We live on a caravan site & the only bill we pay is £4.60 for gas – we were sick of paying a mortgage
A COUPLE have revealed that they gave up their high-paying careers and house to live and work on a caravan site, and are now able to save enough to spend the entire winter holidaying in Spain.
Judy and Mark are campsite wardens, which means that they help to maintain the campsite that they live on.
The couple said that their job only pays them minimum wage, however, they get to live on the caravan site for free.
Electricity and water are also free on the campsite, and the only bill they have to pay is £4.60 a month in gas.
Taking to their YouTube channel, Gypsy Souls, the duo revealed that they decided to move on to the campsite, as they were desperate to get rid of their mortgage.
They added that they were sick of their long and expensive commutes to work, and having to pay an arm and a leg for electricity bills.
Judy sold her house, and was able to use the money to buy a caravan, with some money left over which she put in savings.
She said that some caravan sites let you rent a caravan but added that it is usually cheaper to just buy one on finance so you don’t end up “throwing your money away”.
The husband and wife duo don’t pay any tax on their earnings, as they always try and earn less than their annual tax free allowance (£12,570).
At the end of the year, when they get all of their tax money back, they put it into savings.
The couple stick to a tight budget, and put a large sum of their earnings into savings.
“All the money we’re saving on our electricity and bills goes on our four months in Spain“, Judy said.
The couple work at the caravan site for eight months of the year, and then spend four months in Spain, spending their savings.
They said they would never go back to working full-time, and are happy to budget for eight months of the year, so that they get to enjoy their time in Spain.
Judy said that their life is “stress-free” and is “completely different” to her previous life working a corporate job.
Mark said he used to earn 10 times what he does now, but added that he has never been able to save so much money in his life.
Why I could never live in a tiny home
Tiny homes are getting increasingly popular in the UK, especially in the cost of living crisis when first-time buyers are struggling to get on the property ladder or current homeowners are having to pay ridiculous interest rates on mortgages.
But Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor, has shared why living in a tiny home would be her idea of a nightmare.
“I’m currently in the process of selling my flat and buying a house, and as I pack up all my belongings, I’m worried where it is all going to go – there is so much stuff!
Fortunately, I’m very privileged to be buying a house with more square feet than my current flat.
But it got me wondering, could I ever live in a small space? And the answer is no.
- Less personal space
Living with another person immediately cuts down on personal space, but remove several rooms, and I’d be left with only the bathroom as my sanctuary. I’m not sure I’d be able to cope!
- Less storage space
I’m like a magpie, I like collecting pretty things, and I like my belongings to be organised. With limited storage space, I’d find it really hard to keep everything neat and tidy.
- Can’t play host
One of the joys of being an independent adult is being able to host – friends, family, overnight stays, and dinner parties. Where would I gather everyone for a Sunday lunch if my table only sat two? Not to mention, how would I cook a Sunday lunch?
- No room to grow
Both as an individual, as part of a couple and also my hobbies, can be restricted by physical space. When I first moved into my flat, I was overjoyed at having my own balcony, and it has been a space where my love for gardening has grown. Five years on, my balcony is now overflowing with plants, and I’ve had to set up a mini propagator in the living room!
Sharing advice to people thinking about following a similar path, he said: “The more you earn, the more you spend, it’s not worth it”.
Judy said: “Living in a caravan costs absolutely nothing compared to a house.
“We’re not perfect, but it just goes to show, you can do it”.
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