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Preparing to full time - seeking opinions


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On 5/4/2017 at 1:10 PM, 2gypsies said:

You and this blogger are about the same age and she's in a Casita full-timing and working in national parks and Amazon.  I think she would be able to answer your questions.  See if you can contact her via her Blog.  I also thought she was on this forum.

http://www.interstellarorchard.com/

Keep in mind that Becky Schade (aka Interstellar Orchard) is 31. OP is 43.

This age difference may affect the on-the-road job you can do (older = less physical), but it certainly has an impact on what you pay for health insurance. Here's a quote from Becky's blog:

My Avera 5000 Bronze level plan (what I had for this year) is still available next year, and after checking the details I decided to renew it. The out-of-pocket cap for this plan is a lower amount than my emergency fund, it’s the second cheapest option for South Dakota. At 32 years of age, with an expected 2017 income of $22,000, I’ll be paying $18 a month for this plan. Yes, you read it right, $18. There’s been an increase in insurance rates for 2017, my plan rose by about 20% (without the subsidy it would be about $360 a month, ouch!), but the government subsidy increased too to more than cover the difference (I paid $52 per month in 2016, my last year with a high deductible plan in 2014 was about $60).

SKP #79313 / Full-Timing / 2001 National RV Sea View / 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
www.rvSeniorMoments.com
DISH TV for RVs

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1 hour ago, Cat Lady said:

Liz, if you want to do something badly enough, do it.  You'll find a way to work around your problems.  Adapt and adjust.  Life is too dang short to work in a place you despise.  Even if you have to take a lower paying temporary job, if it's something you enjoy, go for it.  Have you checked out the Obamacare site?  I believe premiums are based on your salary.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield crosses state lines.  I have it along with Medicare (primary...I'm an old geezer, lol).  Don't give up.  You'll find a way.  

Cat Lady, you don't know what you are talking about. You're on Medicare and your Blue Cross plan is probably a Supplement.

OP is under 65 and will need to buy her own health insurance. Also, most current ACA plans only really cover the state of residence. While you may be able to use a plan in another state, you will probably have to pay out-of-network costs. These are typically 50% to 100% of the cost.

ACA (aka Obamacare) premiums are based on the state/county you reside. However, if you don't earn much, you can qualify for a subsidy which lowers your premium cost. Here's a ACA subsidy calculator.

To check out ACA plans across the country, use www.healthsherpa.com.

SKP #79313 / Full-Timing / 2001 National RV Sea View / 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
www.rvSeniorMoments.com
DISH TV for RVs

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Zula, I know exactly what I'm talking about.  I know she's in her 40s.  I'm in my 70s.  I realize my situation does not apply to her at all but thank you so much for pointing out the obvious.  She doesn't sound like she's going to be making a killing on the road so I suggested ObamaCare.  It's helped a lot of folks in her predicament so I suggested she check it out.  Suggestion stands.  

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On 5/6/2017 at 0:12 PM, SWharton said:

One thing that no one has mentioned(at least I didn't see it) is Escapees has RV Boot Camp. It is offered several times a year at various locations. Always before Escapade, it would be worth your while to get your rig and then do boot camp. First, you will learn how to work all your systems; second, you will meet fellow rvers. There will be one in Sedalia, MO the week before Escapade(5/27-6/1). If you have the time stay for Escapade also, it is one giant learning experience. You need to sign up for Boot Camp as soon as you can as it is very popular. Escapade you have some leeway but not much.

Check the Escapees Site under Education for more info.

Hope to see you there.

That's next year, 2018. ;)

The next Boot Camp is November 10-12 at Rainbow's End in Livingston, Tx.  I also highly recommend it.

https://www.escapees.com/knowledge/boot-camp

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I suppose that the worst that can happen is that you start to run out of money and have to stay somewhere and get a regular job.  The good news is that you can find a campground to stay in and drive into work with your tow vehicle each day.   I don't know what you do for a living, but you might have to take a job that is outside of your normal expertise, such as working in retail or something similar that does not pay much, but it sounds like you can live minimally.

Workcamping or volunteering does not pay much, but at least it is a chance for you to explore the country and discover new things, and maybe find something you really prefer to do.  The only warning I have for you is that it will probably cost more than you think it will.  You also need a reserve budget for repairs and such.

Yes, all of this is a risk, but it sounds like you are ready to take a risk, so I would say go for it. 

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8 hours ago, Solo18 said:

I suppose that the worst that can happen is that you start to run out of money and have to stay somewhere and get a regular job.  The good news is that you can find a campground to stay in and drive into work with your tow vehicle each day.   I don't know what you do for a living, but you might have to take a job that is outside of your normal expertise, such as working in retail or something similar that does not pay much, but it sounds like you can live minimally.

Workcamping or volunteering does not pay much, but at least it is a chance for you to explore the country and discover new things, and maybe find something you really prefer to do.  The only warning I have for you is that it will probably cost more than you think it will.  You also need a reserve budget for repairs and such.

Yes, all of this is a risk, but it sounds like you are ready to take a risk, so I would say go for it. 

My point exactly.  While I agree with Zulu that if Becky's insurance will be what she needs and is more affordable than ObamaCare, the rebuttal to my suggestion could have been a little less caustic.

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 Yes, this is kind of my perspective, Solo18 and Cat Lady, although to some maybe it seems too risky. And to make it sound even worse ? Zulu greatly overestimated my house proceeds (granted, I didn't give much detail). The reason I'm not counting that is that yes I don't know what the house will sell for, but also I have very little equity in it  so that is just gravy. I am basically not even factoring it in. My house is not worth anywhere near $250K. So I'm not counting on my $ to sustain me indefinitely, I am just hoping it will allow me to travel a bit and give me some breathing room while I explore jobs whether it be something remote (or something else that I can do while traveling) or workamping. I think what I should do is set aside a "reentry fund" and plan not to touch it so that if all goes poorly I won't be totally desperate trying to get on my feet again. Will need to have a separate emergency fund for repairs, etc.  I think within a year I'll know whether it's for me or not. I'm trying to get an idea if my savings is enough to get started, and so far from what I'm hearing (or maybe it's my rose colored glasses ?) I think it is. I also have some control because unless I get fired, which is entirely possible/likely, I can save about another $3k/ month. It's just a matter of how much longer I can stand it ?

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I have a question that will date me a bit. Does COBRA still exist when you leave a job, or did Obamacare make it redundant? Based on the discussion here it sounds like you leave a job and there is no continuity other than switching to Obamacare. Is that correct?

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21 minutes ago, LizD said:

I think what I should do is set aside a "reentry fund" and plan not to touch it so that if all goes poorly I won't be totally desperate trying to get on my feet again.

 

I very much agree with this. Keeping an exit plan available actually makes it less stressful to make the RV transition since you won't feel forced into anything. To be more relaxed makes it more probable that you will enjoy the lifestyle. 

23 minutes ago, LizD said:

think within a year I'll know whether it's for me or not.

Most likely you will know in that time if you will stay out, but it is probably not possible to say when circumstances could force you to leave even after you have made the adjustment. In our case, we were very happy in the lifestyle but medical issues forced us to look to a place to be closer to a wide range of medical specialists. The upside of this is that after two years of sitting still, medical circumstances have eased to a point where we now can spend several months at a time out on the road again. 

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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16 minutes ago, SWharton said:

I have a question that will date me a bit. Does COBRA still exist when you leave a job, or did Obamacare make it redundant? Based on the discussion here it sounds like you leave a job and there is no continuity other than switching to Obamacare. Is that correct?

I think COBRA does stil exist, but I'm still checking into that. If you truly get the same employer plan, and if it's comparable or even a little more in price, it seems it would be the better option because I would have nationwide coverage (I think - again, more research needed!). I did have a brief call today with Portia from the RV insurance website, but we still have more to discuss. She mentioned COBRA so I believe it's an option for up to 18 months. I don't know how much it would cost me though because I don't know what my employer pays - with COBRA  you have to pay the full premium- and I thought it would be weird/look suspicious to ask my employer ?

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11 minutes ago, Kirk Wood said:

I very much agree with this. Keeping an exit plan available actually makes it less stressful to make the RV transition since you won't feel forced into anything. To be more relaxed makes it more probable that you will enjoy the lifestyle. 

Most likely you will know in that time if you will stay out, but it is probably not possible to say when circumstances could force you to leave even after you have made the adjustment. In our case, we were very happy in the lifestyle but medical issues forced us to look to a place to be closer to a wide range of medical specialists. The upside of this is that after two years of sitting still, medical circumstances have eased to a point where we now can spend several months at a time out on the road again. 

True, there is definitely an unpredictability about it all. I am glad to hear it sounds like your medical issues are easing up! I hope you enjoy some time back on the road!

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11 hours ago, LizD said:

I think COBRA does stil exist, but I'm still checking into that. If you truly get the same employer plan, and if it's comparable or even a little more in price, it seems it would be the better option because I would have nationwide coverage (I think - again, more research needed!).

 

COBRA is still the law and the plans do exist. From the US Department of Labor:

FAQs on COBRA Continuation

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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I also suggest reading RVSue, but start reading from the beginning where she describes what she did to get ready financially and how she went about making her decision.

In my case, I was lucky to have some academic credentials that allowed me to work a second job teaching college classes for quite a few years before i retired. (I continue to teach online as I travel so it helps pay my bills without digging into savings.)  I was able to put aside a lot of money the last few years before i retired.  That extra money from the second job has given me security and my exit plan for when I get too old or unhealthy to continue full-timing. 

So, you might want to reconsider your knowledge and skills that you could use to get a second job.  If that is too stressful with your current situation, you could still be thinking ahead, and out of that proverbial "box", about things you like to do that you could turn into a business or a job.  Note the stress on "you like to do."  Maybe this could be a career change. 

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7 hours ago, Solo18 said:

I also suggest reading RVSue, but start reading from the beginning where she describes what she did to get ready financially and how she went about making her decision.

In my case, I was lucky to have some academic credentials that allowed me to work a second job teaching college classes for quite a few years before i retired. (I continue to teach online as I travel so it helps pay my bills without digging into savings.)  I was able to put aside a lot of money the last few years before i retired.  That extra money from the second job has given me security and my exit plan for when I get too old or unhealthy to continue full-timing. 

So, you might want to reconsider your knowledge and skills that you could use to get a second job.  If that is too stressful with your current situation, you could still be thinking ahead, and out of that proverbial "box", about things you like to do that you could turn into a business or a job.  Note the stress on "you like to do."  Maybe this could be a career change. 

I had found RVSue's blog before (as well as Interstellar Orchard and Drivin' and Vibin' and a few others), but for some reason had not been able to find the beginning posts, but I took a closer look,  found them and am reading them now. I would love to be able to teach college classes, and had actually looked into it, but they all wanted prior teaching experience.   It's the old "well how do I GET experience when I HAVE no experience?!" problem. Your setup sounds awesome because it is flexible and still provides income, and I expect is fairly rewarding. I am certain I have some kind of skill set, but have not been able to plunk it into a career that fulfills me. I have been wracking my brain and even consulted a career counselor, but that was of zero help and I ended up being very annoyed at spending the money on it. I think part of the problem is that I am so consumed with my job that I can't get the space to think. I will have blocks of time where I will go for several months and apply for jobs in a different field, even had a few interviews in locations where I thought I'd like to relocate, but nothing has panned out. Then I get to really thinking that THOSE jobs really aren't something I would "like to do" either, and I agree with you that's important.  I have some credentials but not a Ph.D, which is probably required for most teaching jobs except adjuncts, but those require experience. I'm currently a lawyer, I have a M.Ed. in higher education administration, and was a higher ed administrator for several years before going to law school. So I think there are some kind of skills there, but just haven't figured out how to use them in a way that is a good balance with what I like to do :unsure:

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On 5/8/2017 at 7:08 PM, LizD said:

I did have a brief call today with Portia from the RV insurance website, but we still have more to discuss. She mentioned COBRA so I believe it's an option for up to 18 months. I don't know how much it would cost me though because I don't know what my employer pays - with COBRA  you have to pay the full premium- and I thought it would be weird/look suspicious to ask my employer ?

If you ask me, the amount employers contribute to an employee's premium should be in giant red print on every pay stub because the employees, like you, don't have any idea of the real cost of their health insurance.  So you'd just be being a good citizen to find out. 

As for the call with Portia, I investigated that option and didn't care for it at all.  For one, I don't think it's ACA compliant, so you'll have to pay the penalty (but I could be wrong about that--this was several months ago).  But more importantly, it's a scheme where if you don't have a pre-existing condition, you buy their insurance and if you get sick, then you can buy into something else (with an additional premium) that will help cover that, but now you have a pre-existing condition so you get kicked off and shunted to Obamacare at the next open enrollment period. 

One of the problems with health insurance is that the people who previously couldn't get insurance because of pre-existing conditions flocked to Obamacare, and those people cost a lot of money to the insurers.  I just didn't feel right about using a complicated plan whose essence was to take premiums from people who are likely not going to make claims, and then when they do make claims, get rid of them and make them Obamacare's problem. 

 

On 5/7/2017 at 10:40 AM, LizD said:

Thanks, Cat Lady! Yes, I am persisting, but just trying to be smart about it so I don't fall flat on my face. I have checked the Obamacare site but need to spend some more time on it. I think for emergencies (which is really all I would care about), all the plans cross state lines.

Emergencies are covered no matter where you are, but the problem becomes what the insurance company considers an emergency and what part of the treatment you get is considered part of the emergency.  I've seen some standards that indicate an event has to include admission to the hospital in order to be considered an emergency.  But if you break your leg and just need it set, will that be covered?

What if your emergency is treated, but you need follow-up care at a doctor's office?  (Or what about when you need to have your cast removed?)  I've never found anything that really talks about how that care fits in with a covered "emergency." 

Also, be aware that some policies don't have any out-of-network coverage at all.  I have a PPO plan but it's a small local network.  If I go out of that area, I have no coverage whatsoever.  My previous policy also had a small local network, but it had out-of-network coverage, with a separate deductible, etc., but at least it was something.  Now lots of plans don't have any out-of-network coverage at all, so it's the same as being uninsured if you're out of your network area.

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To get experience teaching I would volunteer to teach some classes at the local Adult education classes. Where we live we have at least 2. One is associated with the local college and has a variety of courses offered all by members of the community. The other is an eclectic mix of classes run on the short term(1 night/day to 4 or more). The one sponsored by the college is more traditional in its offerings but most classes run 1 day a week for 4-8 weeks. Their offerings are: investing; Battle of Midway; photography etc. The other has interesting offerings. If a member of the community is willing to teach it and there are people interested it is offered. I have taken: bike repair; computer building; copper plate calligraphy; learn to play pool; how to sell your house; flower arranging; beginning Japanese; Thai cooking; beginning kayaking.

All these give you teaching experience and contacts.

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