Peter is often able to claims rent assistance when staying in van parks.
Long-term grey nomads, Peter and Judy Hannah, say there are two ways to keep a ‘healthy-ish’ bank account as you travel … cutting down on costs, and earning an income. Here, Peter explains how they manage to stay on budget.
CUTTING COSTS:
Communications: Shop around for the best mobile deals. There are some amazing deals around if you make the effort to find them. We have a 400Gb data deal which allows us to watch Netflix on our son’s password and account.
Car and caravan insurance: Some insurers will not insure your caravan if you live in it. Shop around insurers annually!
Centrelink: Living in our caravan, we are able to claim ‘Rent Assistance’ when we stay at parks. Grey nomads who live in their vans and pay rent are eligible to complete a Rent Declaration form, not a Rent Assistance Form!
Saving on rent: Housesitting is a good way to save on rent, but now that market is becoming overloaded with housesitters. Low-cost camps like showgrounds and rest areas are available by the thousands. People are realising that travellers bring a lot of money into their towns. We bypassed Elliston Council area on the Eyre Peninsula because they wanted $20 a night for a bit of dirt and a rubbish bin. We drove into Kimba, 200 kilometres away, and they have the most amazing RV park! Donation stay, up to five nights, with absolutely beautiful full stainless steel camp kitchen, large sites, beautiful new showers and toilets, and they are building more to accommodate more caravans. We spent over $400 in Kimba at the IGA, fuel outlet, bakery, and other expenses. We can carry 300 litres of water, and by scrimping and showering only lightly every two days, we can stay ‘off the grid’ for up to seven days before having to refill our tanks. Power isn’t an issue when you have solar and lots of batteries and a generator … but fresh water is!
EARNING AN INCOME:
• There are thousands of jobs across Australia. Employers, farmers, harvest companies, towns and small businesses are screaming for helpers.
• Look for the ‘odd’ jobs … and just walk-in to shops and councils as you travel and ask if there is any work.
• Farm stays and caravan parks are always looking for someone to mow or do gardens. Just by offering your services for that work can save you $35 a night at a park … and you get to know some of the locals.
Did he say that he uses his son’s Netflix account?
Hope Netflix don’t read this.
Steve Ghost Netflix allows you to add 3 extra users at no extra cost
Great tips! We’ve been on the Rd now 4 6yr now & U can never learn enough! Just a thought 2 throw in scout camps r another cheap camp normally around $10 a night most very standard but good 4 a night or 2 stop