Hello everyone. I am working fulltime in a stable job as a nurse. I rent which I find to be very expensive. I get to retire in 7yrs at the age of 66. I am getting a van in May and have been thinking of living in the van to save money over the next 7 yrs.
Is anyone else doing this? If so what difficulties have you found?
Hi, Welcome to the forum, we are a friendly unch here and im sure you will get lots of advice, but in the meantime, take a look at the threads in the sites search facility for Full Timing, Living in a Caravan, or Homeless, and you should find some very useful information.
Good Luck with whatever you decide to do,
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Yes, have a look at earlier posts on this subject. The first thing I would consider is that for many things, you will need a permanent address.
One other thing that you might consider is that you don't have to wait till you are 66 to retire. If you can get a decent enough occupational pension, you might consider moving to a less expensive area, and economise if necessary till State pension kicked in. That's what we did in our mid 50's, although the pension rules have changed since then.
Post last edited on 11/02/2019 13:58:18
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
As a nurse, it will depend if you did or did not move to new superan terms years ago. I went at 50. You sound of similar age to me, and I could have held on till 55 and gone under ‘special circs’ with this being my normal pension age. Still final salaried. However....I said sod it after 30 years of service. So you are allowed to go from 50 under VERA , voluntary early retirement. But you will pay a penalty. Losing 25% of your lump sum alone.....I was lucky to be fairly senior and so could manage with this....the idea being I hope to benefit from it for a longer period of time.
It’s something to think about....you could VERA and work say......one agency shift a week to make up the difference to your monthly pension.
You have lots of choices.....I am assuming you have paid into the NHS scheme ....lol...if not...... sorry for the bum steer
Would you be staying on campsites, or 'wild/stealth' camping.
Some issues will be
you need an address for insurance, Dr's, dentist.
If staying on sites it may not be cheaper than bricks, £20/night is £600 a month.
Are you a council or private tennent? If you are thinking of renting again after you retire it may be difficult to get back into housing, you won't have references from recent landlord.
Are you claiming everything you can, could you be eligible for tax credits, council tax support.
Do you know how much pension you will get? State and company pensions. You can get a forecast from gov.uk
There are lots of people on youtube who are living in vans/boats, you can get an idea of some of the issues they have.
It is possible but not always easier.
Good advice! It can be expensive in pitch fees......and would you be able to cope with all the tourists during summer months? Fully serviced pitches are even more expensive. There are seasonal pitches too, but someone else might be able to shed light on expense of this option.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Van Living
via mobile 11/2/2019 at 12:52pm
