by Hope
I’ve been reflecting on my journey toward financial freedom and realized it’s time to shift my mindset. (Thanks, counseling!) In the past, I’ve referred to my plan to sell my house and move as becoming “homeless.” However, the truth is, I have stable housing arrangements. I’ll be moving into my parents’ home to assist in caring for them so they can continue to age in place. Additionally, I have a well-thought-out plan for car camping and traveling when I need a break from caregiving and the weather permits.?
This realization has led me to understand the significant difference between being “homeless” and “houseless.” While “homeless” implies a lack of shelter and stability, “houseless” can represent a conscious choice to live without a traditional home structure, often for financial or personal reasons. (I get that this isn’t for everyone. And it’s certainly not forever. But for now, maybe the next couple of years, I’m super excited about the adventures.)
Embracing a Houseless Lifestyle
Even temporarily, this lifestyle can offer several financial benefits:?
Substantial Reduction in Living Expenses
Eliminating mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills can free up a significant portion of your income, allowing for accelerated debt repayment or increased savings.Increased Financial Flexibility
Without the anchor of a permanent residence, you have the freedom to relocate for better job opportunities or lower living costs, optimizing your financial situation. And we all know that I’m on the job hunt. Always on the job hunt.Enhanced Resourcefulness and Minimalism
Living with fewer possessions encourages mindful spending and a focus on necessities, reducing impulsive purchases and fostering a minimalist lifestyle. I started going minimalist almost a decade ago, and the last 6 months has pushed me forward in that journey tremendously,.Opportunity to Invest in Experiences Over Things
With reduced living expenses, you can allocate funds toward experiences like travel or education, which can lead to personal growth and increased life satisfaction. I’ve dreamed of travel, and don’t more than my fair share of travel, but now, I will be free, rootless to really chase that desire as time and money permits.Rapid Debt Reduction and Wealth Building
The money saved from not maintaining a traditional home can be directed toward paying off debts more quickly or investing, paving the way for long-term financial stability. Yes, yes, and yes! And selling my house will give me a jumpstart on that.
Embracing a houseless lifestyle isn’t without its challenges, but with careful planning and a shift in perspective, it can be a strategic move toward achieving financial freedom.
Others Doing It?
For those interested in learning from others who have adopted car living, here are three active blogs sharing their experiences:?
I also find a lot of information and other travelers on TikTok, YouTube, and am a member of several Facebook groups focused on car living/camping, solo women travelers, and more. These resources offer valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone considering or currently navigating the houseless lifestyle.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
Oh Hope, do you ever go back and read what you wrote previously? You have said multiple times that you were going to car camp full time and help here and there. Suddenly you are moving in full-time with a few trips scattered in? Are you sure your parents want you there full time? Do your siblings? I applaud you for getting therapy. I think your therapist needs to read your blog here from start to finish to get a better idea of your mindset the last 10 years. You habitually get in your own way and sabotage yourself financially and in relationships. You have forced your parents to actively parent you by getting you out of bad situations your entire adult life. You are now on the verge of forcing your children to financially support you as you age. Please consider your kids and siblings in all your decision making, it is not fair to them to live their lives knowing they will have to support you financially eventually. I truly do not understand how you have let this situation happen to you.
It’s not a matter of “want” although my dad definitely does want me there. At least sometimes 🙂
But with things going on with them, it’s a need. If they are going to continue to age in place, someone has to be there full time. Again, there are things that happen that aren’t on this blog nor are they for public consumption. I am the oldest sibling and the only that it makes sense to move in full time.
The plan has always been for me to help with them and travel intermittently. I will need a break too.
I’m sorry Hope but you are homeless. living with your dad, princess, and Beauty is not houseless. If you wanted to help with your mother’s care why are you not there now? You only need to be at Princess’s graduation a couple of days before.
I’m not there now because 1) I have been terribly sick. I drove home sick from this last visit. My siblings didn’t need to add me to the list of people they had to care for. 2) I have a house to sell here. And I couldn’t get everything done, not being here. Now it’s done so I am ready to leave permanently.
My original plan was to return to Texas for the month of May. However, the house and my health, made that a bad idea.
I am having a hard time understanding this decision. I can get living in a camper or camper van with bathroom and kitchen options. A Honda HRV? With pets? Oof, not for me, even with the benefits you’ve listed.
It is definitely not for everyone. And it’s not forever.
But I am so excited about the freedom – financially and otherwise. To get to travel Route 66, see the Sequoias, visit Oregon, see the Grand Canyon. There is just so much I want to see. And this gives me the freedom to do that on my own terms.
If it isn’t forever, then you need to make a plan and stick to it NOW.
You have no savings whatsoever and I’ve no faith you will really pay off all your debt with the house sale. You would need to change everything about your past behavior to knuckle down and pay bills, stop spending foolishly, get your credit score up and save enough to move out.
You have no history of doing this. And no history of really even knowing or admitting where your money goes.
I don’t think any readers will agree that you’re “houseless not homeless” – been there done that on this blog. I did want to say thank you for the mortgage explanation a few posts back. Reasons remaining private are understandable, but how about some numbers? That post made it clear that you’ve never been honest or transparent with your debt numbers on this blog. The entire purpose is blogging away debt.
Can you outline your actual debts now? Credit Card $500, Mortgage Balance, $100,000, etc. Lay it out simply so that when the house sells, we know what all you can tackle and what remains. It’s a simple start to a real budget…