Budget and Other Updates

We set off on this RV Journey with many unknowns, although we knew that to take a bold step into a great retirement that we would have to get out of our comfort zones.  In many different ways.

Selling the family home, leaving family, friends and church, buying an RV, navigating America’s highways and byways in a big rig, and can we afford this journey and still have funds remaining in our old age.  Many unknowns.

We both knew that we craved travel and a retirement that was different than most.  We did not want to just spend our years in one place settling into a routine to just pass the time.  Something fundamentally different while we are both in good health.

After just more than one year, this life has actually exceeded our expectations.  We have been back home a few times to visit.  The travel planning research has settled into a good process.

The Big Horn 5th wheel coach has been very good overall.  They all have a few repair issues as to be addressed.  We just find a good RV tech in our current location or else do it myself.

Our first year’s actual spending performance to budget has been somewhat a mixed bag.  We have spent considerably more on food & supplies, RV parks, dining out, and some giving opportunities.

We have spent less than budget on a few categories as well.  Some of these may just occur every other year.  But, they do help to get us back toward budget.  Here is a quick pie chart of the spending in the first six months of 2018:

The good news is that after our Social Security income the amount required from savings has been at a 3-4% level.  Most of my research shows that at this rate our nest egg should provide a steady income stream through retirement.

If we should run into a recession or large market adjustment, there are many actions that we can take to either increase income or decrease spending.  I could get another temporary financial position or we could work-camp somewhere (trade work time for free campsite).  We could also seriously reduce spending.  So, no real anxiety over the financial stuff either.

Our initial long range travel plan was to see the US in about three years.  How has that worked out?  Well, we have 19 states on our wall map.  Technically, that is 40% of the lower 48 putting us on track for all 48 in three years.

Although, that logic will not hold up when we venture to the wild west.  There are some vast distances to cover and we like the slow travel mode of about 150 miles and stay a week.  It will take some time.

Realistically, I think that at the five year mark we may be ready to obtain a “home base” and then travel perhaps six months a year.  We’ll see.  Everyday we continue to feel blessed in this Journey!

This lifestyle is not for everybody, but if you would like more information on selecting RVs, U.S. travel, or the financial stuff, I would be happy to assist.

Take care and God Bless.