In one of your other videos you pointed out that our habits stick with us be it RV or house. Being frugal or not, the things we find entertaining, etc. Our habits definitely matter with budgeting. Common things you missed: Pet expenses Personal care items like shampoo, haircuts, etc Household items like cleaners and toilet paper
I simply can't afford to stay in my home any longer and I do not think I'm the only one in this situation. Just the mortgage, property taxes and electricity bill, have exceeded my retirement income and it's only going to get worse. No matter how much I cut, the number at the bottom of my budget spreadsheet remains red, and not by just a little. I have two choices: 1. I can struggle to stay in the house, keep trying to find a job, eat beans, and wind up destitute. 2. I can be a nomad, enjoy life again and put money in the bank each month. It really wasn't a difficult choice. I've already got my rig and am fixing up my house to sell.
I always enjoy your videos. I’m a recently retired teacher and thinking about taking on a full time/most time RV adventure. I am also an Honorably Discharged Army veteran, I served about forty years ago. I’d like to point out something that you may not know about, in terms of saving some money. Honorably discharged veterans, with annual income less than about (don’t know exact amount) $45,000 are entitled to FREE MEDICAL CARE THROUGH THE VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. I don’t know if that includes dental and eye care, but it does include prescriptions. And the meds are refilled/sent through the US mail. Any “narcotic” med must be refilled in person, but everything else comes in a timely fashion to whatever address you provide when you call in for a refill. There are two flavors of icing on this cake. First, most VA hospitals have an emergency room, plus there are many Primary Care extension clinics all over the country. But, if you’re in need of care and there’s no VA medical assistance in the area, Uncle Sugar picks up the tab for your privately provided emergency care. In Las Vegas, NV there is 1 very new VA hospital, and two Primary Care clinics in the area. In the state of NV, there are a total of 19 VA medical facilities. The next flavor of icing on this cake has to do with Medicare Part (can never remember the different parts) supplements. So if the vet is using his/her medical benefits and is on medicare, those supplemental plans that usually cost around $150-$180 per month, are offset by a VA provided $1500 reimbursement annually. That’s right, Uncle Sugar is basically paying for 80-90% of your medicare supplements. The medical benefits I’ve outlined above are available to all Honorably Discharged veterans who meet the $45k financial limit, plus some National Guard and Reservists also qualify. As I’m writing this, I just Google checked, the VA has 152 medical centers and over 800 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics throughout the country, plus 1 in the Philippines. For complete and accurate details, I’d urge a RU-vid search for VA medical benefits and VA medical benefits with Medicare. And, of course, contact the VA directly, there are certain details and formal requirements; this involves the military, so there are always forms to fill out. A video exploring VA benefits while full time RVing would make some pretty interesting/beneficial content. (hint, hint) There’s an old commentary; when you join the military, you’re signing a blank check and handing it to Uncle Sam, it’s payable on demand for any amount, up to and including your life. These benefits are Uncle Sugar’s way of saying Thanks for a Job Well Done.
@@Dottietravels Your video sparked something in my brain, so I did a little Google searching, maybe you can spread the word. Google Search: HOW CAN I GET HELP AS A VETERAN? Google Response: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) ... Operation Family Fund (OFF) ... Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. ... The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. ... USA Cares. ... Operation First Response. ... Semper Fi & America's Fund. All programs are based on being a vet or family member of a vet, in financial need. Some offer one time assistance, others offer ongoing assistance. I know Travels with Dottie isn't a Vet Assistance Channel, but maybe you can make the occasional Public Service Announcement in some of your videos. I'm sure many of your subscribers are vets, and some may be in need of some financial support. Happy Travels
I’ve been using a Medicare Advantage plan since retiring. But I am wondering, now that I am traveling (my wife also is Medicare-eligible) if the Medicare G plan is the way to go. Can you point us to any additional info regarding G for full-time RV travelers? Thanks Rob.
