"The Ultimate Downsizing Tool"

[Ultralight]

Thanks for the background. So their introductory YouTube channel video explains the lifestyle. Some quick observations....

They are Canadian. Does that not mean Universal Health Care? What would those two be paying to access their health care? Anything?

They have no kids and could not continue this way if they did.

The van looks fairly minimalist.

How does one get into the house sitting business?

Isnt their YouTube channel an income generator?

What are their plans for funding retirement or disability?

Wouldnt it be interesting if they would lay out their financial expenses for the past year?

What kind of support are they receiving from time to time from relatives, friends and kind people?

Some of these questions may be answered in other videos but I haven't had time to research.

I watched a lot of their vids, so I can answer some of this. But obviously, going to the source will be more accurate.

Yes, they get Canadian healthcare.

I know a few people that house-sit. My uncle had a business doing it and it is largely word-of-mouth and personal references. I have another friend who did it for several years after graduate school with his wife. Again, word-of-mouth and personal references. I'd venture to guess that house-sitting during the winter in Canada is for snowbirds they know.

I think they make a little coin of the Youtube channel. But they are both "technomads."

They live in Canada, so retirement is funded a little differently. But they have said they know the retirement risk they are taking but want to go on living this way for a good, long while.

I think they talk about some of their finances -- like the cost of living in the van vs. the cost of their old house vs. their 400 sq. ft. apartment they used to have, etc. But nothing formal. I'd certainly like to see something more formal.

I know friends let them crash at their place sometimes, though not much. Their parents let them stay at their house while they built-out the van for full time living (though they camped in the van as soon as that was possible, while they built out the van the rest of the way).


As my sister likes (okay, loves) to point out: "Minimalists sure like to borrow a lot of stuff!"

So I am sure these two Canadians borrow and whatnot.

But I make a point to give back as much as I take/borrow. I help a lot with my sis and BIL's projects around the house (despite the fact that I really don't like doing that stuff at all), such as when they worked on the flooring in the bathroom and when they replaced the water heater. So I give back with labor.

Though I fully acknowledge that I'll likely get 20 more things when I move into my own place, like a slow cooker and another cast iron skillet for instance.