For the last 3,000 years, Mongolians of the steppes have lived a nomadic lifestyle in search of the best pastures and campsites. We are choosing to do the same, but instead of living in a Ger, we are choosing to live in a Ger on wheels. Instead of roaming for pasture, we will roam for the sun and employment, living as minimally as possible, and as cheaply as possible for our given tolerance. I've done this before, back in my single says, in an effort to live uber-cheap, so it's not unfamiliar territory.
My family isn't convinced that the "American Dream" is real, we think it sounds good on the surface, but in reality, it's a pain in the ass and an overbearing, paralyzing commitment that American's get lured into by their peers/culture, only to wake up one day (or never wake up), and realize how silly "The Dream" really is. Why is paying a mortgage for 15-30 years and being enslaved to a bank the "American Dream"? It may be your dream, but it isn't ours. Our only debt is our mortgage, and the point of this nomadic period in our lives is to pay that thing off sooner than later, so we can move on, relax, and enjoy the freedom of not being the banks personal slave.
How?
We bought our rolling home and a horse to pull it, we got our house rented out, and now it's time to pull the strings and commit fully. We hope to do this for a minimum of two years, and a max of three, before our little guy goes to school. This is our window, and it's time to seize the opportunity, or die trying.
Logistics?
We don't have any debt, except for the house, so our month to month expenses are nominal. We paid cash for our rolling home and horse, and will never buy anything on credit again. I am an ER nurse, and will be doing travel assignments throughout the country, returning home between assignments to work at our home, where we are renting a small 'mother-in-law' apartment.
Benefits?
My wife is a federal employee, and with all the budget cuts in 2013, her job is in jeopardy. We are taking this opportunity for her to quit, and go to medical coding school (online) while we are on the road. In our current slavery program, we both work opposite schedules, so we only have one day off a week as a family together. With our new schedule, we will have 3-4 days off together, and be able to save money. An added bonus is the ability to obtain work near our family members who live far way, and who we seldom get to see.
Why blog about it?
I'm hoping this will keep me on task and focused on the goal........saving money. And maybe to inspire others to realize making a short term sacrifice is worth the mental health benefits that will be realized for a life time.
SO COOL! have fun!
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