How do you know if it's enough?

[RV_Harvey, aka Major]

I will be retiring soon and was wondering; if I own my home base so there is no payments except taxes and utilities and I also own my truck and trailer so there are no payments there; is approximately $1,800 a month enough to snowbird for about 3 or 4 months a year?

I apologize if this subject has been beat to death but I am new here (and to RV'ing) and would sure like to be pointed in the right direction. I am a firm believer in the "look before you leap"� way of life if at all possible. I know that what is considered enough for one couple is not enough for another but any input will sure be helpful as we get ever closer to that retirement day.

Thank you for you insight and hindsight.

Larry,
Life is short, eat desert first.

Me, wife & 3 toy poodles
2003 All White F-250 Supercab XLT, 6.0 Powerstroke, 4x4, Longbed, with Leather Captains Chairs and a Raider Canopy
2004 Sunnybrook 2726 Solanta
Jordan Ultima Controler & Hensley Arrow Hitch

[Jim 5er]

Larry,
My wife and I budget $2000 a month to fulltime and manage just barely to stay under budget. If we had a anchored home and were paying for upkeep taxes and utilities on it, we could not do it on 2K a month.

Jim & Diane
31.5ft Hitchhiker 31.5 LKTGK
350 PSD Dually Crewcab

SKP# 61097


All who wander are not lost.

[John Harrelson]

My MONTHLY COST .....
space rent $ 255.00

elect +/- $ 40.00

license tags on (2)trucks $ 34.00 per year each
license tags on 5th wheel $ 34.00 per year

cable tv $ 25.00

propane gas +/- (winter)$80.00 (summer)$3.00

truck insurance, full coverage on both my Ford and my 93 Mitsubishi mighty max truck $530.00 per year

home owners insurance with replacement value on trailer and contents $ 273.00 per year

monthly food bill +/- $ 125.00 ( I am single, so double that if you are married )

Average cost for truck fuel +/- $ 20.00
The truck fuel is low because I live in an RV park in the heart of town and can walk to almost everything except the lake where I go fishing. And it keeps me fit with the walking.

I am a military veteran and all my medical and medicines are free to me for life, so there is no cost there. I realize that most of you probably have to pay for your medical. So we'll factor that in to be fair.

My total cost per month less than $800.00 a month...
subtract that from my SS check of $ 1124.00 and I have plenty left over to spend recklessly.

I live a good life, go where I want, do what I want and when I want. That's the best part of being single and retired, if I can't sleep some night and want to get up at 2 A.M. and go down to the local casino and have a beer and throw away some nickels, there is no one to ask why or say no. (women,,, bah humbug)


My trailer and 2 trucks may be ten years old but they are all in excellent condition, in fact the trailer is in immaculate condition.

I got a good deal on it too, $ 10k cash ... and the Ford .. $ 6k ... and the mighty max ..$ 4k and most important ... everything I own is payed for and I have no truck, trailer or mortgage payments.

We are all living the kind of lifestyle we like. In my case, I wanted to retire early and did so when I was in my 50's.

I don't work at all any more; my life and time are my own to do with as I wish.

I have been all over the world, Europe, Caribbean, etc and have been in almost every state in the union. I have worked at almost any job imaginable, from marine engineer to telephone lineman to restaurant owner to truck driver ... and many more jobs that I forgot.

My father stayed on the same job his entire life and frowned on my lifestyle, but I would not trade my life for his for anything.

I'm still living that kind of life I guess.
Do I get bored ??
Sure, sometimes, but I always find something to perk me up again. ( like the cute chick next door, she's only 60 and owns her own RV hmmmm ..... I wonder ... nah ! ... women are too much trouble.)

Living life is like wheat processing, toss it up and let the wind blow away the chaff, keeping only the golden kernels for yourself

John

TWO CENTS WORTH
The story goes that a man died and was approached by the Devil who told him that he could buy his soul back for a dollar. The man searched his pockets and could only come up with 98 cent. While begging the Devil to forget the two cent he was short, an Angel happened by and hearing the Devil laughing, asked the man, "Would you mind if I put in my two cents ?" The Devil got so mad that he exploded in a puff of smoke and the man's soul was saved.
The moral: Sometimes putting in your two cents worth makes a difference.
JOHN "the cook" 1987

[RV_Harvey, aka Major]

Thank you John Harrelson.

Your budget seems reasonable and I thank you for sharing it. I know that "one size does not fit all"� and there are those out there that couldn't make it on twice what I have. I am lucky in the fact that I have a retirement that has a good medical program. I have read some of your other posts and I understand that you don't move around much, one place for summer and another for winter. That is very similar to what we will do except the summer will be in our home base as the wife isn't ready to give that up yet or get too far from the grandkids.

While there are two of us, we like the same foods and we don't eat in restaurants much. We share many activities and but are secure enough in ourselves and each other to not worry about what the other one wants to do, or when. She is happy to get out her loom and weave while I go fishing or sometimes she fishes too.

We own our things, the bank doesn't. We believe that if we can't pay cash then we can't afford it and will keep saving. We have a new truck and trailer only because we could afford to while we both worked and we have planned on keeping them both till we wear them, or me, out. I thought we would be OK because of our simple lifestyle but it is always comforting to read that others can and are doing it too.

Thank you again and maybe someday we can share a fishing trip.



Larry,
Life is short, eat desert first.

Me, wife & 3 toy poodles
2003 All White F-250 Supercab XLT, 6.0 Powerstroke, 4x4, Longbed, with Leather Captains Chairs and a Raider Canopy
2004 Sunnybrook 2726 Solanta
Jordan Ultima Controler & Hensley Arrow Hitch

[wackytackytrvlncircusshow]

Been fulltiming since oh god 69, Wife and I sit up for 3-4 months at a time. Dont boondock, dont wallworld, eat out, dine in, everything paid for,
rent 500-600 month for 4 months in sunny so cal during the good time of the year
rent 500 month for 4 months in daytona beach fl during the good time of the year
rent free.... land in texas for years.... during the spring and fall... good time of the year
sure dont spend 1800.00 month.......... but if and when I win that lotto......... Ill call john H, and between the two of us we can have a ball

[John Harrelson]

And if I win it Larry and Wacky, I'll contact you guys and together I bet we could put a serious dent in the winnings...

John

TWO CENTS WORTH
The story goes that a man died and was approached by the Devil who told him that he could buy his soul back for a dollar. The man searched his pockets and could only come up with 98 cent. While begging the Devil to forget the two cent he was short, an Angel happened by and hearing the Devil laughing, asked the man, "Would you mind if I put in my two cents ?" The Devil got so mad that he exploded in a puff of smoke and the man's soul was saved.
The moral: Sometimes putting in your two cents worth makes a difference.
JOHN "the cook" 1987

[RV_Harvey, aka Major]

John and Wacky,

I will keep this all in mind when I win that big lotto jackpot too and you will hear from me. Just so you stay interested, I have pretty good luck and have won 5 out of the 6 numbers twice so far, so I expect it will be 6 out of 6 any time now.

John,

I don't know for sure yet but I hope I will be going through Nevada some time in January or February. Maybe I can look you up.



Larry,
Life is short, eat desert first.

Me, wife & 3 toy poodles
2003 All White F-250 Supercab XLT, 6.0 Powerstroke, 4x4, Longbed, with Leather Captains Chairs and a Raider Canopy
2004 Sunnybrook 2726 Solanta
Jordan Ultima Controler & Hensley Arrow Hitch

[Kirk]

RV Harvey, if you would like to see a pretty conservative budget for a couple, visit our web site as we have three years of expenses posted there. We have been fulltime for about 3 1/2 years now and we have a good, but frugal lifestyle.

John seems to get a big kick from frequently pointing out how lucky he is to have no woman in his life to tell him what to do. What ever floats his boat, but those of us who are fortunate enough to have a good life partner do not envy him at all, but it does cost a bit more for two. Of course, some of us have a spouse that also pays part or all of her own way and we happen to enjoy company. So John, what ever makes you happy is just great, but quit harping as it really has nothing to do with most threads.

Good travelin! ......Kirk
URL: www.1tree.net/adventure/

[John Harrelson]

I'm so sorry Kirk, from now on I'll send all my posts to you for your permission before I post them to the forum.. Would that make you happy ?

John

TWO CENTS WORTH
The story goes that a man died and was approached by the Devil who told him that he could buy his soul back for a dollar. The man searched his pockets and could only come up with 98 cent. While begging the Devil to forget the two cent he was short, an Angel happened by and hearing the Devil laughing, asked the man, "Would you mind if I put in my two cents ?" The Devil got so mad that he exploded in a puff of smoke and the man's soul was saved.
The moral: Sometimes putting in your two cents worth makes a difference.
JOHN "the cook" 1987

[RV_Harvey, aka Major]

Kirk,

I looked at you site and all I can say is that if I had the money to start out with a nice rig like yours I would know I had enough to live on. Not that we are poor, my wife also drives a 2001 Honda C-RV (they are great), but I will not have the income or expenses you do. For example, our total insurance is about half what yours is (especially medical) and so is our fuel and health care but that could change.

But I do thank you. Every bit of information we can look at helps us know what to expect out there in the RV world.

Hope to see you "out there"� on the road some day.

Larry,
Life is short, eat desert first.

Me, wife & 3 toy poodles
2003 All White F-250 Supercab XLT, 6.0 Powerstroke, 4x4, Longbed, with Leather Captains Chairs and a Raider Canopy
2004 Sunnybrook 2726 Solanta
Jordan Ultima Controler & Hensley Arrow Hitch

[Full - Timin' Wannabee]

Larry - We too are trying to get on the road full-timing. We are trying to do a budget based on what want to do and what we have to have (insurance, medical, food, etc.). I have gotten several books from Amazon.com and are reading them on full-timing views from several couples. One is Movin-On by Barb & Ron Hoffmeister (think I spelled that right) and Take Back your Life - Travel full time in an RV by Stephanie Bernhagen. These are only two of many on the market. I'm sure there are lots more that are good. These both give you budgets and things to think about, especially since you are new to Rving. Your neck of the country is where we hope to travel first (hopefully next April or May 2004). Oregon really looks great too! Hope we see you out there! Anne

[ocexpress]

John
"monthly food bill +/- $ 125.00 ( I am single, so double that if you are married)"

I was just wondering what in heavens name you buy to eat for $125. a month? We seem to spend almost that a week for two, and we certainly do not live high on the hog (so to speak).

I also heard from alot of you when I was considering full time rving, and after 1 year on the road found that sitting in the dirt next to the freeway or railroad track was not my cup of tea. I would add that folks should explore rv parks before they retire to see what your money buys. We find that we prefer asphalt streets and quiet parks. I would hate for these folks to think they're going to be staying at 5 star resorts for $255. a month. It is all about what you need to enjoy your new found adventure.

[John Harrelson]

Hi OCEXPRESS,

Check out this link for how I can do it.. I don't want to "hijack" this thread with how I can eat so cheap..
It's right here on this forum...
http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=8076099152&f=2656094452&m=348100702 1&r=3481007021#3481007021


best wishes,
John

[Bushman512003]

To each there own.And You are a very well off person with Your ideas and the happyness of being Your own Man.I thank You for the story and hope Your life remains to Your liking.I have been married twice the first wife left Me and this one won't.That's a joke.The same over 35years that's true.Good to here of a happy person in this mixed up old world..Take care and live a 100years Mr.Harrelson You are the Man...John <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Harrelson:
My MONTHLY COST .....
space rent $ 255.00

elect +/- $ 40.00

license tags on (2)trucks $ 34.00 per year each
license tags on 5th wheel $ 34.00 per year

cable tv $ 25.00

propane gas +/- (winter)$80.00 (summer)$3.00

truck insurance, full coverage on both my Ford and my 93 Mitsubishi mighty max truck $530.00 per year

home owners insurance with replacement value on trailer and contents $ 273.00 per year

monthly food bill +/- $ 125.00 ( I am single, so double that if you are married )

Average cost for truck fuel +/- $ 20.00
The truck fuel is low because I live in an RV park in the heart of town and can walk to almost everything except the lake where I go fishing. And it keeps me fit with the walking.

I am a military veteran and all my medical and medicines are free to me for life, so there is no cost there. I realize that most of you probably have to pay for your medical. So we'll factor that in to be fair.

My total cost per month less than $800.00 a month...
subtract that from my SS check of $ 1124.00 and I have plenty left over to spend recklessly.

I live a good life, go where I want, do what I want and when I want. That's the best part of being single and retired, if I can't sleep some night and want to get up at 2 A.M. and go down to the local casino and have a beer and throw away some nickels, there is no one to ask why or say no. (women,,, bah humbug)


My trailer and 2 trucks may be ten years old but they are all in excellent condition, in fact the trailer is in immaculate condition.

I got a good deal on it too, $ 10k cash ... and the Ford .. $ 6k ... and the mighty max ..$ 4k and most important ... everything I own is payed for and I have no truck, trailer or mortgage payments.

We are all living the kind of lifestyle we like. In my case, I wanted to retire early and did so when I was in my 50's.

I don't work at all any more; my life and time are my own to do with as I wish.

I have been all over the world, Europe, Caribbean, etc and have been in almost every state in the union. I have worked at almost any job imaginable, from marine engineer to telephone lineman to restaurant owner to truck driver � and many more jobs that I forgot.

My father stayed on the same job his entire life and frowned on my lifestyle, but I would not trade my life for his for anything.

I'm still living that kind of life I guess.
Do I get bored ??
Sure, sometimes, but I always find something to perk me up again. ( like the cute chick next door, she's only 60 and owns her own RV hmmmm ..... I wonder ... nah ! ... women are too much trouble.)

Living life is like wheat processing, toss it up and let the wind blow away the chaff, keeping only the golden kernels for yourself

John

_TWO CENTS WORTH_
The story goes that a man died and was approached by the Devil who told him that he could buy his soul back for a dollar. The man searched his pockets and could only come up with 98 cent. While begging the Devil to forget the two cent he was short, an Angel happened by and hearing the Devil laughing, asked the man, "Would you mind if I put in my two cents ?" The Devil got so mad that he exploded in a puff of smoke and the man's soul was saved.
_The moral:_ Sometimes putting in your two cents worth makes a difference.
JOHN "the cook" 1987 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>