My husband and I are in our late 40's. It has been our dream for the past several years now to spend our latter years traveling and seeing the things that we didnt get to see when we were younger. The odds of us doing this is stacked against us. My husband has already had 2 heart attacks at his young age. And the medical bills keep stacking up. Insurance is our major concern. We both have great jobs, but the luxury of having a debt-free life seems very unattainable with the higher cost of living, gas prices, food prices are rising and it just seems so out of reach at this point. I know that I'm not the only person that has this same situation. Its not like when my parents were our age. We are selling our TT this summer to maybe get closer to a debt-free lifestyle and then in a few years after hard work get a fifth wheel and be able to travel a little more when the nest is empty. Which will be in another year. I will miss camping. It's all I've ever known since I was an infant. But I know that the rewards will be great when we will be able to join everyone on the road again. So if you pass through East Texas..give us a little wave, and hopefully we'll be able to meet some of you someday.
Sorry to hear you are leaving the RV life. Just remember - you can't buy time. We never know how much more of it we will have. Enjoy your life doing what makes you most happy. Cut out the things that are not that important to you. Pay the minimum on those medical bills and hope your out enjoying RVing again soon.
first heart attack at 44.
congestive heart failure at 48.
4-way bypass at 50.
Ruptured appendix severe peritonitis at 51.
Pace Maker/Defibrillator implanted at 52
Cancer at 54, 13 surgeries for that at 55 (1 month ago).
Hernias from multiple failures in the abdominal cavity at 55 corrected by surgeries last month.
Through this, I had the highest peak in my professional career until 9/11/2001 which killed the job.
2002 started my own business.
2008 retired at 55.
3 kids through college, 1 daughter married, 1 grandchild.
Never lived in the "high cotton", everyone had what they needed, ended up debt free.
I will sell the home ASAP, in no hurry and travel for as long as I can.
That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You will be as successful as you want to be. You can do this, planning, perseverance, and creative thinking. The Good Lord helps those who help themselves.
Regarding insurance, you are resident of one of the better states for your situation. TX has an assigned risk pool so you will always be able to access (afford is a different issue). Start saving, my rule on this is: It's not $$$ you make, but $$$ you keep.
Life is a rollercoaster. I would elaborate on some of my lows but after seeing the story above I will just count my blessings and move on.
But don't get to wrapped up in the negitive. Look for the possitive and I'm sure you will find it at one level or another.
DaveK
2007 Tiffin Phaeton 40QSH
2007 Lincoln MKX toad
05 F350 DRW King Ranch
02 Harley Roadking and Buschtec trailer
2 seat long Travel Sand rail with 450hp turbo subi engine
IMHO, if you both have great jobs you should not be in debt, except for possibly a first home mortgage, in your late 40's.
If you both have great jobs I suggest seeing a financial planner. A financial planner that does not sell securities. Pay for his services. You have time to get your financial life in order for a great RVing and traveling retirement.
-Tom
"The people that don't believe in evolution are the ones who need it most!"
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Indiana, PA
2005 Itasca Suncruiser 38R 38' 11"
W24, Allison 2100MH, full body paint
2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L, Roadmaster Sterling bar
FMCA 335149
I would suggest to you a couple of different websites plus a book that you should read:
First the Book: Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez & Vicky Robin, you can check it out on my website under expenses: Scroll down to the book
Then, two websites: Simple Living Totally Frugal Forums
Both have forums and could really help you out, I would strongly suggest this before you get out of RVing. You might find out that RVing is a better way to go.
Thank you all so much for you encouragement and nice comments. Please understand. We are not in the whoa is me stage. Like one writer said..it is what you make of it. We are by no means leaving for good. Just taking a break to get things in order. I do believe this is that we do have our best foot forward. Your words made me cry. This is why we come here..to get answers and to meet with our RV friends and find answers to all of life's little problems. Thanks again to everyone for your help. I will definately take all the advise to heart. Thanks again everyone.
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