The concept of mini-retirement changed my life. I'm no longer waiting for some retirement paradise when I'm 65. It helps to know how to fund the lifestyle. You know, making money while you sip that piña colada by the beach does help. I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise.
Yeah, people miss that part. You don't jet out to Puerto Rico with your life savings. Proper investing and a good business acumen are big pluses. Invest in the stock market, real estate, build businesses. That's just it.
I completely agree; I am 60 years old, recently retired, and have approximately $1,250,000 in external retirement funds. I am debt free and have very little money in retirement funds compared to the total value of my portfolio over the past three years. To be honest, having a portfolio-advisor for investing is genius!
Annette Christine Conte is the advisr I use and im just putting this out here because you asked. You can Just search the name. You’d find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment.
thanks For clearing that up, I curiously searched for Annette Christine Conte on the internet and thankfully, I came across her my goal is to retire in 2 years time.
I retired at age 53, so I am in my early 60s. Many of them resisted me because they couldn't understand the idea of not working if it wasn't necessary. I considered the phases of my life. I worked very hard to achieve what I have now, but in my last years, I owe it to myself to "stop and smell the roses." In my instance, I departed the nation after retiring and currently reside in Latin America. It made it possible for me to appreciate my new surroundings while escaping all the bad things that were going on in America. Nobody that I know of regrets retiring has yet to come to me
Nice way to retire. For me, I believe retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha
It's unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than a million dollars by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns
I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation
I definitely share your sentiment about these firms. Finding financial advisors like Joseph Nick Cahill who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them
At 60yrs old my then hubby dumped me for a much younger woman and had managed to keep almost everything. So alone and almost broke, I decided to make a plan. I'm an OTR truck driver so I lived in my semi and saved up enough to pay cash for an older 23ft motorhome. I've hung on to my old 2002 car so no car payments. Now I have a home and freedom. I can do what I want when I want, just me and my dog and life is good. Gotta make the best of what ya got. I retire in 6mos and then it's time for adventure, yay! 😀
When a man gets divorced, he reflects on what happened and what his part was in this. When a woman gets divorced she never and I mean NEVER takes any responsibility whatsoever for her part. You Patricia, are a great example of this.
@@HomelessWhiteMaleStartingOvera I take it you're not very happy. I'm sure I wasn't perfect, none of us are, but I was faithful, loyal and hard working. I'm so sorry that someone wounded you so deeply. I sincerely hope your heart heals and your life improves. Best wishes to you.
At 62 just chill and do your best and avoid any distractions or commitments until you’re in love with you. I love the fact that you understand it’s not her it’s both of your responsibility relationships end. The children come first hopefully you don’t have a partner that wants you to pay for everything. The child’s expenses are for both to pay not just dad….❤
@@patriciabandeko3842 Shifting this to make it about me ? Let us see you take responsibility for your part of your failed union. Still waiting here, still waiting...
54, male, Divorced in 2020. Acquired a raw acre of land in 2022. Cleared a portion, laid down clay padding, water, electricity & septic tank projects later. Purchased a motorhome and moved to my acre January of this year. Rent and mortgage free semi off grid.
@@justwannasay5454 Florida in an an area where people want & are left alone. Central Florida woods of Putnam County. Poorest county in Florida. Perfect! As the poor are already used to living in bad economic conditions and will survive the depression already happening.
I did the same thing at 52. Divorced my wife after 26 years once I woke up to how much of a narcissist she was, and how every time we'd get caught up and were no longer living paycheck to paycheck she would do something to sabotage us. Like, foreclosures on two houses and two bankruptcies during our marriage. After the divorce I bought an RV and dramatically cut my cost of living and increased my happiness.
@@wilE6764 Yeah, it surprised me when I started having money left when the next payday rolled around. It only took me a year to get completely out of debt. I can't believe I was so blind for so long. Now I'm starting to save to buy some land in the White Mountains of Arizona.
Good men marry women who are takers, losers from what I have seen, good women marry men who are takers, losers, lazy. I am happy that you decided to you had enough. We all deserve to be respected, be happy in our lives when it isn’t working we are doing ourselves a favour as well as them to end it move on. I think the only reason my husband got married he was afraid to come home to a dark home at night. I think the very reason there are so many men women living alone single is because of being taken for a ride in more ways than one, they had their fill so much so they are afraid to trust enjoy living on their own. The peace, quiet, no drama is priceless.
13 years with my highly abusive ex and friends under out in married a version of my mom, a narcissist. Never had money issues until I had two incomes and one house … $250 000 dollars of theft later, I gave her everything and the only reason she left the s because I homeschooled during Covid and she was about to have to support her family and that was out of the question. Living my best life now and the she-devil is now understood by my offspring and they cat stand her abuse. They will be with me full time soon.
As we age, we realize that so much of what we once considered as important is actually not. Peace, good health, and happiness to you, Ernest, and thank you for sharing your story. 👍🏾
Yah, and when you think about senselessly spent money during the years, incredible really! Without this, I could afford a much better RV now and wouldn't miss anything!
Ernest I wish you nothing but great success and happiness in anything that you choose to do with the rest of your life! Divorce is never the end, just a new lease on life......💜💜 As for the apartment prices nowadays?? Excruciatingly high in most areas in our country and the nomadic lifestyle truly appeals to me too and I'm just hoping ONE DAY 💞💞 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & PROTECTION 🇺🇸🇺🇸
48 here. Lost my mom August 2, 2021. Sept 2021 I found out my sister and only sibling was terminal so I moved almost 22 hrs away to take care of her. She passed March 2023. I found out my dad died through the mail the night before my sister passed. A week later I moved back to my home and my husband told me he wanted a divorce. This month will be a year that I've been living in my vehicle. I just bought a camper I'm about to renovate and hitting the road...I don't know where I'm going but I don't care.
So get rid of your rearview mirror and keep looking ahead. Started over for the 3rd time 10 yrs ago. Recovered from diabetes and a stroke so I basically started over 4 yrs ago. Don't let nothing get you down.
@@terryr_zappa8193So did you have any living relatives when you started over 4 years ago? Just met a woman of 48 who lost her husband 3 years ago, 2 years ago her house burned down, & shortly after, had a stroke. When she got out of the hospital her daughter moved her in her boyfriend’s mil house out back, then the daughter went missing. Her speech is impaired & still has to use a walker. Please advise.
I use to be in the medical field making a decent living and happy. When I turned 30 years old I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease and it has no cure. Unfortunately I could no longer work in the medical field or work at all. I became permanently disabled and moved home with my parents for four years to get myself more stable. I couldn't wait to get back on my feet again. I decided to buy an rv and move into an rv park. It was frugal living and saving me money. I was able to get back on my feet and gain my independence but still live on disability. I would never look back. I love living in my RV. I'm going on 8 years now. Life throws you lemons but you just have to make lemonade. Way to go!
After working for about 30 years, I retired and got killed in a divorce. She took 200K in lieu of alimony, enough money to pay her new home for three years, and, then, took 25 percent of my pension I had earned working in the California Department of Corrections. All of this was in 2007. I had to learn to live on less, and discovered, that everything I own actually owns me. I now live in an RV park, in a trailer, and have a small pickup. Everything is paid for. I have a much less stressful part time job and feel freer than I ever have. I have become a minimalist and live by the motto "less is more." She never worked which was always a bone of contention with me. She was a Pro-Choice Feminist Christian woman, who, in the end, ended up with the best of both worlds--at my expense. (Here in California Family Court Judges have a tremendous amount of discretion.) Anyway, enough of me. Keep up the good fight sir. Thanks for letting me share. Roy, So Cal.
The important thing is you are happy 😊. Not good to be bitter or angry. Have a coffee ☕ and watch some comedy. Eat some 🍕 pizza and everything will be alright. Stay cool in Cali. 😊
The American Dream is dead. Everyone downsizing to “have more freedom;independence”. We shouldn’t have to downsize to be “happy”. I’m single, 55 and unfortunately unable to work anymore because of a broken back I sustained in the late 80’s serving in the USMC. As a result, I live one disability from VA and SSDI. I rent a 3/2/2 in Ft. Worth ($2200/month). My outlay at the moment is $3k month. The only reason I’m able to afford this lifestyle is because I have no debt. I drive a 2001 Toyota tundra with over 280,000 miles on it. Haven’t had a car payment in 20 years. I live within my means and I am happy. But I would do anything to have my good health back.
Friend did the same thing divorced bought an RV found a GF while he was traveling she also was divorced neither want to marry again. He has groups he belongs to meets up different parts of the country. Having those friends all over the country really helps.
I am a 61 year old female nearing retirement in Texas. I am seriously considering doing what you’re doing. I don’t know all of the in’s and out’s of it right now but I’m going to have to research it. Thank you for the video. May God continue to bless you. You did right by your kids. My ex-husband did not.
Im 58 and will retire from full time work in 2 years. Divorced 10 years ago. Youngest kid is 16. When she graduates im out of here. I bought 2.5acres in the mountains of AZ for $12k. It was someones old homestead. Has an old 56ft, 2bd mobile home on the property. I paid cash for it. Im rebuilding the mobile home and when its done i will live in it. Town is 20 minutes away. Nearest neighbor is a dirt road away from me. I will be rent and mortgage free. Solar for power. Water tank for showers. 5 gallon water containers for drinking and cooking with. I will work 3 days a week. Cant wait. 👍🏾
Just subscribed. I turn 62 in a month and have appied for my ss to start then. I was widowed when I was 53. Been lost a bit after my husband passed although I was always the breadwinner. Finally waking up to doing me.
Check and see if you can draw on your husbands SS it may be higher than yours now, that way you can wait until later to draw yours which will increase every month you don’t draw it
Just remember, if you take SS early and not your full retirement age, you will get less money per month. I made that mistake and figured I'm losing about $400 a month. I'm 78 now and receive a little over $900 a month. COLA isn't much each year, if any at all.
@@pamplant3610 Well the way I look at it is I could be dead before full retirement age and my estate gets zero. As you get older you see friends / family pass and so I decided to take my ss now and not wait.
Love this man and his honesty....same thing happened to me in my divorce...hubby went the jugular...but im good....got my job, health, my faith, and my dogs and roof over my head....bills paid.....food in pantry....im good....still blessed❤❤❤.thank you for sharing ur story and ur transparency.....god bless darlin😊
I'm 64 divorced and retired. This is my dream, pray one day I can get a tiny home or an affordable van to live in. I'm willing to give up everything, to live a simpler and affordable life. I've put it in God's hands, so, if it's His will, he will help me accomplish it. Sorry to hear about your divorce, but, I believe everything happens for a reason. God bless you on your new journey. Enjoy! God bless you!
Ernest, this is my first time watching. I appreciate your honesty and candor. I believe if you keep pushing forward and love yourself youll enjoy this time in your life. Im 61, in Texas and have come to love the simple life. Hugs 😊
I’m 52 I’m divorced thank God & I’m a solo female van lifer I can relate to your story I can’t believe how happy I am now I realise I’m better off being in my van with my cat Kelly where I am safe than living with a violent hubby who almost killed me life after divorce is so much better thanks for sharing your story
You got that right. Health matters. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since my early 20s even though it’s a mental issue it sure has made life so much harder than it has to be. You’re an inspiration to how life should be lived.
I lived in a 30 foot fifth wheel for about three years in central Florida. From the ages of 29-32! Found a nice quiet park that would accept someone in my age range. Met some really awesome old folks as well as a fairly young but retired Green Beret. He got cancer and died young, right next to me in fact. RIP Robert St. John.
Your channel popped up on my sidebar this afternoon and I decided to view it. Glad I did...you seem like a very nice and honest man. I do not understand why some people are going nuts that you are paying $700.00 monthly to park in an RV Campground. They have not checked out rental prices, particularly in a tourist town like San Antonio. New subscriber here that is looking forward to following your journey. Best of luck!
Thank you I live at the RV park because it's close to my kids and work. I could easily move further out and pay 300 dollars less. But then I would be spending more on driving. So, for me, it's worth the cost. Maybe when I retire, I'll move. Thanks for watching.
I bought 40 acres in a northern national forest at 30 yrs old, all while married, raising to kids, and building a home 30 minutes outside the city limits. When the kids were on there own (I married at 22), we had a pieceful divorce. I had paid everything off by 40 years old (including the 40),so I gave her the big house on the hill, and I kept my wild forest property...and moved to it. I quit my job, and took a low paying seasonal job up north. I hand built the place little at a time by hand....and enjoyed no longer working in winter, or fighting city traffic. At 50 I was basicly semi retired and happy. At 60 I retired on my small pension, and took SSI at 62. Not a lot of money monthly, and driving 30 yr old cars and old pickup. I fish, hunt, canoe, and want for nothing now at 72 yrs old. My kids and grandkids come up on vacations and holidays...can't beat it! My ex married her longtime lover, and they slowly wasted what I left them with...and so it goes. I even set up a family cemetary on my property, so we all have our final resting place. The best oart ... if anyone makes the journy to see me, it means they really wanted to! I was probably ahead of my time in my thinking...but I believe it was because I knew who I was at heart early in my life. I planned WAY ahead, and it paid off! Peace to you all....time for an evening bloody mary and a few cold ones as I watch the wildlife off my screen porch.
Thank you for your video. I was impressed with inside your tidy RV , you have a great outlook and plan for your future. Thank you for your service to your country also.
After being widowed I sold everything and lived in a truck camper for two years while I built my own gypsy wagon rv. It is my forever home and built exactly the way I wanted it.
1st time viewer new subscriber. Full time RV Nomad since January 13, 2019. 2x divorcee with one broken engagement. I paid 2 ex wives per month at same time. Solo empty nester now. I paid child support for 14 years. I relate to your video. Thanks for your video. Life gets better after divorce. I went from 5drm home. To a 2bdrm apartment to a 45 ft triple axle toy hauler! I love my RV Nomad life!
Just a few comments since your video was inspirational. Congrats to you Sir on your positive attitude, on your service to country, and on recognizing that your time and health have become your most valuable assets. I was shocked to learn you're 60. You could pass for at least 10 years younger. Good luck with your future journeys. And please don't buy a new RV. They are notorious for ruining people's retirement dreams. Buy pre-covid build year and make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection done by independent inspector that you find. Not by a dealer. Best of luck!
Take it. I've known people who died before age 62 and never got to enjoy their retirement. I started working at age 16 by 18. I was in a union working l retired at age 55, I own my house I'm 65 now, and I enjoying every bit of it and own my rv and am taking my grandkids camping all the time.
Your older RV is built much better than any piece of junk built today. Very nice unit. Keep it and make any repairs you may need. Don't buy anything new or built after 2018
I’m 63 and live in Oklahoma. I own my home that’s paid for. I have given it a lot of thought and decided I really want to live like you have. I love to drive long distance and I love seeing new places. And figured even if I don’t do it full time, it would still be fun to do.
$700 is very reasonable for your park. Thanks for this video and giving us a little summary of your life, it's interesting. My husband will receive $1700 a month Social Security in 4 yrs and I'll receive $800 a month at age 62. We have a mortgage but are putting in an offer for a major fixer upper home on 8 acres this coming weekend. It will reduce our housing to $125 per month if they accept the offer. We E-Bike many places so try to stay fit by cycling. I love cycling. I'm looking forward to growing much of our food too, and having hens, ducks and rabbits. I only have a 75K IRA which will double in 10 yrs I hear...so it is for whoever outlives the other. Otherwise we will get by just fine without a healthcare, homeowners or water bill. I earn $25 per hr and the job will last 34 yrs, depending. Max 4 more years. I'll save 1k a month to add to my 9k emergency fund. to most we'll be poor but hopefully be neaby a great Health Food Store and a great church. Can't get better than that
I was in an RV park paying $790.00 a month . I ended up buying 20 acres of bare land and the land payment is the same . I figured why pay a trailer park when I can buy my own land . I put the utilities all in my self .
@@micheleyoungbloodyes and something could happen and you might die before you get to full retirement age. Then you wouldn’t have accomplished anything and all that money that was rightfully yours gets kept by the govt.
Most of us humans today have been divorced and see a bight future. You my friend are on to a new happy life with the great attitude you have. Take care
Taxes and Insurance on my two homes is $916 a month. My retirement income is $4,880 so I'm in line for never paying more than 25% of gross monthly income on housing. Doesn't matter if you rent, lease, own, and doesn't matter if it's a mobile home, RV, house, apartment, or even a room. Doesn't matter if you are retired, semi retired, part time worker, or full time worker. Nothing matters except never pay more than 25% of take home pay on Housing Cost and life is easy.
@@MyFriendlyPup you're confusing Ownership with Sovereignty. I own my home but pay taxes to secure my Ownership. The Government's responsibility is to record my Ownership and defend it from being taken away from me by people who may have guns and minions that would just take it from me. Maintaining roads, picking up my garbage, offering utilities, and schools for my children and grandchildren are just services they throw in extra. But keeping idiot's that don't understand property ownership away is why I gladly pay.
Місяць тому+2
Thank you Ernest, it's nice to see real world experiences. I'm heading that direction.
Greetings from a retired disabled Auusie vet. I've been down a similar road. You seem to be a very nice guy. I believe you are doing the right thing. I hope your kids appreciate your hard work and sense of duty. Cheers.
"There's no guarantee in life" - great comment and outlook. Once you realize life can be hard, it changes your expectations and then hopefully your outlook. Cheers mate and best of luck!
This video just came up on my feed and decided to watch.Much respect to you for sharing your story,I think it's a nice set up,wish you all the best brother 🙏
I am watching and learning. I went through the "D" about 14 years ago. I borrowed to buy a smaller house so my kids could have a place to lay their heads down when they visited me . Before doing the house I lived in a borrowed 5th wheel while doing the court battle on all that goes on during divorce. Now I am thinking of retirement 4 to 5 years and might go back to RV life style. Good Luck with every thing and stay strong.
Advice...don't buy any big ticket items like a new RV or truck. Payments will eat heavily into your "freedom/travel/fun" money. Live the minimalism life (within reason) and learn to be happy and appreciative of what you already have. Instead, save your money for life's necessities, and for fun weekend trips and vacations with your kids and friends.
I've been in what they call a living quarters (lq) horse trailer, which is the horse equivalent of a toy hauler for 15 years since my wife passed. I'm retired now and only stay at a rv park part of the year . I have solar power and I boondock most of the year in national forest and pay no rent. As these rv parks raise their rates I boondock more and more.just out of the principal of it. I enjoy the life style and especially being able to follow the weather.
I have been at a nice RV park in CA for 8 months. I don't like paying either. May head to Quartzsite IDK. Don't like the rules and drama of the park but I am on a beautiful creek so there is that.
Kudos to YOU Ernest :)- I applaud YOU for your courage to be WHO you are as a person to think outside of the "box". It is $AD that you worked SO HARD to end up in your situation but YOU are a very $trong individual!!!! Kudos :)-
This is a very common story these days. Divorce. I've been through 2. One recently. I'm doing fine but long term is a concern. I've really been giving a lot of thought to this lifestyle lately. Minimalism must be a very freeing thing. The best things in life are free and that is absolutely true to the highest extent of the definition. Thanks for making the video. It's giving me something to seriously think about. Best of luck to you and all of you watchers.
Rightsizing makes a lot of sense to me. If it was just me, I would live in a smaller home or cabin or RV. I don't like having too much stuff, it just clutters my mind having to think about it all and take care of it.
San Antonio is a beautiful city/area to retire in! As a military retiree with base access it's the perfect setup. And the hill country is right there if you want to get out and enjoy some nature.
I totally understand. I went through something similar years ago. Boy was it tough. You look so young you look like a lot of 45 year olds here. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you.🙏
I have a 2004 Class C. 29 ft. I had it professionally washed in Fl, and the guy used pool chlorine. Ugh! It took the clear coat & a lot of paint off of the entire lower half of the RV. I decided to paint it. It was a job (4 days), but it was worth it. I washed the RV top to bottom, sanded the areas, taped it out, papered the area & spray painted it. I just did it last week, so I still have to spray on the clear coat. It looks 100% better. The total cost was around $400. I'm 61. If I can do it, anyone can
He must have not been a professional I was a professional detailer for few years never heard anyone using pool chlorine on paint. The car detail industry is well supported by local companies we even got our RO filtered water from them for mobile detailing. The most we would ever use is dawn dish soap and a soft scrub brush if it had road tar or if the paint needed work polishing compound. I hope no one ever let that guy use a rotary buffer probably burned the paint off cars. We always had a few old cars we would test a new employee on watch them see if they knew what they were doing.
i just stumbled upon your video. I have to say this is the most honest real life straight up shit Ive seen in a long time. Its real life....and you are doing well. I wish you the best!
retirement at 63 single woman i HATE APT. ALL THESE ADDED FEES. just for one 10 pound dog they want 800 just for dog plus 35 month to live in apt. then gouge you with door to door trash 50 dollars then 25 dollars for trash dumpster then amenity fee for crappy building no one uses. 15 for package locker when usps put them in for free. then 1500 month for 600 sq ft apt. HELL NO. put down money and only pay lot plus electric. my car right next to my living quarters too
You can start getting ssi at 62 but you are limited to earning just over 14 a year but it will continue to increase you ssi. After 65 there is no limit on earnings and it continues to increase SSI. I did it. Retired Paramedic/ firefighter, registered Nurse, Lived aboard a sailboat and used it to travel up and down the west coast working. Sold it 6 yrs back and bought 20 remote acres now. I feel like I’m the luckiest man on earth. Be nice to meet a nice woman to enjoy this with me though !!
Thank you for sharing your story I wish you all the best. You have a nice place so many people are suffering today. We can count our blessings. Bless you Sandy from Canada
Hi Ernest-thank you for showing us your very nice fifth wheel! Just a heads up-If I were you, I would hold on to that 2007 Cougar as long as possible. Don’t get a newer RV. Especially if it’s an RV made after 2018. Many of the older RVs are actually in better condition than the newer ones from 2018 on. The pandemic era and post-pandemic era RVs are very hit-or-miss. Thank you again for sharing your journey with us. Take care.
Morning Mr E. Im so glad I came across your channel last night. I'm kinda in the same boat and looking to do the RV life. You've given a lot of food for thought.
Hi Ernest. I just want to say that your videos are very refreshing, honest and heart warming. You are doing a great job on explaining how you have built your own nest egg by being disciplined and living below your means. As a certified financial adviser, I try teaching people that if you can consistently delay instant gratification and live way below your means, you can retire comfortably. Keep up the great videos.
I guess one of the hardest things to deal with is being away from your kids no matter how old they are but you have to do what works for you.I am 62 and ready to venture out some and enjoy less a stressful life.
Hi Earnest, Thanks for sharing. You're doing great! Retire as soon as you can! You can always make $'s doing something else. It's time to enjoy your life! You are working too much! Take Care!
I’m divorced father of four now living on an rv in my land. It has been quite an adventure to say the least. I had to start from scratch left my 3000 ft2 to my x and kids and decided to take the least travel route. No apartment no more mortgages. I lived in my truck til I gathered enough money to buy my first ever rv in cash. I dug my own well along with my kids and slowly getting things done it can be overwhelming sometimes but would not do it any other way. So good luck to you and hope you enjoy what you so hard worked for. That is my ultimate desire to be able to enjoy my life the rest of the way. My lifestyle is very different from everyone else’s and the probably see me as an outcast now but the peace I’ve found here in my own little piece of heaven would not trade it for any beautiful house in a subdivision.
I will give you my two cents on watching all these full timers, be careful and don’t believe everything you watch. I’ve followed a few for years and some tell more lies than truths.
@@CarrieLaCubana a lot of these full timers actually make their living on UA-cam views and also the companies that they represent products for. They normally will only show you all the great things about and not the bad.
Kudos for keeping a good attitude. I follow Kevin also and he decided at 12 years old that how he wanted to do his older years and it worked out. You have things worked out well and should pat yourself on the back , We are not promised not one second of tomorrows. Regardless of how much you have or bust your butt. All we can do is treat people how you want to be treated. Cutting grass and maintenance eats away at your time, You are in a fabulous position to be in going into your retirement. Happiness does not have a price tag. Peace is a gift . Enjoy whatever comes your way.
Ernest Sir i applaud you for having the positive attitude and I’m sorry that you’ve had to experience that divorce thing that most of us had to do. Keep it up and just keep moving forward doing what makes you happy.
First time viewing your channel. My wife (RIP in 2019) and I bought a 2011 tow behind new, did some camping w/ our children until they lost interest, went to a few Nascar races and parked it in a campground on St' Johns river for 18 months. Great times for 2-3 weekends every month w/ friends right across the street on the river. The rent was 360/month and when we left was 400/month and about 40-50/month for electric. I'm retiring in Oct and thinking of going back w/ a new RV, get a boat and fish which is my hobby here in FL or move to east TN and enjoy cooler weather. More people are living in campgrounds because of inflation. If you can live in a RV for less than 1k a month, it makes sense plus you have pool and we had a restaurant Highbank's Marina with in walking distance. You gotta do what you gotta do today and it seems like you figured it out. Enjoyed your video and can't wait to get out of this rat race.
Sir, just found your YT channel, I don't know you personally but you seem a stand up person of humble integrity, your story made me a new subscriber and I look forward to more of your shared content. Thanx 4sharing.
Your a smart man, thats Life! Rent nowdays is 1500 and up! I have been seeing many more families living in RVs because they cannot afford living in a house anymore. You have a new subscriber 👍
Set yourself up pretty well Ernest, made smart decisions for your future. I'm 53 trying to stay ahead of things but it's life man, one thing i'm definitely working on making healthy choices. Thanks for Sharing!
It happened to me too. She thought I was going to retire so she could just get half my pension. I moved into a single wide way out in the sticks and froze my pension for 15 more years 😂 It's a union pension so she doesn't get paid until I decide to collect and all I did was switched unions. Life is good at 55. I'm building another pension waiting for her to die so I can get my money.
Excellent Ernest. Enjoyed watching you for the first time. You're doing great - making solid decisions and not over-extended. I have 30 more months to 62 and then I'll do same: little odd jobs, travel, and just enjoy. Ride on dude. LOL
I'm 36 and going through the beginning stages of a separation and possible divorce from a 12 year marriage with kids. I'm moving out to a local campground in my 30 ft travel trailer for a few months to try it out. I am excited and also a bit nervous about the massive changes ahead of me. A positive attitude and strong determination are key in times like these. Well done man, great content!
@@SergioGurrola The wife gets a huge advantage in divorce, especially with kids, and less incentive to negotiate. Courts are biased against men (dependent on the judge), but the husband should fight for 50/50. Separate in house, no matter how tense it gets. Have an audio recorder on you, to defend against false DV. When the wife starts realizing in the legal process that she doesn't have the advantage she thought, she will change personality (for the worse).
The concept of mini-retirement changed my life. I'm no longer waiting for some retirement paradise when I'm 65. It helps to know how to fund the lifestyle. You know, making money while you sip that piña colada by the beach does help. I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise.
Yeah, people miss that part. You don't jet out to Puerto Rico with your life savings. Proper investing and a good business acumen are big pluses. Invest in the stock market, real estate, build businesses. That's just it.
I completely agree; I am 60 years old, recently retired, and have approximately $1,250,000 in external retirement funds. I am debt free and have very little money in retirement funds compared to the total value of my portfolio over the past three years. To be honest, having a portfolio-advisor for investing is genius!
How can I reach this adviser of yours? because I'm seeking for a more effective investment approach on my savings
Annette Christine Conte is the advisr I use and im just putting this out here because you asked. You can Just search the name. You’d find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment.
thanks For clearing that up, I curiously searched for Annette Christine Conte on the internet and thankfully, I came across her my goal is to retire in 2 years time.
I retired at age 53, so I am in my early 60s. Many of them resisted me because they couldn't understand the idea of not working if it wasn't necessary. I considered the phases of my life. I worked very hard to achieve what I have now, but in my last years, I owe it to myself to "stop and smell the roses." In my instance, I departed the nation after retiring and currently reside in Latin America. It made it possible for me to appreciate my new surroundings while escaping all the bad things that were going on in America. Nobody that I know of regrets retiring has yet to come to me
Nice way to retire. For me, I believe retirees who struggle to meet their basic needs are the ones who could not accumulate enough money during their active years to meet their needs. Retirement choices determine a lot of things. My wife and I both spent same number of years in the civil service, she invested through a wealth manager and myself through the 401k. We both still earning after our retirement fund has grown way more than it would have with just the 401(k). Haha
It's unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than a million dollars by just investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns
I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation
I definitely share your sentiment about these firms. Finding financial advisors like Joseph Nick Cahill who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them
I have heard numerous stories of people earning up to $500k-$1m working with this particular real-time portfolio manager
At 60yrs old my then hubby dumped me for a much younger woman and had managed to keep almost everything. So alone and almost broke, I decided to make a plan. I'm an OTR truck driver so I lived in my semi and saved up enough to pay cash for an older 23ft motorhome. I've hung on to my old 2002 car so no car payments. Now I have a home and freedom. I can do what I want when I want, just me and my dog and life is good. Gotta make the best of what ya got. I retire in 6mos and then it's time for adventure, yay! 😀
When a man gets divorced, he reflects on what happened and what his part was in this.
When a woman gets divorced she never and I mean NEVER takes any responsibility whatsoever for her part.
You Patricia, are a great example of this.
@@HomelessWhiteMaleStartingOvera I take it you're not very happy. I'm sure I wasn't perfect, none of us are, but I was faithful, loyal and hard working. I'm so sorry that someone wounded you so deeply. I sincerely hope your heart heals and your life improves. Best wishes to you.
At 62 just chill and do your best and avoid any distractions or commitments until you’re in love with you. I love the fact that you understand it’s not her it’s both of your responsibility relationships end. The children come first hopefully you don’t have a partner that wants you to pay for everything. The child’s expenses are for both to pay not just dad….❤
@@patriciabandeko3842 Shifting this to make it about me ? Let us see you take responsibility for your part of your failed union. Still waiting here, still waiting...
@@jeffcole1914 You are what is referred to as the 'white knight', always coming to the rescue of the hoes. Pathetic.
54, male, Divorced in 2020. Acquired a raw acre of land in 2022. Cleared a portion, laid down clay padding, water, electricity & septic tank projects later. Purchased a motorhome and moved to my acre January of this year. Rent and mortgage free semi off grid.
Which state can you live on your own land in a RV?
@@justwannasay5454 Florida in an an area where people want & are left alone. Central Florida woods of Putnam County. Poorest county in Florida. Perfect! As the poor are already used to living in bad economic conditions and will survive the depression already happening.
Cali too
And soon the government will take it..they want renters..no more mortgages or land owned by anyone...Renters to corporations..
. Wait till carbon tax starts. Sometimes all you need is the air that you breath.
I did the same thing at 52. Divorced my wife after 26 years once I woke up to how much of a narcissist she was, and how every time we'd get caught up and were no longer living paycheck to paycheck she would do something to sabotage us. Like, foreclosures on two houses and two bankruptcies during our marriage. After the divorce I bought an RV and dramatically cut my cost of living and increased my happiness.
So your x wife made all the decisions and you, poor helpless thing, were just made to go along with it. I think you call that a loser.
Wow...sounds like we married the same woman..divorced mine in December after 18 years..same thing though always stealing from me ..had enough
@@wilE6764 Yeah, it surprised me when I started having money left when the next payday rolled around. It only took me a year to get completely out of debt. I can't believe I was so blind for so long. Now I'm starting to save to buy some land in the White Mountains of Arizona.
Good men marry women who are takers, losers from what I have seen, good women marry men who are takers, losers, lazy. I am happy that you decided to you had enough. We all deserve to be respected, be happy in our lives when it isn’t working we are doing ourselves a favour as well as them to end it move on. I think the only reason my husband got married he was afraid to come home to a dark home at night. I think the very reason there are so many men women living alone single is because of being taken for a ride in more ways than one, they had their fill so much so they are afraid to trust enjoy living on their own. The peace, quiet, no drama is priceless.
13 years with my highly abusive ex and friends under out in married a version of my mom, a narcissist.
Never had money issues until I had two incomes and one house … $250 000 dollars of theft later, I gave her everything and the only reason she left the s because I homeschooled during Covid and she was about to have to support her family and that was out of the question.
Living my best life now and the she-devil is now understood by my offspring and they cat stand her abuse. They will be with me full time soon.
Bro you look fuckin great at 62. Keep pushing 🙌🏾
Yes,,you look like champion...RV life yeah
Wow I’m 48 and about to retire wife asked for a divorce today I’m thinking of getting an RV now thanks! Ironic I came across this video!
Thank you for your service!
Nothing happens without a reason... Do it bro! 👍
Give her the finger and go live 🫡
Eddy, half, Eddy, I want half.
I bet she wants most of your estate allimony and child support 😮😮
As we age, we realize that so much of what we once considered as important is actually not. Peace, good health, and happiness to you, Ernest, and thank you for sharing your story. 👍🏾
Good health is essential.
Yah, and when you think about senselessly spent money during the years, incredible really! Without this, I could afford a much better RV now and wouldn't miss anything!
Thanks everyone for all the support. This video is my most popular video. ❤
Arnest all kidding aside good luck on your journey and thank you for your service to our country ❤
I think perhaps the reason being there are so many out there who can relate to you. We have found what we had lost ourself we are happy on our own.
Ernest I wish you nothing but great success and happiness in anything that you choose to do with the rest of your life! Divorce is never the end, just a new lease on life......💜💜 As for the apartment prices nowadays?? Excruciatingly high in most areas in our country and the nomadic lifestyle truly appeals to me too and I'm just hoping ONE DAY 💞💞 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & PROTECTION 🇺🇸🇺🇸
chin up dude, from singapore👍
I'm in San Antonio also and can relate to your story and experiences! Thanks for sharing your story!!
48 here. Lost my mom August 2, 2021. Sept 2021 I found out my sister and only sibling was terminal so I moved almost 22 hrs away to take care of her. She passed March 2023. I found out my dad died through the mail the night before my sister passed. A week later I moved back to my home and my husband told me he wanted a divorce. This month will be a year that I've been living in my vehicle. I just bought a camper I'm about to renovate and hitting the road...I don't know where I'm going but I don't care.
Sorry
So get rid of your rearview mirror and keep looking ahead. Started over for the 3rd time 10 yrs ago. Recovered from diabetes and a stroke so I basically started over 4 yrs ago. Don't let nothing get you down.
@@terryr_zappa8193So did you have any living relatives when you started over 4 years ago?
Just met a woman of 48 who lost her husband 3 years ago, 2 years ago her house burned down, & shortly after, had a stroke. When she got out of the hospital her daughter moved her in her boyfriend’s mil house out back, then the daughter went missing. Her speech is impaired & still has to use a walker. Please advise.
Happy travels.time to enjoy yourself and life. Be safe
Take me with you 😊
I use to be in the medical field making a decent living and happy. When I turned 30 years old I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease and it has no cure. Unfortunately I could no longer work in the medical field or work at all. I became permanently disabled and moved home with my parents for four years to get myself more stable. I couldn't wait to get back on my feet again. I decided to buy an rv and move into an rv park. It was frugal living and saving me money. I was able to get back on my feet and gain my independence but still live on disability. I would never look back. I love living in my RV. I'm going on 8 years now. Life throws you lemons but you just have to make lemonade. Way to go!
What part of the medical field?
Paramedic/firefighter
I’m glad you are doing well for yourself.
How much do you pay a month at your RV park may I ask? I am at one in CA and I pay $1000-$1200 a month + utilities which I think is expensive.
Can I ask , what type of autoimmune disease you had ??
Thanks for sharing your story.
Almost 7 yrs for me, camper van no rent no mortgage no utilities 100 % off grid.
I have been at a nice RV park in CA for 8 months but it's expensive. Would like to leave.
Do you own some land?
Me too, I bought a hundred acres and I live in my van on it.
After working for about 30 years, I retired and got killed in a divorce. She took 200K in lieu of alimony, enough money to pay her new home for three years, and, then, took 25 percent of my pension I had earned working in the California Department of Corrections. All of this was in 2007. I had to learn to live on less, and discovered, that everything I own actually owns me. I now live in an RV park, in a trailer, and have a small pickup. Everything is paid for. I have a much less stressful part time job and feel freer than I ever have. I have become a minimalist and live by the motto "less is more." She never worked which was always a bone of contention with me. She was a Pro-Choice Feminist Christian woman, who, in the end, ended up with the best of both worlds--at my expense. (Here in California Family Court Judges have a tremendous amount of discretion.) Anyway, enough of me. Keep up the good fight sir. Thanks for letting me share. Roy, So Cal.
How much do you pay at your RV park may I ask? I am at one. Four weeks roll around very quickly it seems. 😮
@@justwannasay5454 I pay about 215 per month. Its is located in El Centro, California.
The important thing is you are happy 😊. Not good to be bitter or angry. Have a coffee ☕ and watch some comedy. Eat some 🍕 pizza and everything will be alright. Stay cool in Cali. 😊
I live in Brawley ca everything is getting expensive.
You can't be Christian and pro- choice, anyone that kills their own baby is an abomination to God.
The American Dream is dead. Everyone downsizing to “have more freedom;independence”. We shouldn’t have to downsize to be “happy”.
I’m single, 55 and unfortunately unable to work anymore because of a broken back I sustained in the late 80’s serving in the USMC. As a result, I live one disability from VA and SSDI. I rent a 3/2/2 in Ft. Worth ($2200/month). My outlay at the moment is $3k month. The only reason I’m able to afford this lifestyle is because I have no debt. I drive a 2001 Toyota tundra with over 280,000 miles on it. Haven’t had a car payment in 20 years. I live within my means and I am happy. But I would do anything to have my good health back.
Friend did the same thing divorced bought an RV found a GF while he was traveling she also was divorced neither want to marry again. He has groups he belongs to meets up different parts of the country. Having those friends all over the country really helps.
Ernest you look amazing man for 62 i swear you look like your in your 40's easy. Thanks for sharing this info its very interesting and also helpful.
40's I'm thinking he looks much younger than that maybe 39
Me too, he's looks great
I was amazed by that too--some of us (not me) age extremely well.
There's a saying that you get the face you deserve..by 50 🤔
I am a 61 year old female nearing retirement in Texas. I am seriously considering doing what you’re doing. I don’t know all of the in’s and out’s of it right now but I’m going to have to research it. Thank you for the video. May God continue to bless you. You did right by your kids. My ex-husband did not.
Check out Thailand you can live good off social security that’s my plan
Im 58 and will retire from full time work in 2 years. Divorced 10 years ago. Youngest kid is 16. When she graduates im out of here.
I bought 2.5acres in the mountains of AZ for $12k. It was someones old homestead. Has an old 56ft, 2bd mobile home on the property.
I paid cash for it.
Im rebuilding the mobile home and when its done i will live in it. Town is 20 minutes away. Nearest neighbor is a dirt road away from me.
I will be rent and mortgage free.
Solar for power.
Water tank for showers.
5 gallon water containers for drinking and cooking with.
I will work 3 days a week.
Cant wait. 👍🏾
Go for it. Best of luck from England 😊
Good stuff!
Wow! Awesome!
Welcome to the white Mountains dude!!!
@why67152 Thanks, bought another property in Williams 2 hours from Phoenix.
I couldn't pass up the deal.
Just subscribed. I turn 62 in a month and have appied for my ss to start then. I was widowed when I was 53. Been lost a bit after my husband passed although I was always the breadwinner. Finally waking up to doing me.
Just was aproved for SS.
Check and see if you can draw on your husbands SS it may be higher than yours now, that way you can wait until later to draw yours which will increase every month you don’t draw it
Yes, check on widow benefits .
Just remember, if you take SS early and not your full retirement age, you will get less money per month. I made that mistake and figured I'm losing about $400 a month. I'm 78 now and receive a little over $900 a month. COLA isn't much each year, if any at all.
@@pamplant3610 Well the way I look at it is I could be dead before full retirement age and my estate gets zero. As you get older you see friends / family pass and so I decided to take my ss now and not wait.
Love this man and his honesty....same thing happened to me in my divorce...hubby went the jugular...but im good....got my job, health, my faith, and my dogs and roof over my head....bills paid.....food in pantry....im good....still blessed❤❤❤.thank you for sharing ur story and ur transparency.....god bless darlin😊
Love you words
This is one of the realest videos ive seen.
Bravo for sharing your Life with us.
I'm 64 divorced and retired. This is my dream, pray one day I can get a tiny home or an affordable van to live in. I'm willing to give up everything, to live a simpler and affordable life. I've put it in God's hands, so, if it's His will, he will help me accomplish it. Sorry to hear about your divorce, but, I believe everything happens for a reason. God bless you on your new journey. Enjoy! God bless you!
Ernest, this is my first time watching. I appreciate your honesty and candor. I believe if you keep pushing forward and love yourself youll enjoy this time in your life. Im 61, in Texas and have come to love the simple life. Hugs 😊
I’m 52 I’m divorced thank God & I’m a solo female van lifer I can relate to your story I can’t believe how happy I am now I realise I’m better off being in my van with my cat Kelly where I am safe than living with a violent hubby who almost killed me life after divorce is so much better thanks for sharing your story
God is at you side...drive safe
You got that right. Health matters. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks since my early 20s even though it’s a mental issue it sure has made life so much harder than it has to be. You’re an inspiration to how life should be lived.
You have a great attitude, no bitterness or anger and making a good life for yourself and looking after your health. Well done you !
I lived in a 30 foot fifth wheel for about three years in central Florida. From the ages of 29-32! Found a nice quiet park that would accept someone in my age range. Met some really awesome old folks as well as a fairly young but retired Green Beret. He got cancer and died young, right next to me in fact. RIP Robert St. John.
Your channel popped up on my sidebar this afternoon and I decided to view it. Glad I did...you seem like a very nice and honest man. I do not understand why some people are going nuts that you are paying $700.00 monthly to park in an RV Campground. They have not checked out rental prices, particularly in a tourist town like San Antonio.
New subscriber here that is looking forward to following your journey. Best of luck!
Thank you I live at the RV park because it's close to my kids and work. I could easily move further out and pay 300 dollars less. But then I would be spending more on driving. So, for me, it's worth the cost. Maybe when I retire, I'll move. Thanks for watching.
Im 57. Broke. Rent a room. Main job is ending. Company moving out of state. Cant afford apartments now.
I bought 40 acres in a northern national forest at 30 yrs old, all while married, raising to kids, and building a home 30 minutes outside the city limits. When the kids were on there own (I married at 22), we had a pieceful divorce. I had paid everything off by 40 years old (including the 40),so I gave her the big house on the hill, and I kept my wild forest property...and moved to it. I quit my job, and took a low paying seasonal job up north. I hand built the place little at a time by hand....and enjoyed no longer working in winter, or fighting city traffic. At 50 I was basicly semi retired and happy. At 60 I retired on my small pension, and took SSI at 62. Not a lot of money monthly, and driving 30 yr old cars and old pickup. I fish, hunt, canoe, and want for nothing now at 72 yrs old. My kids and grandkids come up on vacations and holidays...can't beat it! My ex married her longtime lover, and they slowly wasted what I left them with...and so it goes. I even set up a family cemetary on my property, so we all have our final resting place. The best oart ... if anyone makes the journy to see me, it means they really wanted to! I was probably ahead of my time in my thinking...but I believe it was because I knew who I was at heart early in my life. I planned WAY ahead, and it paid off! Peace to you all....time for an evening bloody mary and a few cold ones as I watch the wildlife off my screen porch.
That's a life to live.
Amazing
Look into Thailand
I'm paying about $3.00 a day for local food.
Living on a small farm
Thank you for your video. I was impressed with inside your tidy RV , you have a great outlook and plan for your future. Thank you for your service to your country also.
After being widowed I sold everything and lived in a truck camper for two years while I built my own gypsy wagon rv. It is my forever home and built exactly the way I wanted it.
That is SOOOO NEAT.....
That’s so cool!! I love the gypsy style ones!!
Very cool lucky you
1st time viewer new subscriber. Full time RV Nomad since January 13, 2019. 2x divorcee with one broken engagement. I paid 2 ex wives per month at same time. Solo empty nester now. I paid child support for 14 years. I relate to your video. Thanks for your video. Life gets better after divorce. I went from 5drm home. To a 2bdrm apartment to a 45 ft triple axle toy hauler! I love my RV Nomad life!
Will you be trying to get married for a 3rd time or did you learn your lesson?
Plus they can't find you!!!
Hi ernest, I'm glad you take care of your kids, love your home, your a good guy, you'll be ok😊
Just a few comments since your video was inspirational. Congrats to you Sir on your positive attitude, on your service to country, and on recognizing that your time and health have become your most valuable assets. I was shocked to learn you're 60. You could pass for at least 10 years younger. Good luck with your future journeys. And please don't buy a new RV. They are notorious for ruining people's retirement dreams. Buy pre-covid build year and make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection done by independent inspector that you find. Not by a dealer. Best of luck!
I’m curious why pre-covid? What’s the difference from one after covid yet not brand new.
Take it. I've known people who died before age 62 and never got to enjoy their retirement. I started working at age 16 by 18. I was in a union working l retired at age 55, I own my house I'm 65 now, and I enjoying every bit of it and own my rv and am taking my grandkids camping all the time.
Your older RV is built much better than any piece of junk built today. Very nice unit. Keep it and make any repairs you may need. Don't buy anything new or built after 2018
Was just going to say! Yup we bought a 2019 and they're not built as good.
I’m 63 and live in Oklahoma. I own my home that’s paid for. I have given it a lot of thought and decided I really want to live like you have. I love to drive long distance and I love seeing new places. And figured even if I don’t do it full time, it would still be fun to do.
$700 is very reasonable for your park. Thanks for this video and giving us a little summary of your life, it's interesting. My husband will receive $1700 a month Social Security in 4 yrs and I'll receive $800 a month at age 62. We have a mortgage but are putting in an offer for a major fixer upper home on 8 acres this coming weekend. It will reduce our housing to $125 per month if they accept the offer. We E-Bike many places so try to stay fit by cycling. I love cycling. I'm looking forward to growing much of our food too, and having hens, ducks and rabbits. I only have a 75K IRA which will double in 10 yrs I hear...so it is for whoever outlives the other. Otherwise we will get by just fine without a healthcare, homeowners or water bill. I earn $25 per hr and the job will last 34 yrs, depending. Max 4 more years. I'll save 1k a month to add to my 9k emergency fund. to most we'll be poor but hopefully be neaby a great Health Food Store and a great church. Can't get better than that
Sounds like a plan
I was in an RV park paying $790.00 a month . I ended up buying 20 acres of bare land and the land payment is the same . I figured why pay a trailer park when I can buy my own land . I put the utilities all in my self .
You will receive much more social security if you wait for your full retirement age if you can wait.
@@micheleyoungbloodyes and something could happen and you might die before you get to full retirement age. Then you wouldn’t have accomplished anything and all that money that was rightfully yours gets kept by the govt.
Most of us humans today have been divorced and see a bight future. You my friend are on to a new happy life with the great attitude you have. Take care
I'm 44yrs old still single and never married and no children I feel alot of freedom. God bless us all 🙏 🙌 ❤️
Taxes and Insurance on my two homes is $916 a month. My retirement income is $4,880 so I'm in line for never paying more than 25% of gross monthly income on housing. Doesn't matter if you rent, lease, own, and doesn't matter if it's a mobile home, RV, house, apartment, or even a room. Doesn't matter if you are retired, semi retired, part time worker, or full time worker. Nothing matters except never pay more than 25% of take home pay on Housing Cost and life is easy.
Exactly
Property taxes up 217% on some renewals. Own nothing be happy.
@@MyFriendlyPup you're confusing Ownership with Sovereignty. I own my home but pay taxes to secure my Ownership. The Government's responsibility is to record my Ownership and defend it from being taken away from me by people who may have guns and minions that would just take it from me. Maintaining roads, picking up my garbage, offering utilities, and schools for my children and grandchildren are just services they throw in extra. But keeping idiot's that don't understand property ownership away is why I gladly pay.
Thank you Ernest, it's nice to see real world experiences. I'm heading that direction.
Thank you for sharing your story. Hang in there! Keep up the faith! May God bless you and strengthen you everyday.
Greetings from a retired disabled Auusie vet. I've been down a similar road. You seem to be a very nice guy. I believe you are doing the right thing. I hope your kids appreciate your hard work and sense of duty. Cheers.
"There's no guarantee in life" - great comment and outlook. Once you realize life can be hard, it changes your expectations and then hopefully your outlook. Cheers mate and best of luck!
Is a Mansion , I live in a truck smaller than a prison cell, you are in heaven bro,be safe.
I'm The same 62 been on my own in my van. You are a good man who has a good heart. Prayers for you.
This video just came up on my feed and decided to watch.Much respect to you for sharing your story,I think it's a nice set up,wish you all the best brother 🙏
I can see why it feels like home to you... it's really cozy & comfy looking! Got everything a person needs👍
I am watching and learning. I went through the "D" about 14 years ago. I borrowed to buy a smaller house so my kids could have a place to lay their heads down when they visited me . Before doing the house I lived in a borrowed 5th wheel while doing the court battle on all that goes on during divorce. Now I am thinking of retirement 4 to 5 years and might go back to RV life style. Good Luck with every thing and stay strong.
Advice...don't buy any big ticket items like a new RV or truck. Payments will eat heavily into your "freedom/travel/fun" money. Live the minimalism life (within reason) and learn to be happy and appreciative of what you already have. Instead, save your money for life's necessities, and for fun weekend trips and vacations with your kids and friends.
I will thanks
Great advice ❤
If the the money you have isnt at work..put it to work. Yields/Dividends..cash is trash..
Nice trailer. Keep your head up. I'm rooting for you. Sounds like retirement is gonna treat you well.
One person may see a shack but to others it is a castle. I hope someday to get an RV and make it our Castle.
Been married once never again, looks like you're living a comfortable life good for you
Yes twice here. Never again. Freedom is nice.
I am sorry john. Marriage is not easy specially when there are third parties bothering.
I've been in what they call a living quarters (lq) horse trailer, which is the horse equivalent of a toy hauler for 15 years since my wife passed. I'm retired now and only stay at a rv park part of the year . I have solar power and I boondock most of the year in national forest and pay no rent. As these rv parks raise their rates I boondock more and more.just out of the principal of it. I enjoy the life style and especially being able to follow the weather.
Oh yeah, I have a horse and a motorcycle and am rarely bored.
I have been at a nice RV park in CA for 8 months. I don't like paying either. May head to Quartzsite IDK. Don't like the rules and drama of the park but I am on a beautiful creek so there is that.
You look great for 62! Good job my man.
Kudos to YOU Ernest :)- I applaud YOU for your courage to be WHO you are as a person to think outside of the "box". It is $AD that you worked SO HARD to end up in your situation but YOU are a very $trong individual!!!! Kudos :)-
This is a very common story these days. Divorce. I've been through 2. One recently. I'm doing fine but long term is a concern. I've really been giving a lot of thought to this lifestyle lately. Minimalism must be a very freeing thing. The best things in life are free and that is absolutely true to the highest extent of the definition. Thanks for making the video. It's giving me something to seriously think about. Best of luck to you and all of you watchers.
Rightsizing makes a lot of sense to me. If it was just me, I would live in a smaller home or cabin or RV. I don't like having too much stuff, it just clutters my mind having to think about it all and take care of it.
Divorced 10 years. Love being with me. Proud of you boo
San Antonio is a beautiful city/area to retire in! As a military retiree with base access it's the perfect setup. And the hill country is right there if you want to get out and enjoy some nature.
I totally understand. I went through something similar years ago. Boy was it tough. You look so young you look like a lot of 45 year olds here. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you.🙏
I have a 2004 Class C. 29 ft. I had it professionally washed in Fl, and the guy used pool chlorine. Ugh! It took the clear coat & a lot of paint off of the entire lower half of the RV. I decided to paint it. It was a job (4 days), but it was worth it. I washed the RV top to bottom, sanded the areas, taped it out, papered the area & spray painted it. I just did it last week, so I still have to spray on the clear coat. It looks 100% better. The total cost was around $400. I'm 61. If I can do it, anyone can
Thank you
Good job Glamper!
He must have not been a professional I was a professional detailer for few years never heard anyone using pool chlorine on paint. The car detail industry is well supported by local companies we even got our RO filtered water from them for mobile detailing. The most we would ever use is dawn dish soap and a soft scrub brush if it had road tar or if the paint needed work polishing compound. I hope no one ever let that guy use a rotary buffer probably burned the paint off cars. We always had a few old cars we would test a new employee on watch them see if they knew what they were doing.
i just stumbled upon your video. I have to say this is the most honest real life straight up shit Ive seen in a long time. Its real life....and you are doing well. I wish you the best!
Good decisions Ernest ! Good luck and good times to you, in retirement ! Money is not everything….peace of mind is the thing. Thanks. 🤠👍
Great outlook on life.
Thank you for your service to this country.
Your garage...MAKES ME LAUGH SO HARD. YOUR HOME IS LOVELY.
GOOD JOB.
retirement at 63 single woman i HATE APT. ALL THESE ADDED FEES. just for one 10 pound dog they want 800 just for dog plus 35 month to live in apt. then gouge you with door to door trash 50 dollars then 25 dollars for trash dumpster then amenity fee for crappy building no one uses. 15 for package locker when usps put them in for free. then 1500 month for 600 sq ft apt. HELL NO. put down money and only pay lot plus electric. my car right next to my living quarters too
You can start getting ssi at 62 but you are limited to earning just over 14 a year but it will continue to increase you ssi. After 65 there is no limit on earnings and it continues to increase SSI. I did it.
Retired Paramedic/ firefighter, registered Nurse,
Lived aboard a sailboat and used it to travel up and down the west coast working. Sold it 6 yrs back and bought 20 remote acres now. I feel like I’m the luckiest man on earth. Be nice to meet a nice woman to enjoy this with me though !!
Fantastic video!! Thank you for your service as well.
Man, I LOVE your attitude!! Well done!!
Thank you
@@lmErnest You are so welcome! God Bless you! 🙏
Thanks for your postings here, you are a nice person. I have to say, you have a nice life in a nice park. Congratulation...
Hello E! a few miles up from you in Denton great video and very informative. Thanks for the Information.
Im 59 on disability since about June 2024 was homeless prior to that god help us
When you retire you should head out to Utah and Arizona and go on the motorcycle trails out there. That's my plan
love your attitude brother, you have the attitude of success and survival! keep on rockin
Thank you for sharing your story I wish you all the best. You have a nice place so many people are suffering today. We can count our blessings. Bless you Sandy from Canada
Hi Ernest-thank you for showing us your very nice fifth wheel! Just a heads up-If I were you, I would hold on to that 2007 Cougar as long as possible. Don’t get a newer RV. Especially if it’s an RV made after 2018. Many of the older RVs are actually in better condition than the newer ones from 2018 on. The pandemic era and post-pandemic era RVs are very hit-or-miss.
Thank you again for sharing your journey with us. Take care.
Thanks
Morning Mr E. Im so glad I came across your channel last night. I'm kinda in the same boat and looking to do the RV life. You've given a lot of food for thought.
Really nice and cozy. I really want to do that.... I also have to say that I would not have guessed that you are 62 years old. You look amazing.
Thanks
Hi Ernest. I just want to say that your videos are very refreshing, honest and heart warming. You are doing a great job on explaining how you have built your own nest egg by being disciplined and living below your means. As a certified financial adviser, I try teaching people that if you can consistently delay instant gratification and live way below your means, you can retire comfortably. Keep up the great videos.
I guess one of the hardest things to deal with is being away from your kids no matter how old they are but you have to do what works for you.I am 62 and ready to venture out some and enjoy less a stressful life.
Hi Earnest, Thanks for sharing. You're doing great! Retire as soon as you can! You can always make $'s doing something else. It's time to enjoy your life! You are working too much! Take Care!
I’m divorced father of four now living on an rv in my land. It has been quite an adventure to say the least. I had to start from scratch left my 3000 ft2 to my x and kids and decided to take the least travel route. No apartment no more mortgages. I lived in my truck til I gathered enough money to buy my first ever rv in cash. I dug my own well along with my kids and slowly getting things done it can be overwhelming sometimes but would not do it any other way. So good luck to you and hope you enjoy what you so hard worked for. That is my ultimate desire to be able to enjoy my life the rest of the way. My lifestyle is very different from everyone else’s and the probably see me as an outcast now but the peace I’ve found here in my own little piece of heaven would not trade it for any beautiful house in a subdivision.
That is fantastic. I am currently at a RV park but I would like out. It's expensive. And there are rules. lol.
I will give you my two cents on watching all these full timers, be careful and don’t believe everything you watch. I’ve followed a few for years and some tell more lies than truths.
Really???? 😮😳🥺
For what reason?
@@CarrieLaCubana a lot of these full timers actually make their living on UA-cam views and also the companies that they represent products for. They normally will only show you all the great things about and not the bad.
Yep, they make $40,000 per month from ad revenue and claim they are poor 🥴
just like the Democrat party,
Great video thank you for sharing and good luck to you stay safe out there✌️
Really enjoyed your video I know you will make the right decision that will make you very happy
Thanks Sister
Kudos for keeping a good attitude. I follow Kevin also and he decided at 12 years old that how he wanted to do his older years and it worked out. You have things worked out well and should pat yourself on the back , We are not promised not one second of tomorrows. Regardless of how much you have or bust your butt. All we can do is treat people how you want to be treated. Cutting grass and maintenance eats away at your time, You are in a fabulous position to be in going into your retirement. Happiness does not have a price tag. Peace is a gift . Enjoy whatever comes your way.
Well said thank you 😊
Ernest Sir i applaud you for having the positive attitude and I’m sorry that you’ve had to experience that divorce thing that most of us had to do. Keep it up and just keep moving forward doing what makes you happy.
First time viewing your channel. My wife (RIP in 2019) and I bought a 2011 tow behind new, did some camping w/ our children until they lost interest, went to a few Nascar races and parked it in a campground on St' Johns river for 18 months. Great times for 2-3 weekends every month w/ friends right across the street on the river. The rent was 360/month and when we left was 400/month and about 40-50/month for electric. I'm retiring in Oct and thinking of going back w/ a new RV, get a boat and fish which is my hobby here in FL or move to east TN and enjoy cooler weather. More people are living in campgrounds because of inflation. If you can live in a RV for less than 1k a month, it makes sense plus you have pool and we had a restaurant Highbank's Marina with in walking distance. You gotta do what you gotta do today and it seems like you figured it out. Enjoyed your video and can't wait to get out of this rat race.
You got all need..Good for you.
Keep it up
Sir, just found your YT channel, I don't know you personally but you seem a stand up person of humble integrity, your story made me a new subscriber and I look forward to more of your shared content. Thanx 4sharing.
I appreciate that
Your a smart man, thats Life! Rent nowdays is 1500 and up! I have been seeing many more families living in RVs because they cannot afford living in a house anymore. You have a new subscriber 👍
Set yourself up pretty well Ernest, made smart decisions for your future. I'm 53 trying to stay ahead of things but it's life man, one thing i'm definitely working on making healthy choices. Thanks for Sharing!
And the moral to the story is don’t get married so she can divorce you at the height of your net worth and you throw away half of it!
It happened to me too. She thought I was going to retire so she could just get half my pension. I moved into a single wide way out in the sticks and froze my pension for 15 more years 😂 It's a union pension so she doesn't get paid until I decide to collect and all I did was switched unions. Life is good at 55. I'm building another pension waiting for her to die so I can get my money.
Excellent Ernest. Enjoyed watching you for the first time. You're doing great - making solid decisions and not over-extended. I have 30 more months to 62 and then I'll do same: little odd jobs, travel, and just enjoy. Ride on dude. LOL
Thanks
Thanks
I'm 36 and going through the beginning stages of a separation and possible divorce from a 12 year marriage with kids. I'm moving out to a local campground in my 30 ft travel trailer for a few months to try it out. I am excited and also a bit nervous about the massive changes ahead of me. A positive attitude and strong determination are key in times like these. Well done man, great content!
Don't leave the house.
@@jimstevenson424why?
@@SergioGurrola The wife gets a huge advantage in divorce, especially with kids, and less incentive to negotiate. Courts are biased against men (dependent on the judge), but the husband should fight for 50/50. Separate in house, no matter how tense it gets. Have an audio recorder on you, to defend against false DV. When the wife starts realizing in the legal process that she doesn't have the advantage she thought, she will change personality (for the worse).
My 37 yr old just did the same thing after his divorce. I am going to send him your channel