Cruising on $5,000 / Month

[riderjuan]

Seems like 5 grand a month is healthy allowance for life if you do little more than live rather than vacation. I’ve lived on far less… I’d like to live on far more!
60,000 a year should get you from here to there and from there to here is relative style. Heck – I could live on land for a fraction of that ~

[StuM]

Lots of people talking here about "living on $500 a month". But it doesn't sound like "living" to me. It sounds more like "existing".

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by StuM

Lots of people talking here about "living on $500 a month". But it doesn't sound like "living" to me. It sounds more like "existing".

Even if I had $5000 or even $10000 a month to live on, my costs would not go up all that much. Maybe to $1000 a month, but not any more. I've never really needed a lot to be happy. I'm not the normal consumerism driven american. I don't own a smart phone, nor do I want one. Or a TV or cable. A hundred tv channels with nothing to watch. Ugh.

I could not single hand a larger boat, so not much point getting a bigger one. Don't need or want a car. Don't drink, or smoke.

I would buy more ebooks perhaps. Maybe eat out once every week or so. Gee what do people spend their money on anyway.

Really I see folks all the time who have money or working for money and are not that happy. Having stuff does not really do it or me. So I live a simple life. No, most people wouldn't be happy with $500 a month, but then I'm not most people. I've always walked, well danced to a different beat.

BTW, There is nothing wrong having or wanting money or buying stuff. But for me that's not what my life is about.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by StuM

> Just a guess that was the problem and it was.

But what percentage of cruisers have the knowledge to make a guess like that.

My guess is that the majority would look at your post and say "what is a clamping diode". (And then ask "what do PNP and NPN mean"?)

Not to mention having a soldering iron, or knowing how to use a solder sucker or wick or being able to solder at all. To some, a screwdriver can be a challenge.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by carstenb

Don,

You've mentioned it, but not many seem care much. Health care insurance will be a big ticket item, especially for those over 60. I suspect that those cruising for under $500 don't carry health insurance.

You have to figure on something like 2-300 per month per person.

Boat insurance is toss-up. Some won't sail without it (me) some say they don't need it.

Try 400+.

And next year it will be even more. Guaranteed.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by StuM

Lots of people talking here about "living on $500 a month". But it doesn't sound like "living" to me. It sounds more like "existing".

Yes, but in their defense, it is probably far safer, healthier and more dignified to live aboard an anchored sailing vessel, than under a bridge underpass or homeless shelter, tent in the woods etc.
I salute them, really I do respect them as they are down on their luck, but still managing to get by on their own. As long as your getting by on your own, you don't have to make any excuses.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Oddly enough that Government mandate does not apply to the $500 a month cruiser, or even the $900 a month cruiser. No fines at all if your living under the poverty limits.

You are one of the lucky ones. When you get sick and go to the ER you will not be turned away. And a hospital employee will be dispatched to your room to help you enroll. All for free.

You're welcome.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

Truth is...I think $399 of that $500/mo budget went to pot or booze...but hey...who am I to judge? I'm still trying to wrap my head around dating Queen Nancy...ahhhhhhhh

They are there because they were dating her..........or someone just like her.

[sailorchic34]

Gee, I would think a soldering iron would be standard on a boat. Plus a de-soldering iron, propane torch, multi-meter, etc. Gee I don't have anything but basic tools, or so I thought.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Gee, I would think a soldering iron would be standard on a boat. Plus a de-soldering iron, propane torch, multi-meter, etc. Gee I don't have anything but basic tools, or so I thought.

Even if there was one it does not mean it will be used.

[a64pilot]

Ever seen a soldering iron that works off of AA batteries? How can a AA battery have enough current to melt metal? I'v got one, but it seems to be sort of a perpetual motion machine to me

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

... I could not single hand a larger boat, so not much point getting a bigger one. Don't need or want a car. Don't drink, or smoke. I would buy more ebooks perhaps. Maybe eat out once every week or so. Gee what do people spend their money on anyway? ...

Beautiful stuff kiddo.

[Red Sky]

Originally Posted by Therapy

You are one of the lucky ones. When you get sick and go to the ER you will not be turned away. And a hospital employee will be dispatched to your room to help you enroll. All for free.



You're welcome.

+1, That's how you're forced to pay for their play.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by StuM

Lots of people talking here about "living on $500 a month". But it doesn't sound like "living" to me. It sounds more like "existing".

Depends. Living on the US coast or the Caribbean, true but here in Thailand $500 goes 3 or 4 times as far.

[sailorchic34]

You know I'm not the one making the rules. I did however calculate that if I did get Medical the cost per working person will be something less than 0.0006 cents per tax payer per year But then I'm a cheap date. The F35 program on the other hand costs about $16,000 per taxpayer. I don't think I'm the problem.