1 MONTH VAN LIFE EXPENSES | how much living in a van actually costs
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Our guide to saving enough money to live this lifestyle yourself: thematneys.co/...
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When we started living in a van, we had no idea what our monthly van life expenses would be. We knew that our van life expenses would be lower than our apartment expenses, and they are, but it was hard to gauge how much living in a van actually costs before we lived it.
Hopefully, this helps YOU gauge how much living in a van will cost you and what your 1 month van life expenses will be. Any questions? Comment below!
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BILLS: (2:14)
Car insurance: $184
Health insurance: $249
Internet & phone: $120
Gym membership: $40
TOTAL: $593
OTHER MONTHLY: (7:28)
Investments: $200
Life insurance: $50
Spotify: $15
TOTAL: $265
LIVING: (8:57)
Coffee: $300
Groceries: $350
Eating out: $350
Gas: $300
TOTAL: $1300
TOTAL: $2158 (13:53)
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Hey guys! A lot of you have been concerned about our coffee expenses, which is understandable ;) I don’t think we were quite clear in the video. We need wifi to work so we work at cafes because we love getting to know the coffee scene in the different cities we’re in. The reason the bill is so high is because we value supporting independently owned cafes and will tip well and order multiple drinks if we’re there for a long time. We're fully aware that there are other ways to go about finding internet, but we find that we're more productive in these settings.
Minimal Millennials also, coffee shops are a chill place that have functional bathrooms.
You have to do what makes your heart happy. Thank you for sharing this video with everyone. I think most people don't even look at what they're spending on things (like coffee or eating out) and if they would they might be surprised. Proud of you for what you're doing and I enjoy watching your videos. Keep on keepin on.
One needs to have a coffee. What's life without a good cup of java? Also, completely agree on supporting local coffee shops.
Minimal Millennials use android andget the premium spotify for free. Free up that 15.00
@ Minimal Millennials Take caffeine pills they're powerful and super cheap.
Soul baring honesty. Few people will offer up their income and expenses. This is what I really like about you guys.
except they don't explain how they each work this full-time job they don't speak about while traveling around in a van.
d c we actually do my friend: ua-cam.com/video/ivJSXW7JjGg/v-deo.html
Also thank you Jim, very kind of you. Glad this was helpful.
Agree. Definitely appreciate their honesty. This is what separates them from other youtuber's that are living this kind of lifestyle. They're worth the time to watch.
Me Meatballs Negativity is never productive. Listen to what they honestly said in this video to their audience.
Putting away almost 50% of your Income for long term savings👌. Respect.
How is $200 50% of $4,000?
@@rainaeira1956 Because mathing is complicated I usually blank out, but I got this one. $4000-$2158= $1852
Lmfao
Yeah, a saying goes the one with the most toys wins, but I would rather have the bigger bank account and retirement.
My monthly coffee expense... $0.00. I just swipe coffee packets from work lol.
Nicki B isn’t that what a thief is? I’m not judging I’ve done way worse but I owned it. I’ll shut up now.
@@JRKA If you are taking the coffee from work for non work time use, YES that would be stealing. I have worked at places that provide coffee, and even though it was not the best, I drank coffee at work. I only made it at home on the weekends to save money. BUT I only drank it AT work. Anything else would have been stealing. Just like using the work toilet paper WHILE at work is ok, but taking rolls home is stealing. Not the best comparison but drives the point home.
Becky Masoner cool.
Bill Randall literally no one cares if you drink coffee or not. “hur hur im better than you because i dont need coffee” some people (like my amazing mother for example) leave for work at 5 am and get home at 10, factoring in 30 mins to an hour to get ready, thats about 6 hours of sleep. just because you dont need coffee doesnt mean other people dont either. you dont live their lives. calling someone an addict for coffee just makes you sound like a dick. worry about the crackheads, not hard working adults
Better buy a portable coffee grinder and cheap coffee beans, that worked for me.
amazing. *No-one* does the actual figures of income and expenditure. This is the difference between "oh that's cool, I wish we could do that" and "ok, we can do this too!".
There needs to be more of these videos.
From a sixties movie, the phrase: "Doing your own thing in your own time!"
You have made a beautiful choice at the right time of your life. Building sweet lifetime memories.
Congrats on being adventurous.
as someone who plans to travel alone and lives on energy drinks and pack of 5 noodles for 90cents from aldi i think ill be fine
I loved this. People never go this is in-depth and actually say how much they make. It was so nice the way you guys approached it and explained a lot of stuff really made me feel like you want to help us. Needless to say you both are amazing. Keep up the amazing content.
You are so sweet, thank you so much for the encouragement. Because we you guys we are absolutely going to keep up the content.
Minimal Millennials they get money from their parents
I think $4,000 was the most I ever made in a whole year.. check out my channel. please
@@TaiStar42 That's so depressing. Certainly not something to be touting.
@@billheadoakland I'm not depressed about it
I think it's awesome that you guys want to live a life like this. Most people try to live in big houses or drive a fancy car. I respect van-life. I am honestly considering it. I am tired of "keeping up with the Jones."
Idk dude, i cant see myself living like this. but i have so many luxuries that can only be provided by a house i see this as unfeasable
@@Alpha-gk6hd
Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
You're not smoking and you're not drinking have all coffee you want.
Yes! That's what I thought too. Some ppl pay $8/day for smokes ($240/month) and idk $50 to $400 a month for drinking or going to clubs. So let them have their coffee.
They could make their own for 15-20$ a month
Tito BunkN I don’t think you got the point my friend...
@Connor G 😂😂😂😂 im sure you don't understand what any of those words mean
@Connor G Yeah, they're literally paying to have an office. And they're treating the barista as a resource--a native informant. I think spending money on a place to plug in is super smart. You can't work all day in a stuffy van.
So many people are hating. People are saying "Oh not really minimalist then, hurhurhur" but it is. They don't have huge 200k houses with multiple expensive cars. They don't go out and buy clothing every new season, they don't waste things. They aren't materialistic. They don't need a huge space and a bunch of materialistic crap to be happy, and I think that's a good definition of minimalist.
lizzy claire it is, but its just crazy that there's such a big difference of income and lifestyle between people who even live in the same city. My dad makes 900 a week if he puts in overtime, 5am-6pm etc. And that's cause we live a pretty decent lifestyle but its very minimal as well, we don't get to go shopping for new things etc. Cause of other investments. Its just crazy lol some people could only dream.
What’s a huge 200k house? That doesn’t exist in the Bay Area.
200k houses are generally not huge...
I mean they spend $300 a month on coffee. I'd call that pretty insane. You can just buy coffee grounds and make some great coffee for like, $30 a month max.
they still aren't minimalist
Why would anyone judge. Very interesting the comments made below. "Right Way", "losing", "living the dream", Seriously if one chooses to live a way they want to live, and are enjoying it, then how can anyone complain about them. It's not your dream. They're posting good information for others who share this lifestyle. My wife and I are about to embark on this journey due to loss of jobs resulting from injuries that led living on disability for both of us. Time and unforeseen circumstances can lose that big house and financial security. There is no such thing as financial security. Your wealth is always at risk.
Gladly we each have artistic hobbies that allow us to craft and sell at markets, to help survive. We can no longer work for people. But we are not going to be depressed over losing careers and will make the best of our lives together. No one an take our happiness from us, don't let anyone take your's. great video.
LOL your fixed expenses are less than my rent. Excuse me while I cry in my roach infested 1 bedroom.
Amelia Ryczek haha me too
Same, but I have Brown Recluse Spiders D;
haha oh man, it's all a process
Try living in Vancouver. Their grand total expenses are still less than my rent :(
Who pissed in your cereal?
You guys are so inspiring and awesome that you posted ACTUAL numbers. My husband and I have been watching all of your videos the past few days because we are planning to renovate a van next year to take out on the road full time. Not many people are providing actual numbers and costs, so thank you for sharing!! Did you do a video about how much you spent to build/renovate the van/how much the van cost/how long it took you to build it?
So glad it was helpful for you! That video is coming soon, and if you haven't already, go check out Eamon and Bec's recent video about how much their conversion cost. They use real numbers too and it's super helpful.
still saving half your income, your doing great!
It kind of bothers me when people try to argue that this is expensive or that they have a family and spend as much or less. Idk, most of my college friends had to have three to four roommates and no space and only ate crap, and (for one person) were spending 7-800 to live. Most adults I know spend 1500-2500 depending on if they are already married, and they are being very strict with their budget. These individuals are traveling the country and eating out and exploring every location they visit, and doing activities without concern, and they are also spending money on food as a significant priority. I know very very few young individuals (or couples) whom have such a clear grasp of how to manage finances. I'm sure anyone can eat canned beans and not shower and not visit local attractions and spend less. Being smart with money isn't about spending less than everyone. It's about working to make a decent salary, saving what you can, spending on what is functional and needed to live, and knowing how to budget so that you can still live a full life.
Makenzie you said it perfectly. 100% agree with you, thanks for the insightful comment. Couldn't agree with you more.
i spend like £1,500 a month as a student
Yeah but it depends on the person, what they want to do, their income, their cost of living. Someone who needs pharmaceuticals may have increased cost of living. Some people, like me, don't like moving their whole house around. I bought a house because I want somewhere to be home base, have somewhere familiar to call home. I have a car I can drive where ever I want, and do fairly frequently, although with not quite as much freedom as these two do, but that is what paid vacation days are for. I agree with them I don't like having a lot of shit, but I like having a space that is mine that I can paint the walls, have a dinner table, a sofa, a few things and decorate and make mine, but not a big space because I don't want to be cleaning in all my free time or feeling like its empty and trying to fill with crap. I also have pets and they need a bigger space for the few hours I am away between breakfast and lunch and then lunch and dinner during the week while I work. Other then that I spend lots of time with them and they come along for roadtrips. As far as expenses, I have no idea what I spend because I clear $125k after taxes and have no need to pay attention because I live off very little (Even though I should pay attention anyhow), and these two living expenses still seem somewhat expensive to me (Although maybe I haven't considered its for two people, and I am just one person). I still spend like I am in University though because I got used to that lifestyle of being frugal and saving as much as possible, but it also gives me the freedom that if I do really want something, a new car to do road trips in, something new or fancy for one of my existing hobbies, whatever, I can. That is really the only freedom a lot of money gives you is emergencies are less worrying, and you can have a bit more spontaneity. I want to make very clear, from experience, money doesn't buy happiness. But I stuck with that University lifestyle as well because I always heard, always save at least 50% of what you make, the other 50% spend initially on what you absolutely need and the rest is spending. Well I have nothing to spend money on so I save it. No reason to spend money just because you have it. But I also have a lot of skills most people I don't think possess, I build all my own furniture because I am very skilled in wood and metal working, as well as upholstering...And I just want my house to look a certain way and Ikea doesn't have exactly whats in my head, call me picky as well. I am an Electrical Engineer by profession and build a lot of my own electronics which I know is generally not an option for a lot of people. Your circumstance dictates your lifestyle and your lifestyle is what you base your opinion of what is expensive or not off of. Its relative.
The reason why most people might see this as expensive still even if its lower then their cost of living is because you could be putting money toward a house, which will hold more value over a long period of time, whereas their van depreciates, it costs money to operate, and in case of an emergency, you don't have a large investment you can back yourself with like you can with a house. A house is a investment, vehicles generally are consumables. You spend money on a vehicle and will never see any of it back. I don't know if they bought this van new or used, I haven't watched any of your other videos (But I like this one, definitely subscribing), but lets say they bought it new, roughly $35000 in 2007, today depending on condition and mileage, its worth $2000 - $15000. That will continue to decrease as time goes on that they keep it, and over that time they continue to spend money on it. A house, you spend money on it too, yes, but at the same time, real estate prices increase, or at least depreciate less. The reason I also wanted to buy a house is because my father did when he was younger, actually while he attended university, and had roommates and charged enough rent that the roommates and tenants he had over several years, paid for the house itself (Yes, other people basically bought him a house) and the money he made working sustained himself and creating a savings. He paid $20000 for a house in the mid 1970's. He just decided to sell because he is retired and doesn't want to worry about having a rental property anymore, and it sold for $1.1 million. That $20000 adjusted for inflation is worth about $100000 today, so he made 10x his original investment. Granted that is over a long period of time, and housing prices may not climb that much, but looking at how these people are living in a van, and say even 5 or 10 years from now, have not really gained footing in an investment like that. And even if their cost of living currently is lower, they are not making footsteps toward something in the future, which is why when I look at #VanLife, it seems really expensive. Its a very cool experience, but its not something I would want or think is a good idea for a long period of time, its cool to do for a year, maybe 2, but long term there are unconsidered factors that don't necessarily make it expensive, but don't further your money, or get the most out of it. I guess the way I see it is value, and you have to consider other people may see it differently and still see it and argue it as expensive.
As for these two, if I had any advise on getting cost of living down, figure out how to change the oil and filter yourself, invest in a $15 OBD-II reader to check any codes on your vehicle that pop up and Google the problem as well, sometimes its really simple, no cost at all, like undoing your battery for 10 minutes to reset the computer, but the stealership will charge you $150 to do (And yes, they will charge you that much to disconnect for 10 minutes). I hate spending $800 at a stealership to have them fix something that I can do in an hour and a $50 OEM part as well. Which also mean invest in a cheap set of tools if you haven't already, they don't have to be the uber nice Snap-On brand, but have some general purpose tools around. Even if you don't live in a van or don't think you can replace parts on your vehicle yourself, having a little household set of tools can save you serious bank, because handymen can rip you off. Buy good tires from a good shop, your best insurance is a good set of rubbers, and that can be applied to other aspects of life (Also curious, how many miles per year do you put on your van roughly?). I do about 30k - 40k miles per year on my most driven vehicle, and I spend about $1500 on Nokian WRG-3 4Season tires installed, with free tire rotations done at their shop included every 2 years because of that. Rotate your damn tires, I don't think I have met another millennial that knows this. Rotate your tires and you will get longer life out of them.
I like this video though and can't wait to check out the rest of your channel, I see lots of people our age doing really dumb shit, but its nice seeing people thinking about stuff as well, and I want to see more of your videos and what you do and how you approach life.
Go ahead, Makenzie!! :)
they make way more money than I ever have... when I was a kid we lived on about $2,000 dollars a YEAR... when I went through college I lived on about $4,500 dollars a YEAR from scholarship grant money... and now I live happily with a wife and two kids on less than $4,000 a year... ... ... Sub my Channel Please.. it will help me keep my YT earnings.. THANK YOU!!!
Apparently some people think it's weird that you make $4,000 a month and choose to live like this, rather than buying a house with more space than you'll ever use or posessions you don't really need.
Thanks Mael! That's what we are thinking. We aren't claiming this is how to live in poverty and make it okay, this is how we personally simplify our life and it doesn't really have anything to do with our financial situation
To me the lifestyle you chose is what fits you, it's not about money and it's not about saving. It's about seeing the world and having experiences over possessions. I totally get it and I have been contemplating something similar in a year or two (after paying off a few debts first).
😂
MaeI Be buying a house is more about equity then the house space you'll never use.....real estate is where the money is.
@@timepperson3284 Tell that to the people who lost their homes in 2008.
I just wanted to say that it was really cool of you both to go into such detail with your finances. Talking about your money is considered such a taboo thing and it’s really refreshing (and helpful) to see how much it actually takes to live a certain lifestyle. Wish there were more people like you. Thanks.
I love that you're minimalists because you completely bypass the costs of clothes, shoes, home decor, souvenirs, etc. and your living expense categories are so simple!
Haha yeah Madison we don't spend a whole lot of money on that stuff. A bit of those costs were assumed into the grocery cost (weekly water and such), coffee (stickers - that's the only trinket we buy), etc. We very, very rarely buy new clothes. Only when something wears out and we absolutely need something. I think I personally am a bit obsessed with spending as little money as possible on clothes lol.
4000 a month? Life must be hard....
Not when your living expenses are lower. 4k/month in southern california is very hard while 4k/month in North Dakota is more than enough.
Ess he was being sarcastic
This is the first video I have ever seen by y'all! Thanks for being so honest, cant imagine how difficult it is to put this on the internet! I wouldn't be so hard on yourselves about coffee, you are supporting local business's and baristas! Yall live in a freaking van, you should be allowed to splurge!
Can I just say well done to these two for being the only youtubers to be so humble and honest about their UA-cam pay. Just well done
This isn't about finances traveling vs. having a house. You spend more than I do and I have a house and land. You are living a different kind of life that you will appreciate when you're down the road of life.
More people need to understand this! Too often people go cheap with their food and they buy expensive clothes and material things. Invest in yourself, literally! Put the best things in your body!
And I know it's a LAPtop but try not to put it on your lap lol
It wasn't on my lap haha I had something to put it on, but I do have my laptop on my lap right now. Why not put it there? Genuinely interested haha
Anyway, 100% agree when it comes to food. Heard some wise advice once from an older couple I am friends with and they told me that they agreed when they got married that food was the thing they would always be willing to spend money on. We've tried to implement that in our lives as well.
Minimal Millennials there's speculation about laptops being linked to cancer and fertility complications. Might be reaching but I just rather be safe than sorry. I try not to have it on my lap for extended periods and not at all when I was pregnant. 🤗
huh - you never know man, we haven't had enough time to do extensive studies on this kind of stuff so I respect your default to safety ;) I'm sure some pretty gnarly stuff will turn up in a few decades from all of this exposure to artificial blue light and screen time and such.
Minimal Millennials exactly! I try not to be a 'guinea pig' as much as I can lol
As a guy, a laptop heats me up _down there_ (you know what I mean), and that's proven to be a heat higher than it should be. Killing sperm and it will cause aching that will last about half the day after for just a one hour session.
Having a laptop on your lap isn't comfortable anyway.
I love that the video that introduces me to your channel is the expenses video.
Staying open and honest, I really appreciate it!
Thanks! :)
You guys are the coolest. I appreciate you pointing out every little detail and being so honest and transparent about the whole thing. This has been incredibly helpful for me and I'm sure it has been for others as well.
Thank you so much! So super glad this has been helpful
Why you quit UA-cam? You have some nice videos and got some good numbers of views
I'm a manager at Caribou Coffee, when you said you talk to the baristas and tip and that is important to you I absolutely melted. I liked you guys right away, then totally fell in love! ❤️
Thanks for the transparency guys - much appreciated. This has given me great peace of mind for my future van life plans :)
Keep up the consistently insightful and entertaining content!
Good! Hope to meet you out there on the road :)
OMG thank you SO much for your honesty in the break down! I'm so tired of other channels going out of their way to deceive their viewers
This is the first video I’ve seen from you guys and I’m definitely a new subscriber! I love your comfortability on camera and the energy you two have together. Can’t wait to see more!
Gym 21.50
Insurance 150
Phone 47
Car payments 236
Food 120
Eat out 30
Gas 50 to 100
Extra 40
Car fix 100
1016 dollars monthly
I make around 1200 to 1600... but i could make 1800 if i work hard
Thats 200 to 600 in savings each month... in the past 3 months ive saved in reality 500 dollars! But this month i am starting to get back up... i had a spending spree buying whatever... stuff that i didnt even need... i buy fruits at the grocery store when i do shop and other things like bread and ham cheese... clothes will last me years... laundy mat doesnt cost me much just 12.50 to 17.50 monthly... i take showers at the gym...
gamerstashers
What's a "laundy mat"?
Must be pirate free because I don't hear any "arrrrrs"
Aaron Staska
You're not good at subtle cues.
You'll never be a detective.
Hint;
1) "i take showers at the gym"
2) Car payment $236
Alright, nice savings. Now put 'em all on bitcoin! Bet your life on a one-in-a-million shot at the moon!
BITCONNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECT
I'm sorry
@@lydiajohnson6032
Bit cone??
Cone?
Are you referring to a used ice cream container??
This is the first video I've watched of yours. I'd like to help your UA-cam income so I subscribed. Keep steady and honest. Stay awesome.
People always forget vehicle maintenance. Im glad you guys touched on it. Its one of those things that if you ignore it, costs way more in the long run.
Emergency fund.
Vehicle depreciation.
@@roamer4353 not just depreciation but rust and deterioration. Especially where it snows. Rust repair is very expensive especially if paint is involved. Even maacco will run you over 1.5k for a cheap paint job. Your van house deteriorates faster than any permanent house and it costs way more to fix. Especially if the previous owner ignored maintenance(see it with construction vehicles all the time, they dont care about the next owner). I see piss poor bondo rust repair all the time on these builds and its just a lazy half assed way to fix a problem.
Josh P
Agreed
A lot of van dwellers miss these considerations out if their calculations.
I dont plan on livin the van lifestyle, I just really enjoy your videos.
That's awesome, thanks Tiffany
Just wanted to say thank you so much for being so honest and genuine. You dont know hoe helpfull you are! I found you guys' channel a couple days ago and have been binge watching in every spare moment since! Very much becoming my favourite youtubers and you're making me so excited to start a new life like yours. Much love, Brisbane Australia x
Thank you so much! So, so glad that it has been helpful to you and interesting. That's why we are doing this! Much love right back at you
Minimal Millennials 😊❤
I hate how people are hating on you guys. You're doing what you want to do and you're happy. If you have the money to spend on coffee after all of your necessities are covered... do it! It's your life. So glad you guys are doing this. Thank you for sharing this video.
Thanks for sharing. The transparency and honesty is why I enjoy your videos!
You are welcome and so glad you liked it.
4k a month. wow these two are upper class van-dwellers, the kind I look up to in my used 03 conversion van. But that's the thing with this life- there is lots of flexibility.
I thought that they made a lot until I realised I make about the same. Even without my partners salary
That's like 15 an hour at 40 hours a week. I flip burgers and make that.
@@Dr.Longest Uh no its not. 15.00 an hour is 600.00 per week and 2400.00 a month.
@@Imachowderhead apologies, I forgot to add that between my fiance and I, like those 2, make that much in the food industry.
at minimum wage $15hrly x 40. $500 each per week. Times two people does come around $4k a month.
Thank you guys for sharing this with us! My wife and I are retired now and we will live on $4K a month. We want to invest in a RV or large van conversion and your info really gives me a perspective on the "cost of living" on the road. You two are a wonderful and intelligent couple...wise beyond your years. Have a safe journey wherever you go.
eating out $350, lol dude that's a months worth of reg groceries right there
Rob Chan - More like two
-months worth.
Months worth for who? Family of 4 & we spend that every 2 weeks.
For 2 people living in a van, like the video. XD
300 dollars on coffee? That is insane. I live in my van for WORKING reasons to save money on the road. I may eat our once a week, I might grab a coffee at the gas station a few times a week which to me is still wasteful. Other days I cook in the woods or if I'm lazy eat MRE's. Being minimalist I would think would include being self reliant. I dont consider myself a minimalist, only dildos use that word
Facts
dont know how such young people are so responsible and practical but good for you!!!!much more together than i was!! i think being married prolly helps you stay grounded..
Haha thank you! Being married is a huge help for sure, plus we have good family that really did help us grow up pretty grounded financially.
I really appreciate how thoughtful you guys are with your expenses and your candidness about what's necessary vs. the creature comforts. I'd love to live in a van like this which definitely sounds weird but is the truth lol.
You guys are rocking it. Thanks for being so honest
Thanks!
People in video: “we pay for health care”
Canadians: “ha lol”
Came to say, "$250 for communal health care... So... Canadian healthcare lite?"
Canadians pay for it through higher taxes.... nothing is free in life.
Everyone pays for healthcare genius, it's just that Canadians pay it through taxes instead. Also over 70% of Canadians have supplemental private insurance as well.
@@stopper90004 we don't payer higher taxes, the tax payers money is better managed, i get taxed 30%
@@Marly123 Not everyone needs or even WANTS healthcare! In America, we have the freedom to make that decision for ourselves. Also, I personally don't want to pay for the healthcare of obese people, or smokers, or Democrats who lick toilet seats for a TikTok challenge!
I just came across your channel and love it. I'm so happy the two of you are taking the time now, to explore, work, and live. I'm 62 and no longer have the same level of mobility, to roam as you are doing now. I will live vicariously through you. Best Wishes.
So, your van is paid for outright? Since I didn’t see that expense.
$350 a month is great for healthy food. $300 for coffee, though lol
This is so valuable and I really appreciate you guys being so open with all of this. That's a great amount for covering all your expenses. I think anyone that gives you a hard time about your expenses may not fully understand what they spend on everything every month on their own expenses. Things add up so quickly and it's easy to forget about the little unplanned splurges. Everyone has priorities that are unique to them so internet and coffee for you guys is a need for your dream lifestyle and that's what this whole experience is about :) Supporting local businesses is terrific as well so keep it up you two! Definitely inspiring. Thanks! 👏
$4000 a month AFTER taxes?? You guys could live very comfortably in a regular home.
That's just not true.
I live in Sacramento. The average rent/mortgage for a standard 3-bedroom house is like $1600 a month. It's even lower in many other cities. How can they not afford $1600 a month when they have $4,000 in take-home?
D Lish bills bro. There’s water, electric, garbage.
D Lish lol I live in San Francisco. They would be lucky to get a studio
not in new york, thats poverty level here! i should know:(
I really appreciate your guys' honestly and vulnerability in sharing your incomes and expenses! Thank you
Aww thank you
Great video guys, my family and I are in the process to making a life on the road for a year and videos like this are super helpful and really make everything seem so much more feasible. Thanks and cheers 🤙🏼
May I ask what you each do for a living that allows you to live this lifestyle? I'd love to do this in a few years but am still trying to figure out career goals and whatnot. Thanks!
Congratulations to you guys. For as young as you are. You definitely got ahead of most early 20's. One other thing I may suggest if you're not doing. Write down every penny you spent everyday. After a month, you can find area where you can save. Another thing I do is I only spend dollar bills, and no loose changes. The changes goes into a piggy bank. That's another way I save. Keep up the awesome videos, and enjoy your adventure
Great idea, thanks John. I think that practice is super healthy to do a couple of times per year. We are probably due for a month of really paying attention to each penny.
You folks are awesome! Unlike so many, you should know you are truly living live. Nothing is worse then working only to survive. Being a minialist not only offers the opportunity to safe money but also allows you truly freedom. 😁
Im really debating on buying a van and moving out 😕 but I’m only 18.
girl do ittttt what's stopping you 🙌🐸
Nothing is stopping you just make sure the van is completely ready to live in
Take the risk
I wanna do that after Im done with school and get my own money Im blessed with a mom who actually helps me achieve my dreams and would let me live in her home till the van is ready to live in
Buy the van ,learn everything about the van inside out , decorate it your way , find a caravan tribe and live life to fullest , nothing is more fun than traveling around with friends and learning the ropes of the road .
Omg you have to buy a drone when you reach some kind of new mile stone or something... van life + drone would make for some epic shots.... xx
thanks fam! That is absolutely on the wish list. Next we are thinking we are going to treat ourselves to a rx100 to get our vlogging game up but then the drone might be next! All depends on if we can get some income flowing in on this channel haha ;) And yeah wouldn't that make some amazing shots?? I'd want that just for myself because that sounds like so much fun!
So you pretend to be minimalists and you're considering wasting your money on some shitty expensive plastic gadget you'll use maybe twice ?
Minimal Millennials patronize it we will help
I have seen some drone videos... amazing the shots you can get only that way
drone is sexual pervert is forbid to do.
I love to see young people doing what they love and doing well. Very cool, great job.
If you include coffee, you’re spending $1000 a month on food for two people.
Yeah... That seems a little insane to me. I spend about $200 a month on food and coffee for myself. That includes a protein rich diet with minimal carbs/sugar... They aren't going for frugality though, and that's their decision I suppose :)
yeah same I spend about 200 or less a month on food but I pretty much don't eat takeout/goto restaurants or buy much precooked or frozen stuff.. if you cook everything yourself from scratch its much cheaper than going out to eat or frozen food and all that (plus homecooked food tastes better in my opinion .. plus you know exactly whats in the food too and all that!)
0o I Died In A Time Machine o0 Agreed! I just think about how much all the money I'm saving is going to be worth 10 years down the line as an investment, and that's enough to make me not eat out :)
I feed a family of 4 for a month for half of what you guys spend on food. And we eat organic. Not a lot of meat. This includes wine and occasional coffee out and eating out. What are you two eating?
S S mhm I’m a family of four and I spend $100 a month
Let’s not act like healthy food is $350. You can definitely get healthy foods for a lot less. My husband and I eat mostly organic and fully vegan.. we spend $50 a week.
PotatoSalad Gorl vegan is the opposite of healthy 😂
@@bennettrf2793 actually some people do have to go vegan because they would die if they continued their regular lifestyle, the part of veganism that becomes unhealthy is not doing proper research and ending up horribly sick from it. I used to know someone who wanted to become vegan because it's trendy and they ended up in the hospital because they didn't do the proper research and lacked a lot of nutrients.
Technically any diet can be unhealthy if the person in question didn't research or pay attention to the foods they're eating (eating large quantities of beef when you really should be eating it in small quantities, fish & chicken are healthy lean meats that you should eat instead).
Okay but that depends on where you are. Feed an average family a vegan diet, ouch. At least where I live 😅
It’s an excuse. It’s more expensive to eat processed foods because you are never full. They are like empty calories. I spend $40 on groceries a week for myself and I’m a vegetarian. I’ve been one since I was 12. Keep your groceries and meals simple.
sassynottrashy 40$ a week is a lot 🤣 what are you? entitled or something? “It’s not that expensive, see I can do it!” *literally every average family glaring daggers because of the ignorance* and for yourself only too 😭
You guys are so great for being open and honest, including about UA-cam income. Extremely refreshing to see! Much respect and kudos for going your own way!
_I made a spreadsheet of my income/outcome, it's fairly easy to track the money. More people should look into graphing their expenses_
What kind of jobs can u make money while traveling. What are these remote jobs?
They're truck stop hookers.
I'm an engineering contractor I did that living in my van for a while, saved a lot of money. Better to stay at a nice motel. My job were anywhere between 2 weeks to 24 months. Went thru 48 jobs in my 35 years experience. I managed to save 46,000.00 while living in the van. I will never do it again.
Good question
@@Mr.XYZ6775 can you explain more about your engineering contracting, i would like to get into it
Many jobs for millennials are contracted out to second parties so that the first party has no liability. This way the first party doesn't need to pay for insurance or unemployment. My niece, for instance, works for a company that supplies labor for Hilton. She pretty much works for Hilton but is considered a "contractor." Contractors technically don't have to show up at fixed hours or else they're considered employees. So, she just takes off every few months and chills in some exotic place and does work by "remote." She was just in Brasil and Argentina.
I watch your videos often , I think about van life all the time...thanks for the breakdown of expenses it’s really helpful.
Sounds like you have a good balance and that you are carving out fun extras that make you happy and value to your lives. I'm sure you have thought of this, but maybe some viewers haven't, but libraries make great work spaces. Most cities have a large downtown branch with decent hours. Have fun freezing in Toronto eh. 😂 -katrina
Hmmm, great idea. I love Libraries. They usually are beautiful spaces in big cities, as cities love to put good money into a downtown library, but I rarely think to go to them. Thanks for the suggestion!
I live in a flat for $600 here in Spain, and if you rent an expensive flat it's about $800 total. People from America spend so much omg! Anyway your income is greater than ours so I guess it's proportional.
Scarlett Rose freedom
I was paying 575 for a good sized 1 bedroom apartment. Plus about 30 for electricity and 15 for renters insurance. But it was also in one of the sketchiest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. Gun shots and thefts allll the time.
It's not America but rather just certain people
No its same here. These ppl really piss many of us off and no one in reality can afford that. Average income is 1/4 what they claim.
Powerful Video! Thanks SO much for taking the time for us as viewers to see the "realities" of this lifestyle. Most importantly, your trials and error will save many of us from having to go through the same!
We rock the healthshare too. Wish I was as smart as you guys in my 20's. Killing it
That's awesome! Great people over there.
love how you say "we were so young last year" haha. Great vid! keep it up
Just came across your video. I like the vibe, the honesty, the sincerity. Don't pay any mind to the people who are razzing you about your coffee or eating out or groceries. They're being childish...and they've channeled their jealousy into this nitpicking. I'm happy you're saving so much money and having a great adventure. Now is the time to do it and you'll have fantastic memories.
Thanks for the honesty, but $300 a month on coffee?
Yeah friend, you know it. It's our office, our network, where we hang out, everything else. Not just the coffee, it's the people and the shop too.
yep. I've been doing this for 25 years. no joke.
Brian we'd be friends for sure
I would just need a 24 pack of monster and some tea and id be golden lol
At a coffee shop they aren't really just paying for drinks, they are paying to take up a table for hours at a time and paying to get some social interaction in for the day and paying to chat with locals and get a feel for the place- it basically fulfills the needs of a coworking space, wifi, paying to tour each city they stop in, and replaces social life expenses like going out for a night all with the added benefit of getting a physical cup of coffee.
Coming from a hunter/meat eater, I love hearing your vegan restaurant comment. Hate how vegans always shame non vegans and push it onto others, but hearing you say it’s totally okay either way makes me respect you a ton👍🏻
Thanks man! It's all about the life choices we make for ourselves. So many problems could be avoided if people just had respect for each other's life choices
I love how real and honest this was! As a 24 yr old from the Midwest this is about what I spend monthly as well, but no savings, no health, no gym, no life insurance. So even tho I have a “stick and brick” this has encouraged me to see how IM MESSING UP SO BAD 😂 it’s all those coffees, they get away from you. But in all seriousness this has encouraged me to be more mindful about how I’m using my money! I could’ve had all these same things and I’ve just been so unaware!!!! 💜 thanks for sharing
Did you mention clothes or other utilities to replace? What is about haircuts, soap, etc.? Is this all included in food? Do you have mobile phones, computers, cameras? What budget does cover that? Are you participating in cultural activities, which come along with expenses? Whats about birthdays, easter, christmas?
Thanks, this was helpful to me; hopefully for you too :) Writing it down puts you in a position to make better decisions - to make changes or not. Budget records have really helped me. I recently moved into a small cottage - no rent/mortgage. I am making it for about $2,000 per month
Yeah it was sooo helpful to know for us for sure!
what state with property tax of 700?
How did you find a small cottage where you pay no rent or mortgage?
My mom passed, I'm now living where she once did - miss her...many precious memories
Love how you actually put actual numbers - nice to know and see the real math. Thanks!
Another great video! I appreciate the transparency. As usually you guys are amazing and I love watching your videos :)
Aww thank you, I’m glad you liked it!!
How do you guys keep warm? Do you leave the van running or have heated blankets and an outlet converter?
I know this is an old video and you might already know all of this... but a bucket can count as a bathroom and a solar bag shower counts as a shower. Only other thing you need to qualify for RV insurance is a kitchen, which you have. This info is from an RV insurance rep. Makes insurance a lot cheaper and you don't run the risk of the renter's insurance not covering you if they deem you are actually living in your van full-time.
My husband and I only spend half of that per month and we live in a 800 sq ft house, does that make us super minimalists? 😆 we live off of one part-time income and some online sales from home on the side.
AssaultedPeanutt What??? Where do you live? 😦
Dean Vere idiot why would anyone tell a stranger on the internet where they live?? Smh fucking moron.
Dean Vere south-eastern United States 👍
Fuck You The f.. I didn't ask for their address you mong. Location doesn't always mean specific address. For example, I live in northern United States.
Dean Vere maybe you should learn how to be specific example don’t ask where do you live ask what part of the country are you etc... idiot
Great video! I so agree with you guys - it's about living a lifestyle we totally enjoy!
Thanks!
TheGalavan I
TheGalavan r
so sick, appreciate you guys putting out this video it helps a lot to see what it can or can't cost.
Damn I’m glad I don’t drink coffee.
lmao $300 on coffee per month
just make your own that's an insane cost
Ive been wanting to sell my car and apartment and do exactly what you guys are doing, but alone. Im single and live in NYC so its like a breath of fresh air to see people living like this with some freedom…. Congrats and best of luck to u two! The new future like it was in the 70's!!!!!
You know you're a millennial when you spend as much on coffee as food.
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I'm a Gen X'er and I spend more on coffee than I do food.
I don't even know how one would do that, but then I'm not a super big coffee drinker
McDonald’s coffee is amazing and just recently went from $1 to $1.39. Such a good price and way less expensive per month if you have one a day
Brooke L coffee machines exist people are so lazy they dont make anything at home anymore well let me say van 😂 if they have a electric panel they can make it themselves.
So I am just wondering about where you guys actually sleep? A lot of the times it costs money to sleep at a campsite for example? Did you guys not take that into account?
Juul van Geleuken Walmart and other places probably
Outside the gym you pay for, hotel parking lots, apartment complexes, walmart, churches, colleges. If you wanna be risky, school parking lots, neighborhoods, parks.
I go to the coffee shop everyday , it’s a great place to work and be productive . I was surprised how many people were hating in the comments . Keep it up guys.
I hope you guys love Toronto !! I just started watching your videos and I live about an hour out of the city. Lots of amazing things to see and do :) can definitely be expensive though. You both really inspire me to get the most out of life.
So cool. You are so sweet and I'm glad our videos are encouraging. We are actually thinking about doing a meet up in Toronto soon so stay tuned!
Minimal Millennials awesome !!! Would be an absolute pleasure to cook a meal for you guys if the chance ever came up :) safe travels !
Let's do it!
Some of the spike in your youtube earnings may have to do with the approach of Christmas. I noticed I make about 4x more ad revenue in late November - December.
yeah, sounds right. everyone has a lot of days off in the winter with thanksgiving and christmas.
This was one of the most informational and helpful van life videos I've seen. Great job!!
My husband and I have Verizon and we pay $153 for the both of us to have the unlimited plan 🤔 I need to call thanks for being so open!!!
Did you have student loans?
Totally! So about the unlimited plan - we've added a family member and a friend to the plan, and since they both pay their portion it makes our cost go down. I'm sure we have the same plan as you. About student loans, we do not have any. We went through college debt from using a company called Lumerit Education: lumeritscholar.com it was fantastic for us.
They get slowed down after 24 gigs they mentioned. How is that unlimited??
Kyle 24 gigs of a personal hotspot, which means they can connect any device to their phone
its an unlimited amount but slowed down.
This video can be summarized by just saying that millennial‘s think $300 a month on coffee is being minimal😂😂
Jpizzle0422 read the description they explain why
......give me a Yeahhh for individual Freedom & an extra $300 in my budget to spend on whatever silly or essential thing(s) I may want this month...thank you God of this amazing Universe for that which I now have & for future Blessings I am ready to receive to use to further appreciate & enjoy Life!! Amen!❤👍💫
$300 for renting an "office" is reasonable. Also known ass Coffice 😂😂
and still they are putting away more savings than you see in a year. 😂😂😂
Travis Rabble how do they make millennials look bad? A lot of us are living very comfortably
hey im just getting started on my build and planning and i have to say when it comes to budget you two made this the most simple and upfront and just real as it gets. thank you very much for this info :)
How old are you all if you don’t mind me asking? I love how informative you guys are. Thank u so much!
The fundamental ans is missing, HOW DO YOU EARN THESE $4000?
Good point. And how much is it in apartment
Xain Sheikh well between two people, it’s easy to make 4K monthly. I make roughly 3500 and I’m one person.
THROWAY BYE what work? Im a small town mechanic making 160 a week
definitely taking tips, thanks for the much needed semi glance into what i need to do in the future
I'm surprised you answer so many of the comments. Good luck to you. Glad that you include your 401K as an expense. Put more money into that until it hurts, you wont be sorry down the line.
For sure. We try to max out our Roth IRAs every year if possible.
Right. Until you have a medical or legal problem that empties your savings overnight. I could see the way that set up worked while I was still a child.
You guys are BEYOND cute. I’m an insurance agent and SOME Life insurance premiums go up as a person ages. So a) keep that in mind; and b) good job buying the non-re-ratable kind while you’re young. I really gotta meet those (awesome) parents of yours someday....They must be SO proud of you (even if they still lecture a lot) ;-)
Haha thank you!! You are so sweet! Thanks for the encouragement.
so cooll im an insurance agent as wel does your policy give you a return of premium at the end of the 30 yrs ....those policies a slightly more expensive but provide a nice lump sume at the end, that can be converted to a paid up policy .
Love how you were honest about what you make!
Thanks for your honest forthcoming video. You have great health insurance for the 2 of you. What State is it based on? I’m 66 and just figured my Medi-Care Part B, Supplemental Plan G, Rx, and Dental, Vision, Hearing is $282. Cheaper than Cobra when I left my full time job would have been $700. I’m in CA. Getting older has some perks.