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Before we ever took a vacation together, we both made a pact to become debt free first and then follow our dreams. This is how we were able to make room in our lives for vanlife, travel, and now an airstream! 2018-2021: Before Vanlife…I (Meg) worked at a start-up tech company and Matt was an Arborist. On top of our full time jobs we had some side gigs too. I️ was a High School Cheerleading Coach and Matt ran a landscaping business on the side. We became debt free, then saved $30,000 together to buy the van outright. When we got the van, Matt actually quit his job to build the van in 2021, while I️ made a career change! I️ was a sales executive for a Financial Technology Company. So I was able to cash flow the van build and make sure we stayed out of debt. Here’s a cost breakdown of the van build. Late 2021: For the first 6 months in the van…I️ had a remote job that I️ can take anywhere. There are plenty of companies with remote positions that don’t require you to stay in one place. (more on that later in next week’s newsletter) During that time, we started a Marketing Business (LLC and everything!) and Matt got active on social media, learned how to make money by working with brands. My goal was to save up $20,000 for an emergency savings, and Matt’s goal was to make a consistent $2,500/month which would cover all our expenses and a little more for some fun activities. 🎉 Once we achieved both goals… Early 2022: I️ quit my job and never looked back!That was 20 months ago. Now, we both run our business full time as content creators. I’m not going to say it’s easy. IT IS NOT EASY to run your own company, let alone, run one with your partner. But we love it and it works for us! Our income is very inconsistent. One month, we can bring in a few thousand dollars and other months, absolutely nothing. So because we love to be transparent let’s talk about HOW our money is made!
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