Today I paid my credit card bill in full. I owed a few hundred pounds and I was keen to get that balance down to zero. After making the transfer via the internet banking portal, I thought it would be interesting to see what my credit card debt amounted to this time last year. Wait for it - Three thousand whopping pounds!!! The interest charged alone was fourty pounds for that month.
I have encountered a bit of stigma for living in a caravan. If I had purchased a live-in boat instead, such prejudice would not have come my way. But not only have I completely paid my credit bill off, I also own the roof over my head. No mortgage, no loan - complete ownership. If I chose to disclose to someone that I live in a caravan - and sense the eye looking down the nose, I only have to consider the options given to me having no mortgage chain around my neck.
For instance, if I became tired of the roof over my head, I could simply go down to the nearest caravan shop and exchange it for a different one that very day. No selling chain, nor mortgage deal, no real-estate fees, no stamp duty - just a simple transaction no more complicated than buying milk from the supermarket.
Again, if I considered that my location was no longer ideal - then I can simply hitch the trailer to my van and seek a more ideal location.
But so too can I understand why a home that sways in the wind is not for everyone. For families the space of a house is so very important. And ofcourse the house is a great investment - a legacy to leave to the children or a future sale to pay for a comfortable retirement. And also there is the prestige associated with house ownership. The house is the man's castle, as they say, and for those more tightly integrated into the societal matrix it is important to own something that demonstrates your financial success to friends, family and even foe. Indeed, whilst driving C's brand new Ford Focus last weekend I myself could feel the allure of being seen in public in such an expensive and luxurious vehicle. But all these fine things come at a cost and I am happy to forfeit them given that life is so very short and my will is straight and clear - to be happy enough with my life so that I can enjoy the company of loved ones and friends. To be free from stress and duress.
But also I can never say never to living in a house again. There is a land in Wales called Snowdonia where I spent many hours climbing through snow and ice up various mountains. This land is stunning and it would be a dream to own a house in this part of the world. And maybe one day this humble nomad will achieve such a dream, although he will, to be sure, always have a camper-van parked in the driveway ready and waiting for, to use a term commonly associated with that great actor Steve McQueen - to be ready and waiting for the Great Escape.
I have encountered a bit of stigma for living in a caravan. If I had purchased a live-in boat instead, such prejudice would not have come my way. But not only have I completely paid my credit bill off, I also own the roof over my head. No mortgage, no loan - complete ownership. If I chose to disclose to someone that I live in a caravan - and sense the eye looking down the nose, I only have to consider the options given to me having no mortgage chain around my neck.
For instance, if I became tired of the roof over my head, I could simply go down to the nearest caravan shop and exchange it for a different one that very day. No selling chain, nor mortgage deal, no real-estate fees, no stamp duty - just a simple transaction no more complicated than buying milk from the supermarket.
Again, if I considered that my location was no longer ideal - then I can simply hitch the trailer to my van and seek a more ideal location.
But so too can I understand why a home that sways in the wind is not for everyone. For families the space of a house is so very important. And ofcourse the house is a great investment - a legacy to leave to the children or a future sale to pay for a comfortable retirement. And also there is the prestige associated with house ownership. The house is the man's castle, as they say, and for those more tightly integrated into the societal matrix it is important to own something that demonstrates your financial success to friends, family and even foe. Indeed, whilst driving C's brand new Ford Focus last weekend I myself could feel the allure of being seen in public in such an expensive and luxurious vehicle. But all these fine things come at a cost and I am happy to forfeit them given that life is so very short and my will is straight and clear - to be happy enough with my life so that I can enjoy the company of loved ones and friends. To be free from stress and duress.
But also I can never say never to living in a house again. There is a land in Wales called Snowdonia where I spent many hours climbing through snow and ice up various mountains. This land is stunning and it would be a dream to own a house in this part of the world. And maybe one day this humble nomad will achieve such a dream, although he will, to be sure, always have a camper-van parked in the driveway ready and waiting for, to use a term commonly associated with that great actor Steve McQueen - to be ready and waiting for the Great Escape.
Nice work on getting rid of the CC debt.
ReplyDeleteI've worked hard over the past year to get everything in the black except for my mortgage. Hopefully I'll be able to rent out my flat and I shall lead a new vagabonding (Nomadic) lifestyle.
Its brilliant reading your blog posts. Keep up the good work.
Thankyou for your kind words VA. Best of luck with your new life as a nomadic. Many adventures await you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ! The best advice I can give any one is to get out of debt. Only then can you start thinking about being truly free.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about people who you feel may be looking down their noses at a caravan dweller. Just think about the mountain of debt they may be carrying to support their opulent life style.
Now the next stage is to start saving. Become your own banker ie you don't need loans for your next purchase, whatever it is. You buy it for cash. That will really impress people !
I've been reading some of your old posts... and just wanted to say, I really enjoyed this one. The area I am now in, Rifle Colorado... I have had that same feeling, like it would be a dream place to have a home one day, a tiny house. Not in Rifle per se, but out in Grass Valley. Awesome place. Will follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Swankiewheels. I have been reading your blog also and it is very interesting. You are living a very adventurous life. I think you are very brave and spirited.
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