View Full Version : Hello Everyone, I have some questions for you all!
Good evening,
I'm Mark and I am in a fairly unique situation where, thanks to my frugality, I am able to contemplate a variety of life choices. I am free of...mortgage, car payments (don't own a vehicle), huge credit card debt (pay off every month) and a nine-to-five job. I DO have a fair amount of stuff in my duplex rental (very affordable as I have sublet my smaller bedroom to renters).
I have a small solo owner organizing business (I organize houses and I also do house/pet sitting); it's a win-win and it offers a viable tax shelter from some inherited monies from some family.
I get a disbursement from a late family member's IRA: $800.00/month.
My housemate and I more or less split the rent 50/50.
I would like (even in this uncertain economic environment) to wait another eight years till I'm 70 to collect Social Security; far better than collecting when I turn 62 (next month).
Thing is, I'm trying to figure out the best housing situation for myself: tiny home, buying a single/double-wide, living out of a conversion van, or...and this is a stretch, I have .45 acres in Herlong, California, which is a lot my parent's bought in 1965! No development at all in this subdivision though there are a smattering of single/double-wides and some conventional houses. Housing will always be my biggest expense but I'm thinking economically.
Alternatively, I could check out (when global travel picks up again) Mexico, Costa Rica and other inexpensive countries.
Bottom line: I have a lot of choices (I'm single, no pets, no partners, have an elderly mom I'm close to and a brother; a sister, too, but we don't communicate at this time - sad).
So many choices and I feel a bit paralyzed. But I would LOVE your feedback, Simple Living community! Thank you all in advance!
Very best, Mark N.
Hello, Mark,
I don't have any concrete advice for you yet, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum! You're in the right place to get some good advice to get you out of the paralysis!
SteveinMN
4-17-20, 10:32pm
Welcome, Mark!
You do have a lot of choices! Some questions, though (they don't all need answers here):
tiny home: Where would this come from? Buy it and have it assembled? DIY? Where would you put it? Many localities have very specific zoning rules about tiny houses that make owning them a little less ideal than the brochures describe (time on location, types of hookups, etc.). My wife and I have looked at pre-fab housing (not tiny, but...); it looked great but our takeaway was that, for what we were looking for and for where we live, it's more expensive per square foot than a stick-built house and the resale market is very small. Calculating the total cost of ownership, it was not the cheap way to go, at least it not for us.
buying a single/double-wide: Could you put one on land you own? There is a thread on this forum from within the last month (I think it was on this site) discussing someone considering buying a mobile home -- and some of the concerns about their workmanship and that not owning the land underneath the unit can become quite problematic. Do you have someplace you know you could put one? Do you have a line on some quality models?
living out of a conversion van: sounds tough on the joints and the bladder! How would you manage electricity and running water/toilet?
.45 acres in Herlong, California: this sounds positive, but have you looked into current and proposed zoning for this location? How long do you suppose it will remain essentially without restriction? Utilities? And what housing would you put there?
inexpensive countries: given the relationships with your family, do you want to uproot yourself from them for at least eight years? Not to be unkind, but eight years is a fair amount of time at 62 and more so when one is in their 80s or older. Technology can do some amazing things, but many of us are discovering quickly that a phone/tablet camera is no substitute for sitting around a table with people.
Looking forward to seeing more posts from you!
Wow, Steve, great feedback here! I'll CC this post in the housing section, too, for more ideas and feedback.
RE: Herlong, I took over the deed of trust from my mom (she and my late father got roped into what was a speculative deal wherein the Sierra Army Depot was possibly going to expand and, therefore, need more new staff/personnel to settle in the Honey Lake area (Herlong's on highway 369, about an hour out of Reno, NV). I did look at the land and there was no electricity nor water...so gotta weigh those things in ... plus, I would need a vehicle!
I can see where there ARE many challenges...no matter what I do, but I DO have a lot of freedom to consider "what if's!"
Very warmly, Mark
Good evening everyone,
I'm CC'ing this from the Introductions page...
I'm Mark and I am in a fairly unique situation where, thanks to my frugality, I am able to contemplate a variety of life choices. I am free of...mortgage, car payments (don't own a vehicle), huge credit card debt (pay off every month) and a nine-to-five job. I DO have a fair amount of stuff in my duplex rental (very affordable as I have sublet my smaller bedroom to renters).
I have a small solo owner organizing business (I organize houses and I also do house/pet sitting); it's a win-win and it offers a viable tax shelter from some inherited monies from some family.
I get a disbursement from a late family member's IRA: $800.00/month.
My housemate and I more or less split the rent 50/50.
I would like (even in this uncertain economic environment) to wait another eight years till I'm 70 to collect Social Security; far better than collecting when I turn 62 (next month).
Thing is, I'm trying to figure out the best housing situation for myself: tiny home, buying a single/double-wide, living out of a conversion van, or...and this is a stretch, I have .45 acres in Herlong, California, which is a lot my parent's bought in 1965! No development at all in this subdivision though there are a smattering of single/double-wides and some conventional houses. Housing will always be my biggest expense but I'm thinking economically.
Alternatively, I could check out (when global travel picks up again) Mexico, Costa Rica and other inexpensive countries.
Bottom line: I have a lot of choices (I'm single, no pets, no partners, have an elderly mom I'm close to and a brother; a sister, too, but we don't communicate at this time - sad).
So many choices and I feel a bit paralyzed. But I would LOVE your feedback, Simple Living community! Thank you all in advance!
Very best, Mark N.
happystuff
4-18-20, 8:56am
Welcome, Mark. No advice here at the moment, but wanted to welcome you to the forums.
Welcome, Mark. The next 18-24 months are going to be unsettled socially, financially and in all activities until the virus and its resolution find their way into the world's economy. If life is stable, secure and comfortable at present, I would simply continue doing so.
What is the pressure to make a change right now?
Welcome to the SL Forum!!!
It sounds like you are looking for something permanent. In making your decision, consider the probable decreased energy and physical ability that comes with aging. While there are exceptions, a majority of humans are not as flexible and agile at 80 or 90 as they are at 40 or 60.
A bed loft in a Tiny Home could be problematic. A conversion van also problematic.
And as Stevie noted, a big discussion on mobile homes is here. Maybe the author of that can provide you the link????
My boss in the 90s retired in Ecuador. He came back after 5 years. Central America was becoming dangerous, scary, expensive. Paying "safety fees" was becoming the norm and they were increasing quickly. Definitely do a LOT of research before you make a final decision on that option.
Hi Mark, nice to meet you.
I would start by reading a couple of books--Your Money or Your Life, which is what brought most of us here, to this forum, and Janet Luhrs Simple Living Guide. I would add Wes Moss's book You can Retire Sooner than You Think.
The first two were life changing for me when I read them 20 years ago. The Wes Moss book is great when contemplating how to live in retirement. Lots to think about in all of the books, all related to the questions you are asking.
Teacher Terry
4-18-20, 12:16pm
Welcome to the forum!
Hi Razz,
You make several good points! Actually, I'm in a good place on a lot of levels and I love Portland. I can see where I may be setting myself up for "the grass is always greener...someplace else..." while ignoring the fact that staying put here in Portland may be the wise choice.
Thank you, Mark N.
Thank you, Gardnr,
The very recent developments SHOULD figure into my examining various options at this point. Ex-pat life can have its drawbacks...well, any sort of pathway is going to have problems and plusses and minuses.
A mobile home situation may be a good idea...as it is, I really can't afford a typical house (so much price inflation here in Oregon and elsewhere).
The tiny home/conversion van deal is not sounding ideal to me. But I LOVE the idea of having LESS stuff! : )
Hi Tybee,
Thank you...I read Your Money or Your Life back in 1994 as well as Luhr's Simple Living Guide. I'll check out Moss's book...sounds great!
Administrative Note: I have merged two identitical threads in different forums into one, which is why the OP appears twice in this one.
frugal-one
4-18-20, 3:13pm
Good evening,
I'm Mark and I am in a fairly unique situation where, thanks to my frugality, I am able to contemplate a variety of life choices. I am free of...mortgage, car payments (don't own a vehicle), huge credit card debt (pay off every month) and a nine-to-five job. I DO have a fair amount of stuff in my duplex rental (very affordable as I have sublet my smaller bedroom to renters).
I have a small solo owner organizing business (I organize houses and I also do house/pet sitting); it's a win-win and it offers a viable tax shelter from some inherited monies from some family.
I get a disbursement from a late family member's IRA: $800.00/month.
My housemate and I more or less split the rent 50/50.
I would like (even in this uncertain economic environment) to wait another eight years till I'm 70 to collect Social Security; far better than collecting when I turn 62 (next month).
Thing is, I'm trying to figure out the best housing situation for myself: tiny home, buying a single/double-wide, living out of a conversion van, or...and this is a stretch, I have .45 acres in Herlong, California, which is a lot my parent's bought in 1965! No development at all in this subdivision though there are a smattering of single/double-wides and some conventional houses. Housing will always be my biggest expense but I'm thinking economically.
Alternatively, I could check out (when global travel picks up again) Mexico, Costa Rica and other inexpensive countries.
Bottom line: I have a lot of choices (I'm single, no pets, no partners, have an elderly mom I'm close to and a brother; a sister, too, but we don't communicate at this time - sad).
So many choices and I feel a bit paralyzed. But I would LOVE your feedback, Simple Living community! Thank you all in advance!
Very best, Mark N.
Why wait for social security??? It may not be around in 8 years.
dado potato
4-18-20, 3:32pm
Welcome, Mark,
I wonder, is there any problem with staying put with your current housing arrangement? If it is as well organized as I think it must be, your landlord surely appreciates you immensely as a tenant.
I would encourage you to read articles by CFAs on the topic of delaying your social security retirement benefits to age 70.
Welcome, Mark,
I wonder, is there any problem with staying put with your current housing arrangement? If it is as well organized as I think it must be, your landlord surely appreciates you immensely as a tenant.
I would encourage you to read articles by CFAs on the topic of delaying your social security retirement benefits to age 70.
Why is that, dado? I'm definitely PLANNING to delay SS benefits, but I'm so tempted to take them now (I'm 68). I would definitely give up a decent amount money by doing it now, but I could also just apply it to all the things I need to do before retirement (repairs, debt resolution) and then pull the plug on work. I'm getting really tired of working and I REALLY want to start to live a fixed income lifestyle so I can CHOOSE to work.
I guess I would look at the difference between taking it now and taking it at 70 and run the numbers.
I guess I would look at the difference between taking it now and taking it at 70 and run the numbers.
8% growth per year after age 62. Max at 70.
mschrisgo2
4-18-20, 6:54pm
Hi Mark, Welcome!
Well, I had to look up Herlong, as I have lived and traveled in California for 65 years and never heard of it. Now that I see where it is, I’d guess it not a very good option for full time living, winters can be brutal and you would most likely be snowed in for weeks at a time, with Hwy 395 closed. Summers are not much better, the heat in what looks like a rocky arid area is also brutal. Probably pleasant for camping in the late spring and early fall, though. I’m pretty sure you would also be totally off- grid and perhaps even lacking satellite communications, nestled in between the mountains... perhaps less expensive, but you’d be putting a lot of your life energy into maintaining just basic living. Personally, I would not choose to try to live there.
I think the biggest question is- How do you want to spend your time? In my case, I want to enjoy community, dogs, garden, nature, quilt. What’s on your list?
I want internet access, and I discovered and rediscovered that when I moved to where it really isn’t available, because of geography. So I made a 2nd attempt, and had to rethink that, and moved again. I now have satellite. I don’t mind driving 20 miles to shop, after exhausting the very small stores within 4 miles.
After I figured out where I wanted to be, I waited about a year and a half to get a home here that I could afford. It had belonged to hoarders, and I bought a huge cleanup job, for a song, but the bones were good. I have way more sweat equity into it than cash, that’s because I’ve always had more time than money. I made it mine, and I love it and wouldn’t trade for anything now.
I had looked seriously at junking this place and buying a new “park model RV”. But the truth is they cost 7 times more than what I have invested here over 4 years, and they have less inside storage. And I would be making a payment on it.
You mentioned liking the idea of “less stuff” and it sounds like you are toying with “tiny.” I’d suggest you spend some time on YouTube with some of the tiny house people. There is a lot of good information out there, all the pros and cons pretty well spelled out in people’s experiences.
Hello there!
Wow, great sharing here! I would agree, attempting to develop that piece of property would not be a wise use of resources. The sad thing: back in 2007, a real estate agent reached out to my mom and informed her the property was worth $5,000.00 (ballpark)...the property was bought in 1965. Anyway, I gave my mom some needed money in 2009 and now I have the .45 acres... There's a person in California who has offered me $400-500.00 for the property... In retrospect, my mom should have sold that property in '07. But oh well.
Several of the Simple Living respondents asked why I was wanting to leave my place (and there are many plusses to it, especially the housemate making the rent very affordable for me).
I increasingly don't think a tiny home/RV/Airstream situation would be that great...way too confining! But some sort of compact ADU could work or some variation of a single-double-wide. Can't hurt to contemplate options.
I'm a professional home organizer and am using this quiet time (from the virus crisis) to thin out my possessions.
Thank you for your feedback; I really appreciate it!
Very best, Mark N.
I moved to another state at 61 and learned that there are other factors to consider besides the physical dwelling/location which is what I put at the top of the list initially. In retrospect, I did not give enough attention to things like the climate in different seasons, distance from necessary goods like groceries or healthcare, city/county government and the cultural mindset of the locale. Now at 65, I also realize that I really am going to get old and that needs to factor into the equation when I move again. Stairs, property upkeep etc. I would not buy property or live out in the boonies at this stage though a mobile home in a stable community might be considered. In my ideal, I would like a small (1200-1400 sf house) with a small yard (I like to garden and don't want to live nut to butt) in a small city/town that is economically healthy. Hard to find...especially now.
Hi and thank you for your response! Good points you make... Portland has many of the amenities I want and need (and my social life here is beyond amazing!)... Based on various feedback here, I'm sensing that staying Portland for now makes sense on a lot of levels...still, I'd like to consider, in the longer term, owning something...how that will come together, I don't know at this time. Very warmly, Mark N.
Hi and thank you for your response! Good points you make... Portland has many of the amenities I want and need (and my social life here is beyond amazing!)... Based on various feedback here, I'm sensing that staying Portland for now makes sense on a lot of levels...still, I'd like to consider, in the longer term, owning something...how that will come together, I don't know at this time. Very warmly, Mark N.
Mark, your social life/support network are definitely something to consider. I'm 51, single, no kids, no significant other. I live in suburban Chicago. Because of the financial issues with the state of IL (increasing taxes, etc.), people who live elsewhere always tell me to move. I have a support network that includes 10+ years at the same church, a large number of diving friends (I scuba dive Great Lakes shipwrecks), and the positives really outweigh the negatives for me.
KnownRogue
4-20-20, 8:30am
I have an Airstream (26 foot) and I am in the slow process of gutting and restomodding it. I would live in it, but it would not be great. They move really easy, but if you are planning on keeping your house in one spot, theres too many disadvantages. And honestly the construction leaves a lot to be desired.
I live in a mobil home, and its great. It was so cheap to buy I can make some really bizarre remodeling decisions and not even care about resale price. Easy to work on, lot rent (none in your case) super low, big enough to have room, small enough to not seem echoingly empty.
Van? No. Not even a small RV. Done that, and it sucks hard. If you are single, you want a place you can at least have some female company over. Nice ladies want a nice place to come to. You might get some female company in the used RV, but they will probably ask you to stop and buy them some nyquil and fireball before picking them up.
Thank you, Tradd...great point re: social network...I have friends and acquaintances all over the world, though Portland (OR), where I've lived for 17 years, offers a huge support system for me. Again, many important issues to consider.
Very best, Mark N.
Thank you KnownRogue,
The RV/Van/Trailer ideas may not be the best options for me...mobil home might be worth considering...Meanwhile my present location, a 2BR duplex in SE Portland is working out...the housemate is working out, so far, helping keep the rent low.
Very best, Mark
I would probably consider a mobile home only if I owned the lot it sat on, at this point. A relative pays a "low" $400 a month space rent, but $800 a month is standard in the Portland area.
800 does sound high, but if it includes what you would be paying for property taxes, and maybe some things like cable, I don't know, use of pool--it sounds pretty good to me, for Portland?
800 does sound high, but if it includes what you would be paying for property taxes, and maybe some things like cable, I don't know, use of pool--it sounds pretty good to me, for Portland?
I believe taxes are extra. And probably that could be raised at any time; I'm not sure if homeowners could vote on any raises, as they often can in condo situations. I know of one nice park up in the hills east of here that sells mobile homes/lots.
I believe taxes are extra. And probably that could be raised at any time; I'm not sure if homeowners could vote on any raises, as they often can in condo situations. I know of one nice park up in the hills east of here that sells mobile homes/lots.
Maybe better to own the lot and look for a coop type pool situation.
Maybe pools aren't a thing there, as it is cooler a lot?
My son lives in Portland but he's in the city. Housing is so crazy expensive he'll never be able to own.
Hi Tybee,
I am aware of some people who are exploring some sort of "co-op" situation where there is collective ownership of land and on that land, people will have various forms of housing (e.g. trailers, ADU-type housing, mobile homes, etc....but this would also comprise a community of sorts...could be promising though I'd need to explore it further. There's at least one FB group in Portland that's getting together interested people.
Very warmly, Mark N.
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