Blogging Away Debt

Houseless, Not Homeless: Reframing the Narrative and Reclaiming My Financial Power

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.

Offloading Stress

by Hope

The papers are signed. The realtor is hired. (There are several exclusions for all the showings I’ve had in the last couple of weeks, 4 last week alone.) And the professional photographer comes Thursday.

I can finally breathe again and am operating at a relatively normal energy level. (I do have a follow up doctor appointment in a couple of weeks too. That’s 4 doctor’s visits since the new year. Absolutely crazy!)

Counseling is going well. Very eye opening. And don’t worry, I’ve brought up all of your concerns – executive decision making, impulse control, ADHD, etc.

I’m also back on Lexapro which is already helping tremendously. It takes weeks, almost a month to get full effects, but I’m 3 weeks in and I can tell a difference. (I first started on Lexapro about 6 years ago when Gymnast went to live with his dad. It about killed me.)

I saw this meme and immediately thought of the BAD community’s feedback over the last 6 months especially.

The Perfect Storm

Counseling this week was really eye opening. Like really.

She really helped me pinpoint when and most likely why I began a pretty rapid spiral to the depressive and overwhelmed state I’ve been in for most of the last 6-8 months. So I’ve got some work to do. For sure.

But she also really validated a lot of my decisions as well. I realize BAD often thinks I’m impulsive. However, what I’m doing now – this house sale, move, and goal to travel, and eventually live tiny are not new. Not at all.

So I am getting help – physically and mentally. I appreciate the encouragement and tough love of this community to get me to this place.

The Plan Remains

The plan remains the same. A realtor will now handle the house sale. I will stay here in Georgia in the house until Princess’ college graduation in May. Then I will move out of the house completely. And the dogs (Cali and Addie) and I will move to my parents’ house in Texas for at least the summer. That’s as far as I will plan for now outside of being back in Georgia in October for Beauty’s wedding.