Meet a Reader | Cindy B.
Hello, readers!
We are meeting reader Cindy today; she and her husband are full-time RVers.
I wonder if there's a larger proportion of RVers in the frugal community because even though full-time RVers are a minority, Cindy is the second featured Frugal Girl reader who lives in an RV full time!
(Reader Sarah and her husband also live in an RV full time, in Arizona.)
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 62; Husband is 66. I grew up on a small farm north of Grand Rapids, MI; Husband's family was military, connected with Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, NC.
(We met at the University of Michigan -- Go Blue!)
We've lived in Colorado since 1984; we moved here after a summer-long motorcycle trip, following Lewis & Clark's trail all the way to the Oregon coast -- and back.
Our daughters (32 and 34) live less than two hours away from us. We have no grandchildren; one daughter is married to our much-loved son-in-law; the other is happily settled with her partner.
Husband has done several careers in his life, including mechanical engineer, IT guy and schoolbus driver.
I have, as well, including catering, secretarial work, custodial cleaning -- and doing marketing and layout for a newspaper, as well as a catalog company.
I was an editor for a national publication (Quilter's Newsletter Magazine) for four years, and wrote/write for others.
Book #8, Colorado Curiosities, is due out in June from Arcadia Publishing; I also write a blog (www.cindybrick.blogspot.com).
I've done hundreds of articles on a wide variety of subjects, both for myself and as a staffer for various websites and publications - - lost count a long time ago.
I lectured nationally on textile history for decades; I use the past tense because Covid canceled my teaching gigs for the past two years.
(I finally got a new one -- for August 2021. Covid's been tough on us self-employed types!)
I am also a personal property appraiser (21-plus years with the American Quilter's Society, and 6-plus with ASA, the American Society of Appraisers); I 'do' everything but houses and vehicles, though I specialize in textiles or related items.
One unusual thing about us: we live in a 32-foot fifth-wheel full-time. This makes it easy to travel...as well as take along our two big dogs, Charley and Ruby.
2. How long have you been reading The Frugal Girl?
At least three years. I particularly enjoy the 'Five Frugal Things' posts.
3. How did you get interested in saving money?
I had to!
When you grow up on a small farm, there is very little money for luxuries. I wanted to go to college, as well. That meant I not only needed to find work that paid but also stretch the money I got as far as possible.
Eventually, it became a habit. It's not as critical now -- we can live within our income -- but it's automatic now.
Even when I don't need to, I still look in the clearance and markdown bins.
4. What's the "why" behind your money-saving efforts?
At first, a lot of what I did was because I'd been raised that way -- my parents were small-town farmers who never had a lot of money. Most of everything we got had to be raised by ourselves or purchased on sale (or secondhand), to keep the bills paid.
After years of this, the farm was paid off. Eventually, they were able to retire and live quite comfortably, in great part because they'd taken this approach.
(We call it "being a Hollander," and are quite proud of our frugality.)
When Husband and I married, we were both working...and having a great time going to concerts and out to eat as much as we liked. He graduated with $10,000 in student loans, and we had little in savings.
I realized we couldn't live this way -- let alone purchase a house. So I went back to being extra-careful with what we purchased -- and my husband joined in.
Eventually, that attitude let us buy two homes, 4WD vehicles, and go on vacation out of the country, as well as in.
My husband was able to retire early, and I can ease up on some of my work, without having to worry about paying bills. You can find out more about our retirement here.
You never know what will happen in the future, even when you're reasonably set today, so it's never a bad idea to have an emergency fund, or some extra stashed away.
It lets you take care of yourself, sure, but also lets you help others without worrying whether your own bills will be paid.
For many years, we were not able to have this freedom, due to sickness and living on one (lower) income -- but now we can.
5. What's your best frugal win?
Our fifth-wheel trailers.
We spent a LOT of time researching the best trailer to buy, then finding a secondhand one that fit our budget.
Fifth-wheel #1 seller was more than ready to sell -- it had spent a year in storage. We talked him into taking a few thousand off the already-low price, then lived in it while our house went up on the market.
When that fifth-wheel was totaled, we used the insurance check (more than what we'd paid for it, by the way) to pay cash for a larger Fifth-Wheel #2.
Husband also talked that price down considerably.
We've lived happily in it now for more than a year...and saved a bundle over renting an apartment -- or continuing to own our house, which sold in Sept. 2019.
Not having a mortgage, property tax, or rent payment is wonderful!
6. What's a dumb money mistake you've made?
I purchased GameStop stock at $316 -- and sold it a few days later at $60. I am an idiot.
Fortunately, it was only one share.
(It's currently up at $140 or so.)
7. What's one thing you splurge on?
- Good dark chocolate -- with nuts in it.
- Coke.
(Don't laugh -- lots of pop really isn't that good for you. But I buy it as stock -- if I'm going to drink it, so are others. Coca-Cola has done well for me.)
- Seafood...I knew panfish well when growing up in Michigan, but the only shrimp I knew had an inch-thick breading on it. And I can't help myself; I only buy it on sale.
- Oysters (cooked and raw on the half-shell), shrimp, lobster, crab...I just can't get enough.
8. What's one thing you aren't remotely tempted to splurge on?
Salmon: my uncles used to bring home dozens of pounds-worth, from fishing in the Great Lakes.
My family loves it, but I had so much as a kid that I have to force myself to buy salmon. Even on sale.
9. If $1000 was dropped into your lap today, what would you do with it?
- Go out for a seafood dinner...and take our good friends with, as well as our family. (And dine INSIDE!)
- A bouquet of flowers, or some flowering plants
- A nice pair of boots for Husband
- The rest would go into savings, for a future vacation.
Actually, more than this will happen when the stimulus checks drop.
The only problem: the U.S. was already deep in debt when all these generous Covid-19 aid programs aired. How in the world will future generations pay for this?
10. Share a frugal tip with other Frugal Girl readers
1) ALWAYS bargain, when you're buying gently used.
(And you should, for everything from appliances to vehicles. Including Ebay, if they include a 'Best Offer.')
You can always pay full price if the seller doesn't budge -- but you'll be amazed at how often they'll take a lower offer, especially when made in a friendly, 'let's-be-practical' way.
Every dollar you save is a dollar that can be used somewhere else.
2) No matter what you're making, put away 10% of your income in savings.
Use that money as your emergency fund; it can also help out with groceries for a needy family, or pay for a tow truck.
Once you use the money, concentrate on replacing it, so it's there for the next time you need it.
And our secret weapon:
3) Tithe 10% of your income, as well.
Even at our lowest point (less than $20,000 a year, with medical bills to pay), we always did this. I still don't know how, but even with less, our bills were always paid.
Put God first, and you'll be amazed at how He provides for you, with more than enough.
____________________
Cindy, thank you so much for participating!
I just want to say that I am not tempted to buy salmon either, but that's just because I don't like it, not because I had too much as a kid.
But I am totally with you on other seafood, such as crab, shrimp, and especially scallops. So good!
Readers, feel free to leave your questions and comments for Cindy.
P.S. Reese and her family were down with a stomach bug when I published her interview. She did pop back on and respond to reader comments once she recuperated, though, and you can hop over here to read what she said.
Hi Cindy! I have to note the irony of you being a personal property appraiser while presumably owning very little personal property yourself. 🙂 I mean, I assume there's only so much you can put inside a 5th-wheel. Although maybe constantly dealing with other people's "stuff" makes you less interested in owning it yourself. That would certainly be the case for me.
Kristin, I was surprised at my feelings while we cleaned out the house, and pared down things for use in the trailer. I really thought I would be more heartbroken. Turns out these are just THINGS. I value, much more, my husband, the Brick. Our children. Our families. And our two rowdy furballs. (Charley is elderly and definitely winding down his life...it's a heartbreak to see my baby slowly dying.)
I do keep a few selected pieces (sterling silver, an 1840s "gaudy Welsh" cup, some quilts, etc.) for study -- and to help me remember certain time periods better. I try to use and display these, even though that damages them in the long run. But better to enjoy them, than stash them away. We do this with souvenirs, as well; in fact, we often buy food items, because they can be enjoyed -- and then disappear, so to speak.
But I can also do my job as an appraiser much more effectively because of two things: cellphones and laptops. Hooray for the Internet! (Thanks so much for writing.)
Cindy, it was so nice to read about your life! Colorado seems like such a beautiful place; I'd love to visit someday. And I thought it was so interesting that you were on the other side of the world when Covid hit and had to stay there for a while. Thank you for sharing with us!
`Thank you, BJS. (And thank you for writing.) We were on our planned trip of a lifetime when Covid really hit -- and our world cruise was cancelled halfway through! But we don't regret taking it. Hopefully we can try it again sometime.
(And yes, we got it at a bargain. Which eased the financial sting somewhat.)
Colorado IS a beautiful place. But you know what? I also enjoy seeing Iowa and Kansas, Wisconsin and Montana. (And, especially, Michigan.) We are lucky to live in such a lovely country. I hope to see it more in coming years.
It is nice to meet you. You seem to have many diverse interests and knowledge in a broad number of subjects. From quilts to ghosts, you must be a great conversationalist!
On a side note, I am also worried at our National Debt. It has grown from approximately $5 trillion to $26 trillion in the last two decades. I wonder how long this can be ignored.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Bee...and for expressing them. I have found that if I can't find something in common with the person I'm talking to, I start asking questions about their background. People love to talk about themselves! And eventually something comes up that we can both explore.
I haven't mentioned my other interest: Bigfoot sightings. Maybe he/she can scare the government into stopping their gleeful ways to waste our taxpayer money. (I wish.)
Cindy, nice to "meet" you. I added your blog to my reading list. And, yes, chocolate.
Thank you, Jody S! I really appreciate it.
Red licorice is another of my vices -- but only the Red Vines. (I'm chewing a piece right now.) But black licorice... ewwwww....
thanks for writing.
I love reading the reader interviews and getting to know fellow FG followers. You learn one sort of thing from comments and another from the interviews. FG, I'm curious - how do you decide who to interview?
What Cindy B said about bargaining prompted to consider adding a couple of my own tips. But maybe a post dedicated to that would be more useful? It would have the advantage of having the tips in one place that's easy to search for. I'd be happy to contribute. I'm OK at it and I learned at the knee of a master - I watched my father beat a Syrian rug merchant at his own game, in his own store, in a foreign language!
And yes, chocolate.
Well, I started out the series by directly emailing some long-time readers to ask if they'd like to participate. I figured that would be a good way to test out the idea to see how it worked.
At this point, I think I've worked through that first list of people, so I should officially open it up to everyone, I think. So...anyone that wants to participate, send me an email!
I’d definitely love to read an interview with WilliamB. I recall another reader suggesting him before. He sure is a long-time reader and commenter; noticed a comment from him in one of those recommended old blog posts today. He also has such good ideas.
I agree on WilliamB.
Another vote for a profile of WilliamB.
I'd like to 'meet' WilliamB too! And Lindsey! Her comments always fascinate me.
I have asked Lindsey (multiple readers asked for her!) and she is working up the courage. WilliamB, if you are interested, there's a spot for you!
Yes! WilliamB. I also have to request JD. I believe she’s in Florida. I love reading her replies about the long drive to work, cassava items and of course, always hoping her husband is still doing well and not in the hospital or rehab
I feel like I asked JD, but I will double check!
Hands up for William B!
I think it's unanimous on WilliamB, for a start!
Bargaining is not a strength of mine; I'd definitely be interested!
Suz, it's not hard -- it just takes patience! And a lot of time...because, as I mentioned, every time you make the first offer, you're forced to pay at least that amount. Better to wait (which drives me totally nuts, but the Brick enjoys) and see what the buyer has to say. Often they're thinking less $$ than you are.
I've written some columns about this; write to me at my blog, and I can send you links. Or maybe Kristen would let me write a guest post about haggling.
Agreed -- would love to hear from all these folks 😉
Thanks, William B. (And thanks for writing - I too would like to read an interview with you!)
I grew up haggling, swapping and bargaining. It started as a necessity. My dad would look down at the ground, scrape it with his (well-worn) boot...and talk in Very Sad tones about how the harvest wasn't so good this year, he had a sick cow, money was short, etc etc. And the seller (usually another farmer) would respond in kind -- his own Sad Story. His garden wasn't doing so good, the wife didn't have work, etc etc.
Then Dad would point out all the rust, banged spots and other faults on the tractor, and say, "Well, I'm really still interested. But..." Silence. ("NEVER make the first offer," my dad would say.) More silence. Finally, the seller would mention a figure. Dad would counter. This would go on for what seemed ages -- but both would walk away, thinking they'd gotten a bargain.
I saw this over and over. Eventually it became a sort-of game!
Nice to meet you Cindy, your lifestyle sounds great. I love the West! I live on the east coast but every year except for last year my husband and I spend time in the West.
In fact my son lives in Colorado and we were just fixing our house up to sell to move out there, when my daughter and son in law moved home, a total surprise. Now she is expecting her 2nd child. Grandkids make it hard for me to move.
And thanks for mentioning the national debt. I always tell my husband that I am the only one worried about it. I can't believe we are doing this to the next generations.
I, too, wonder about what will happen in the future with our national debt. So that makes more than one person who is concerned about it!
I only wish we could get our elected officials to take this subject more seriously. Honestly, they seem to be operating in the "get elected, then shove it off until the next election" mode. What if we ran our houses and businesses this way?? We'd all be bankrupt in a few years.
Thank you for writing, Kris -- and Karen, too.
Well, thank you! The Brick and I have truly become Westerners -- this is very clear when I get back to Michigan, and the trees start "closing in" on us. Out here in the West, including where we live, south of Denver, you can see for miles. Trees are an accessory!
I really wish we could solve this problem of the national debt. Why aren't the financial experts in our country yelling more about this?? What will happen in the future?? I really think our children -- and grandchildren -- will suffer for it.
Quilting and the Front Range! Plus all these other skills and interests — I'm very impressed.
A friend is currently making a quilt from dance costumes for a high school graduate who had 50-some performance costumes in various fabrics and styles over 13 years. It wasn't meant to be a crazy quilt, but it really is turning out to be a variation on one — odd shapes melded together, and some velvet, but also feathers, gloves, sequins, the whole nine yards.
Yeah, well...every time I get too impressed with myself, the "little farm girl" inside sneers, "Aren't YOU a bigshot!" She keeps me humble -- and honest. So does being a Christian. You can't brag about how wonderful you are to the King of Kings.
Your friend's quilt sounds wonderful! Many of my Crazy students would be happily working with similar materials. We sometimes joke to each other about following a person with a wonderful shirt or jacket into the bathroom, and surreptitiously snipping off a bit. I've been tempted, too.... thanks for writing, and hopefully that quilt gets finished!
@CINDY, so true!!
@CINDY, “You can’t brag about how wonderful you are to the King of Kings.” So true.
Cindy B: I enjoyed your post. Thank you for sharing your interesting backstory and life experiences!
MB, it was a pleasure. I've enjoyed reading about others on Frugal Girl -- including Kristen's posts -- and it seemed time to share. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Hi Cindy B,
I enjoyed your interview. I love how such a diverse group of readers are Frugal Girl followers. I read ESI Money and had seen your interview but did not know that you follow this blog as well. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish all the best to you and your family.
Thank you for your kind words, KD.
I submitted to ESI Money partly because I get very tired of the pundits who decree you must have a million dollars saved (or more) before you can retire. (Some, like Financial Samurai, are now advocating TEN MILLION DOLLARS. How in the world can most people save money like that on small or moderate incomes??)
We didn't have a million bucks when the Brick retired. (We didn't even have half a million!) But we did have decades of experience, learning to live on a lower income. And we had good financial advisors to manage the funds from our savings, as well as the profit on our house sale. The goal was to be able to manage inside whatever income we could bring in. And we've done that. (The Brick gets a pension, and we both draw Social Security -- which was severely docked, because the Brick was a state employee. Grrrr....)
Yes, we could be living in a house right now. (And knowing us, we'll pay cash when that happens sometime in the future. If it happens.) But you don't need this in order to be happy and experience things! You only need to plan...and save...and look for bargains. They're out there.
Thanks for writing.
Hi, Cindy. It's great to meet another reader. Your book on crazy quilts looks wonderful! My grandmother used to make them but somehow I did not wind up with one after she passed away. And I'm glad to meet someone else who is concerned about the national debt, which is very scary to think about.
Thank you, Ruby!!! And thanks for the kind words about CRAZY QUILTS. I first did an article on this unusual style when I was an editor for Quilter's Newsletter Magazine...and somehow they 'grew' on me. I am fascinated by the idea of a quilt literally being a scrapbook of your hopes, dreams and experiences. And that's what Crazy quilts do. You should consider making one for yourself -- maybe including a few memories/goodies inherited from your grandmother!
This casual increase of the national debt ("Oh, it will work out...") really bothers me. If we all lived like this, we'd be bankrupt in no time. Why in the world would I want my representatives -- the people I elected (or didn't) -- to do this, supposedly on my behalf? I really wish that our political branch -- including both parties -- would be more sensible. Then again, many of our political leaders are quite wealthy....this bothers me, too. How will they understand what it's like to watch your pennies carefully, if they don't have to?
P.S. Ruby, thanks for writing. You might look for my book at your local library -- it's been quite popular, and is considered a 'reference' book, as well as a how-to. Whatever that means...
Looove! From a MICHIGANDER
You can take the girl out of Michigan...but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! I love my birthstate still, in spite of living in Colorado longer than I did in Michigan. But I love Colorado, too...
We have been thinking about buying a cabin up north -- partly for storage, partly for a resting spot. It would be nice to have something permanent, in case my mom needs us to be closer. (She still lives on the family farm in Sparta.) But we haven't found anything yet. At the right price, that is. Thanks for writing. Now show me your hand, so I know where you live!!! 🙂
Hi, Cindy, great to meet you!
You and your husband have a variety of talents! You could draw from experience while having conversations and not run out of new topics for a long while! That's amazing, and I admire you both for it.
It took me a while to get to tithing, but I have to agree -- it's always possible, somehow, isn't it?
Random question for anyone interested - if one tithes on gross income, which includes the amount that goes to taxes, then does one also tithe on a tax refund, assuming a refund is coming? This seems simple, but I keep going in circles about it.
Have you been to the quilt museum in Paducah, Kentucky? I have wanted to go for a long time, but I don't live near it, and I always seem to run out of time when I'm in that area, which isn't often anymore. I have never quilted, but my aunts started quilting in their 70's, so I am not giving up on that idea.
Ultimately it's up to you. Mathematically, you wouldn't tithe on the refund because a refund is the government giving you back money you've already tithed on.
Imagine you earned $10,000. You tithe $1000 and pay $150 in taxes which, of course, you pay from the already-tithed funds. But you overpaid so you get a $50 refund - that's just part of the already-tithed $150 you paid.
I remember someone asking FG if she tithed on money she spent out of savings. IIRC her answer was no because she'd already tithed on the money she put into the savings account, and she tithes on income not spending. I don't remember if she said whether she tithes on interest from bank accounts.
We tithe ours because our refund is really mostly the child credit money. . . not actually taxes we've paid.
I'm trying to remember, Jody S., but am pretty sure we tithed on our tax refund. (We only got one, and it wasn't much.) We already tithed on our taxable income, when it was received. I figure anything coming into our credit union account is fair game for this, including Social Security (which I took early, and the Brick is getting) and his pension.
It's really not that hard to do this, once it becomes a habit. Thanks for writing.
Hey, William B (and others),
Generally, I agree with you on how to decide what to tithe. We do it this way -- any income of any kind has 10% off the top. If money is set aside automatically from your paycheck (and I hope it is - this is a great way to save and plan), then we would tithe off the amount BEFORE the deduction.
This also includes stimulus checks, raises, birthday gifts, pay for my teaching/judging gigs (we don't worry about any amounts they pay for things like hotels and meals), etc. We generally round the title amount up to the next five dollars -- so a $1240 stimulus check tithe would be $130. This 'covers' any extra like interest earned on savings accounts. (Which isn't much nowadays, sadly.) I do not think you should be obsessive about this... but I also don't think you can outgive God. (Thanks for writing and explaining.)
JD, you are very kind -- thank you. Being interested in all sorts of things means you rarely get bored. I personally am captivated by a good story -- or strange incident, or odd quirk in history. These often make it into my writing. Apparently others enjoy a good story, too!
Yes, I have often been to the quilt museum in Paducah, KY! It's wonderful, and the varying exhibits make it worth visiting more than once. My appraisers certification, for one of my two memberships, is under the The American Quilter's Society (AQS), affiliated with the museum. (https://quiltmuseum.org/ ) They have annual conferences -- more regular now, thankfully, as Covid restrictions ease up) and competitions. I've taught there before and led quilting tours. It's a fun place.
And do try some quilting! It is very relaxing...something about the fabric moving beneath your fingers is calming and comforting. Thanks for writing.
Nice post...i have an "I wonder"...This may show my complete ignorance when it comes to quilting and R Vs but....Where do you do quilting? I have this idea you need a room with space and a fancy machine and all that..does that all fit in a rv? I don't like salmon either. (Maybe because I'm east coast and everything is farm raised or frozen, I don't know... Perhaps I always cook it badly, too)
Thanks for the kind words, LPT. (Maybe we should start a "no salmon allowed" club -- I had no idea that many others felt this way.)
Regarding quilting: no, you don't need a fancy space to make quilts. In fact, the pioneers didn't always have good light for their stitching -- but they at least had fabric scraps left over from the family sewing, a needle and thread. (The latter were probably more expensive and unavailable at times than the fabric itself.) I have learned to make space for my work, including storage under the bed (which lifts up) and tote bags to hold specific projects. I have a Featherweight, which takes up little space, but is portable and a workhorse. No fancy stitches, but it can take all sorts of banging around and abuse.
Since I teach and write about quilting, I also need to keep samples for showing during lectures, and in articles. I store these under the bed, too, and keep photos in "the cloud" and on my laptop.
Currently I sew on our 'dining room' table, but we have plans to put in a long piece of wood for a desk along one of the shorter walls in the fifth-wheel. It will be high enough for sewing and writing, and just under the picture window, so I can look out while working. I can also then keep my work out while we're staying in one place for a while...instead of having to pack it up every time we have supper!
thanks for writing.
Hi Cindy,
Go Green! Lol I could not resist..it's a Michigan thing. My son graduated from MSU.
I enjoyed reading your post.
I am not a fish fan other than blue gill which is mostly what the hubs catches here.
Go Green! 🙂 I graduated from MSU as well. 🙂
Well Beth -- what can I say... (speechless)
(Actually, MSU has a really sterling quilt collection. You would enjoy it. But don't tell anyone that this Ann Arbor person was recommending you visit Lansing. I could get trampled...)
Whenever we visit Michigan, I always hit up the thrift stores to restock our cache of Michigan t-shirts. We leave the MSU shirts gently alone, however.
Thanks for writing!
Booooooooo! (she says, laughing)
Yeah, yeah, I get the same grief from cousins who graduated from MSU. (My uncle did, too.) I just try to magnamimously forgive them for this slipup -- we all goof sometime. (!!!)
(And you can smack me later, for being so rude. And thank you for writing!)
We also follow the University of Colorado, the Brick's other alma mater. Ralphie the buffalo is the mascot -- just before CU football games start, Ralphie (who is always a` girl!) goes tearing across the field, her keepers desperately hanging onto her reins. It's very funny -- and tremendously exciting, too. Go, Buffs!
Nice to meet you Cindy! There were so many interesting things in your post. I admire the idea of "multiple careers" tracks in life; it really helps broaden out options. You also remind me that I want to take out an old quilt of my grandma's and see if I can find someone who can tell me about it - I've always been curious about one of the fabrics. Being an appraiser of textiles and other stuff, I imagine you must come across some odd and interesting items!
But mostly I wanted to say, I love the selfie picture of you and your husband - looks like you have so much fun together !
You are right, Suz -- I love this part of being a personal property appraiser. I not only get to see odd and interesting textiles -- the latest have been Peruvian and Navajo rugs -- but you would be amazed at the unusual family heirlooms people treasure! Including gold teeth. (No, they won't 'redeem' them, either. Too precious.)
I love my darling Brick. (That's what his friends and I call him.) He is a very precise, detail-conscious engineer, married to a wild, curious artist type...but he's patient. He also loves history and travel, and serves the King. We'll be married 40 years in December.
Cindy, what a riot to read about "being a Hollander". I think you have to live on the west side of Michigan to get the full impact of that! (we live near Muskegon). I grew up on the east side of the mitten and it was definitely a change in mindset to move here. Frugality is an art form in this neck of the woods.
I have also been amazed at how God has provided for us even when it seemed like tithing didn't make financial sense. So much of what you said resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your story .... and I'm so glad you are living your dream! We love to vacation out west and it's hard to return home when we are there.
Hi Kris & Cindy,
I grew up in Michigan (Saginaw) but have a lot of "Hollander" relatives from western Michigan. My family is very proud of being frugal, and I'm glad that I was brought up that way. It's helped me so much throughout my life. The RV life looks like fun! I live in Arizona now, which is a very RV-friendly state. 🙂
Thanks, Beth. We've spent the last two months in Arizona -- first in McNeal, then the Pinery Canyon near the Chiricahua National Monument, and now Tucson. You are absolutely right about the RV-friendly aspect.
My dad was a quiet Dutch farmer, so I have lots of Hollander relatives on his side. (My maiden name was DeVries.) I love this aspect of the Grand Rapids area, and try to stop at the Dutch store there whenever we're in town. They got me hooked on Nasi goreng! (The Dutch used to have a strong presence in Indonesia.) Thanks for writing.
Kris, even if you hadn't said you were a Michigander, you betrayed yourself by using the word "mitten!" I laugh when I see a person busily pointing to their hand, to show where they live or lived. (I do it myself!)
I grew up in Sparta, and have been in Muskegon many times. It's a lovely place. In fact, we're headed back there in a few weeks. My mom likes the Red Lobster in town, so I'm betting we go there.
Tithing is a mystery to me; I don't understand why it works, either -- but it is. Perhaps it's just another way of God getting us to trust Him, instead of trying to 'fix' everything ourselves. Thanks so much for wriring! (You've got friends now in Colorado. Write me when you're in the Denver area, and we'll have lunch. And go to the local quilt museum.)
Totally with you on the seafood!! Cannot get enough!
You bet, Sarah!
Husband grew up in North Carolina and has memories of fishing for crabs with chicken necks. His mom used to go down to the docks and get buckets of shrimp from the trawlers, as well. Husband enjoys seafood -- but is not as passionate about it as I am.
Then again, I didn't grow up near the ocean! Thanks for writing.
Thanks for sharing, Cindy! I totally agree with you and other commenters about the national debt. I've been quietly encouraging anyone who doesn't truly 'need' the stimulus money to donate it to a worthy cause that will help future generations. In our area, we have a local Foundation that endows Funds to support local nonprofits. As one person, I can't offset the national debt but maybe this way I can help mitigate future damage.
Bobi, I know that many people were counting on the stimulus checks to pay off debt -- but I honestly can't help wondering how many could have gotten by without it, if they'd taken Steps (cancelling cable, going to one vehicle, watching their food purchases, etc.)
We took a big share of the first stimulus payments, split it up and wrote checks to several people who were in college -- or saving for it. I had to work very hard to stay in school, and it was a pleasure to know that we were helping others this way.
I still wonder, though, how it would be okay with Congress and POTUS to burden future generations this way. Pretending it doesn't exist -- and adding to it, even now -- is wildly irresponsible, in my humble opinion. Thanks for writing.
We also lived full-time for several years in an RV. It is a great way to see this wonderful country of ours. And that industry has been booming since that became the most safe way to travel during the Covid-19 pandemic. Once that panic dies down a bit there should be a great many deals available on used RVs for any of you considering such a move.
I agree with you, Linda -- we had no idea, of course, that living in an RV would be a benefit during the pandemic. But it has allowed us to live safely, and even travel without worrying about lots of extra exposure.
If anyone is interested in buying an RV, I'd recommend checking out states like Arizona and New Mexico, where they are extremely popular. (Can't tell you how many I've seen in our AZ travels this winter, particularly in places like Benson, Phoenix, etc.) It might really be worth your while to travel down and view several. We did buy both RVs in the Denver area -- but got our truck from North Dakota, at a bargain. (And yes, we picked it up there, and drove it back.) Thanks for writing.
Hi Cindy! I'm from Barry County (South of GR).
Hey Carrie,
I grew up in Sparta (Kent City). Welcome, fellow Michigander! (And thanks for writing.)
I enjoy meeting your readers so much! Cindy, I 100% agree on the tithing thing. Even when the math doesn't work, it does.
For some reason this lifestyle intrigues me. Did you buy a lot or some place to be full time when you're not travelling around? (You said you had no rent or mortgage.) What very basic things should someone consider before attempting to jump in to living in an RV full time?
Hi Bonnie,
Right now, we have an arrangement with a good friend who lives near the mountains, south of Denver, CO -- we act as his caretakers, doing jobs on his ranch -- and he gives us a spot near his very large pole building, complete with water and electricity hookups. We pay for utilities and internet. (Our insistence, not his.) We watch the place when he's out of town -- he travels a lot. And he has company when he feels like strolling over and talking. Otherwise, we live like polite neighbors.
This has worked out extremely well. We've also saved him a good deal of money by doing jobs he would have had to pay quite a bit for -- including painting his house trim, and digging out (by tractor) a gigantic bush that was clogging up his septic system.
When we're on the road, we tend to boondock -- our trailer has an extensive solar panel array that gives us electricity, and we have a large water tank. We can last for 1-2 weeks this way. We also occasionally pay for a spot in an RV park, so we can 'dump' tanks and refill water.
We've just finished an extensive volunteering job in McNeal, AZ for Ethnos360 -- they gave us free hookups. If we're visiting someone, we offer to pay for whatever utilities we use. Most of the time, this is refused -- so we send giftcards as a thank you.
One thing you must deal with BEFORE you live in an RV: you won't have much space. You'll need to cut back on clothes, housewares, electronics, tools, etc. -- and WAY back on the decorating items. This has been a struggle for me especially with books; I used to have more than 5,000, and have only about 50 in the fifth-wheel. (I do keep some extra in storage at my mom's place.) Thanks so much for writing. (Feel free to write me at my blog, if I didn't cover the issues you wondered about full-time RV living.)
Great to hear your story Cindy. I have stock in coca-cola. If it is good enough for Warren Buffett it is good enough for me.
Darn tootin', Anita -- I agree with you. We don't own any Berkshire-Hathaway stock, but I do pay attention to what Warren is currently buying -- and selling.
I do strongly agree with his recommending index funds and funds that pay a dividend. These have worked extremely well for me; I think I'm currently up about 21% for 2021. And yes, that includes Coke. (I had Coke's international stock, but sold it -- I plan to buy some back.)
Thanks for writing.
I feel the same way about flounder...my mom would make it EVERY Friday, fried..I cannot even look at it now..lol. She finally relented and let me and my dad have fish sticks. One question, for those full time RV'ing...where do you get your mail? Meaning, paper mail...I have always wondered that..
Hi Michelle,
Huh, flounder, when I was growing up on a Michigan farm, was for RICH people. Fish sticks are what we ate regularly! And panfish like bass and bluegill. (Oh, and that awful salmon, too.)
Right now, we share a post office box with our youngest daughter. She checks the mail regularly, and lets us know if something important shows up. She then will photograph it and text the letter, if it's something we need to deal with right away. Most of the time, though, it can wait until we see her next. (Usually that's monthly.) This usually works. We did have a problem with not depositing checks on time -- but have fixed that by being able to photo them and deposit them that way. (Our credit union won't accept anything older than 60 days, which is a real issue when we're on the road and away from home -- like we have been since mid-Feb.)
Our bills, though, are all online, and we pay them automatically through our credit union account.
We have talked about subscribing to a mail service, which collects the important stuff and discards the "Dear Neighbor" stuff. Others do it this way. Thanks for writing.
Cindy, it's so much fun to hear the stories of fellow full time RV-ers! I agree with so much of what you said. There is nothing like living mortgage free, rent free and property tax free (well, taxes are covered in our dues so we pay them but it's minimal)! We own our lot in Arizona in a 55 and over RV Park. We pay a low fee of $1600 per year which covers our water, sewer, lot tax, maintenance of all the park buildings, pool, and grounds, etc. I read recently that there are over a million full time RV-ers including lots of young families. That number may rapidly increase even post covid because so many people need to find ways to live cheaply and now there are so many ways to make a living from home. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sarah...and you DO understand, don't you! 🙂
We are in Arizona right now, attending the gem show in Tucson. We've been thinking about buying a lot in a similar situation, particularly somewhere warm during the winter -- I would love to have regular access to a swimming pool, especially -- but just haven't found the right spot yet.
We've also talked about buying a small house in poor condition and using it for storage while we're renovating it. But haven't found THAT right one yet, either.
We keep looking. Thanks for writing.
Kristen, thank you so much for featuring my interview!
I really appreciate it.
Great read Cindy, you have such varied interests and experiences, thank you for sharing.
As a nonbeliever tithing has always made me wonder how those struggling can tithe with the little they have. I have had some interesting conversations with my tithing friends (LDS and evangelical Christian) and I see the commitment and spiritual side to this and am envious of this in a strange way. I am thinking about adopting the concept of tithing but picking a charity to tithe to rather than ‘donate’ as I think the change in terminology would hold me more to the commitment. Do you think this is religious appropriation or just ‘making it work for me’? Any comments?
In my experience, as a lifelong Christian and church-goer, I can't imagine any Christian having an opposition to you giving 10% of your money to a charity. 🙂 Sharing what you have is just a good practice, whether you are a Christian or not. I say go for it!
Joanne in the U.K.: Interesting question! I don't think it's religious appropriation. I agree with Kristen. As an agnostic, I am still a member of my childhood church and I continue to pledge a large (but not 10%) annual offering. In addition, I contribute money to individuals in need and to other causes I believe in. As we say in the U.S.A., "it's all good!"
Thank you Kristen and MB in MN. I’ve decided that I’m going to set up a direct payment to a Blood Cancer charity (my dad has myeloma) for 10% of my pay.
GOOD FOR YOU, JOANNE! Proud of you, girl!
P.S. My much-loved Dutch father passed away from multiple myeloma. A horrible disease. Love your dad up, and encourage him to keep fighting.
I miss my dad still, and am looking forward to seeing him again.
You bet, MB! The world would be a better place if we could get everyone to donate 10% to their favorite cause. Sure, some of it would be wasted. But it would also help so many needy people. And I honestly believe 95% of us could get by easily without it. We certainly have -- even through the most difficult times.
thanks for writing.
Funny, Joanne, I have been working on a post about this for my own blog. In some ways, it surprises me that this surprises others. I have been doing it so long that tithing is second nature -- almost like paying the rent or the utilities. ('Set aside 10% off the top. Okay, what's next...")
Giving 10% is such an easy thing. You really don't miss it that much, and you can do so much good with a steady donation to causes you believe in. We don't always give it to a church, per se, but we do sponsor some missionaries and believe in causes like MCC, the Mennonite Central Committee, which builds water and agriculture projects for small communities. (And in their case, nearly 100% goes directly to the cause you specify it for -- unlike places like the Red Cross or United Way. I am NOT a fan of the Red Cross.)
YES, ABSOLUTELY, if you prefer to give this 10% of your income to something else, by all means. It will help them. It will help you, as well. Giving does a surprisingly positive number on our mental well-being. (While you're at it, add an additional 10% to your own savings at the same time, if you can.)
Thanks for writing.
Hello, Cindy -- it is great to meet you. Loved hearing about all your talents and jobs -- what resumes you guys have and experiences. Not sure I could pull the level on living in a trailer but sorely tempted sometimes. A great read, thank you!
Thank you for your kind words!
Trailer living has its plusses and minuses, just like everything else. I do enjoy being able to sleep in my own bed, regardless of what view is out the window. I love being able to volunteer or work elsewhere, and still come "home" at night. And the dogs love being able to travel with us.
But... limited space. (We really have to be careful about this.) The trailer shakes when it's really blowing outside. A tad unnerving. We don't have as many expenses, but they do exist -- like the $800-plus we're going to have to put out on tires this week. And sometimes (fortunately not often) wondering where we'll be able to stop for the night.
In general, though, we enjoy it. And it certainly fits our lifestyle needs right now -- at much less $$ and hassle, as when we owned a house. We will again...just not right now.
Thanks for writing.
All those pluses -- my husband would sign up in a minute 😉 Take care!
Husband is actually the one who got me into this, Priskill! He has always wanted to do this -- and I was so-so about it. But I also knew that we would save a LOT of money, if we were careful.
I don't think we'll do this forever...but for right now, it's great. Thanks so much for writing.
Two years later, I thought Kristen and her readers would enjoy an update on where we are today --
Still living in the fifth-wheel, though since Thanksgiving (I'm writing this in mid-Feb 2023), we've been staying in our friends' house. They spend the winters in Phoenix, and asked if we'd move in to take care of things. It's nice in some ways -- I have more room, being the primary one, and it's easier to use the washer/dryer or run downstairs quickly for something in the freezer, rather than trudging over from the fifth-wheel. But I have to admit that carefully preserving your friends' things, at the expense of your own stuff, is a bit weird. Their photos are all over -- ours are not. But because of a rather frightening situation last spring, when they (and we) were threatened, they really needed someone to stay in the house. So we are.
They get home in late April. By then, we will just be back from a two-week cruise to the Caribbean. We have plans to do some traveling, particularly to look at real estate in Wyoming. Maybe Arizona or New Mexico, as well.
The Brick continues to enjoy his retirement. I still do some appraising, writing and teaching, but find I'm enjoying stepping back from these to some degree, as well. We're down to one dog (Ruby); our beloved Charley died last February, just a few weeks after my mom died in late January. Because we lived in the fifth-wheel, we were able to travel back to Michigan and hunker down in the farmyard. The Mama made the rounds from care center to hospital to rehab for six months -- and one of us made the trip generally every day to see her. It was not easy, but it was important to do. And we couldn't have done it, if we'd been in a traditional house.
So life goes on. We're not sure whether we'll continue to stay at our friends' ranch in CO as unofficial "caretakers" -- or move on to our own place. God knows, though. Thanks for your interest in my life, Kristen! I continue to enjoy your blog; it's one of the first things I check every morning, just to see what you've been up to.
@CINDY BRICK, I came across this post by surprise since I was reading a recent Frugal Girl post (March 13, 2023) and it referred to your initial Meet a Reader post so I came over to read this first. I also read alllll the comments here and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed your post and all your comments. I’m a long-time reader of The Frugal Girl but I don’t comment often. You sound so interesting and fun! We lived in our RV about halftime for about 5 years, traveling for my husband’s job…ending in 2012. I wish you well in your travels and your decisions for the future. I’ll be watching for you in upcoming Frugal Girl blogs.