I guess, for a variety of reasons, finally, in our 70's and after 40+ years of RVing in various forms, we seem to have a little more spendable cash. For example, we decided we wanted a bedroom window awning for our 30 ft. Class C and we felt free to go ahead and spend the $300 or so. Same thing with making a bunch of reservations for next winter at risk of having to cancel. Also don't live in dread of the next expensive repair that we know will come. These kinds of expenses used to make RVing really stressful and made us wonder if we could really afford it. I guess I don't have a point except that RVing is expensive and not for everyone. Our income is well under 6 figures but we are debt free. Yea.

Debt free is liberating for sure!!!Knowing that monies IN are greater than monies OUT is best of being debt free especially when one is on a 'fixed income'

As I approach my 70s I am of the philosophy that it's time to start enjoying my money rather than watching every penny. I've done that all my working life so I can be in this position.. and I like it!I leave generous tips, I give money to street beggars and musicians, I spend freely on my boondocking electrical system. I buy the best products I can find. Being in dread of the cost of new tires or repairs is not a fun way to live. Unfortunately there are many who have to. I'm just lucky I'm not one of them.

I've been debt free for about 40 years, but I'm still having to watch every 10 dollar bill. I try and save a buck every place that I can,....because I can sure spend the money....:B

Also don't live in dread of the next expensive repair that we know will come. These kinds of expenses used to make RVing really stressful and made us wonder if we could really afford it.That wouldn't have been for us. Our first RV was a pickup truck and stress free tent camping for many, many happy and enjoyable years until I retired and purchased our first TT and knew we could cover the upkeep and any unexpected expenses. :)Sure, while tenting inclement weather was sometimes an issue, but finances never were. Today, while enjoying all the creature comforts of out TT, we still reminisce about the "early days" of camping and what fun we had. :BTime to relax and enjoy life. RVing, no matter the style, should be stress free for everyone! ;)

Being debt free will actually make you wealthy. Just keep it that way and you will always have plenty of money to spend. I have never figured out how people can afford to finance a RV of any kind. You are under water the day after purchase and it just goes on. This is not meant to insult any of you that have financed you dream machine, I just can't see how it can be done. You can tell I am a retired bean counter.

Money and costs. | Good Sam Community

RedJeep
Explorer
Apr 10, 2016
Kids are nine. How many years do I have to take them all over the US and Canada? I figure we have six years maybe seven. Gonna spend. Income continues to go up. Debt goes up down up down.

RVing seems to be the most cost effective way to see and do the most for our family.
noplace2
Explorer
Apr 10, 2016
Jayco-noslide wrote:
I guess I don't have a point except that RVing is expensive and not for everyone.

I agree with most everything you said about being debt free. That is key. Haven't made an interest payment on anything in over 20 years and that was on a property amortized over only 5 years.

I vehemently disagree that it is expensive to RV unless you make it that way. We have been FT RV'rs for 15 years. We want for nothing, live life to the fullest and enjoy peace and quiet in an ever changing landscape, and this is the the least expensive way we've ever lived.

I'm sure that there are exceptions, but by and large, people who express that RV'ing is expensive are looking at significant debt and those who spend money ad infinitum.
Cobra21
Explorer
Apr 09, 2016
After a lifetime of saving, it's hard to do a 180 and just spend. Gets
to be old habit! But I can think of worse habits.
Brian
Homer1
Explorer
Apr 09, 2016
Being debt free will actually make you wealthy. Just keep it that way and you will always have plenty of money to spend. I have never figured out how people can afford to finance a RV of any kind. You are under water the day after purchase and it just goes on. This is not meant to insult any of you that have financed you dream machine, I just can't see how it can be done. You can tell I am a retired bean counter.
3oaks
Explorer
Apr 09, 2016
Also don't live in dread of the next expensive repair that we know will come. These kinds of expenses used to make RVing really stressful and made us wonder if we could really afford it.
That wouldn't have been for us. Our first RV was a pickup truck and stress free tent camping for many, many happy and enjoyable years until I retired and purchased our first TT and knew we could cover the upkeep and any unexpected expenses. :)

Sure, while tenting inclement weather was sometimes an issue, but finances never were. Today, while enjoying all the creature comforts of out TT, we still reminisce about the "early days" of camping and what fun we had. :B

Time to relax and enjoy life. RVing, no matter the style, should be stress free for everyone! ;)
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2016
I've been debt free for about 40 years, but I'm still having to watch every 10 dollar bill. I try and save a buck every place that I can,....because I can sure spend the money....:B
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2016
As I approach my 70s I am of the philosophy that it's time to start enjoying my money rather than watching every penny. I've done that all my working life so I can be in this position.. and I like it!

I leave generous tips, I give money to street beggars and musicians, I spend freely on my boondocking electrical system. I buy the best products I can find.

Being in dread of the cost of new tires or repairs is not a fun way to live. Unfortunately there are many who have to. I'm just lucky I'm not one of them.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2016
Debt free is liberating for sure!!!

Knowing that monies IN are greater than monies OUT is best of being debt free especially when one is on a 'fixed income'

Forum Discussion

Money and costs.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Laundry money

Changing Money

19.5s.....It's Only Money

waste of money

Trip costs?