Page 56 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds

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The Affordability
of theRVLifestyle
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to
make a change later in life, RVers of all levels of enthusiasm
and financial ability can afford the perks the RV lifestyle provides.
When you think of an RV, what comes to mind? A means to get away occasionally? An escape from the world? A way to get closer to nature? A house on wheels? Hopefully, “out of reach” doesn’t pop into your head. Though RVs are considered luxury items,
it depends on how you intend to use your RV that makes your choice to own one – and your investment – worthwhile.
Look at your Current Budget
Every household has an operating budget and a spending budget
to cover utilities, groceries, and luxury purchases. Is there room in your current budget to afford an extra payment, plus the funds to support the travels? Can you make adjustments to your current spending or utilities to make RV ownership attainable? For instance, you may not need a $230 Verizon plan for data and smartphones. Could you do with a
$100 plan, perhaps from another provider and with a simpler phone?
Maybe you’re already an RV owner and have been for many years. Now the thought of full-timing has entered your mind. Make your RV your primary dwelling, perhaps with a much smaller, stationary homestead elsewhere that is smaller than your current stationary home. Then, compare your current budget and expenses with a projected monthly budget and expenses for a full-time RV lifestyle: loans, insurance, utilities, groceries, etc. Utilities may be one area where you’ll see differences: Many RV parks and resorts have partial or full hookups for electric, water, and sewage, with the price of usage rolled into their rates. However, if you’re planning to stay in one place for a long time – all season – then you may need to pay your own electric usage. But there’s a lot less square footage in your RV than your typical stationary home, so a little can go a long way.
Look at the Market
When choosing a motorhome, travel trailer, or camper van, there are a variety of things to consider and contemplate prior to making a purchase of any type of RV. Considerations such as, how often do you intend to use your RV? Do you already have a tow vehicle that can handle the RV you’re looking at buying? What amenities are must-haves and which ones can you do without? Think about these things and then research the market to see what it all might cost you. If it’s too high, you’ll need to reconsider
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