This course is specifically designed to save you as much money as possible on your vanlife journey. We'll cover everything from saving up for the build, buying the van, van conversion, and life on the road.
Meet Your Instructor, Shane
I've been living full-time in my van beans since 2019 and run TheVanConversion.com, where I teach people how to build vans, save money on the road, and earn an income on the road. I'm also the author of the Roaming Home van conversion book and Instructor of The Van Conversion Course.
We've done extensive research over the years, surveying thousands of people. Our research found that the number one challenge people face when starting vanlife is budget constraints - saving money for vanlife. These constraints include the initial cost of purchasing a van and the cost of converting the van. It also extends to worries about how to afford (and fund) a life on the road. Student loans and debt are another big hurdle preventing people from taking the leap to vanlife.
This course is designed to solve each and every one of those concerns - and then some.
The Growth of Vanlife
According to Statista, the number of van lifers in the United States has increased by 63 percent in the last couple of years, going from 1.9 million in 2020 to 3.1 million in 2022. Rent.com found that the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the US is about $1,600 a month. No wonder people are moving to vans! Those prices are extortionate.
A survey by Move.org found that 72% of respondents would trade their home for van life to pay off debt, and 23% said their primary motivation to live in a van would be to live without rent or a mortgage.
So clearly, vanlife has become immensely popular - both as an enjoyable lifestyle and as a money-saving technique.
Who is this Course For?
If you're dreaming of van life but budget constraints, the cost of van conversion, and financial worries are holding you back, this course is your key. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to fine-tune your financial strategy, we've got you covered.
Van life isn't just a lifestyle; it's a savvy financial move. By embracing van life, you're not just downsizing your space; you're maximizing your savings. In our research, we found that most people can expect to save $12k-20k per year by living in a van!
What You'll Learn in This Course
In this course, you will learn:
- How to save up/afford vanlife
- Tons of hacks to save up money
- Budgeting
- Downsizing
- Earning extra income
- Financing
- How to save money when buying the van
- Mileage vs. age
- Best van for money
- Checklist when buying a van
- How to negotiate on prices
- How to save A LOT of money when converting a van
- Humble, average, expensive build - requirements/supplies list
- Mistakes to avoid
- Using a professional company
- How to save money on EVERY PART OF THE BUILD
- Sizing your electrical system correctly
- Project management
- Life on the road
- Humble, average, expensive - weekly/monthly/annual expenses
- How to save money on EVERYTHING
- Gas, insurance, repairs, groceries, internet, camping
- Travel hacking
- Moving to LCOL (Low Cost of Living) areas
- Tax considerations
- FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) - investing
We also have guest lectures from Nate Murphy and Deanna Dunne, as well as tons of checklists, resources, spreadsheets, and calculators to download.
This is a transformative and very useful course. It's not just about finances but a mindset shift toward a richer life. I urge you to consider it - and I hope this course can help you get there.
The Odyssey Plan
The Odyssey Plan is an exercise taught by professors at the Stanford Life Design Lab. It helps you re-frame your five-year plan and consider if vanlife fits into your future. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Write down what your life will look like in 5 years time if you don't change what you are doing.
- Write down what your life will look like in 5 years time if you completely change what you are doing.
- Write down what your life will look like in 5 years time if money and societal obligations are not something you have to consider.
If you do the exercise, you may find that vanlife fits into your future plans. So if you want to live your dream life - and learn how to do it affordably - this course is for you.
Embark on this transformative journey with me. Not only will you learn a lot and join a supportive community, but you will get a roadmap to a life that aligns with your deepest aspirations. Remember, the fishing is best where the fewest go.