tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post433558481532382382..comments2023-12-22T16:16:01.241-08:00Comments on Bruce and Margie's Full Time Journey: What Is It Worth?Margie M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10310100815284895284noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-34603999888882504092010-10-11T04:06:37.721-07:002010-10-11T04:06:37.721-07:00Great post! When I look at our meager budget, wh...Great post! When I look at our meager budget, where we are still paying mortgage, taxes, insurance, heat and upkeep on the house PLUS we already own the motorhome and pay on that too, plus upkeep, insurance and fuel. Working on a tight budget now helps us to know we will do fine later at retirement level, when we sell the house to full time it. Steve's pension will be almost the same as his take home pay now. <br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br />Karen and Steve<br />(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard<br /> http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/KarenInTheWoodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-18098645850676060832010-10-08T18:49:22.623-07:002010-10-08T18:49:22.623-07:00Yes, to me it is worth it. We aren't at SS ag...Yes, to me it is worth it. We aren't at SS age yet, so our budget is quite tight. I do miss having money to spend freely, but I would not want to return to a house and a 40-50 hour week job to have that extra money. I want a new camera and in the past I would just go buy one...but now I have to decide, do I want to put that money towards a camera or diesel fuel for the next trip. So, I'll be keeping my current camera because I would rather have that next trip.Margie and Rogerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09778628815035344373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-51780239942680160972010-10-08T14:42:22.371-07:002010-10-08T14:42:22.371-07:00This was a very thoughtful and interesting post. ...This was a very thoughtful and interesting post. We are only 49 days from our early "retirement" for many of the same reaswon you mention. It gives me great comfort to read your words. Thanks for sharing them with us.John and Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10358936538485648978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-34328772157239823882010-10-08T12:14:23.014-07:002010-10-08T12:14:23.014-07:00To us it is well worth it. We are "The Fruga...To us it is well worth it. We are "The Frugal Travelers" for a reason. We really are very frugal, and I think we have seen and been a lot of places we could not have gone to before selling our home and grounds. Like you, we visit very few expensive RV parks or places to eat. I do keep us on a very strict budget. So far, it works for us.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your thoughts.pidgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14392703561667529032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-80884762591926483402010-10-08T09:00:09.092-07:002010-10-08T09:00:09.092-07:00Margie ~ I like the topic of your post and you did...Margie ~ I like the topic of your post and you did a great job of explaining your philosophy. Life is full of trade-offs, regardless of what type of lifestyle you are living. We, too, have given up eating out in our attempt at frugal living. The trade-off is that we have to cook more, but it's not so bad because we have the time and enjoy it. And what we've gained on top of it is a more healthy lifestyle. I prefer to focus on what I've gained rather than what I've given up, because in my estimate, there are a heck of a lot more gains.The Gypsy G-Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00658443365750509452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-12145968682043332022010-10-08T08:13:03.741-07:002010-10-08T08:13:03.741-07:00We're with you all the way, Margie! Our full-t...We're with you all the way, Margie! Our full-time lifestyle had to change a couple of years ago, but not because of finances. Medical situations kept us in one location for two years. But in thoe two years we got a wonderful opporetunity to buy a used park trailer for our lot in Benson, and that has been splendid. Of course, that put a couple of new problems in our sack, but so what?Jerry and Suzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01381487159402842587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-89661210545171893282010-10-08T02:43:02.351-07:002010-10-08T02:43:02.351-07:00Hey Margie great post. After living the way we hav...Hey Margie great post. After living the way we have this last year..I could write a book on how to live economicaly!! lol<br />I know we aren't full timing...yet....but someday..when we do..I think it will be so refreshing not having these huge financial burdens hanging over our heads..ie..the house..the upkeep..the utilities...I know Walker could workcamp with the best of them.<br />Thanks for sharing..Hugs Cindy and WalkerCindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02605869260096318108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-28092549811545310732010-10-07T22:05:26.470-07:002010-10-07T22:05:26.470-07:00Not only did you write an excellent blog today, Ma...Not only did you write an excellent blog today, Margie, but you have received excellent comments. Good job sparking the discussion! <br /><br />I think it's good to be aware of exchanging one sack of problems for another. Life is not carefree, no matter how we live it. Being aware of the pitfalls of each type of lifestyle is important. There's no room for putting our heads in the sand, even if we are lucky enough to be hanging out at the beach! ;-)Carol Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09428623116947826625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-66245358492024636392010-10-07T20:08:47.873-07:002010-10-07T20:08:47.873-07:00Great post, Margie, and judging by the thoughtful ...Great post, Margie, and judging by the thoughtful comments left so far, you have certainly made everyone sit back and think a bit about priorities and lifestyles. As for giving up things, I'd have no problem at all with most of what you've done - except for the gadgets and gizmos. Gotta have those no matter what!!Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16523089898331291694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-31895962461716874232010-10-07T19:23:46.214-07:002010-10-07T19:23:46.214-07:00So, your post has me thinking. Yes, I think it...So, your post has me thinking. Yes, I think it's worth it, but lately my mind has been edging towards some possible changes in my fulltiming style. It will take further thought. :)Travels with Emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00411769980205792011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-16751294892447289492010-10-07T19:22:06.627-07:002010-10-07T19:22:06.627-07:00We brought the sack with us but have learned so ma...We brought the sack with us but have learned so many great lessons in these 6 years that we would never give up this lifestyle. Staying out here through the good and bad times for us has been completely worth it.<br /><br />Love your post and REALLY LOVE THE NEW PHOTO!Along the Way with JnKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06016391687029664293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-45229180458019270132010-10-07T19:17:39.057-07:002010-10-07T19:17:39.057-07:00I say it is 'so worth it'.just a different...I say it is 'so worth it'.just a different sack of troubles is all!..we have a few more years of working for a living..but we will be one of those younger fulltimers who will be working to keep the budget under control...at least part time anyway!...life is short..sometimes if you wait until you can afford it..you would never do it!..be it having children or selling everything and hitting the road..as for giving up things..I am so with you on that one..even now...when I go shopping?..the only things I will buy will be items that can come with us!<br />once again a great post, Margie!!Sue and Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11436889944386917688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-29033430869009279882010-10-07T18:17:49.334-07:002010-10-07T18:17:49.334-07:00Margie, I continue to be impressed with the qualit...Margie, I continue to be impressed with the quality of your blog - the thoughtfulness in your posts and your pictures. Is it worth it? This is a question John and I are continuously asking ourselves. So far, it has been worth it to be campground hosts as a way to explore Central Coast California while we try to relocate to the area. This was our dream when we set out over a year ago. It continues to be our dream to find work and a community that we will love in CCC. We're also become increasing more open to whatever might be delivered to us from the universe.Prettypics123https://www.blogger.com/profile/05002015227586327112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-18493791944520457012010-10-07T18:04:03.515-07:002010-10-07T18:04:03.515-07:00I always enjoy reading realistic posts like the on...I always enjoy reading realistic posts like the one you have just written. A post that asks questions & stimulates thought process's. How refreshing to read about thoughts & feelings, fears, apprehensions, dreams, common sense & a logical approaches to very real situations. Well done Margie & good for you to shine some light on the other side of RVing!! Careful now, you just might end up in the bear pit with Rick & I............Al Bossencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04307619781955351484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-20071462391037897562010-10-07T17:56:33.058-07:002010-10-07T17:56:33.058-07:00My husband retired at 48 years old and he has not ...My husband retired at 48 years old and he has not looked back. Sometimes though I think he works harder now than at his former job. We are very happy with our life. The only thing better would be winters in the South, but it is nice at home too.Verahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07010712914240978913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-68215191095518776592010-10-07T17:43:11.425-07:002010-10-07T17:43:11.425-07:00Margie, this was an awesome post - we completely a...Margie, this was an awesome post - we completely agree with you. When we made the decision to look into this and perhaps pursue it, we had many friends who could not possibly imagine being without their big houses. We can. My work stresses are so big that it is a no brainer for us. We cannot wait to start our new lifestyle, and by the way, we have great support from our 2 boys and family towards our decision. We are also aware that our new 'home' ( the 5th W ) will have its' own upkeep and problems - that is just life!K and D in the RVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17731109196434337232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-38251200358135088812010-10-07T17:18:02.899-07:002010-10-07T17:18:02.899-07:00As I see it, we have to live somewhere. My though...As I see it, we have to live somewhere. My thought is, I want to have a different view out my window, often. No, I don't want to travel every day, or even once a week, but perhaps once every month or so.<br />We don't favor fancy resturants, or play golf, or have other expensive hobbies. In fact, for the last several years, our recreation has been to go out in our RV.<br />So making the move to fulltiming made sense to us, and in fact, is proving cheaper than past living in a rented condo.<br />We are still working full time, living in a nice RV park in the same general area we have lived in for 20 years. My wife will retire soon, with a small pension, I will probably keep working (internet based) for a long time, but we love living in our RV.<br />I maintain a strict budget, and know where all the dollars go. It only has to be as expensive as you make it, you just trade the fixed foundation for one on wheels.<br />Dan & BarbAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-76420291922600405222010-10-07T17:16:54.015-07:002010-10-07T17:16:54.015-07:00I enjoyed reading your thoughts. They certainly a...I enjoyed reading your thoughts. They certainly apply to our lifestyle and I could not help think that this same thought process must be used in other lifestyles when times are tough. Indeed, if you find yourself out of work and living in a house that perhaps was too expensive even when you had work, you now must make some hard decisions.<br /><br />We must all take stock of what we chose to do to live the way we would like too. Not facing reality and choosing wisely will have potentially life changing results. <br /><br />I always like to tell my kids that good decisions tend to lead to more good decisions and vice verse.Chuck and Anneke's RV travelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01929384797592263167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299557482858328213.post-22071708865284909302010-10-07T16:21:25.394-07:002010-10-07T16:21:25.394-07:00This is a well-written and thought-provoking post....This is a well-written and thought-provoking post. Each of us have our own take on it, but you are pretty much right on with the majority, would be my bet.<br /><br />I took an early retirement a long time ago, and lived in my own gypsy world for many years. Even with 5 years spent in a stix & brix in North Carolina, I still traveled extensively. But I sure gave up the entertainment, eating out, fashion, and all the rest. I am totally happy (although not exactly content with my current status of sitting and waiting) with my decision to retire early. I'm also totally happy doing without what I gave up a long time ago.Gypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18052445200220681513noreply@blogger.com