scotia & others provinces on the way. Drove to Alaska going through Canada - Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, & Yukon on the way to Fairbanks, Alaska.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Wow! I am glad to hear you have gotten some travelling in that motorhome before the gas prices sky rocketed! That's a lot of places covered! Awesome!
@scooter63346 ай бұрын
I watched the video where you panted the trailer. I hope you did go back to the nice blue for that year of RV :-).
@johncasey55946 ай бұрын
I live in Toronto. A couple members of my family have weekend trailers, I have always been intrigued by off grid/trailer living, etc. This video, unlike others that only show the positives, was a reality check. I am really not a big budgeter, but after taxes I pull in about $5,000/month and I pretty consistently save about $1,000/month. So I guess my monthly expenses are about $4,000/month. With that thought I get a much bigger/secure living space, reliable on demand electricity, water, gas, internet and cell service, everything is local and more/better employment opportunities. Thanks for the honest video, I think I am going to stay content right where I am.
@thesun-N-moon88856 ай бұрын
Being able to waste 4,000 a month could probably provide you with a better off grid system! Over the next few years your 4,000 will be 6,000 at the current economy for the US!
@mariobestic1384 ай бұрын
Jenna, your Videos are Great !! Very informative, No BS 😊, Love Your style ❤. To me personally Thank You !! Your experience has really helped Me make good decisions. In meantime Take care and keep well be safe. Cheers 🍺🍺🇨🇦
@LisaSimplified6 ай бұрын
You're doing very well and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My food and pet expenses are very similar. I'm retired so the absolute biggest expense is health insurance. I'm making it so far but I can see the writing on the wall. Good luck everyone.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@christinamoneyhan56886 ай бұрын
Everyone that works for a living should take this advice of watching where they spend their money and how much for what. This is not anything new. It’s just that parents do not teach their children how to budget. Why? Because, it’s just way too easy to be a slave to any credit loaning agency. 👍Thank you Jenna, this may save some folks heartaches in their future.🙏🏽✌🏻🇺🇸😎
@alisaproctor77256 ай бұрын
You are on the right track! Most people don't ever calculate all their expenditures for the month. If they did, they might be better at controlling their spending. Putting money aside will pay off big for you. Having no credit card debt, or rent, or mortgage, will all pay BIG in the end. I did something similar to what you are doing, and it took a long time to see all the benefits, but now at 70 I can see how it all paid off.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Awesome!
@lorettaandjasonoffgrid5 ай бұрын
This is a great video Jenna. We watched on the big screen when you put it out and i kept meaning to come back to comment. It's such an eye opener. A lot of people believe going off grid means no money going out. Sooo not true. Still have lots to think about. Leaving a job is not possible...at least not for us (yet). Lol. Side hustle or full time job absolutely necessary. Thanks for sharing! We love how REAL you are! ✌️🇨🇦💕
@gypsyjenna5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! I hear ya, with the cost of everything now, it's hard no matter what! Food, gas, etc. Hopefully things get better but they usually get worse eh
@MrSparklespring6 ай бұрын
Also much inflation here in Europe (Belgium). As a single male my food bill is around 250 euro per month. Going out (having a drink somewhere) I manage with 50 euro a month in general. I think you can cut back on food and supplements, if you eat healthy you don't need many supplements (it's also a business...) I have an old car and rent a nice apartment around Antwerp and think I can do with around 1500 euro per month. As you may know our medical system is top notch and when you end up in hospital you will not be ruined like in the States. Anyway, great video and indeed it seems that everything has gone up in price since Covid days, not even mentioning the ridiculous prices of new cars (at least here in Europe). God bless!
@jimbor22796 ай бұрын
Jenna, You have a good head on your shoulders. You handle your life snd finances with respect, responsibility and fun with ease 👍 Someone of your caliber, knowledge, intelligence,integrity and love of life should be running for office to restore sanity👍
@db.mc26 ай бұрын
Hi Jenna👋🏻, Rory🐈⬛ and Ramsey 🐈 Thank you my friends 😊 Have a wonderful day 🌞 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you! 🫶🏻
@garygardner-j3f6 ай бұрын
This is a very good video. You're always providing up front and practical info. I've really been paying attention to your work here for a couple of years and I'm trying to get to your level. !! Dog food!! can you believe how expensive the good stuff is now days!! (However that will NEVER be eliminated). I think my next step might be a green house/garden to off-set some of the ridiculous (and tasteless ) food which seems to be all they sell now. Keep up the good work
@lyndaabrahamson32446 ай бұрын
Hello hun. Hope your doing well. I really enjoyed this video. It really makes a person think. You also have given people an idea of what they would be looking at if they moved off grid or just lived a life style similar to yours. Our fur babies are expensive, but they are well worth it. I love your kitties. They have the cutest personalities. Thank you for sharing. God bless.
@denisebd10002 ай бұрын
Thank you for your categories. I need to add vitamins, over the counter medication and alcohol beverages at home into my budget! 😂
@tess9696 ай бұрын
Sadly I agree with you - corporate greed is financially killing hard working people. Going grocery shopping esp. difficult and demoralizing. I just feel so RIPPED OFF. BTW ♥️ watching you - sending you blessings
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
100%! The price of food is outrageous!
@bblod48966 ай бұрын
The smash burger looked delicious. Pita bread or tortilla? Spreadsheets are helpful. You can build one, make copies for each month of the year, then the 13th page becomes the annual totals. Have a great week.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Tortilla! 🙃
@bblod48966 ай бұрын
@@gypsyjenna Great. I shall try that out, it looked delicious 😎
@williammeek72186 ай бұрын
It doesn’t look like much I know. The important thing is it’s yours. And you have it. As far as I can see you are very good at what you’re doing and you love it. That’s all that really matters. Carry on Gypsy. Ok I’m thinking you should start eating those fish you been catching Jenna. Maybe a small garden too. Also why aren’t the cats doing their business outside?
@janebrommet79426 ай бұрын
Hi Jenna from Holland. I live like you in a gipsy wagon all recyceld have 2 ponys 2 chickens and one cat. Love very minimal...have my own well....and compost toilet. I have old age pension...a car as i live 3 km from the village. Life is expensive. Yet i can save some money every month, got return taxpay and save my hollidaypayment. No debts, which i am so happy with... My monthly foodcosts are lower than yours as i eat very simple.. but overall jou and i life the life in freedom. I pay a little rent for the ground i live on and that is 2000m2...i have my stable build there myself...oh what you can do with pallets!!! So yes tis a lot of money but i love my place and the fact of a small footprint. Also no depts... Jou are a topper girl❤❤🎉
@thereasonableconsumer6 ай бұрын
It is definitely important for all people to evaluate our monthly/annual expenses and budget as needed. This is how I stay debt free also. Thanks for making these and rock on! 🤘🍻
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
🍻👍
@allencheck5016 ай бұрын
Hey jenna, thank you thats an eye opener! I try not to add it up cause its to scarry, the price of everything is unreal any more, wish we could at least just level out instead of this constant up and up and up cycle i truly believe especially where im at ,a bunch of that is greed, anything i buy in this town ,(which i hate to admit is myhometown) i can go 40 miles down the road and get it for half of what it is here. And that is consistant, when the prices skyrocketed during pandemic these folks got used to the inflated prices and refuse to come down to where the rest of the world is. Its unreal every store here is doing some kind of switcharoonie on advertised prices in the store, one store has no prices on the shelfs i guess so they can adjust accordingly at the register, im basicly trying to boycott this town but still once in a while get caught up in th3yre bullshit because of convieniants thanks for the great vid and hang in there!❤❤
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
That sounds awful and the no prices things leaves you with a guessing game. Also scary. I would definitely venture out a little further maybe biweekly for those cheaper prices for sure!
@trinityledge6 ай бұрын
Great video Jenna ! ! No, you have a lot, but what you have is completely and entirely YOURS. Congrats on your fine financing future ! !
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@jamespeters9206 ай бұрын
Moral of the story...you're a girl doing the best she can. Glad you've got dental, i'm going thru a deep cleaning procedure that requires 4 visits. Cost to my insurance: $700.00. Cost without insurance: $1054.00. 67 year old teeth that i didn't take care of in my youth. Pretty sure i don't have to tell you this but take care of those chompers!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Most definitely! My dental is 70% covered so even when I had a $1000 gum graft I had to fork over $300 and that was just one tooth! Lol. Nothing is cheap eh. Good luck with those chompers!
@jamespeters9206 ай бұрын
@@gypsyjenna Thanks Honey. Two procedures down and two to go. Hopefully the pain will stop.
@leannewoods79705 ай бұрын
Fellow Canadian here, and thanks for your videos ❤... I just wanna say I can't believe you did this video without mentioning how the cost of living in Canada is INSANE now. I know you don't pay rent, but if NS is anything like Ontario.... groceries are high, gas is high...pretty much everything is unbelievably high. $2200 a month isn't bad at all! I pay 1700 for a "2" bedroom apartment.... but, I do understand how it can be shocking how living in the woods can still cost you $2200 🤯 .. maybe consider gardening, fermenting, canning etc. So u can save on groceries. Anyway, thanks again for your videos !
@robertbirch41636 ай бұрын
This is how I live except I do have electricty. You didn't include what your property tax is per year devided x 12. It sure is nice having your home and land paid for !!!
@KevinKimmich440246 ай бұрын
I started cutting my cost of living pretty aggressively around 2012.... I saw that as one of the best routes out of the corporate/consumer matrix world.... but like you, realize no matter what, you have to "pay" to live. Hopefully we will make our last mortgage payment this winter, and then we'll be in a new era of much lower costs, but still it adds up to even live a modest lifestyle. We have minimal property tax where I live, but still it's thousands per year. Then all the life expenses like you enumerated add up to roughly a similar toll. That $25K or so seems pretty "high", but when you compare that to the extravagant expenses of someone with a debt fueled lifestyle it's chicken feed. We have friends making high six figure salaries, like household incomes of $400k+, who are living paycheck to paycheck and running side businesses or having two jobs mainly to post lifestyle photos on facebook for a bunch of other people struggling the same way. Most of the people out there now with new expensive cars have a $1000 car payment every month for 8 years now, just to get from A to B.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Very true! Never was a fan of the "Keeping up with Jones'" lifestyle! They can have it, eh!
@SophalChao6 ай бұрын
I live in Texas, and the most expense is the mortgage it runs around 1800 per month. The health insurance which about 450 per month. Food, we have our own backyard that we have food forest and grow our own vegetables, and thus the groessery is around $450 for the 3 people. Utilties are a little pricy, electricity around the summer month is around $180, gas $40, water bill $75, and internet $150. Car gas is around $120. And, sometime we eat out once or twice per month around $100 and other expense like $50. We spend about $3500.
@ChallengeYourWalletAarynLynn6 ай бұрын
Wow, that’s a lot more than what I was expecting for you to be spending. Here in America I could probably cut those down quite a bit only for the fact is when I do alone and have a tiny house. I plan on having it on a small plot of land being as much off the greatest as humanly possible, but I don’t have the expense of a vehicle or high expenses of maintenance for Chihuahuas. Do the fact that I’m blind, I do have my groceries 99.9% of the time delivered to my house and it only cost me $14 a month for Walmart delivery which is so convenient and helpful for me! I really go anywhere except for if I need to go to the vet or take my children currently at this time to doctor appointments, but once the children are out of the house and I downsize to a tiny house I won’t have that means of need for transportation other than taking my pets to the vet! Hoping they have an outside garden where I can grow mainly most of my fruits and some veggies to cut back on cost and meal prep as cheaply as possible! Love that you did this sorry that the cost in Canada is so high. It’s super crazy but I’m also glad that you take very well care of your animals 12:09 .
@P_RO_6 ай бұрын
Everyone should do this kind of financial analysis regularly just to keep in touch with the reality of where your money is going. I categorize things a bit differently. The first thing is what I call "human consumables" those things which you need in day-to-day life regardless of where you live which will in time disappear. Food, toiletries, vitamins and meds, clothing, and so forth. Next I do "living necessities" which includes rents, utility bills, phone*, internet*, and non-car insurances. Vehicle costs come next including everything it takes to keep it on the road except fuel*. For me, being self-employed fuel falls almost completely under "business expenses" as most of my shopping and visiting happens along the way of a route needed for business. My phone, internet, and vehicle expenses are under "business expenses" as it's a business necessity when you're self employed, but not as much if you work for someone else. Then there's shelter expense; the cost of having a home of some kind and in maintaining it. Pet expenses will come back when I get another doggie (which I hope is soon!) I have had to make an art of living cheaply in recent times due to aging and health problems. Not many people have the situation which I do which allows me to do it as cheaply as I do, and a lot of it was only possible coming as very deeply appreciated help from friends and medical care for the indigent (also much appreciated). What most people spend on food alone is about the same as what I live on in total. I'm relatively happy this way and I have lived through worse times which lets me appreciate what I have now instead of feeling bad because of what I don't have. Happiness is free but sadness always has a cost. Be happy because things could always be worse.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
You're right, things could always be worse! I hope you get a new doggy pal soon!
@deebauguess40542 ай бұрын
It’s refreshing to see one succeed as well as you have. It’s almost impossible for a single person to make it on their own,great model for young people to live up to ❤️
@blowinshtup65536 ай бұрын
pretty sobering cost of living these days. and sadly, average Joe folks thinking they will be able to retire contributing 15% to their 401k retirement fund are in for a rude surprise. we haven’t seen anything yet when it comes to the dollar breaking down and being inflated away.
@mr.makeit40376 ай бұрын
I have a 2008 matrix. Yes replaced the frontend amongst other parts. However, in my opinion, its still one of the best cars ever. Always starts and goes. And it can haul so much. If you put the back seat down, you can carry so many offgrid homestead materials, such as lumber like 2x6x8 ft pieces and plywood cut 2x8ft. No joke. Hands down the best!
@ericlewison32274 ай бұрын
BIDENOMICS!!!
@emylytle54094 ай бұрын
When President Trump was in White House we get to travel and eat out, now bidenomics, we don’t! We can hardly afford to go out eat! So with that being said we got sick as well with stress and depression cuz we both retire living on fixed income now. If we knew this is what Obama was going to do I would have save some for the future instead of spending. Thanks for sharing
@dougheffernan79726 ай бұрын
Hi Jenna: I just watched your video for the first time(liked and subscribed). Like you I am Canadian, retired 4 years ago and because I don't have a big pension we renovated the basement of my youngest daughter and son=in-law's house into an apartment after selling our home. We have no bills but we do split the utilities with them and we give them a monthly allowance(not rent) for maintenance but as you have indicated we are still shocked by our overall living expenses even though we are financially fine. My one recommendation to you as a young person is to put your RRSP contributions into a tax free savings account because they grow tax free inside there. You seem like a smart young woman and you likely already know this but I thought I would mention it just in case. All the very best Jenna.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you and that is a great living system that helps all of you out, overall
@willamettehops6 ай бұрын
Thanks for inspiring us with these pretty interesting numbers for your lifestyle! The town I lived in was very expensive which is why I moved. Average rent is about $2,000 USD, electricity $700, water $200, garbage $40; hard to get ahead in life. Plus everything else you listed and have to pay. I'd say you're doing very well! I think you should've listed kindling in the 'fuel' category though.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thanks and I did consider listing kindling there, maybe next time! Yes, very hard to get ahead, indeed!
@GenXEva6 ай бұрын
Totally the reason I am building the tiny house. There is no way I could afford rent. It's crazy what rent in NS is now.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Very much so! It's so sad!
@bridgetsiefner71986 ай бұрын
Great job! I make similar noises when I eat something delicious too!😝🤣 Love your Kit Cats!!😻😻
@joncraun79666 ай бұрын
Those expenses seem very reasonable to me for living a fairly comfortable off-grid life as compared to what it costs to live in Florida where there is basically no full time off-grid living allowed. You don’t have a mortgage or rent, what about the land. Do you own it? Rent it? Is it owned by family? That would be an expense even as taxes on property you already own out right. I don’t remember you mentioning this in any video. I was thinking it’s probably your parent’s property since you can use a 4 wheeler to get water from them. 🤷🏻♂️ I find you very inspirational. You have all of the amenities all be it with moderately more effort that everyone else has. You’re proving it can be done while you’re paying off debt by yourself. Really inspirational!
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you, the land is family land so I do not pay taxes and the taxes are cheap since it's rural. It is something that most people here in the country pay yearly. I am very sorry to hear that FL doesn't offer much for off grid living
@jamesseverin6 ай бұрын
You rock my off grid queen!!! love ya jenna
@vhartson20326 ай бұрын
Jenna, For kitty litter use wood pellets. A large bag at Canadian Tire is only $5.99. No smell and they last a long time.
@richardgresham62876 ай бұрын
Great vid Jenna just thinking ahead to next year when all will cost more, Start looking at spots around your property for a garden maybe next year justplant some potatoes for starters. If you can get a winters worth why not.
@Jokker8686 ай бұрын
That's crazy my wife and I are going to be doing the same thing as you in two years. Leaving Ontario and heading to Nova Scotia to live off grid so thanks for the warning.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Everyone's situation is different, for me it's just prices mostly and I have room for improvement. Good luck!
@michaelh27976 ай бұрын
That was eye opening! I should do this. Every month i say to myself, where does all my money go. 🤷
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Definitely give it a try. Very eye opening for sure. Budgeting makes a big difference too
@bubbaredneck756 ай бұрын
you should do this in each season. summertime and winter. i am in south arizona and my winter time expenses are way different than summer. winter is cheaper because in the summer i need to run my ac like 18 hours a day. in yer case you need to buy diesel for your diesel heater. seasons due change your expenses depending on where you live.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Absolutely, they do! Especially in winter when you're buying brand new winter tires for your car and definitely heating costs!
@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid6 ай бұрын
Great to see you I just Been back to the pet shop in the UK to get dogfood and I could not believe how much it’s gone up. I had stocked up on dogfood that was when it was cheap. It’s definitely going up everything nowadays. Take care😊
@hbrunet725 ай бұрын
You've inspired me again Jenna ... Hubby and I will do an expense breakdown for July (we haven't kept receipts or anything so far for the month of June) ... I think it will be illuminating!
@gypsyjenna5 ай бұрын
Yes! Definitely give it a try! I do it every few months and it's very interesting when you categorize your spending, and sometimes scary!
@jerrytalley8026 ай бұрын
The shocking cost of living everywhere, mind blowing it even trickled down to off grid, ugh! How could one live cheaper other than in a car and that would be really rough. Thanks GJ, yiu hang tough, we’re rooting for you out there,
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@gregorymcfarland84136 ай бұрын
Wow your expenses are just $300 less than my wife's and I, we have a mortgage two vehicles. I was surprised at your food costs. I enjoy your videos I love the frugal lifestyle; you have a nice place there!
@CoffeeZombie7006 ай бұрын
I forgot to ask about Hilbert the wild bird who seemed to warm up to you lol. Update on my first ever Studio Apartment. I've spent 37 years on the streets after I left the Service in the 70's. I love it. My toilet lord I just love my tub. Gypsy your just a sweet gall. I wish you the best looking out for your next Vid extravaganza :)
@aprildavidson12984 ай бұрын
Thank you for this video! I have recently bought a trailer similar to yours and gave my notice to my landlord…. No more paying $1600 a month for rent!!! About a year ago I sold my house and paid off all of my debt as well. With that being said, I bought the camping trailer on my credit card but it was fairly cheap…. So when I get that paid off I will again be debt free!!! I am also in Canada and I’m a little scared for the winter in a camper but I’m also excited!!!!!!
@gypsyjenna4 ай бұрын
Awesome! Best of luck to you, enjoy the freedom!!
@sahoyte6 ай бұрын
Thanks GJ. Watched all the way to the out takes. Canada and US are not cheap. It's not possible to exist without money here. I was surprised by the $ amount, even in US $ it is expensive. Maybe your next project could be a cat treadmill. Have them produce electricity, hook up the treadmill to a generator that charges the batteries. Just make sure to change the catnip often so they won't quit too soon.
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
Haha, good idea. I definitely need to do something because the cost is outrageous. Then again, the price of everything is up so in some cases, there is no avoiding it unfortunately
@sahoyte6 ай бұрын
@@gypsyjenna I retired from full time work in 2005. Had enough years to get a full pension. That pension is the same as it was 19 years ago. Things are a bit more expensive now than they were then. Penny pinching has been my way to get by for many years. Nickle pinching in Canada. 😗
@gypsyjenna6 ай бұрын
It's so sad, isn't it? I hope things will get better but you never see prices come down
@cindynewburg40846 ай бұрын
I can't stop thinking about this video !!!! Super interesting for a " nosey neighbor " like me 😊 I just saw that Honolulu was the 6th most expensive city in the WORLD on the news the other day. I totally believe it ! I was talking to my sister and mentioned that I was thinking about keeping track of what I spend next month - because I found your video soooo interesting. I literally have no idea what I spend in a month other than it is less than my take home pay which leaves me with a savings account that I add to a couple times a year. Nothing to get tooo excited about. My sister wanted to know what is the point of keeping track of what you spend - if there are no plans to make any changes to the NO budget - budget..... Or in your case, someone running a really tight ship already. That is a real question. In any event, thank you for sharing your life with us on-line ❤
@TheSimpleLivingAussie5 ай бұрын
I live off grid in Western Australia. I'm debt free and own my property so I don't pay rent. By the time I pay for food, mobile phone (cell phone), internet, fuel to get to work, vehicle registration, insurances and shire rates (property tax) it cost me around $450 a week for the basics. Then extra costs if I need to buy something for my property or fix a breakdown. Some people think that living off grid is free and expect to see us living without money. They get disappointed when they hear that living off grid is a lifestyle choice with most of the expenses of the real world. But still, I love the off grid lifestyle and wouldn't change it for anything 👍