I Hit the Road at 62 on Social Security - My Life of Freedom
Her Social Media Links:
UPDATE: Mona sadly experienced an unfortunate fire that will probably total her van. If you would like to contribute, please donate below.
https://www.paypal.me/thisvanlifeofmine2
https://venmo.com/code?user_id=359977...
Last 4 of her number (0929)
https://cash.app/$thisvanlifeofmine
Zelle [email protected]
Her YouTube - @thisvanlifeofmine
Her Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
She worked her entire life as a single mom, never able to save a dime. Now at 62, Mona lives debt-free in her custom van on just $1,250 a month from Social Security — and says it's the happiest she's ever been. Full tour of her second build with DIY shower, cedar-lined closet, off-grid power setup, and the simplest kitchen that actually works.
Mona spent decades in management jobs that never paid enough to save for retirement. Then she found a van life video on YouTube, bought a van for vacations, and fell in love on her first trip. She sold her house in November 2021 — it sparked a bidding war and sold above asking by 10 AM. Six months later, she hit the road on Social Security alone.
This is her second build — a massive upgrade from her original low-top van. Her friends Les, Bernardet, and Lynn built it for free using her brother's cabinet shop. No plumbing. No electrical wiring. Everything is plug-and-play off-grid.
WHAT'S INSIDE THIS VAN:
Kitchen
Standing-height prep area with built-in propane stove (1-gallon tank)
Collapsible sink — no plumbing, no pipes to burst
$100 Amazon file cabinet replacing traditional cabinetry
Two dedicated food storage cabinets for extended boondocking
Seven 1.3-gallon water jugs stored under the bed
Refrigeration
SetPower 55Q dual-door chest refrigerator/freezer
Holds a full week of groceries
Powered by dedicated Bluetti AC180
Cedar-Lined Closet
Custom-built by her friends — her pride and joy
Full hanging wardrobe (she refuses to fold clothes)
Bluetti AC180 stored in closet base powering the fridge
DIY Shower System
Magnetic hooks, shower curtain, and standing pan
Stove-heated water at 118-120 degrees
Showers every single morning
Front and rear windows plus MaxxAir fan for ventilation
Off-Grid Power (No Wiring — All Plug-and-Play)
5 total batteries: 3 Bluetti units, 1 Bluetti spare, 1 Jackery 500
Each battery dedicated to specific systems (lights, kitchen, fridge, devices)
Champion 4,000-watt generator for extended boondocking
Shore power capable when visiting family or friends
MONA'S MONTHLY BUDGET:
Income: $1,250/month (Social Security)
Completely debt-free before starting van life
Van insurance, cell phone, and small YouTube expenses only
$10 limit on paid attractions
America the Beautiful pass for free national park access
Shops exclusively at thrift stores, cuts her own hair
$10,000 emergency fund maintained
#vanlife #solofemalevanlife #vanlifewoman #singlemomvanlife #vanlifeover60 #retirementvanlife #budgetvanlife #offgridvanlife #vandwelling #vantour #vanbuild #diyvanbuild #fulltimevanlife #nomadlife
Filmed by - / theoffgridskoolie
Edited by - / syd_carolina
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