Going solo on just the pension

Shadow · Member

Going solo on just the pension

Panther · Senior Member

Hi Shadow,

I'm curious too about how others survive and as it is such a personal question I will understand if no one else responds.

I started out as a "Solo Nomad" (also on a pension) in April this year and had a small amount of $$ up my sleeve but due to medical costs and a car that severely spat the dummy, I totally used all my reserves. Now I am on a tight budget and thanks to a relative and also 2 good friends, I have been able to stay at their places and they accepted a small payment from me which I believe covered the electricity and water I used. I hate to "bot" and be a freeloader so this made me feel able to accept their kind offer as it saved me heaps on caravan park fees and allowed me to save a little.

As I also wasn't travelling very far, I didn't spend a lot on fuel so this helped. When I did move on, I Free Camped. I have also accepted a House Sitting & Purr Baby Sitting position over Christmas so my electricity and accommodation will be covered so again I plan to be able to save a little which will make me feel more secure.

My costs now (when camping) are gas, fuel, internet/phone, food and insurance direct debits (monthly). My savings will cover maintenance, servicing, yearly rego and insurance and anything else I have forgotten and hopefully a little again to shove "up my sleeve" for emergencies. I'm making it up as I go so also look forward to anyone else contributing to your question as maybe I can pick up some good budgeting ideas.

All the best with your new life Shadow and thanks for being brave enough to post your question.

Panther.

sarg · Guru

Hi Shadow, I too do it only on the pension and find that it is easy. One major thing is that I only free camp so there is a good saving.
I also stay in one place for a few weeks at a time and try not to do too many Klms when I do move on. I don't eat at fast food outlets, and try not to go to the pub too much. :). Hope you can do it ok too. Cheers.

Tomcat · Senior Member

Hi Sarg just on the comment I don't eat at fast food outlets I was pleasantly surprised the other day when i dropped into kfc and they had a lunch deal comprising small chicken fillet roll, chips, a wicked wing,potato and gravy and small drink all for $5 I said to the missus they could hardly make it for that.

Happywanderer · The Master

I saw that advertised tomcat. Be ok if they didn't ad the soft drink.

I like many others on here live on just the pension. Certainly don't have any small amounts to leave to the kids. If I did I would be enjoying my travel a lot more by being able to go see more paid events. My kids would want it that way too.

yeoeleven · Guru

Hi Shadow,

I asked the same question in December 2010 http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t39891223/my-12-month-plan/ I had at the time $2000 and bought a 1979 Hi Ace.

It took me 8 months to get on the road and have never looked back. I now have a 1980 Coaster fully set up for free camping.

I was able to take my wife on a cruise earlier this year and have another booked for next August.

Read my blog for more information as my life is an open book, everything that I have achieved since Dec 2010 has been solely from the pension.

Click on my signature below to access the latest blog,

All the best on your adventures,

John

Lesley F · Senior Member

OK, this may sound tough, but you're planning to "scrimp and save" to become a grey nomad, and your kids get 100k?

I'm sure you kids wouldn't want your new life style to be a burden.

Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to treat yourself, it's now ME TIME.

Good luck - Lesley F

Shogun · Senior Member

My kids have said they don't want anything from me. I worked for it and I'll spend it and the are happy with that. When did it become normal for us to have to scrimp by in retirement so our kids can get it? Each to their own I suppose.

Allara · Senior Member

You would be better off joining the SKI club....Spend the Kids Inheritance. It is harder for a Solo than a couple on the road, you have the same costs yet less income. You could put your money in some sort of allocated pension plan which will give you that little extra to live on. Free camp where you can, travel less and maybe pick up odd jobs or house sitting.

acan · Member

Shadow. Enjoy your time and you have worked hard for your money. The kids will get on in this world and need to work. No free lunches. Spend your money. $100K and the pension will go a long way. Safe travels

Red Nomad OZ · Veteran Member

The major ongoing expenses (ie after investing in a vehicle and gear) are fuel, food and accommodation. Divide your pension by 14 for an indicator of your maximum daily rate of expense. Take some off this amount to put aside for emergencies and bigger expenses (eg vehicle service, new tyres etc). Then look at ways to reduce the main ongoing expenses. Reduce fuel costs by staying in one place for longer periods of time, and travelling shorter distances when you are on the road. Reduce accommodation costs by free (or low cost) camping, or getting off the beaten track where site fees are cheaper. Look for small towns who are trying to attract people to their area - they often have great set ups for campers at lower costs. Reduce food costs by making your food instead of buying takeaway (unless you pass a KFC with that awesome $5 meal deal!), buying local (especially in places with fresh produce) and finding a few friends to share bulk buys (eg a box of fruit/vegetables) that'll be cheaper per head. Have a treat every now and then by looking for special offers (eg pub 'seniors' lunch deals etc).

My apologies if this sounds too obvious! There will be some expenses you have at home that you WON'T have on the road such as utilities, home maintenance etc.

The best gift you as a parent can give your children is the gift of your own financial independence and happiness. If you feel uncomfortable spending your own super, at least do as Allara says and consider investing the money to give you a regular income on top of the pension. This would leave the principal intact for you to either use as emergency money, or give to your kids later on.

Good luck!

ken thomas · Guru

As said before, you have worked for this, now do it comfortably as possible and what is left at the end the kids get
Ken

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Shadow, as you can probably gather from the breadth of advice in the responses, the ability to travel on just the pension is totally dependent on your own personal circumstances.

Perhaps the attached spreadsheet might help you to populate you own known, and projected/anticipated, expenses to see just how liveable it may be for you.

The spreadsheet is 'protected' (no actual password though) so use the <TAB> key to move through the cells that are open for you to populate with your own numbers .... and <Shift TAB> to move backward to previous cells - or just use your mouse to select the cells that are 'open' to insert figures.

If you don't like the outcome at the bottom, go back through and 'adjust' the figures until it shows whether you can afford how you want to travel.

The numbers already entered are sort of mine - not sure they are still current - or pertinent - just override them. biggrin:

Cheers - and ultimately it will all depend on how YOU want to live - John

12roam · Veteran Member

Hi All

I'm in the middle of updating my house inside and out (and hating it) planning on moving to Tassie about June next year, and a trip down the Nullarbor camping and free camping could be my first taste of this lifestyle. I follow the posts but hardly ever write. But had to with this subject. I have just downloaded Rockylizards spread sheet and entered my own financial details plus a 10% fudge factor. and I got a surprise. I'm 65 early next year and have just started getting my super. I will be getting a bit of everything Aus and Uk pensions and a bit of super. I have a very basic camper trailer, basically an on road trailer with a tent on top. and a 2000 Navara. I always thought that there was no way I could travel 12 months with the income that I would be getting till I downloaded Rockylizards (many thanks) spread sheet. my only thoughts now are do I have to update my rig 1 or both. I've never had long trips or free camped so all would be new to me. It's food for thought.

John

pawsoz · Senior Member

I am throwing caution to the winds and heading off on the road for a period yet to be determined at the end of the week.
I am too young (62) for the pension, despite having worked for over 40 years and studied in 2013 I cannot win a any of the jobs I apply for, job mob took a good look at my resume and thought it was impressive and can not offer any advice.
Due to ill health in my 30's-40's I do not have a big super account. I have been volunteering with Vinnies since I finished my studies and still hope one day I might crack a paid job with them but you know what? When I came back from the NT I lost 3 really good friends in about 6 months, they were all under 65.....it makes me think.
So I will have a spell out on the road and see how we go, willing ready and able to work at anything - volunteer in return for a site, some power...all that sort of thing....
So, let the adventure begin! Roll on next Sunday.....Christmas will be on a house sit just out of Geelong.....

Annie

DMaxer · Guru

With an outlook like that and two fine dogs for company, I think you are set for the time of your life. Just go for it Annie, I hope we meet up somewhere along the trail and swap a few yarns.

Red Nomad OZ · Veteran Member

John, we travelled some pretty rough ground around a lot of NSW and QLD with a 1983 Jayco Dove camper trailer back in 1999, then lived in it when we returned home (we sold our house before we left). It was our home for about 18 months. Since then, we've travelled to a lot of places in OZ with the same rig. It suits us very well, and we adapt quickly to the smaller space and fewer 'things'! Whether or not you need a new rig depends on whether you can live in the space you have (there's no right or wrong answer). I would suggest trying it out - you can always upgrade if your rig doesn't suit a longer trip on the road. Hope this helps!

12roam · Veteran Member

Hi Red
Yes When my house is sold I plan to do a rather long trial run, checking how comfortable I am how my budget fairs and how well I adapt to my surroundings and the lifestyle with a trip to Tassie, where I am going to buy another house and use it as a base. Doing this so I have some where to go when I stop traveling temporary or permanent. I'm chicken I like a safety net. I have a few thoughts for the trailer to make it more liveable. more comfortable seating, a slide out kitchen (build it myself) add a water tank underneath. A rollup carpet the type they use on boats. Update my internal lighting And still use my second battery in my Navara (will only put a battery on my trailer when I'm sure the direction I want to go. Your set up is more a caravan mine is more a tent on wheels. But as you say I have to give it a good try out Try free camping, and camping in state forests. I'm looking forward to the sea change. but first I have to put some back into my house update first.

John

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Just for interest sake cry we are talking amongst ourselves hmm

shadow has not been online since posting their question ... I guess shadow is quite an apt nom-de-plume confuse

cheers - John

brickies · Guru

I have often seen this happen someone ask a Question never to join in the post

Happywanderer · The Master

Just checked, she hasn't even been back on the forum since asking the question. Well, at least she knows how to stir up a conversation.

100 series · Newbie

Hi Shad. Should be possible, Do not worry too much about the kids. You may need extra for unexpected problems, Breakdowns , tyres mechanical, etc. Free camping helps, in towns usually stay in truck fuel stops. Good luck. Cheers Peter

acan · Member

Vanished. Must be a shadow of his former self.

HiAce98 · Veteran Member

I am also on a single pension, and I don't find it particularly difficult. Roughly half my pension covers the maintenance, insurance, registration, power etc to keep my home and mobile home (just a camper van). I spend approx. half my time on the road and find that the $430 per fortnight left after the above is plenty for food fuel and spending. No way I can pay to park my van though. It's all free parking (camping) for me or I would simply have to stay home.

pipes · Senior Member

Shadow.
When wandering, try to get work at a Blazeaid camp. (Blazeaid.com) You will meet dozens of travellers of all ages, and get fed in exchange for a few hours toil.
You will save money, make friends and get all the information on road conditions, etc.
Regards.
Pipes

patrol03 · Senior Member

Looks like Shadow by name and shadow by nature . Horses for courses I guess.

-- Edited by patrol03 on Sunday 24th of January 2016 08:31:36 PM

Shadow · Member

Hi Everyone !
Sorry i have not posted for some time. i was ready to make the big jump when all of a sudden out of left field I job a job, all be it a lousy paid job, it is a job. I am astounded by the number of responses to my original post and thank everyone for not only your time but sharing some of your personal matters with me. I am now tied up in a huge rental agreement until Feb 2017 so cant do anything permanent till then but i will get away as much as i can to see how i feel, some friends of mine are going up to the top of QLD in a couple of months and I would love to follow them but with work i cannot take 10 weeks off work. two thoughts that linger in my head are firstly the loneliness of no one to share the experience with, and secondly turning my back on work at 65 probably means no more job offers also although i am in sales i find it difficult to walk up to people or a group and try to join in, I though that's 3 thoughts not 2. I appreciate at the end of the day only i can make the call !

The "Shadow"

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi Shadow,

I have been a solo traveller four 4 years now as I lost my wife to cancer. Not once have I felt the " loneliness " you speak of. In fact, I sometimes hide to get some " my time ". I am currently enjoying some of that " my time " as we speak.

If you want to get chatting as you move around just mention on this great forum where you are without giving away your exact location or where you are heading. Someone will nearly always get back to you for a meet up. The other way is just PM someone if you see they are in your area and arrange a catch up. I also find if you walk around a camp area and people acknowledge you they are willing to chat, if they turn the other way, keep walking.

Shadow · Member

Hi folks it's the Shadow back again boy have I been doing a lot of yes and no in my brain in 6 months my lease finishes $570 per week and I really don't know if I renew it and try to keep my full time job till I am 70 or at the end of my lease walk away into my Mazda camper an grab the two dogs and go. I know that no one can answer for me but I just thought I wold update you all. It's funny I went to Damenie last Easter and driving back to Sydney on the Tuesday I thought I could do this forever but then I did have my two grown children with me so once again my brain starts to say " you enjoyed it because your children were with you" so back I go to the same old same old pay rent work while you can. Tell me being a Diabetic who has not looked after himself, how do you go re seeing Doctors and what happens when the time comes that you cannot do the road thing anymore, no money no house, what then. I would love some comments

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Good to see you back on (again) shadow - not sure how old you are, but if you are of pension age - you can live on it, more so travelling than paying rent, that is for sure - friend of mine sat down one day and thought - ok I get $750 (just a ball park figure) pension - by the time I put money aside for rates, electricity, phone, internet, fuel etc. etc., it leaves me $250 per fortnight - that is to live on - food, entertainment, whatever - not much.

So he decided to hit the road - now it costs him $400 a fortnight for everything - fuel, food, entertainment, eating out. The rest is in the bank to spend, and save for rego, etc., but he is so much better off - when he sold his home he had to buy a travelling vehicle (got a motorhome) - so you are already ahead of him, as you have a vehicle.

Get out there mate - it is a great life, and you will only be lonely if you let yourself - I am in a free camp at the moment (donation) and there would be about 50 other vehicles here - several solo men and a few solo women as well. They chat to everyone, some have a little dog for companionship, which is usually a good conversation starter.

As for medical issues - you can go to any doctor in Australia (bulk billing is best of course) either get a letter from your doctor with your meds printed out - and there is a new initiative by the govt called My Health Record - go to a Centrelink and talk to someone, they have financial advisers who can tell you exactly where you stand. Why work(eek dirty word) if you don't have to, I am sure your kids don't want your money - mine certainly don't.

do it now not lat4er.jpg