I’ve Lived in a Vehicle for Three Years. I Now Have $150K
Рет қаралды 1,208,408
Күн бұрынHow much can you save by living in a vehicle instead of paying rent? In this video, I breakdown my expenses of living in my van vs living in my SUV vs living in my old apartment. Hopefully this financial overview will give you an idea of what costs to expect, and how much you might save by living on the road
2:20 Insurance
3:30 Phone + Internet
3:55 Utilities
6:12 Gas
7:58 Vehicle Maintenance
9:17 Food
10:21 Gym Membership
10:54 Storage Unit
11:14 Private Mailbox
11:27 Hotels, Airbnbs, Campsites
12:41 Subscriptions + Software
13:13 Parking
13:50 Taxes
14:24 Rent
15:36 How Much I Saved
17:45 Is Van Life Affordable?
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 27K miles*
#vanlife #digitalnomad #selfemployed
@Likeaworm 2 жыл бұрын
"We buy shit we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like"
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
Indeed 🤓
@monnaprovost7294 2 жыл бұрын
Zachary, stop doing that!
@raia9 2 жыл бұрын
Your quoting George Carlin - credit where credit is due :)
@gelo414 2 жыл бұрын
@@raia9 you are giving him too much credit, he probably was quoting Brad Pitt in Fight Club
@all4jesusall4him37 2 жыл бұрын
Dave Ramsey!
@U2JEN2U 3 жыл бұрын
I was living paycheck to paycheck, moved into my SUV and am now living on 3% of my income. It's not all 💩's and giggles but, it is way worth it not having worry about an apartment and ... STUFF. I am much happier and sleep EXTREMELY WELL at night. SEE YA ON THE ROAD !!!
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
It's amazing how much stuff we accumulate and then pay to protect and maintain and ultimately didn't need in the first place. Props to you 🙌🏼
@Javbdjp 2 жыл бұрын
¹
@Cptnjenks 2 жыл бұрын
Living in the uk our vehicles are a bit smaller (and the weather is worse) so having looked at camping out in my suv I've found it's a bit too small. 😔 hope to do a van conversion at some point though (when I can get a better job and can afford it)
@OZ01209 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I've been paying $90 a month on a storage unit full of crap for 7 years... Do the math... Why do we get stuck in Rutt's??? For me, it was largely because I was living for other people and not myself. Better late than never to make that shift.
@aliceinreality2815 2 жыл бұрын
@@Cptnjenks when I lived in my car I bounced between car life and pet/house sitting, quite often you can find long term house/pet sits over winter 👍
@blackspiderman1887 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a truck driver. I decided to stop paying rent because I was sleeping in my sleeper bed 5 days a week. Now I just kick it with my friend on the weekends. Saving $800 a month.
@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything 2 жыл бұрын
just $800?? That must have been outside a major city. One bedrooms are now going for average $1100 now
@beverlyb6391 2 жыл бұрын
I've been traveling off n on for about 40+ years. Some of the places I've loved have just gone bad. Other places I wouldn't have considered are now great.
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
Love that 🙌🏼
@lawpenner 2 жыл бұрын
What about Airbnb for the two days a week you need it?
@blackspiderman1887 2 жыл бұрын
@@lawpenner that would work too.
@21scottgibson 3 жыл бұрын
I love the "If I can't buy it upfront, I don't buy it" philosophy. I feel like it's so lacking in todays world.
@mdzaid5925 2 жыл бұрын
Going with this, one can never buy a house
@cnorton8329 2 жыл бұрын
@kl2j3423 my parents are very smart with their money. they live that mantra of if they couldnt pay cash for it, they didnt buy, aside from house payments and vehicle payments, they paid cash for everything. They actually paid their house of early by living this way.
@krissyhall2838 2 жыл бұрын
I live by that lol avoid debt like a plague.
@BF-27 2 жыл бұрын
Because too many people feel they are entitled to things, regardless of whether they actually have the money for it.
@jimmylegs06 2 жыл бұрын
Interest: the penalty of sacrificing future time because you cant afford it now.
@socialstew 3 жыл бұрын
The other benefit of living on the road when you're younger is knowing and experiencing where you'll want to live when you're older.
@adelia1419 3 жыл бұрын
Definitely!! I’m 17, I’ve been living in my van for the past year and I plan to be for the coming year. When I’m 18 and can actually buy a house or apartment I for sure have some ideas that were born from my van living adventures.
@lh4265 3 жыл бұрын
I wonder if Christian has answered this question in any of her previous videos? Does anyone know?
@hellraiser888 3 жыл бұрын
@@adelia1419 how do you do school bruh that’s so cool
@adelia1419 3 жыл бұрын
@@hellraiser888 I actually don’t do school (I dropped out) but once I’m 18 and can enroll myself in classes I’m going to finish highschool online :-)
@votesudanusa 3 жыл бұрын
@@adelia1419 Rich and spoiled? Who can pay for and live in a van at 16? You don't attend a school?
@stevencournoyer4191 3 жыл бұрын
I’ve been living in my van for a year now. I have a great career and all that money I used to spend on expenses now goes in the bank. I have zero debt and the freedom that I never thought was possible. Thank you for sharing your story.
@williamlewis3582 3 жыл бұрын
Three years for me the freedom is crazy.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome. The freedom is just too good to pass up - I don't think I could ever justify paying rent again.
@joseville 3 жыл бұрын
What do you use to stay connected to internet? So you can be productive.
@cvick44 3 жыл бұрын
Hey Steven, what about showers. I want to try the van life without a shower in van. I was thinking maybe I could shower at the gym. Got any tips?
@williamlewis3582 3 жыл бұрын
@@cvick44 Get a planet fitness gym membetship 24 hrs you will have excess to everrything there.
@alanmacquarrie1672 2 жыл бұрын
For me I would only save 20k at most living out of a car for 3 years. I've saved 32k the past few years by living in a small apartment in a smaller town vs. a really nice one. Living well below your means is a good strategy to get ahead.
@usa2342 2 жыл бұрын
You probably don’t have any kids or pets?
@alanmacquarrie1672 2 жыл бұрын
Waiting on having kids/pets is another good way to save money. They get expensive.
@debrawilliams4744 2 жыл бұрын
I’m moving 2 states away to find a cheap Apt. in June. Downsizing big time to make the move cheaper.
@usa2342 2 жыл бұрын
@@debrawilliams4744 have you looked into manufacture/mobile homes? They can be very nice and budget friendly
@debrawilliams4744 2 жыл бұрын
@@usa2342…. I’m downsizing and moving back to a small town where I don’t know anyone. I want a low maintenance and temporary place where I can wait out the economy / housing situation. I plan on writing a book during the next year in peace away from city life. It’s been my goal for a long time, and now’s the best time to do it.
@inthesun3884 2 жыл бұрын
Fellow Washingtonian here. You’re a smart woman living your dream so you can live your life without the stress of debt.
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
👋🏻👋🏻
@moses777exodus 3 жыл бұрын
Phone ... $135; Gas ... $195; Food ... $250; "Being able to sit by the campfire and see the stars at night before falling asleep, being able to wake up with the sunrise, and having the freedom and feeling of not being tethered to any one place" ... priceless.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Exactly. Couldn’t agree more 😉
@pkell7315 3 жыл бұрын
@@lifesabeach5405 Wow what town and County do you live in pa ?
@votesudanusa 3 жыл бұрын
@@lifesabeach5405 The VAN sounds like it is probably better than your house. Now, stop insulting people through misspelled words and let these people live. Your life is your life. Their life is their life
@Luigi13 3 жыл бұрын
@@lifesabeach5405 Each person has his or her own engineering design to a lifestyle they see to fit into. Your idea is also one of those and it sounds like is serving you well. Cheers.
@michelleocampo3708 3 жыл бұрын
@@lifesabeach5405 To each their own!!
@thomasmason8033 3 жыл бұрын
This is amazing! This is super helpful. I’m still pretty new to vanlife and I love how you’ve really thought everything through and have it all figured out
@golf_n_hockey 2 жыл бұрын
Loved this video. I have been thinking about trying this lifestyle for quite some time. Thanks for breaking down the costs that is super helpful!
@andyphan6176 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Christian! It's courageous to pursue such lifestyle and doing it smartly. Learning a lot from your expenses breakdown!
@1scottbutcher 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Christian, as always you give us plenty to think of. Thank you for the financial breakdown and it does give me something to put down on paper, a place to start and a goal to aim for.
@geoffreylitz1477 3 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. Thanks so much for putting all this together and sharing it.
@alanmurakami4837 2 жыл бұрын
Very comprehensive info, Christian! Great "reality check" for those thinking about hitting the road. 👍
@scotheman 2 жыл бұрын
As an aspiring van lifer, this video is extremely helpful, thank you. I see financial freedom ahead and it sounds amazing.
@dorothylabounty8263 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for being so honest and so detailed. It was really eye-opening.
@marccookson5409 3 жыл бұрын
Very detailed breakdown and great advice on getting started and staying on the road. Thanks
@annew1362 2 жыл бұрын
This is the best (and most realistic!) breakdown for van life I have seen. Thanks for doing it for those of us considering the life without major compromises 😎
@enjoyjavy 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story! Nothing like living debt-free 🙌
@davidhuth5659 3 жыл бұрын
This was awesome Christian. Thanks! I'm three years from retirement and hoping to live the van life. The practical nature of your videos is really helpful.
@Meandering_with_Megan 3 жыл бұрын
Great video, Christian! So much useful information! We are about to go full time in our camper, so this video was very helpful!
@webboxmedia 2 жыл бұрын
Very helpful video. Actually great perspective on how to look at expendetures and living cost priorities regardless of van life or not.
@kellybair1827 2 жыл бұрын
You are INSPIRING! Beautiful inside and out! I happened upon your videos this morning and have been watching all morning! Thanks for sharing your story! Peace!
@reddragon7356 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, you are such a natural at giving presentations and I am sure you have it perfected it over time and practice. Love your channel.
@CailSoria 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I am saving up now for van life and these video are really helpful!
@khas684 2 жыл бұрын
The best breakdown of van living expenses I've seen. Comparing the apartment expenses was really helpful.
@AvRaTchET 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! Really enjoyed the directness, the raw information, and overall presentation and tone.
@floridagirl3761 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing woman you are and very inspiring. Congratulations on being able to live a life that gives you all you want and more. Love your channel!
@kerrymetcalf9676 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Christian. Good information on general personal finance for peeps no matter where you live. Love your fiscal responsibility.
@gthomasclark 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Christian- We’ve followed you since beginning a Covid Psych Van Reno Project in 2020. Thanks for your nuts and bolts + dreaming - based approach to van life. You are giving millions of people the resources to think about following a higher quality life- particularly older folks, though your work speaks most directly to the young. You cut through the BS in an honest way. It is VERY useful.
@wakiwan 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, thank you, thank you... I have just started looking into life on the road and you are the first person who has taken the time to compare costs with different types of vehicles against renting. You put out an amazing amount of information in a rather short video which I have never seen before. I am considering traveling in some kind of rental vehicle to begin with. I am retired and live 7 blocks from the Manhattan Beach pier but like to travel mostly to various national parks and generally stay in hotels. Looking at the countless people that do what you are doing and seem to love it, I probably will go for longer trips and try living alone to see if I can do it and if I like it. Thank you again and I will look for your past and future adventures.....Al
@mtnbiker15d2 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent and very informative video!! Thank you for taking the time to lay expenses out based on your lifestyle...also yes Xterras were solid!! To bad Nissan disc. Making them. Thank you again!!👍
@leeeverett8109 3 жыл бұрын
16:00 My mind was blown away at this part! And The part about buying stuff; just to have stuff!! Definitely, hits home with me.
@daveb7577 Жыл бұрын
Great info! I've been watching your videos for the past week (how did I not find you till now?), and what's most impressive is how you convey the fact that your lifestyle is a conscious choice, not a necessity. So many people -- bless their hearts -- "end up" living in vehicles -- and in videos about living in vehicles -- due to some combo of bad luck, bad decisions, lack of preparation, and so on. Your videos suggest a smart, well-thought-out approach to a lifestyle choice that's both dignified and rewarding, and that makes you a living to boot. Good on you, and I hope you get rich off your channel!
@jackpepper2501 Жыл бұрын
In addition: Opening your bedroom in a beautiful van to so many Amazing Beautiful Places of the great outdoors. Thanks for sharing Christian.
@rekoppelb 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Christian for the great video. This is helpful for those who can't quite pull the trigger on a lifestyle change like this. Love all your beautiful visual videos of our wonderful country.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Rick 😊 Happy to hear it was helpful
@jimszczodrowski3695 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting all that info together Christian, i like the idea of income just showing up in my bank account unexpectedly :)
@A-Trip-Away 2 жыл бұрын
Only just discovered your channel and dam I'm already in love 😅 haha. Safe travels from Brisbane Australia 🙌
@brianhope4236 2 жыл бұрын
You are an extremely strong character! You are doing what many couldn’t do by themselves, just from a mental health standpoint! God bless ya!
@michelejohnson5497 3 жыл бұрын
Great, informative video, Christian! You addressed my questions pertaining to van life expenses. Thank you! I love your content, van build, relaxed demeanor, discipline and visually appealing B-roll. 💝 If you ever need another side hustle, you could definitely use your voice to read audiobooks or teach.😊🙌🏽 Take good care.
@SteveKiziak 3 жыл бұрын
Really engaging and informative video! I'm picking up my sprinter 170 in a few weeks, build will be gradual but hopefully mostly done before winter months. Seeing real people living this lifestyle is Super inspiring! All the best on your journey!
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome, autumn is a great time to hit the road 😊🙌🏼
@johnmaidment2817 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Just started subscription recently. Your vehicle insurance is what I was paying for my 2006 Nissan Sentra until I changed to 21st Century in May and now pay $115. Your photography rocks. Wishing you continued success, fun, challenges and happiness.
@jorgevelasquez9955 2 жыл бұрын
Wow ! What an inspiration! Thanks for so openly sharing your lifestyle.
@bellanova435 3 жыл бұрын
I love this video! I really appreciate you opening up like this about expenses while being on the road!!!
@kylepshivers 3 жыл бұрын
Super helpful video! Really appreciate you comparing both van and SUV expenses. 👍🏻
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! 😊
@GoldArrowFitness 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing attention to detail. I’ve never watched a great van life finance video until now. Great work!
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the good vibes ☺️🙏🏻
@michaelkaufman9625 Жыл бұрын
So I just viewed her video a year out and this lady is very impressive; she touched on all the major financial issues with the personal constraints as well. A thoughtful and well-organized video and I would love to see her photography.
@ErikSjaastad 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Hitting the road in 2 weeks. I've never been scared in my life, must be on the right track. Love all of your updates. Stay safe and healthy!
@thatswhatithought6519 2 жыл бұрын
How is it brotha?
@ErikSjaastad 2 жыл бұрын
@@thatswhatithought6519 It's been great! Been all over the west coast and down to South Baja. Heading to the midwest in a little bit :)
@2202Winterful Жыл бұрын
@@ErikSjaastad Update? How’s it going now? It’s been a year. Let us know 😊.
@ErikSjaastad Жыл бұрын
@@2202Winterful It's been a great year!! Did a loop around the continental US, down to Baja for a few months and I've found some of my favorite BLM spots. Now I just wish gas prices would drop in California so I can drive around that state again. Thanks for checking up!!!!
@bruceclyne5254 2 жыл бұрын
Greetings from Alabama. It’s refreshing to see an adventurer who actually has a plan and runs the numbers to make sure they are on course. May your life be an endless adventure!
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the good vibes! I’m a numbers nerd, ha 🤓
@woowayinvs1736 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much - you have given me the courage to try this van life for myself- which I have been contemplating for some time. as a solo female in my late thirties, your courage has been an inspirational voice to find my own voice.
@susanwoodward7485 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent comprehensive overview of expenses. Very much appreciated.
@mannys4036 3 жыл бұрын
One of the most comprehensive and authentic discussion on finances I've seen anywhere. It was incredibly detailed and affirmed the things I need to do before I hit the road. I have been tempted to hit the road sooner, but I don't want to crash and burn. I am older and have health concerns to incorporate as well. The information that you shared is going to help a lot of people if they respect it. I love how you progressively reached goal after goal. You should really be proud of how well you presented this information. Thank you.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Manny, really happy to hear that it was helpful 😊🙏🏻
@LilyWasHereMB 2 жыл бұрын
I was going to comment oh yeah, but do you actually have all that money or is it just theoretical. I shut up, waited, watched, and she answered that honestly as well
@wille-annedulay5409 Жыл бұрын
Yeah I’m
@charlesharris2749 3 жыл бұрын
Everything you do is done SO professionally. I mean, imagine how many Expenses videos have been done by vanlifers. This one is the best I've seen. Of course, being brilliant, caring, and beautiful probably helps... stop cheating!
@GeoffreyMays 2 жыл бұрын
Very nicely done! Best of fortune to you! I look forward to seeing your photos
@godevarcooper9366 10 ай бұрын
Finance is a difficult subject for many people/ persons and i love how you did your comparisons. I am so grateful for this information.🎉🎉🎉 thank you
@mychaelmcneeley997 Жыл бұрын
Just found your excellent channel recently. Really beautiful, high quality, thought-promoting, honest videos. I wonder if you've ever tried to compare your carbon footprint living in your van vs. in an apartment or house. My mom moved from a house in an RV and she figured her footprint went down, even considering the first one she had was a large one that had pretty low MPG. Hopefully this hasn't been asked and answered already. Thanks for putting together such marvelous material!
@JosephPuplava 3 жыл бұрын
Christian, this is informative to know the expenses and costs. I understand that everyone is different, depending on their lifestyle. However, it gives us a rough idea of expenses and savings. I truly appreciate your honesty and be able to share this with us. Thank you.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Good to know it was helpful 😊🙏🏻
@valnpaulvanorden 2 жыл бұрын
Thnx 4 u r experience shared
@valnpaulvanorden 2 жыл бұрын
..and...food and other expenses went up over the last two years
@lawrencefox563 2 жыл бұрын
Po boxes don't move with you how would you get mail if in Denver if pobox in LA? You may have answered ?
@fazered8202 2 жыл бұрын
There was a comment looking down on people that are homeless!! I was so frustrated that these people look down on homeless people that are hard working American citizens... It's ashame that people judge homeless people
@mikebarnett7559 2 жыл бұрын
I'm about to hit the the road in July. This was very helpful and well done. Thank you.
@EfficientRVer 2 жыл бұрын
This is a tremendously good and useful video. Thank You! I can't believe I didn't find your channel until now, but that's water under the bridge. I was pleasantly surprised to see that you're not just another pretty face peddling "day in the life" drivel, but that you really have your act together and are willing to share the scoop on how that works. I'm subscribing, despite more of the mobile KZfaqrs I follow being newly-minted nomads creating homes on wheels, rather than thriving professionals in new vans. Retirees, people escaping the rat race, etc. I bought my first SLR for $35 used sometime around Woodstock and Apollo 11, at age 12. Now I more often carry a little Lumix superzoom (25-600mm equivalent, f/2.8 the whole way) or mirrorless (usually with adapted Nikkor glass) rather than DSLR and 200mm f/2 etc. You forgot to include hair care expenses, so I'll assume they didn't change much from apartment to van? ;-) Many "digital nomads" don't maintain their appearance once on the road, which doesn't bother me, but of course they don't have direct in-person with clients or the public. Some don't realize that they're punching a one-way ticket out of many employment/social opportunities, while for others, that is part of their grand plan. Looking forward to seeing if my highly positive impression of you is correct, beyond the obvious competence and looks. I like how you dispensed the advice about becoming debt-free, for instance. Many people who value being debt-free would have given a judgmental lecture and lost the target audience via narcissism/superiority, rather than searching for a way to reach out with gentle advice and maybe actually influence their decisions by being a role model. Well done!
@eloyrodarte1083 2 жыл бұрын
My apartment became an expensive storage unit. I gave it up and moved into a van. I'm happier and the freedom to go anywhere I want is fantastic. Living in the van has opened up lots of opportunity's that weren't available before. The ability to go work a short term job and not have to sign a six month lease or pay a large amount to a motel has made things so much easier.
@raulrangel6361 2 жыл бұрын
How does this affect your relationships? Do you plan on dating?
@Wubby805 2 жыл бұрын
@@raulrangel6361 women date homeless men just released from jail. Living in a van is a step-up from what the Classy Ladies are used to.
@MiamiPush2theLimit 2 жыл бұрын
@@Wubby805 but is that the kind of woman you’d want to “date”?
@damha3157 Жыл бұрын
You will make it my friend
@mariamaria2751 Жыл бұрын
@@Wubby805 lol that's funny
@MichaelGordonFinance 3 жыл бұрын
I am really impressed by how great you are at saving money. That is a really amazing trait. Wonderful videos!
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching 😊🙌🏼
@yvettec7713 2 жыл бұрын
Great sober look at living the van life. I appreciate your insight.
@BlaZindeezy 2 жыл бұрын
Wow, this was amazing. Thank you for all the great tips knowledge and advice.
@Adventureswithbecky 3 жыл бұрын
This is a great breakdown. Anyone can start small and move up after saving. Paying cash is the way to go. Lowers stress and makes it far easier to make what you need each month.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, and yeah I def agree on paying cash 🙌🏼
@Un1234l 2 жыл бұрын
@@ChristianSchaffer I dunno, I recommend building credit by treating your credit card as a debit card.
@benjaminreyes3624 2 жыл бұрын
@@Un1234l why not do both?
@Un1234l 2 жыл бұрын
@@benjaminreyes3624 You could, but when starting out with zero to little credit history, you should buy everything with credit and show you're reliable with paying the balance in full. When you've done that for years and built a great credit score, you have the best of both worlds.
@fazered8202 2 жыл бұрын
There were comments of someone talking down on people being homeless!! I'm so mad that people like that exist and look down on homeless American citizens that are struggling to survive ughh ... I envy her
@NathanielWise 3 жыл бұрын
such good information, and so organized too 🤓
@russianaloha4576 2 жыл бұрын
This is a great video! Thank you for laying it all out 🙏
@christopherlee7451 3 ай бұрын
Great breakdown and very smart tips you provided. Thanks for sharing.
@huckleberry8864 2 жыл бұрын
Love this breakdown. I'm in the process of selling/donating all of my apartment furniture and unecessary stuff/clutter to pursue this goal.
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome - it’s hard work but feels like such an accomplishment once you start letting things go
@Lisa-kz7vw 3 жыл бұрын
Great information I was very curious about expenses doing vanlife versus renting a place. I was really surprised that the gas wasn't more expensive the food expenses didn't surprise me food is expensive especially quality organic foods.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I imagine for some overlanders who stay in one place for weeks at a time, gas might be even cheaper. It's kind of amazing how much time and money we as a society spend commuting every day
@ahikernamedgq 2 жыл бұрын
So helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing! I really love how focused and intentional you are! Best of luck in saving up that $ for the land you want to buy. This is the first video of yours I have seen (thx KZfaq algorithm!). I can't wait to watch more! Thanks again!
@evilspeed3101 2 жыл бұрын
Sweet. To be honest, I watched whole video instead of skipping to the final part only because u have done such a good job about voice recording. In this video your voice sounds lovely! And thank you for information
@douglashelland5055 3 жыл бұрын
Great information. There were a few things I didn't think about. It is interesting to hear how it is different for every person living in a Van. I have been trying to put together my own list of what it could cost me each month.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it really does vary! It can be as low key or glam as you like 🤓 Glad you found it helpful
@LilyWasHereMB 2 жыл бұрын
wait, let's think ... that is the key to it all whether stationary or nomadic. Nomadic does however, make the deprogramming from impulse consumerism to necessity buying easier.
@traceywilskis6347 Жыл бұрын
As someone who is starting out their freelance journey, this was helpful. Thank you!
@gatesbisson1746 Жыл бұрын
Inteligent, informative and well presented, well done Christian
@JenniferLangille 3 жыл бұрын
You are an exceptional role model 🙏🏻 I wish you taught a business course!
@bc-kelley 3 жыл бұрын
Christian, As someone who is currently looking at the numbers and saving. Thank You
@chasevanmattson1219 3 жыл бұрын
I second this. Thank you so much!
@JamesWilliams-uj6gu Жыл бұрын
That was great! Very well explained! Your very big inspiration than more than van life!
@R8raine 2 жыл бұрын
Just happen to run into your channel. Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing and all the best!
@alexanderweaver4838 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad to have found your channel. In two months I am leaving my bricks and mortar home in Virginia to live in a 2019 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van. It's been a dream to live a nomadic life since retiring from the Air Force 34 years ago. I hope to enjoy my pension and social security by saving and not buying "things" that don't matter. I am in the process of donating, giving away and selling things and furniture I don't care about. I wish I had made this decision much earlier in my retirement. I might be sitting in my small remote mountain cabin I've always wanted. Your breakdown helps me tremendously and makes me realize that living on a set budget makes great sense. Unforeseen expenses do happen and I want to be financially prepared for them. Thank you, Christian, and Happy Fourth of July to you!
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
So happy to hear that - enjoy this next chapter! Happy fourth to you too ☺️
@direwolf6234 2 жыл бұрын
it's not nomadic ... it's hydroponic ...
@justwannasay5454 2 жыл бұрын
I have a 2017 GMC Savana cargo van and I love it. I drove to Long Beach a couple years ago and had a 24" fiberglass hightop installed. One of the best things I have done.
@sarabethdukes7299 2 жыл бұрын
I love this! I'm looking at hitting the road when I retire as well. I was wondering how many retirees do vanlife.
@journeytrials 2 жыл бұрын
Look into moving to places like east Asia cheap! And also adventures!
@vinpribek3903 3 жыл бұрын
Very organized financial analysis. Understanding finances is the key to a stress free life. You don't need to make a lot of money if you know how to work with what you have. I only wish I could find a significant other that understood this as well as you obviously do.
@kengaskins5083 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Christian! Very detailed info. Considering the nomadic life for awhile after I sell my house to see where I want to reside (likely in a miniature house with some land). Very informative.
@Joe-co4sq 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! You have the same philosophy in regards to finances as me and it helped me retire at 48 years old. You'll do just fine.
@agapyearish9982 3 жыл бұрын
This was great. Thanks
@brushemteeth9159 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing how openly you speak about such a private topic! Most people are overzealously confidential when it comes to their finances.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Ya I was on the fence about it, but in the end - my goal is to be helpful. So as long as that's the case, I'd say it's worth it 🤓
@votesudanusa 3 жыл бұрын
DUH. Who would NOT be CONFIDENTIAL about PERSONAL FINANCES?
@brushemteeth9159 3 жыл бұрын
@@votesudanusa You might want to question certain societal habits a little more. Not much speaks for it.
@votesudanusa 3 жыл бұрын
@@brushemteeth9159 The only people I know who speak about personal finances are poor
@tjshultz89 3 жыл бұрын
@@votesudanusa More money more problems. It can depend on the career path as to how much someone is willing to share. Are they doctors and professionals who are salaried and only have 1 income, or are they entrepreneurs with multiple streams of income? Someone with multiple incomes might not want to share how much they make out of risk of being audited. They might say publicly they make X, but if one of their incomes goes down and now they're declaring a lower income to what they said in passing in a video, then they have to have a meeting with the IRS to explain the discrepancy. Its pretty easy to find a ballpark figure on how much a doctor with 20 years of experience is making. But finding out how much a youtuber with 100k subscribers with a lot of side deals is making is anyone's guess. If a youtuber says they made X from a brand endorsement, then other brands will try and peg them at that price, even if the youtuber's value goes up with their subscriber count. Poor and middle class tend to have 1 income stream and not much in the way of investments or side hustles so it's a much easier topic to discuss. I can file my taxes for dirt cheap and it'll take 5 minutes. Wealthier people with diversified incomes have to hire an accountant and spend hours going over every little detail and spend hundreds to do their taxes. Athletes and entertainers have to pay taxes in every state and country they performed in which can cost thousands. The more you make the more hassles you have to deal with.
@sergioalcantar3290 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent advice whether you're living in a van/SUV or not. Thanks for this, a lot of people will be able to get out of the rat race if they heed your recommendations.
@AXavier007 Жыл бұрын
YOU ARE SO WELL SPOKEN , DETAILED AND ENGAGING…My GOD YOU TRULY TRULY ARE AN AMAZING PERSON 🥰
@ColinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын
I lived in West Seattle and decided to live in my car because of the extremely high rent. I upgraded to a skoolie very quickly. Unfortunately I still have a 9-5 that I work at just north of Seattle but the rate I’ve been able to save money/pay off debt has been really crazy. Nice to see I’m not the only one saving money this way!
@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын
It’s pretty wild how expensive homes have become - especially in the Seattle area
@drivewithbishop4426 2 жыл бұрын
I lived on Alki, it was cool for a summer, but it's way over priced.
@mackenziemalone4116 Жыл бұрын
Where do you stay overnight if you live in a city? I live near LA and want to stay near my job but kinda worried about where I’d be able to sleep legally + safely
@Bones97000 Жыл бұрын
I’m wondering the same as Mackenzie. I work a regular 9-5 and am concerned about where I’d park every night if I were to choose vanlife.
@Weathernerd27 Жыл бұрын
'i heave heard the average van costs 40k and the coversion is 30k = 70k total. Wouldn''t you have a big monthly payment if you tried to finance 70k? Wouldn't it be hard to save money with that big car payment? I live in West Seattle as well but I have to drive as far as Redmond and Olympia for work so I strongly considering living in a Van 5 days a week and comming back to my condo on the weekend. The trouble is with the big Condo payment I can't afford much of a car payment. A big part of why my parents were able to retire in their early 60's was their house was mostly paid off so I don't want to give up the condo unless I absolutely have to although I guess if I saved a huge amount of money that would have the same effect as paying off a house.
@juliedrake6279 3 жыл бұрын
You are one savvy lady. I wish I knew what you know when I was your age. You’re a powerful, confident, independent role model for all us females. Thanks so much for superb content.
@iantaylor2271 3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree, but would add a great role model and advice for men also. Thank you for the great video.
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Wow, thanks for the love! 🙏🏻
@ChristianSchaffer 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ian 🙌🏼
@votesudanusa 3 жыл бұрын
@@iantaylor2271 You need a woman to tell you how to do simple math? You need a woman as a role model? Something is off here...
@Andreabay90 2 жыл бұрын
what does female and having a vagina for example or breasts have to do with living in a van?
@kivashtull1266 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this great video. Extremely well-done!
@ponsiswett6161 3 ай бұрын
I’m a hoarder! Vanlife sounds like my natural therapy. Love! Love! Love! Your personality and content plus quality. TY🙏🏽 for caring & sharing.
@BJenny38 2 жыл бұрын
We haven’t had a house or van payment for 40 years. It’s amazing how much more money we have when we aren’t paying interest. It was a sacrifice at first but now sooo worth it. When we make purchases,it has to be what we have the money up front to pay for. We eliminated the number one cause for divorce. I’m retired so I never had to ask my husband if I could buy makeup, a new computer, or clothes. We’ve always has separate bank accounts which I highly recommend for married couples. Expenses are his, hers, and ours.
@weedhopp 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing 😊
@valeriebutterfly53 8 ай бұрын
You need your own show. I didn’t get board at all. You are very clear, 🙏🏾 thank you so much. I am getting so much help from you.
@ChristianSchaffer 8 ай бұрын
so glad you found it helpful ☺️🤍
@lifeafterdeath1 2 жыл бұрын
Christian thank you so much for your wisdom and sharing your experience. This is a huge help. I'm scared but I'm encouraged to do it it hopefully for 1 year maybe 2. Just started last week.
@koolkeith8908 3 жыл бұрын
For some us that own our homes as the values increase, living on the road at the same time can be even cheaper from offset home ownership prices.
@wisenber 2 жыл бұрын
The "secret" isn't the van. The secret is finding sources of income that exceed your baseline expenses and not buying stuff with the surplus. That works on land, sea or air. If you don't have excess income, you don't have savings. I kept an apartment that I rarely saw for several years while I worked on the road as a contractor. While on the road, my hotel, plane tickets and rental car were paid by the customer and I received per diem for food. I'd work 60-70 hours a week and take a few long weekend vacations a year. After three years, I bought a modest house for cash, set aside some reserves and put the rest in low cost index funds. I then worked that way for about another six years and moved up to the house I have now with cash and more savings. All through that time, I avoided buying stuff and kept and older model vehicle with no payments. The biggest thing I did was not borrowing to buy anything. I imagine my credit score is near zero as I have no debt payment history.
@lilspnce49 2 жыл бұрын
It can be very challenging finding that extra good income. Thank u for sharing your story. It is inspiring
@nleem3361 2 жыл бұрын
That's a hard way to live. I tried it for a year. I was mostly working on one project that was near a small mountain town. It was beautiful there, but had it's challenges. Like the small grocery store closing at 7pm and so did the restaurants, so if went on a weekend adventure. And then didn't finish my paperwork quickly in the evening, I'd be stuck trying to make a meal from the convince store. I'm not a good planner, so this happened a few times. I also lived in a pull behind a truck camper because there wasn't any place to live in town, and the hotel was more expensive than the per diem... I decided that I'd rather live in one place to make good friends and have a life after work.
@wisenber 2 жыл бұрын
@B Babbich I worked on IT. The opportunity was there for anyone that wanted it. Most just don't want to work overtime when younger to bank for when you're older.
@wisenber 2 жыл бұрын
@@nleem3361 I just frontloaded my working years to have more options and no debt later. You might have a nice time recalling that evening spent with friends twenty years ago, but you'll appreciate not having to worry about money at all even more. I still enjoy my work. I just don't need to work for income now. However, it is nice knowing that putting in five hours a week will cover my expenses I do have.
@mikearchibald744 2 жыл бұрын
I started working in IT but then hated it. Almost everybody I know who works in IT hates it and almost all are constantly looking for that 'outside income' that will let them quit. On another van site a lady talks about how she started a logistics company and basically works as an importer exporter, but no other details. Many IT workers I know work half a year on contract but don't save much because they are burnt out after the hours and need months to decompress. So I"m poor, but do work I love. Work is MOST of your life, so if you don't love it, no matter where you live you are in a prison most of the time. But thats true about saving. When I looked at this I was thinking that if you are paying $1000 in rent in some podunk town then really you DON"T have $150,000, you have $36000. Thats all that is being saved. For three years thats $50,000 a year, minus gas, food, and whatever was spent to get the van, which for SOME of these vans is almost what you'd pay in rent for a year or two and if its a newer truck, then you have just blown $60,000 just for that vehicle, no gas, so if you CAN work from home, it makes more sense to move to some way out of the way location and rent or buy cheap. If you are in New York city or some other city getting gouged thats one thing, but then you move into your van and there is no place to park it so you need to move or get another job. So thats really a kind of crappy headline to put up, almost clickbait. Sometimes I wonder if its gas or car companies or interior design companies pushing all this. In SOME areas of course people have no choice and simply can't find living accomodations.
@SideHustleAddict 2 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome sis ❤️❤️. You inspire me to save money and travel ❤️❤️🙌
@RedSandAdventures Жыл бұрын
Glad I just came across your channel. I want to get into outdoor adventure photography myself. Subscribed as soon as you said what you do for a living 🙂
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