I purchased my masterplanned house in 2001 for 360K, and now it's on the market for 800K,share your story

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

Please teach me how to not be this way.

I see two paths as options:

1. Eschew material things and live the contemplative life of a monk-like aesthetic - perhaps in the most natural surroundings you can survive in - laboring as necessary to acquire the minimal nourishments and securities to survive - extending love and appreciation whenever safe and possible to everyone and everything you come in contact with.

Or, alternatively:

2. Buy a pathetic, rotting, old boat and spend your life laboring to keep it afloat while hanging on to the fading illusion that it will take you around the world in a life of freedom and adventure.

Of course, in all three options, then you die

[CCbaxter]

I know what you mean OP. I had some relatives and when they immigrated to this country they started a small farm and worked it for some time. I hear the farm land now is quite valuable. It's known as the Chelsea neighborhood of Boston.

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

Hard to follow Chuck's story, but I'll chime in about my boat I live on, okay? She was a diamond in the rough when I first saw her. A wreck, really. 1958 classic 20 footer with a cuddy cabin you can sit up in but not stand, of course. Bought her for $3,000 and sunk another $3 or so grand into some restoration. Sewed up a nifty canvas cockpit tent complete with clear vinyl covers over screen panels so I have air flow without bugs but can cover whichever side the rain might show up on. Made a composting head out of a Home Depot bucket with a $12 toilet seat, installed a nifty propane camping stove that even has a little oven. Strung little Christmas twinkle lights inside the cuddy cabin and got a great old vented propane heater (although I rarely need to use it now down in San Diego). Made my own ice chest under the back bench seat out of insulating foam panels. 2" of foam keeps ice on average about 10 days at a time in moderate weather. She's a looker now! Conversation starter whenever I go out. Probably could get half my money back if I sold her, but I'm in love. So it's home.

I have a dear friend on the East Coast who keeps a new 46' Hunter, fully loaded, as his weekend toy, but he is considering living on it full time. His master bedroom is quite spacious as is the main area was reasonably large, and it is where two of us always slept. The second bedroom was snug to say the least. I could never live in that small a space. Thus I am trying to envision what a 20 footer must be like to live on. WOW.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

I have a dear friend on the East Coast who keeps a new 46' Hunter, fully loaded, as his weekend toy, but he is considering living on it full time. His master bedroom is quite spacious as is the main area was reasonably large, and it is where two of us always slept. The second bedroom was snug to say the least. I could never live in that small a space. Thus I am trying to envision what a 20 footer must be like to live on. WOW.

I can domicile in a shoebox, happily. That said, I live at large. I wander. I have several smaller boats that I row and paddle and sail. I also have two other sailboats that are bigger. One on the hard (land) for a refit. Another I also keep in the water and camp on part of the time. But, the little 20 footer has won my affection for now. Power boats are much bigger aboard for their length than are sailboats. I find more space on the little cuddy cabin 20 footer with its tent, than I do on the 24' catamaran I was living on in SF Bay.

And I spend LOTS of time off the boats. I camp out of my little Toyota pickup with canopy - and I have a diesel van I use for towing. If you live simple enough, just a bag or two along with, you are home wherever you go

[aslowdodge]

Sounds like a lot of people are happy with their situations even though they may not be from a wealthy standpoint. If your happy that's the real wealth.
My little story is pure luck. Bought a little 2/1 house on a short sale in the east bay for $136k, put $20K into it, sold it from appreciation of 18 months for $350K. Nothing genius on my part, just darn lucky. Took the money and bought rentals in the upper midwest all cash. Gross rents are about $6500 a month and using the 50% rule it leave me with $3250 net a month. I moved to a cheaper place and that money helps me live a retired life.
Miss the Ca weather, but knowing I am pretty much set for life with no debt more than compensates for it.

[BodegaHead]

I'm priced out

[NYSD1995]

Epic troll post, an all-star cast

[justinbro2002]

in 2000 I turned my back on the establishment and bought a pickup with a sleeper camper. I now drive from WalMart parking lot to WalMart parking lot living in my camper. I live the good life and eat out of the garbage cans of the finest restaurants. But don't envy my life as you inch along the freeway in your metal coffins working a job you hate to buy things you don't need.

[Astral_Weeks]

OP: "When you make it to the end zone try acting like you've been there before." Paul Bear Bryant

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Tell me more, Grasshopper.