My Dad was in finance. If I can’t pay cash I don’t need it. I have no credit cards and no debt. My car is a 2003 manual transmission and I’m old and happy!
I retired last year. We still had a mortgage, although it was getting smaller all the time. My IRA bought our house in Tennessee, and our "city home" paid for itself and gave us a nice nest egg. We had already paid for my (mistake) indulgence of the only new car I ever owned. We paid it off early, and those payments went into the general fund. Now we're here, in a small town that we really love. We're debt free, and now we have time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
I am using your out of debt system. My income is only $33,000 a year. I have payed off my mortgage, my truck, and all but 1 credit card ( I have 6 cards ). First I thank you for your videos teaching your system, but more importantly I want people to know if I can do it so can they. Thank you again.
This is a good philosophy However it is a good ideal to be concerned about your credit rating because insurance rates are calculated using credit scores.
I followed Dave Ramsey about 15 years ago. Before i retired at 64 i made sure my house, car and credit cards were payed off. At one point in my life i worked 5 jobs and raised 2 kids by myself and there was never enough money and i didn't want to live that way until i died. I kept getting better paying jobs and set myself up to retire. Yes i do have a very blessed life!❤
I've been watching you since you started fixing up the RV in PA that you lived in. People just joining your channel haven't seen the decade of gradually building up and improving your situation by only paying cash. I find you inspirational, you are demonstrating your principles, applied diligently over years, will dramatically improve a person's financial situation. No apologies needed!!!
Living SIMPLE and FREE does not mean suffering or doing without. It is living within your means, debt free and making good choices for your life and needs. You both demonstrate ways to have lovely dwellings and enjoy adventure. All of this takes sensible planning, skills and physical labor. Carry On and please don't stress over those who are negative. They simply can't understand this concept. ❤️
I'm sorry you feel you need to explain what you own, but I'm thrilled that Elizabeth is healthier and you can get back to what you've always loved to do... Travel, family, and being frugal and wise with your spending gives you such obvious joy. Your homes are modest and your eating style and clothing choices are practical so we can see how living within your means can be rich and full with extras that give you such obvious joy.
How kind of you both to still share advice and tips for others to help them in spite of the criticism you get thrown at you. As anyone can see, you two have went through the struggle only to climb out and succeed, all with the Lords guidance and blessing. Thank you for sharing such personal details and willingness to show others your journey! ❤
I was not as lucky with my Interstitial Lung Disease aka Pulmonary Fibrosis. I'm on oxygen 24/7 now with only 70% lung volume and I'm only 58. Luckly, I'm debt free and I'm happy as a "bug in a rug" on my 28 acres with my 1981 mobile home I bought with my Disability back pay. Was lucky to remodel the mobile before I had my heart attack, covid and PF. We are so happy for you two!
@@cjhoward409 the biggest risk factory I would say is - upper respiratory infections. Thats what I fear the most. PF is an end of life disease. So, I don't do crowds much due to so many germs in the world now.
You have worked hard and continue to work hard. You serve God. Your love of each other and of God is palpable. I think you deserve every thing you have. May God richly bless you for many years to come.
You all deserve everything you have!!!! I am happy for you to have all that you need to live happily and be debt free. You have helped me stay debt free. I appreciate everything you do. I would live in the RV full time!!!!! 🎉🎉
People have the wrong idea about what living simple means 🙄 it means living without debt….buy with cash as you save for it. Simple and free is living STRESS FREE with NO debt! Thanks for being an example of how you can have things and be debt free!
Great response to the questions people have. The best part for me watching this was your own story how you both eventually became debt free. Inspiring with Hope and totally doable.
We live off Social Security alone, that is $33,600 a year. Like I said, we wouldn't make it unless we were debt free. When we bought this latest car our payments were $225 on a 2015 Honda Accord. We paid $11,500 for it but it should last a long time. We've had it 6 years now and put about 1110,000 miles on it. Still runs like brand new.
To be honest, I was one of those People who said, it does not seem that you live „ simple „. But then I watched the Video where you talk about your whole Journey on how you had a Comfortable Live, but then lost it all, and how you dealt with your Situation. I will say I looked at you two in a whole New Light. I think you are amazing People, you worked hard to get back up and you love the Lord, and you went trough lean and hard times. But you got outof it. And like you said, you just deal with the Problems as they come along, as far as Elisabeth‘s Health. You both are great Examples of being thankful for what you have and when you buy things it’s cash, not Credit Card. Anyway, thanks for sharing, many People can learn from your Journey. May God continue to bless you.
We're so glad you find our journey encouraging! The financial lessons we have learned have been hard won. And we want to impart what we’ve learned on to others, to maybe help them try to avoid those mistakes.
My wife and I are retired, and we also live within our needs, but below our means. Some of our family and friends think that my wife and I are weird because of the way we do it. We have separate checking accounts at the bank, one for my wife, one for me, and one for our household expenses. We contribute from our separate accounts into the household account. Here's where the weirdness comes in, because we also have 14 separate accounts at credit unions. We pay into each account every month as if it were a bill. This way, we can save for a new car, have money for insurance when it comes due, have money for emergencies, and even Christmas. We also, like you, put money into an account whenever we use our credit card, so that we can pay it off each month. Our house and our vacation house at the coast are mortgage-free. Thank you for your videos. We've been watching since you were Tiny House Preppers.
I've also seen lots of videos from people who have retired and are living in an RV full time. It's amazing to me that some people are paying well into the six figures for some of the RV's that are cheaply built, mechanically unsound, or just plain badly designed to live in. RV's are meant for vacations, staying in for a short time during three seasons of the year at most. Most RV's don't have anywhere near the insulation or structural integrity for folks who live in them full time and travel much of the year. Your solution makes so much sense in so many ways. Thank you for all your candid, informative videos. All the best to you both.
Paid off my car and credit card now in January i am starting on my mortgage which will be paid off in 3 years. I still put in savings for medical expenses and new prescription's but having minimal Thank you debt is so empowering. Thank you
You may not have saved much dollar wise. However, you created exactly the type of RV you wanted. It's custom built to your specifications, and that makes it priceless!
Living simple and free does not mean hoarding money in the bank and not having anything or enjoying life.. As thrive and the channel grew, your discretionary income increased like you said.. Living simple and free can have many levels.
This video is in my "save"' file. Work got me out of debt, I worked 7 days a week, five day 16 hrs weekends 8 hrs, I felt asleep walking, I'm amazed I'm living to tell about this. . I signed up with 5 homecare agencies, , 4.50 hourly wage, men working on the house charged 10.00, I also built on my place to save money. Debt free at age 50, I'm 82 living on 1000. a month. Because of living in the North, fuel is the highest drain, as is house repairs,
My son and husband are in to solar . I was just telling them the other day about y’all’s solar on your camper and they say you got the best. They’re very impressed. Great idea using it for power outages in your homes too! This build was amazing from the workmanship and design! - watching from Cobbtown, Georgia ….this week
My husband and I are about your ages and we make some foolish mistakes when we were young but we found Larry Burket in the 1980s....he came before Dave Ramsay but basically the message you are giving today! By being frugal and living below our income has allowed us to have a small vacation home on the family farm where I grew up and we can enjoy our retirement.
I congratulate Bill on seeing how affected Elizabeth was by the winters up North and working on the flip house with his son Barry to be able to have the money available for the good down payment on the house they got in Florida. That was no little puttering around project. It was a lot of hard work for a retired person. No shortcut and everything they did themselves increased the profit at the end instead of subbing a lot of it out.
I just landed on this video, and I can see how proud you two are in building your camper together. It was indeed a labor of love. It put a smile on my face. Congrats the build looks wonderful. One thing you can't put a price on, is the fact your camper will last longer than a manufactured camper. They pretty much throw them together with glue, staples, missing screws, and rushed them out the door for maximum profits. Its a corporation where profit come first, and pride for their products is pretty much further down the list. You two indeed have "pride in ownership"
Living Simply is Liberating for sure. We have a nice older Double- wide on 7 acres BUT our home does not lack- nothing elegant but a beautiful home that we & our kids & grands can all fit in and enjoy especially during holiday times. After we retired from other jobs in the ministry- we continued our small side business still today with our son also helping now. God has provided ALL & more. WE ARE BLESSED!❤
I pray for all, including myself, that are priority is to become debt free. Thank you Bill and Elizabeth for your example and your good info. For those that feel trap I pray for better paying jobs, for promotions and for increases that gives you more income to pay down debts. Thank you God for open doors and your wisdom. Let’s do this!!
Good Morning Bill & Elizabeth,I am so happy for you.I can’t believe some of questions you are asked.You are both so honest yet humble.I am debt free also.Thank you for all the information.❤
So Mama and I have watched all of your videos over the years and we live in South GA!. Sharing your story of losing everything and moving into the tiny house and your methods for debt free living have helped thousands of people including. Being debt free is true freedom. I retire next week and we absolutely love your adventures and tips for DIY and home improvement. Thanks for your ministry that has helped so many get out of debt and stay out of debt.
Agree totally that being debt free keeps me from being a slave to a lender. Have had a credit card with USAA, for 65 years which is used for auto fuel & auto maintenance, maintenance supplies on my home, & yard , restaurants etc, of which is paid off every month & is handy for dental, eye glasses visits when necessary. I like using the credit card as it summarizes my expenses by catagory every month on the statement & this is a cash flow aide. Additionally having a bank cbristmas club. A reserve savings acct for property taxes, birthdays, insurance Etc is a good thing. All of this helps me to stay on budget. & out of debt. It is not good to carry a heavy weight of debt on our shoulders. Instant gratification is a bad thing ! Indeed living simple is a good thing!
Our mortgage is paid off, we paid cash for our car and we have one credit card for emergencies. We live within our means and we are debt free as well. We have always lived a simple life and now that I'm semi retired we have no financial worries. It can be done but folks have to want to live within their means and frugally.
Hi Bill and Elizabeth, I am out of debt as of Oct 2024. I didn't follow your plan. I have never been one who want to be in debt and tried to live the life style where debt doesn't occur. Unfortunately things where not going well and I accumulated a nauseating amount. Things turned around for me and I was determined to get out of debt and paying over and above the suggested monthly payment. Even though I did not see your video on getting out of debt. Your words in your channel where in inspiration enough. And prayer. I hope to stay the course.
Congratulations. You are building a life style that suits you both too, very important as we get older. We also have a sunbirder house, and we have an old slideon camper on our ute for travelling, so life is full of comforts and adventures! Debt free is so important.
Having just done a conversion of a Promaster I can vouch everything cost twice as much & took twice as long as originally thought. 🤦♂️ Take consolation that all Class Cs are poorly built . You'll not regret building the truck out. Looks great.
I found this to be one very interesting video. Thanks for all your info. I feel your life is a good one. Thanks for sharing all your input. Please keep up your good life. Enjoy the warmth in Florida, very cold up here in the northeast. 😊
We are debt free now and so nice not to have monthly payments on anything. In 2014 when I retired we sold our big 4 bedroom, 3 bath house on 12 acres with a 36×60 barn, hay shed and stallion barn. We moved out to our retirement property bought in 2006, 100 miles west. The sale of the original big house paid off the land here, built new house with cash and paid off our new RV. Everything paid for including truck and car. We couldn't make it on social security only if everything was not paid off. Definitely recommend it, it's the way people should live.
My husband and I had a home that we purchased after we retired. We rented prior to that. Unfortunately, my husband passed away a year ago this past August and I had to sell our home because I could not afford the mortgage on one income. I am now living in an Indepent senior home that I pay 30% of my income. We were in debt way over our heads prior to retirement and my brother helped us with some cash and he taught me how to keep a budget. We paid off $64,000 in 3 years, so I know it can be done if you have the income. I am still debt free and able to save every month on my pensions. I have never stopped using a budget. I too pay my 1 credit card off every month.
I’ve been following your channel since you were in your tiny trailer. I know you live frugally and the things you have gotten were done to keep you pretty much out of debt (ie, short term mortgages). We have done the same as you. We just sold our fifth wheel and truck and bought a used class A. We traded in our car and purchased a new toad that we placed a large down payment on with a three year loan. We are paying extra toward the principle to pay it off in less time. Then we will again be out of debt. We live below our means and have saved up money to go south for the months of January and February to get me out of the cold weather. Our stories are quite similar. I love watching your channel and have learned so much from you. God bless you.
Always good advice and you share so much. We don't need to know but I hope it helps those who don't manage their money well. You are both very giving people. Thanks for always giving good advice and being special people on you tube in our lives.
You guys did an awesome job on the camper truck. I love it! There are so many beggars on youtube that burn through their "donations", but I have NEVER seen the two of you ask anyone for anything. You owe no one any explanation. Your hard work and living frugally has gotten you where you are. So anyone pointing fingers can sit down and get off their high horse.
Guys, this was a great video. People need to understand you can have "things" without going into debt to get them. It's called SAVING! I've been saving for a year for a better vehicle because I refuse to have a monthly car payment. I make enough money every month to have a car payment. but why do I want to put myself in that situation when I can have that extra money every month as discretionary income? I have a family member that spends her paychecks as fast as she gets them. This carefree spending has kept her from getting a better place to live for her family. Some people won't listen to logic , but I hope more people will take your debt free advice because it's wonderful. it's a stress reliever and it's freedom!
You are absolutely correct! Debt free is absolutely the best! And the sooner the better! Young folks take note, do not over expend yourself! The banks say they will give $400k for a house, BS, you can only afford $100k to $150k less. You do not want to be house poor, and payoff as soon as possible. I paid off my mortgage in 3 years.
❤ Good Day Elizabeth and Bill🤩🙏🙌Way to go with your Box Truck savings! Love your idea! And having Fun building it & the way you wantit to be! Awsome 🤩👍👌🤞✌️⛄🧑🎄🎄💚🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌠
My husband and I bought a 1,000 square. ft house for $44,000 built in 1900. It's on 3 acres. We remodeled the "cottage" for roughly $10,000 (we paid a contractor) with the understanding that we planned to build a barndominium on the property. My husband did a MAJORITY of the work (excavation, framework, plumbing, in-floor heating, electrical, hang doors, baseboards, etc.) We have recently moved into the barndo. We want to use the cottage for supplemental income. What would you recommend: renting the cottage or Airbnb? And yes, we saved and paid cash for everything. We are debt free.
This has been so well thought out and implemented. Praises for your successful efforts. You are both an extraordinary example of how to live and think. You honor your Creator by how you choose to live. Your humility is commendable.
Thanks so much for sharing your truck building break down cost. You gyy have an amazing rig. Very well built. I love it. Finally today found out about your debt free seminar. Amazing tool!! Thanks so much again for sharing it. Virginia is for lovers!!
I just looked up 14 foot U-Haul vans in my area. Good condition 140,000 a number of the around $9000 I am keeping this in mind. I have a full size Chevy express cargo van now I have set up to where if needed I can live in. But a U-Haul van would be fantastic. But I would not be able to make like yours but it would be livable in emergencies. Plus use to haul things.
I don’t need a fancy house. But I do need to live somewhere safe. Love your shared philosophy and partnership. I imagine your arguments to be civil and kind, each allowing the other a chance to speak and both listening and hearing each other.
We haven't had any "real" arguments in decades. Many think that marriage is 50/50, and you must comprise somewhere in the middle. It's not! It must be 100/100! Her opinions, desires, and happiness (not my own) must be my highest priority. When I give 100% to her, and she gives 100% to me, then we naturally meet somewhere in the middle without ANY friction between us. It's a beautiful thing, and it took us YEARS to learn that! 😊
i am happy yall clarified things because i was also one that said i love yall but i dont see how yall are living simple and free when yall spend alot of money but now i know yall are talking about debt free living i hope yall had a happy thanksgiving
Thank you for being such an inspiration to others. I’m sure your videos have helped many people become debt-free. My husband and I are also debt-free after many hard years, thanks be to God. I may want watch your videos about maintaining it, though . . . Especially during the holiday season. 😂 God bless you!❤
Greetings from Washington state have been a long time since I've left a comment you're always on my heart and I've always prayed for you guys it's so exciting what's going on now and what things God is doing I just wanted to stop by and say hi and send my love to both of you and you're in my prayers shalom
The cost is like a tiny home. If you want to use this little home to travel back to see family (and stay while there) ...you'll be ok. Hugs....I think if you sell the Virginia home, you still have your truck home and Florida home. To be honest, I did not want you 2 to have 2 sticks and bricks homes. But...seeing the positive effects of the warm weather on Elizabeth's health... has been amazing. Hugs u 2 🤗. Also, hi Barry and his family 🤗.
If we ever do sell one of them, it would be the Florida home that we would sell. We love Florida (in the winter), but we have no desire to endure the summer heat. But mostly, we have friends down there, but no family. As we get too old to care for ourselves, we need to be near our kids in Virginia.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree ✨😊✨Thanks for responding. I like that plan! 👍🤗 Your nice rv would get you to and from Florida in the winter. Great job on the RV. It's a home.
The camper is awesome. Great job, Bill and Elizabeth. I have been watching you guys for many years since back in the early days in PA. I feel like i know you personally. Keep up the great videos. Looking forward to your next trip.
Good for you guys! Do you watch Bob Well's channel? There are a lot of tips on there for building your own camping vehicle. You have worked all your lives and you deserve to enjoy your "golden" years. Forget the haters.
Our older van was just in for inspection and needed a lot of work. Between what we did and the mechanic did it was over $1,100. Given it's age and miles it was worth it because we can do a lot of the work ourselves. It was less than two normal car payments and we won't need tires or exhaust work for another couple of years.
I went to my 60th class reunion this year. And I own a 22 ft class c motorhome that l love. It's my only vise and only debt I have thank god ❤. And it's the best money l spend each month. I've always managed my debt and I try totell the kids build your credit rating and save your money and you'll never have anything to worry about.
Nice RV! We only use ours for the lake and in the mountains locally. Found a huge class A for around $10 k with 60 k miles. Bigger than what we wanted but worked out great.
We are still living with a very small debt but we will pay that off we are hoping soon. We live on our social Security and a small part time income. We have everything we need! We do not need a thing. Our home is small but we are content.
Pretty rough, but it looks like you’ve got everything you need. Nice job ! We’re looking to get a tall van that we can make into a camper. Hubby will be retiring next year and we want to travel 1-2 months at a time. He’s quite handy. He’s built our house. This is good info. Thank you. We had a class C YEARS ago and we loved it, but sold it 10 years ago. Need something smaller
This camper is not finished yet. I built it to the point where everything is functional before we went on our first trip. But I still have to finish the flooring, the paint, and moldings. It will look much more “finished” after the work is complete.
My Dad was in finance. If I can’t pay cash I don’t need it. I have no credit cards and no debt. My car is a 2003 manual transmission and I’m old and happy!
I retired last year. We still had a mortgage, although it was getting smaller all the time. My IRA bought our house in Tennessee, and our "city home" paid for itself and gave us a nice nest egg. We had already paid for my (mistake) indulgence of the only new car I ever owned. We paid it off early, and those payments went into the general fund. Now we're here, in a small town that we really love. We're debt free, and now we have time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
That’s the way to do it !
It is not how much you make, it's how you manage what you make. Great philosophy to live with!
Bill & Elizabeth. Buying your Florida home was a great decision. Elizabeth's health has improved markedly. We'll done.
I am using your out of debt system. My income is only $33,000 a year. I have payed off my mortgage, my truck, and all but 1 credit card ( I have 6 cards ). First I thank you for your videos teaching your system, but more importantly I want people to know if I can do it so can they. Thank you again.
That's exceptional, to pay off your mortgage with only a $33k income. Excellent. Congratulations!
@ I actually forgot to say I also paid off 2 large sheds that I bought with payments. This just proves your system works. Thanks
This is a good philosophy However it is a good ideal to be concerned about your credit rating because insurance rates are calculated using credit scores.
@@ginaordonez9371 yes that is correct. My credit score was almost 500 now it is almost 800. 👍
Way to go! Your discipline you have acquired will be a reward of the freedom that you feel not being in debt. Nice!!
I think the box truck is well thought out and near perfect. Great video. God bless you both 🙏.
I followed Dave Ramsey about 15 years ago. Before i retired at 64 i made sure my house, car and credit cards were payed off. At one point in my life i worked 5 jobs and raised 2 kids by myself and there was never enough money and i didn't want to live that way until i died. I kept getting better paying jobs and set myself up to retire. Yes i do have a very blessed life!❤
Congratulations! Yes, my system is similar to Dave Ramsey.
Dave Ramsey. Yep me too. I don’t agree with all of what he says. But he def has some good pointrs
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree yes it is, it just made sense to me.
Absolutely, I followed Clark Howard. And when I started following him I was credit rich, no longer! I am debt free for the last 15 years!
Yep. We did Dave’s system too. But when we started, we were too broke to buy his book. So we just listened to his radio shows. 😊
I've been watching you since you started fixing up the RV in PA that you lived in. People just joining your channel haven't seen the decade of gradually building up and improving your situation by only paying cash. I find you inspirational, you are demonstrating your principles, applied diligently over years, will dramatically improve a person's financial situation. No apologies needed!!!
Living SIMPLE and FREE does not mean suffering or doing without. It is living within your means, debt free and making good choices for your life and needs. You both demonstrate ways to have lovely dwellings and enjoy adventure. All of this takes sensible planning, skills and physical labor. Carry On and please don't stress over those who are negative. They simply can't understand this concept. ❤️
Exactly!!!!
Enjoy your life!!!!🎉🎉🎉. Love your u-tube channel!!
I'm sorry you feel you need to explain what you own, but I'm thrilled that Elizabeth is healthier and you can get back to what you've always loved to do... Travel, family, and being frugal and wise with your spending gives you such obvious joy. Your homes are modest and your eating style and clothing choices are practical so we can see how living within your means can be rich and full with extras that give you such obvious joy.
How kind of you both to still share advice and tips for others to help them in spite of the criticism you get thrown at you. As anyone can see, you two have went through the struggle only to climb out and succeed, all with the Lords guidance and blessing. Thank you for sharing such personal details and willingness to show others your journey! ❤
I was not as lucky with my Interstitial Lung Disease aka Pulmonary Fibrosis. I'm on oxygen 24/7 now with only 70% lung volume and I'm only 58. Luckly, I'm debt free and I'm happy as a "bug in a rug" on my 28 acres with my 1981 mobile home I bought with my Disability back pay. Was lucky to remodel the mobile before I had my heart attack, covid and PF. We are so happy for you two!
What is the biggest risk factors for your lung disease ?
@@cjhoward409 the biggest risk factory I would say is - upper respiratory infections. Thats what I fear the most. PF is an end of life disease. So, I don't do crowds much due to so many germs in the world now.
You have worked hard and continue to work hard. You serve God. Your love of each other and of God is palpable. I think you deserve every thing you have. May God richly bless you for many years to come.
Thank you.
You all deserve everything you have!!!! I am happy for you to have all that you need to live happily and be debt free. You have helped me stay debt free. I appreciate everything you do. I would live in the RV full time!!!!! 🎉🎉
People have the wrong idea about what living simple means 🙄 it means living without debt….buy with cash as you save for it. Simple and free is living STRESS FREE with NO debt! Thanks for being an example of how you can have things and be debt free!
Great response to the questions people have. The best part for me watching this was your own story how you both eventually became debt free. Inspiring with Hope and totally doable.
“I still make a car payment every month but I do it into savings.” Brilliant AND a simple concept.
We live off Social Security alone, that is $33,600 a year. Like I said, we wouldn't make it unless we were debt free. When we bought this latest car our payments were $225 on a 2015 Honda Accord. We paid $11,500 for it but it should last a long time. We've had it 6 years now and put about 1110,000 miles on it. Still runs like brand new.
I know it’s a typo but it looks like you put over 1 mil miles on your Honda. Lol. Hey, I love my Honda. They can go very far with their mileage. 😊
@cjhoward409 Yup! It's a typo!! Should be 110,000!
You Do live simply you are NOT a minimalist, this is the mistake all these people are making. Love you guys and absolutely love your channel.
I’m new here but the comments made are ppls opinion and doesn’t necessarily make it true. I’m loving this channel and please keep doing what you do.
Welcome! Glad to have you. 😊
We had a small class c with twin beds. We didn't spend even close to you. We got a low mileage and remodeled it.
To be honest, I was one of those People who said, it does not seem that you live „ simple „. But then I watched the Video where you talk about your whole Journey on how you had a Comfortable Live, but then lost it all, and how you dealt with your Situation. I will say I looked at you two in a whole New Light. I think you are amazing People, you worked hard to get back up and you love the Lord, and you went trough lean and hard times. But you got outof it. And like you said, you just deal with the Problems as they come along, as far as Elisabeth‘s Health.
You both are great Examples of being thankful for what you have
and when you buy things it’s cash, not Credit Card. Anyway, thanks for sharing, many People can learn from your Journey. May God continue to bless you.
We're so glad you find our journey encouraging! The financial lessons we have learned have been hard won. And we want to impart what we’ve learned on to others, to maybe help them try to avoid those mistakes.
Mary here been watching a long time .I learn something from every video. Currently debt free.in a house.
Excellent!
You two are good people deserving of our respect. ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing how you do things. There will always be those who criticize everything and do nothing. I appreciate the two of you. God bless. 😀
Good roof. Unlike RVs that will leak: it's not 'if', it's 'when'.
Yes! So true.
My wife and I are retired, and we also live within our needs, but below our means. Some of our family and friends think that my wife and I are weird because of the way we do it. We have separate checking accounts at the bank, one for my wife, one for me, and one for our household expenses. We contribute from our separate accounts into the household account. Here's where the weirdness comes in, because we also have 14 separate accounts at credit unions. We pay into each account every month as if it were a bill. This way, we can save for a new car, have money for insurance when it comes due, have money for emergencies, and even Christmas. We also, like you, put money into an account whenever we use our credit card, so that we can pay it off each month. Our house and our vacation house at the coast are mortgage-free. Thank you for your videos. We've been watching since you were Tiny House Preppers.
It's helpful when both of you are on the same page financially. Glad to see you succeed!
Yup, it doesn’t really work if you don’t both agree.
I've also seen lots of videos from people who have retired and are living in an RV full time. It's amazing to me that some people are paying well into the six figures for some of the RV's that are cheaply built, mechanically unsound, or just plain badly designed to live in. RV's are meant for vacations, staying in for a short time during three seasons of the year at most. Most RV's don't have anywhere near the insulation or structural integrity for folks who live in them full time and travel much of the year. Your solution makes so much sense in so many ways. Thank you for all your candid, informative videos. All the best to you both.
Paid off my car and credit card now in January i am starting on my mortgage which will be paid off in 3 years. I still put in savings for medical expenses and new prescription's but having minimal Thank you debt is so empowering. Thank you
You may not have saved much dollar wise. However, you created exactly the type of RV you wanted. It's custom built to your specifications, and that makes it priceless!
Exactly, we couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
Living simple and free does not mean hoarding money in the bank and not having anything or enjoying life.. As thrive and the channel grew, your discretionary income increased like you said.. Living simple and free can have many levels.
This video is in my "save"' file. Work got me out of debt,
I worked 7 days a week, five day 16 hrs weekends 8 hrs, I felt asleep walking, I'm amazed I'm living to tell about this.
. I signed up with 5 homecare agencies, , 4.50 hourly wage, men working on the house charged 10.00, I also built on my place to save money.
Debt free at age 50, I'm 82 living on 1000. a month.
Because of living in the North, fuel is the highest drain, as is house repairs,
My son and husband are in to solar . I was just telling them the other day about y’all’s solar on your camper and they say you got the best. They’re very impressed. Great idea using it for power outages in your homes too! This build was amazing from the workmanship and design! - watching from Cobbtown, Georgia ….this week
My husband and I are about your ages and we make some foolish mistakes when we were young but we found Larry Burket in the 1980s....he came before Dave Ramsay but basically the message you are giving today! By being frugal and living below our income has allowed us to have a small vacation home on the family farm where I grew up and we can enjoy our retirement.
I congratulate Bill on seeing how affected Elizabeth was by the winters up North and working on the flip house with his son Barry to be able to have the money available for the good down payment on the house they got in Florida. That was no little puttering around project. It was a lot of hard work for a retired person. No shortcut and everything they did themselves increased the profit at the end instead of subbing a lot of it out.
Always a blessing to listen to you! We live debt free too!wonderful life!
I just landed on this video, and I can see how proud you two are in building your camper together. It was indeed a labor of love. It put a smile on my face. Congrats the build looks wonderful.
One thing you can't put a price on, is the fact your camper will last longer than a manufactured camper. They pretty much throw them together with glue, staples, missing screws, and rushed them out the door for maximum profits. Its a corporation where profit come first, and pride for their products is pretty much further down the list.
You two indeed have "pride in ownership"
Faithful tithing has changed my life. Thank you for that subtle encouragement!! Paying extra on my $68k mortgage monthly.
Living Simply is Liberating for sure. We have a nice older Double- wide on 7 acres BUT our home does not lack- nothing elegant but a beautiful home that we & our kids & grands can all fit in and enjoy especially during holiday times. After we retired from other jobs in the ministry- we continued our small side business still today with our son also helping now. God has provided ALL & more. WE ARE BLESSED!❤
I pray for all, including myself, that are priority is to become debt free. Thank you Bill and Elizabeth for your example and your good info. For those that feel trap I pray for better paying jobs, for promotions and for increases that gives you more income to pay down debts. Thank you God for open doors and your wisdom. Let’s do this!!
Good Morning Bill & Elizabeth,I am so happy for you.I can’t believe some of questions you are asked.You are both so honest yet humble.I am debt free also.Thank you for all the information.❤
So Mama and I have watched all of your videos over the years and we live in South GA!. Sharing your story of losing everything and moving into the tiny house and your methods for debt free living have helped thousands of people including. Being debt free is true freedom. I retire next week and we absolutely love your adventures and tips for DIY and home improvement. Thanks for your ministry that has helped so many get out of debt and stay out of debt.
So glad we could help
Agree totally that being debt free keeps me from being a slave to a lender. Have had a credit card with USAA, for 65 years which is used for auto fuel & auto maintenance, maintenance supplies on my home, & yard , restaurants etc, of which is paid off every month & is handy for dental, eye glasses visits when necessary. I like using the credit card as it summarizes my expenses by catagory every month on the statement & this is a cash flow aide. Additionally having a bank cbristmas club. A reserve savings acct for property taxes, birthdays, insurance Etc is a good thing. All of this helps me to stay on budget. & out of debt. It is not good to carry a heavy weight of debt on our shoulders. Instant gratification is a bad thing ! Indeed living simple is a good thing!
Our mortgage is paid off, we paid cash for our car and we have one credit card for emergencies. We live within our means and we are debt free as well. We have always lived a simple life and now that I'm semi retired we have no financial worries. It can be done but folks have to want to live within their means and frugally.
Hi Bill and Elizabeth, I am out of debt as of Oct 2024. I didn't follow your plan. I have never been one who want to be in debt and tried to live the life style where debt doesn't occur. Unfortunately things where not going well and I accumulated a nauseating amount. Things turned around for me and I was determined to get out of debt and paying over and above the suggested monthly payment. Even though I did not see your video on getting out of debt. Your words in your channel where in inspiration enough. And prayer. I hope to stay the course.
my husband and i love watching your channel!!
All makes perfect sense. Ty for your care for others showed by your sincerity and teaching.
Congratulations. You are building a life style that suits you both too, very important as we get older. We also have a sunbirder house, and we have an old slideon camper on our ute for travelling, so life is full of comforts and adventures! Debt free is so important.
Having just done a conversion of a Promaster I can vouch everything cost twice as much & took twice as long as originally thought. 🤦♂️
Take consolation that all Class Cs are poorly built . You'll not regret building the truck out. Looks great.
I found this to be one very interesting video. Thanks for all your info. I feel your life is a good one. Thanks for sharing all your input. Please keep up your good life. Enjoy the warmth in Florida, very cold up here in the northeast. 😊
We are debt free now and so nice not to have monthly payments on anything. In 2014 when I retired we sold our big 4 bedroom, 3 bath house on 12 acres with a 36×60 barn, hay shed and stallion barn. We moved out to our retirement property bought in 2006, 100 miles west. The sale of the original big house paid off the land here, built new house with cash and paid off our new RV. Everything paid for including truck and car. We couldn't make it on social security only if everything was not paid off. Definitely recommend it, it's the way people should live.
It’s the best feeling in the world to have everything paid off.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree It surely is! Nothing like it!!
My husband and I had a home that we purchased after we retired. We rented prior to that. Unfortunately, my husband passed away a year ago this past August and I had to sell our home because I could not afford the mortgage on one income. I am now living in an Indepent senior home that I pay 30% of my income.
We were in debt way over our heads prior to retirement and my brother helped us with some cash and he taught me how to keep a budget. We paid off $64,000 in 3 years, so I know it can be done if you have the income.
I am still debt free and able to save every month on my pensions. I have never stopped using a budget. I too pay my 1 credit card off every month.
I’ve been following your channel since you were in your tiny trailer. I know you live frugally and the things you have gotten were done to keep you pretty much out of debt (ie, short term mortgages). We have done the same as you. We just sold our fifth wheel and truck and bought a used class A. We traded in our car and purchased a new toad that we placed a large down payment on with a three year loan. We are paying extra toward the principle to pay it off in less time. Then we will again be out of debt. We live below our means and have saved up money to go south for the months of January and February to get me out of the cold weather. Our stories are quite similar. I love watching your channel and have learned so much from you. God bless you.
We live debt free and use credit cards to get a slight reduction in our costs. We haven’t always been this way but we’re not going back.
Blessings...always enjoy the program.
Always good advice and you share so much. We don't need to know but I hope it helps those who don't manage their money well. You are both very giving people. Thanks for always giving good advice and being special people on you tube in our lives.
We're so glad that you find our advice helpful!
You guys did an awesome job on the camper truck. I love it!
There are so many beggars on youtube that burn through their "donations", but I have NEVER seen the two of you ask anyone for anything. You owe no one any explanation. Your hard work and living frugally has gotten you where you are. So anyone pointing fingers can sit down and get off their high horse.
Guys, this was a great video. People need to understand you can have "things" without going into debt to get them. It's called SAVING! I've been saving for a year for a better vehicle because I refuse to have a monthly car payment. I make enough money every month to have a car payment. but why do I want to put myself in that situation when I can have that extra money every month as discretionary income? I have a family member that spends her paychecks as fast as she gets them. This carefree spending has kept her from getting a better place to live for her family. Some people won't listen to logic , but I hope more people will take your debt free advice because it's wonderful. it's a stress reliever and it's freedom!
We agree, that's the only way to have true financial freedom.
❤❤❤ I grew up watching my Dad and Mom saving $ and buying with cash....cars, homes, etc.
I live in 400sq feet and live on penny’s every month, but it is a blessing…
Thank you
Can't wait to see the finish work. Floor, trim and paint. Fun hobby that is useable.
You are absolutely correct! Debt free is absolutely the best! And the sooner the better! Young folks take note, do not over expend yourself! The banks say they will give $400k for a house, BS, you can only afford $100k to $150k less. You do not want to be house poor, and payoff as soon as possible. I paid off my mortgage in 3 years.
❤ Good Day Elizabeth and Bill🤩🙏🙌Way to go with your Box Truck savings! Love your idea! And having Fun building it & the way you wantit to be! Awsome 🤩👍👌🤞✌️⛄🧑🎄🎄💚🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌠
My husband and I bought a 1,000 square. ft house for $44,000 built in 1900. It's on 3 acres. We remodeled the "cottage" for roughly $10,000 (we paid a contractor) with the understanding that we planned to build a barndominium on the property. My husband did a MAJORITY of the work (excavation, framework, plumbing, in-floor heating, electrical, hang doors, baseboards, etc.) We have recently moved into the barndo. We want to use the cottage for supplemental income. What would you recommend: renting the cottage or Airbnb? And yes, we saved and paid cash for everything. We are debt free.
You truly can't put a price on reliable off grid air conditioning. It's the holy grail of the off grid vehicles world, and you achieved it! Well done!
😎
This has been so well thought out and implemented. Praises for your successful efforts. You are both an extraordinary example of how to live and think. You honor your Creator by how you choose to live. Your humility is commendable.
Thanks so much for sharing your truck building break down cost.
You gyy have an amazing rig.
Very well built. I love it.
Finally today found out about your debt free seminar. Amazing tool!! Thanks so much again for sharing it.
Virginia is for lovers!!
I just looked up 14 foot U-Haul vans in my area. Good condition 140,000 a number of the around $9000
I am keeping this in mind. I have a full size Chevy express cargo van now I have set up to where if needed I can live in. But a U-Haul van would be fantastic. But I would not be able to make like yours but it would be livable in emergencies. Plus use to haul things.
I don’t need a fancy house. But I do need to live somewhere safe.
Love your shared philosophy and partnership.
I imagine your arguments to be civil and kind, each allowing the other a chance to speak and both listening and hearing each other.
We haven't had any "real" arguments in decades. Many think that marriage is 50/50, and you must comprise somewhere in the middle. It's not! It must be 100/100! Her opinions, desires, and happiness (not my own) must be my highest priority. When I give 100% to her, and she gives 100% to me, then we naturally meet somewhere in the middle without ANY friction between us. It's a beautiful thing, and it took us YEARS to learn that! 😊
$33,000 for that tiny older u-haul Rv is crazy. As far as buying income properties at your ages keep in mind the human expiration date.
That's what they cost!
I love you guys and your transparency and the help you offer, thank you❤
i am happy yall clarified things because i was also one that said i love yall but i dont see how yall are living simple and free when yall spend alot of money but now i know yall are talking about debt free living i hope yall had a happy thanksgiving
your thinking is so true bravo we tries to lived the same way
BTW, Elizabeth, you're looking great!
so glad you are both doing well love your box truck enjoy your videos.
Happy Holidays you two from New Mexico, be well, Lord watch over you!
Thank you for being such an inspiration to others. I’m sure your videos have helped many people become debt-free. My husband and I are also debt-free after many hard years, thanks be to God. I may want watch your videos about maintaining it, though . . . Especially during the holiday season. 😂
God bless you!❤
You guys are great. I have learned a lot from you. Don’t care what you spend. Love the channel!!
Greetings from Washington state have been a long time since I've left a comment you're always on my heart and I've always prayed for you guys it's so exciting what's going on now and what things God is doing I just wanted to stop by and say hi and send my love to both of you and you're in my prayers shalom
Thank you for your prayers.
Wow! This is the first time I have seen your truck finished, I love the arrangement! It is very well thought out and beautiful!❤
Thank you.
I love how you are so polite and take the time to explain things and answer questions i love all your videos
Thank you so much!
The cost is like a tiny home. If you want to use this little home to travel back to see family (and stay while there) ...you'll be ok. Hugs....I think if you sell the Virginia home, you still have your truck home and Florida home. To be honest, I did not want you 2 to have 2 sticks and bricks homes. But...seeing the positive effects of the warm weather on Elizabeth's health... has been amazing. Hugs u 2 🤗. Also, hi Barry and his family 🤗.
If we ever do sell one of them, it would be the Florida home that we would sell. We love Florida (in the winter), but we have no desire to endure the summer heat. But mostly, we have friends down there, but no family. As we get too old to care for ourselves, we need to be near our kids in Virginia.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree ✨😊✨Thanks for responding. I like that plan! 👍🤗 Your nice rv would get you to and from Florida in the winter. Great job on the RV. It's a home.
The camper is awesome. Great job, Bill and Elizabeth. I have been watching you guys for many years since back in the early days in PA. I feel like i know you personally. Keep up the great videos. Looking forward to your next trip.
Thank you for your support for so many years! I'm looking forward to our next trip as well.
Good for you guys! Do you watch Bob Well's channel? There are a lot of tips on there for building your own camping vehicle. You have worked all your lives and you deserve to enjoy your "golden" years. Forget the haters.
Yes, we are subscribed to Bob Wells
Our older van was just in for inspection and needed a lot of work. Between what we did and the mechanic did it was over $1,100. Given it's age and miles it was worth it because we can do a lot of the work ourselves. It was less than two normal car payments and we won't need tires or exhaust work for another couple of years.
Great video. Thank you
Nice to have a full recap on the camper and how you have streamlined your assets for your needs today.
God Bless you both❤Thanks for sharing
I went to my 60th class reunion this year. And I own a 22 ft class c motorhome that l love. It's my only vise and only debt I have thank god ❤. And it's the best money l spend each month. I've always managed my debt and I try totell the kids build your credit rating and save your money and you'll never have anything to worry about.
Watching this video from O'Leno State Park in Florida😂‼️🚗🇨🇦🚗🇨🇦🙋😍♥️‼️we finally made it here to Florida!!!!
Nice RV! We only use ours for the lake and in the mountains locally. Found a huge class A for around $10 k with 60 k miles. Bigger than what we wanted but worked out great.
Love your video. You sleep much better at night when you’re not in debt.
So true!
When we are older our requirements for luxuries like being able to stand up, and temperature regulation is very important.
We are still living with a very small debt but we will pay that off we are hoping soon. We live on our social
Security and a small part time income. We have everything we need! We do not need a thing. Our home is small but we are content.
Thanks for share'in always love watch'in... God bless..!!
You guys are living the life! By design. God bless❤😊🇨🇦🙏
Pretty rough, but it looks like you’ve got everything you need. Nice job !
We’re looking to get a tall van that we can make into a camper. Hubby will be retiring next year and we want to travel 1-2 months at a time. He’s quite handy. He’s built our house. This is good info. Thank you.
We had a class C YEARS ago and we loved it, but sold it 10 years ago. Need something smaller
This camper is not finished yet. I built it to the point where everything is functional before we went on our first trip. But I still have to finish the flooring, the paint, and moldings. It will look much more “finished” after the work is complete.
Good video nice set up .
I sure would like to meet you one day. We live in East TN so we probably are not to far from you all.