Starting out-good idea?

[hj_sellers]

Okay, so my husband, Harley, and I just joined this forum yesterday. We have both been reading on here for about a month, and have learned alot! We both decided to set a goal to be fulltiming within 10 years. Our current situation- I am 19, 20 in December, he just turned 26. We just got married last August, and we're living with my parents due to both of us losing good jobs. I work for Allstate as a telemarketer, and like it but need more than 20 hours a week, my hubby has no job but is constantly looking. So, to say the least, all the money that comes in goes right back out (thanks to a car payment and cell phones). We have both grown up camping and always enjoy a new adventure. No kids yet, we want to wait a few years, so that's not an issue. My parents want to go fulltiming when my dad retires, so we've started reading some of the several books that he has on rv-ing, plus asking him some questions-hence how we got interested. We've been looking at different manufacturers and researching as much as we can. But the fact remains- we have $0 to start with. We'd love to just "jump up and go" but in all reality we can't. So, once my husband finds a job, we thought about both of us trying to find a second job. We could easily move out, and live on one of each of our paychecks, and could bank the other two-or just him get two jobs and me one. Problem is, we would NEVER see each other as we are talking about fulltime jobs. But we could make a good down payment on a 5er and a TV. I think our marriage is strong enough to handle not being around each other that much, since we're only talking for a year or two. Anyways, my question is-do you think it is do-able? We'd probably have to pay more for gas and look in other cities for fulltime work since there is none here, but it's either that or just squeeze every last penny we can and MAYBE be on the road in 20-30 years. We would like to buy a used pop-up next summer, then maybe start fulltiming in a TT, unless we can afford a 5er at the time. So I'll ask one question at a time on here, to make sure I don't ask a question that's been previously answered. Sorry this is long, but I figure I'd give you some details. And yes, I, we, are still young, but what better time to start seeing all there is to see! Thanks for any and all replies, all opinions are appreciated

-Jen and Harley

[hj_sellers]

Okay, so my husband, Harley, and I just joined this forum yesterday. We have both been reading on here for about a month, and have learned alot! We both decided to set a goal to be fulltiming within 10 years. Our current situation- I am 19, 20 in December, he just turned 26. We just got married last August, and we're living with my parents due to both of us losing good jobs. I work for Allstate as a telemarketer, and like it but need more than 20 hours a week, my hubby has no job but is constantly looking. So, to say the least, all the money that comes in goes right back out (thanks to a car payment and cell phones). We have both grown up camping and always enjoy a new adventure. No kids yet, we want to wait a few years, so that's not an issue. My parents want to go fulltiming when my dad retires, so we've started reading some of the several books that he has on rv-ing, plus asking him some questions-hence how we got interested. We've been looking at different manufacturers and researching as much as we can. But the fact remains- we have $0 to start with. We'd love to just "jump up and go" but in all reality we can't. So, once my husband finds a job, we thought about both of us trying to find a second job. We could easily move out, and live on one of each of our paychecks, and could bank the other two-or just him get two jobs and me one. Problem is, we would NEVER see each other as we are talking about fulltime jobs. But we could make a good down payment on a 5er and a TV. I think our marriage is strong enough to handle not being around each other that much, since we're only talking for a year or two. Anyways, my question is-do you think it is do-able? We'd probably have to pay more for gas and look in other cities for fulltime work since there is none here, but it's either that or just squeeze every last penny we can and MAYBE be on the road in 20-30 years. We would like to buy a used pop-up next summer, then maybe start fulltiming in a TT, unless we can afford a 5er at the time. So I'll ask one question at a time on here, to make sure I don't ask a question that's been previously answered. Sorry this is long, but I figure I'd give you some details. And yes, I, we, are still young, but what better time to start seeing all there is to see! Thanks for any and all replies, all opinions are appreciated

-Jen and Harley

[TCayer]

MOST IMPORTANT: don't get into debt!! (Trust me- I speak from experience.) One thing to consider- if you continue to work, will your jobs let you travel around? Otherwise are you just looking for an alternative to a trailer park? You have plenty of time- with luck and effortyou'll be together for a long time! I married my high school sweetheart- and we've been together for 26 years! Think hard about raising a family in a full-timing environment. Also consider climate. I think most full timers head for warmer locales in the winter. Good luck with your goal!

[E Z Livin]

Yes, you are young. It took me 38 years of full time work before being able to buy a RV.

Setting goals in life is important. Buying a used Travel Trailer could be one of the cheapest ways to live on your own and also give you a taste of what it would be like to RV full time. If you rent an apartment for example, you will still need furniture. Buy the TT and if a better job comes available, you can always move closer to work.

I say go for it. Find that job and save some money while living at home if all is well there. Good Luck

[hj_sellers]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">MOST IMPORTANT: don't get into debt!! (Trust me- I speak from experience.) One thing to consider- if you continue to work, will your jobs let you travel around? Otherwise are you just looking for an alternative to a trailer park? You have plenty of time- with luck and effortyou'll be together for a long time! I married my high school sweetheart- and we've been together for 26 years! Think hard about raising a family in a full-timing environment. Also consider climate. I think most full timers head for warmer locales in the winter. Good luck with your goal! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes, debt is something that is holding alot of people back from their dreams. Luckily we only owe family alittle bit, and alittle bit elsewhere-not much overall, just can't pay it back with no extra money. I forgot to mention, go figure, we'd like to either workcamp or just find construction (for my husband-lots of experience) jobs for 6+ months at a time and live there. Basically, if we could find a construction job for him in Texas, and I could do something in a campground office to pay for the site and hookups, it'd work. Problem is, finding the jobs and setting them up if we're located in a different state. But we're willing to make it work. We also thought about if we did it that way with children, they could get to know some other kids and can be in boy scouts or something (we plan on homeschooling them), so it would be alright for them we believe.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Yes, you are young. It took me 38 years of full time work before being able to buy a RV. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, but we both do not have anything holding us down, like a job or 5 years till retirement. However that may not be a good thing, but it gives us more freedom I think. Plus we would either start out in a way older 5er in good physical shape and either fix it up as we go inside, or buy a newer one and pay guzzles of money for 20,000,000 years. We've thought about a bunch of options, but hearing from the "real" fulltimers and how they started and how old they were when they started helps.

Thank you both for your advice, we will keep it all in mind.

-Jen

[Cubey]

Being on the young side myself (26) though in a different financial living situation, I bought a 1967 Shasta in Oct or so last year and have been slowly working on it while living with my mother supporting her for the most part paying her mortgage and most of the bills from my SSDI. However I will be moving out around Feb or Mar next year around income tax refund time so she'll have some money ahead to live on while she figures out how to get more cashflow.

Anyhow, I've been slowly working on it since I bought it and its nearly finished now. It needs tires, bearings repacked or replaced, and sway control and that's about it. I've put easily $1000+ into it on top of the $500 I aid for the trailer itself.

By the time it's done with new tires, redone bearings and sway control added I would say I've paid $2000 for the trailer including appliances and accessories like a new porta potti, a used Dometic fridge, a used range (the original was damaged), an RV converter, etc.

I've been able to do this over all this time slowly instead paying a large lump sum. Almost no one will finance a USED RV unless it's still fairly new so your best bet is to watch your local CraigsList & printed classified for RVs for sale. That's how I found mine.

If it doesn't leak, has safe electrical and good plumbing then you can really fix the interior while living in it if need be. It might be inconvenient but possible to do, unless you're completely gutting it like some people do on vintage Shastas to have a custom trailer.

[rivercat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...I think our marriage is strong enough to handle not being around each other that much, since we're only talking for a year or two.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Jen,

This isn't an RV response, but a human one. You didn't get married to buy an RV -- but to build a life together. Shared goals are wonderful, but marriage shouldn't take a back seat to them.

This is just $.02 worth from someone who thought her marriage could survive pursuit of a dream -- and instead that "pursuit" stole my last two years with DH before he was tragically killed.

What I'd give to do that one over ....

[hj_sellers]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rivercat:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...I think our marriage is strong enough to handle not being around each other that much, since we're only talking for a year or two.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Jen,

This isn't an RV response, but a human one. You didn't get married to buy an RV -- but to build a life together. Shared goals are wonderful, but marriage shouldn't take a back seat to them.

This is just $.02 worth from someone who thought her marriage could survive pursuit of a dream -- and instead that "pursuit" stole my last two years with DH before he was tragically killed.

What I'd give to do that one over .... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First off, I sincerely apoligize about your loss. I cannot imagine what you are/were going through.

Second, thank you, I appreciate everybody's 2 cents. Everyone has their own opinions and I feel like not enough people speak up and give theirs. This is 90% bound not to happen, it was just an idea we're tossing around. We'll probably just buy a pop-up next year or so, then have kids and move up to a TT, then maybe 10-15 years down the road, MAYBE, buy a 5er. We all have dreams, but that doesn't mean they are all feesable in reality. The real world doesn't always cooperate with our wants, or needs for that matter. I agree though- we did get married to share a wonderful life together, with or without an RV. And it definately shouldn't be put on the line, or back seat as you say it, just for something that may destroy us to get there.

Thank you again, take care and keep dreaming!

Jen

[Clay L]

One thing to think about - what happens when you are ready to retire?

It doesn't sound like you will be working jobs with pensions or 401Ks. Will you be able to put away enough to supplement Social Security?

Also, RVs depreciate rather than appreciate in value. Stick homes usually appreciate.

[hj_sellers]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Clay L:
One thing to think about - what happens when you are ready to retire?

It doesn't sound like you will be working jobs with pensions or 401Ks. Will you be able to put away enough to supplement Social Security?

Also, RVs depreciate rather than appreciate in value. Stick homes usually appreciate. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good question, definately will keep it in mind. Don't have an answer for you right now though. I'm reading a 4th book about full-timing and it's really helpful! I keep learning new tricks and ways to save money.

Thanks!
Jen

[Moder2]

Jen,

I congratulate you for thinking ahead and planning what you want in life, but my advise is that it is great to plan, but you also need to bend with the times.

Derek and I started full timing about three years ago. In our situation we did it because we wanted to spend more time with each other doing something we love, and giving us the ability to see more of the country, and putting us in locations where Derek can get the most bang for the work he does.

The comments above are very valid about an appreciating asset vs. a depreciating one, and also what will you do to save? Start young and don't fall into the debt trap, and you might get to enjoy an early retirement that is comfortable.

Most importantly, I feel it is critical to always have a dream. Right now one of ours is if and when we come off the road, we want to invest in and develop a campground/resort. Maybe it will happen, maybe it won't. I can tell you that 7 years ago, when we bought our last house, the day we moved in we thought we would be there forever, three years later we were ecstatic to never come back. Be flexible, willing to change, and most importantly spend time with each other.

J & D

[im2cuteferu]

Jen, my worry for you is that your marriage would suffer. What if one of you got sick? Or injured? It would be a difficult struggle. With it being difficult to find work, it may also be difficult to get a loan. Have you heard of Dave Ramsey? He recommends using cash only and no debts. Save and buy the one you want with cash.
Also, save an emergency fund. Things break, etc and you will need it. Good luck!