Could RVing Recession-Proof Your Lifestyle?
Mari
I had this thought today: living full time in an RV is a brilliant way to recession-proof your lifestyle! I mean, Ty and I don’t intend to live like this forever. But, it sure makes me grateful for the simple life when I keep running into people who are losing their homes and struggling to make ends meet. Yikes, such a tragedy.
We even have personal friends declaring bankruptcy. And, the other day I happened to catch a discussion on the radio about a brand new company that walks people through the foreclose process for a fee of $997. The commentator said he thought it was unfortunate this choice is becoming more mainstream, without properly considering consequences and all other options.
I really think the sub-prime mortgage companies are mostly to blame as they approved loans for people who didn’t really qualify. And, the fact people used their homes as ATM machines (especially in Southern California), pulling out all equity for consumables and liabilities.
As Robert Kiyosaki says, "If you’re in a hole, stop digging." There’s a ton of resources available; I believe it’s important to reach out and get help. In fact, that’s one of the tenets of resilience - reaching out.
On a lighter note, this morning we checked out of Rancho Jurupa Park - a Riverside County Park and Open-Space Project. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here at this delightful park with simple, beautiful, amenities.
Lots of ducks, geese, stocked lake for fishing (we’re not fishers - but fun to watch others), bike trails, horse-riding, and more. Quiet and spacious. Even over Presidents’ Day where it was maxed out with weekend warriors, visitors seemed to be mindful of their noise level.
Also, check out my video of the bird world equivalent of social networking!
Many County and State campgrounds have restrictions on how long you can stay, typically 14 days. With our Passport America discount, a mere $9/night for weekdays and $18/night weekends.
And now, we’re happily docked at Lake Skinner. We hit the motherlode with this park. It’s kind of out in the sticks, but not too far from the nearest town, right on the lake, unbelievably quiet and peaceful, full hook ups, good strong EVDO (internet) signal, even lots of free TV channels. 
And $16/night. All I can hear right now is the sound of a million crickets and the sky is filled with twinkling stars!
Here’s a shot I took of the glorious sunset tonight!
Posted on: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 7:45 pm 
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Fabulous sunset photo, Mari!
As much as it may seem backwards to people, simplification of lifestyle really does bring a certain security and peace. We had to let a lot of things go to move to Buenos Aires, but it really does feel good.
February 28th, 2008 at 10:35 amThanks, Jason! I’m delighted to have met you on Twitter and the cyberworld in general. You too are living your dream now!!
Yes, it really is a neat feeling to have shed so much stuff - along with our house, we also sold all our furniture last year (in <48 hours thanks to craigslist!!) and gave away truckloads to the Salvation Army. As Thoreau said, “Live simply, so that others may simply live.”
February 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pmI agree, the RV lifestyle can recenssion-proof your life (though some RVs cost as much as houses in most other parts of the country!). The great thing about the RV lifestyle is its flexibility. You have much more control over your budget than in the stick-house life. Using your Passport America is a good example. RVers can boondock on public lands at no cost. You can get a lower monthly rate in a campground and stay awhile instead of spending as much on fuel. You can use your stove and oven (or even a solar oven) instead of eating out!
RVers can also find work and volunteer opportunities. Bill, my late husband, and I worked in many national parks. My husband, George. volunteered in Big Bend and worked in the Castalon Visitor Center, hiked and gave an astronomy program in return for a site and propane. Rvers work in amusement parks, at NASCAR races, RV parks, state and national parks and many more. A couple I met recently got jobs at the Super Bowl last month!
You can work for a while, volunteer for your space, then move on. Jaimie
February 29th, 2008 at 5:57 amHi Mari,
I’m wondering if you’ve heard of this: http://www.lifeonwheels.com? I spoke to someone who lived as you are — traveling in an RV for a year. She spoke highly of a week-long conference this group puts on several times a year. Sounds like just your thing!
She lives in San Diego now, but is going to the one coming up in Tuscon. If you’ll be going, let me know and I’ll give you her name so you can look her up. I’m sure you would enjoy her.
I am enjoying following the trials and tribulations of your journey from the comfort of my own home. Thanks for sharing!
Suellen
March 10th, 2008 at 12:48 pmMari
March 11th, 2008 at 9:16 amWhat a captivating site (I found via our connection at Facebook).
Kudis! Re mobile life, think “mobile phone” tip in future to enhance mobile living… such as the use of cell phones to pay for parking meters now being used aorund the world, from Finland to S.F.
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March 16th, 2008 at 1:26 pmMari:
I certainly agree about the RVing lifestyle being most cost-effective in our current tough financial times. And it is VERY freeing to have a limitation of space in which to place those things which are most important to us personally — rather then a house full of things to impress others. I’ve chosen to work/live fulltime in a vintage travel trailer (1978 Holiday Rambler) and love it to death. One of my grandfathers was a train engineer and I’ve always loved trains. This reminds me of a train car — especially at night. Easy to care for and mobile. Can travel with my pets and not have to worry.
I attended Life on Wheels in Idaho a few years ago (while preparing for this transition), and it was wonderful. So glad I went when I did as Gaylord Maxwell, the founder, passed away suddenly in September. Margie and his family decided NOT to continue Life on Wheels so that resource is no longer available. I would encourage interested folks to check with Escapees.com as they too offer a bootcamp for folks wanting to learn more about the RVing lifestyle.
Loved your photos of San Diego — where I lived for nearly 20 years. As I’m freezing away here, I sure do miss the ocean!!
December 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am