RV Home Yet?

Tax-free retirement income

For those still working or still preparing for retirement and the RV lifestyle, putting money in a Health Savings Account can provide tax-free retirement income if you leave the money there to grow.

A health savings account is a way to set aside pre-tax dollars to help pay for your health plan's deductible and out-of-pocket medical expenses. You must have a certified high-deductible health care plan in order to set one up. Any HSA money not used for medical expenses each year can be rolled over to the next. Your funds are invested much like an IRA  and continue to grow tax-free.

Those funds you still have after age 65 can still be spent tax-free for medical expenses. According to the Smart Spending, Money Blog at MSN.Money, "there is no time limit on when your HSA can reimburse you for those medical costs, as long as the expenses were incurred after your HSA was set up." This means that medical receipts from prior years can be used. At age 65 you can also spend the money on non-medical expenses without penalty, but then you do pay taxes on that amount. The article suggests some sources for setting up your own health savings account.

For 2009, a single person can contribute up to $3,000 and a couple up to $5950. There is a catch-up provision for those 55 and older of $1000 (both singles and couples). Read more about the contribution limits and explore other requirements at HSA Bank, one institution that offers health savings accounts.

Health savings account contributions, up to the limit, work just like contributions to an IRA- they come off the top of your gross income, reducing your taxable income each year. They are a good deal if you can qualify and have the income to contribute. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Swine flu - will it change your RV plans?

From the reaction at RVeNews, some Escapee Club members were offended when Denver RV Travel Examiner Keith Bennett suggested that RVers may be changing their plans about attending the Escapade to be held soon in Sedalia, MO. Bennett clarified his remarks by saying that individuals may change their plans, not the club cancel their event. In addition, RVNet has a poll asking whether RVers will alter their plans because of the outbreak.

Has the media made too much of this? Each winter TV commercials trumpet the coming flu season as they hawk their products. They set up expectations that we will get sick. That's a prime reason why I only watch TV if I'm passing through a room where it is on. I don't need suggestions planted! Keep in mind that even in the worst epidemics, many who were exposed to the bug did not get ill. It's not a done deal.

My suggestions:

• eat healthy - minimize processed foods and eat plenty of vegetables
• drink enough clean water (take 1/2 your body weight and drink that many ounces)
• exercise - the book Younger Next Year makes a compelling case for regular, strenuous exercise
• focus on health not sickness
• use common sense sanitation but don't be paranoid- avoid antibacterial soaps - your body needs practice in fighting germs
• avoid the news and other stressful situations, if at all possible
• be positive and live in gratitude

These may not be comfortable for you, but they work for me. And - we are still headed to Alaska on May 11 as planned. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Dogwoods in bloom

I lived back East most of my adult life. When we hit the road, I was glad to get back to the West with its wide-open spaces, but I do miss spring in the East. I especially miss the delicate dogwoods. They grow in the understory along the edge of the forest where they receive some sun. Their white blossoms sprinkle the green in lacy-like patterns.

I was very excited to have visited Asheville when they were in bloom. In fact, most of the drive up from Atlanta and all around Asheville, I'd see them against the green. Other trees were blossoming too, including some dogwoods that have pink and creamy white blossoms. I've seen some almost red, but I believe they are hybrids.

Asheville is an interesting city. It is a university town, which means lots of cultural events. I found a nice independent bookstore downtown.The restaurants were interesting. The Laughing Seed, downtown on Wall Street, had been recommended. It is a vegetarian restaurant with interesting selections. My meal was quite good. Wall Street is a short one-way street and my GPS led me down several others before I finally found it. (By the way, Tony, George and I downloaded the mobile Google maps to our Blackberries. Works like a charm! Thanks for the suggestion.)

After I read that Asheville has quite a few art deco-style buildings, I began noticing them. One  account  says it is because Asheville was struck so hard by the Depression, those buildings were left standing because the town couldn't afford to replace them. This one is the City Hall, designed by Douglas D. Ellington and completed in 1928. Quite colorful! At the other economic extreme is the Biltmore Estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt and completed in 1895. I decided to save a tour of the Biltmore for a time when George can be with me. It sounds fabulous.

My conference was at the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, part of the University of North Carolina- Asheville. If you are ever in the area, they offer loads of interesting classes, taught mostly by the 1300 members. If you join, you can go to cultural events at the college free and eat at the school cafeteria very reasonably. Keep it in mind!

I'm back in Arizona. This isn't the best year for wildflowers but fruit trees have blossomed so we have some spring color. Near Phoenix, the palo verde are blooming along the highway. Evening primroses, brittlebush, desert marigold, a smattering of poppies and a few varieties of cacti blossoms are some I've seen. It will be another month or so before the saguaros bloom. If you are still in Arizona, that is a sight to see. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Book review: Rambling by RV through Alaska and Yukon Territory

Rambling by RV through Alaska and Yukon Territory by Nyla Walsh

What great timing for us to get this book since we will be leaving for Alaska on May 11! Author Nyla Walsh spent many years traveling Alaska as a tour director and so offers inside knowledge on the trip up the Alcan Highway through the Yukon and exploring Alaska. I have made two trips up the Alcan as far as Skagway but now have some new ideas of places to stop.

In addition to detailing 17 adventures, Walsh includes valuable hints for travel, a glossary of terms, bird and wildlife sightings plus fun recipes using sourdough starter. She offers some places to park your RV, things to do and insight into attractions. Her husband, Lorrin —author of Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro — adds some sections on hints for travel and safety, trip preparation and how to stretch your travel dollar. An overview map showing the roads and the route they took is tucked in the back.

Rambling by RV is available at RVDriveSmart.com as is Lorrin’s book. Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro DVD is available here.

We'll be doing most of the 17 adventures or stretches of road so I will be referring to this book on our trip. If you’re headed to Alaska this summer, I recommend it. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

RV tip: read the warranty first

Did you know that if you full-time RV in some RVs it voids the warranty? The Lance camper I had said right in the manual that it was not designed for full-time living. I don't remember if it said that voided the warranty, but I can see where some rigs are just not designed to take that much use - or weight. Certain problems might not be covered if you did live full-time in a Lance or other part-time rig.

One suggestion is to join the RV Consumer Group. Among your membership materials is a rating for each type of RV telling you what type of use it is designed for. Pick one that matches what you plan to use it for.

Secondly, when you get serious about purchasing an RV, read the warranty carefully before you make your purchase if you plan to or think you might want to be a full-time RVer. Make sure it isn't one of those RVs that is not designed for full-time use. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Terracotta warriors in Atlanta via GPS

George and I recently got Blackberries. We can try GPS free for a month. Since we have a GPS unit in the truck, we'll probably shut the service off once we have to pay for it. However, I am enjoying having GPS here in Atlanta and Asheville - except when I don't. It does some quirky things now and then, like take me around a block for no reason I can figure. Today it told me I must make a u-turn - this was after I had disregarded its directions several times. It did finally get me to my first destination in spite of construction.

When we are mobile, we can often take advantage of unique cultural opportunities. Traveling to Asheville for a conference, I flew into Atlanta for a special exhibit. Both the First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army and the King Tut display were in town in different locations. I have wanted to see the terracotta warriors since traveling to China with my friend Betty in 2005. We did not have time to travel to see them. (It would be like visiting Los Angeles in the U.S. You wouldn't necessarily have the time to go to New York also.) I was excited to be able to see them on this trip.

After reluctantly following the GPS and finally finding the High Museum, parking and locating the entrance, I threaded through lines to the second floor exhibit. The exhibit consists of about 10 warriors and many other artifacts. A miniature model shows how they made the warriors and the horses. About 1,000 men worked to make the 7,000 terracotta warriors. First Emperor Qin Shihuangdi was one greatest military leaders of all time, establishing the Qin (pronounced "chin") Empire in 221 B.C. He called himself the ruler of the universe and began planning and building his tomb almost immediately. His tomb mound was visible from above ground, but no written record of the terracotta figures survived. It wasn't until 1974 that a small group of farmers digging a well discovered them. The mound and buried figures cover 23 square miles. It is hard to imagine someone doing this, but in those days, a ruler would make sure he had everything he needed in the afterlife.

I had another u-turn upon leaving. When I first start up, the GPS tells me to go to a street  but not which way to turn. I got down to an entrance to I75/85 but construction had it blocked. Verizon GPS does have live traffic updates but apparently isn't up on construction. I found a way to go down a few blocks, then get on, disregarding the instructions on the GPS. I found myself going north on I75 and missing the split off to I-85, which I needed to take. First exit, it directed me off and then south. Sometimes there is a good reason for those u-turns!

I don't know about you, but I feel more comfortable being familiar with a map and where I'm supposed to go. There are a few places where the GPS would have you go way out of your way. Have any of you had that experience? I'm urging George to write about using GPS in the vehicle. He cracks me up when we drive with it on. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Photos: High Museum, reproductions available for sale in the museum store, display figure at entrance. (Photos of the actual exhibit was not allowed.)

Are you a luxury RVer or a minimalist?

Actually you are probably neither but somewhere along the continuum. I read an article in the Mercury News about a happy minimalist living in Santa Clara in a condo with no furniture, few articles of clothing, spending very little. He reminded me of a few RVers I know who have very simple RVs and who live on very little money - and are happy. One couple lived for years on $600/month boondocking on public lands. They got a library card wherever they went. I also know RVers in mega-rigs who have every toy known to the RV world. They haul trailers behind their motorhomes with all their toys.

RVing does allow a more relaxed lifestyle, a way to live more simply. However, it is easier than you think to get caught up in wanting (needing?) all the toys and technology in our RVs. If we are not careful, we can bring our type A lives from the rat race into our RV lives. Aircards often work when traveling so some RVers are doing email and work while traveling down the road - the copilot, that is. I have drawn the line at that, but do spend more time on the computer than I would like when traveling. Twitter was the subject of my last post- and that can be one more drain on your time. Mike commented that he has subscribed - and unsubscribed - twice. He doesn't want to spend the time.

Space is another consideration. While small RVs are now popular with this economy, many full-time RVers look for more space and more gadgets like washer/dryers. Large RVs, though, are limited in where they can go. Flor some rigs, it is pretty difficult to park other than in an RV park where you can be plugged in. Large rigs can't get off on backroads. Yet, RVing to me, means having the flexibility to boondock and to explore. RVs are self-contained for a reason.

We each have to find our balance. Can we have freedom from things without giving up everything?  Can we manage our time so we are productive yet still have relaxation and fun? Can we have the comforts we want in our rig yet still have get off the beaten path and boondock?

Stop and think - even better write down - three things you would like more of. Then write down three  things you'd like less of. If you then think of the steps you can take to have less of something, you might end up with more of what you want. For example, if I can come up with a plan to spend less time on the computer, I'd have more time to spend on sightseeing or fun things.

Are you in balance? Are you living the RV life you envisioned? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Why should RVers Twitter?

Literally millions of people are on Twitter, a micro-blogging social networking site. Like a text message, messages on Twitter are limited to 140 characters. Those with a Twitter account can post what they are doing, news, or, in the case of a business - special offers. Twitter is exploding. It saw a 752% growth last year. Several accounts now have more than 750,000 followers with CNN Breaking News in the lead. Celebrities like Brittany Spearks are way up there too.

RVers may want to join the Twitter crowd. Key RV sites tweet and RV parks and business do also. You can sometimes find special offers. I took a Webinar on Twitter from Dave Barnhart who told us that Carl Jr. (hamburgers) has specials just for their followers. They have found it very effective. Dell Computer can trace more than $1 million in sales from tweets. (If you'll be using Twitter for your own marketing, I highly recommend Dave's course.)

RV parks are joing in. I saw that Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort in Holley, NY has a special offer: "Each week this month we will be giving away dinner for 2 to two lucky tweeters for our restaurant opening May 1." I think you'll find more of these as time goes on.

Following someone on Twitter lets you know when new things are added. You also get a more personal look them.

RV parks are also starting to package tours with stays, reports Keith Bennett of the Denver RV Travel Examiner in "RV Parks Turn to New Marketing." Junction West RV Park in western Colorado has adventure packages and a golf and wine package. He also mentions the use of Facebook and Twitter by RV parks to get the word out.

Creative marketing, packages and especially discount prices benefit us, the RV consumer. Give it a try! While you are at it, follow me at twitter.com/calamityjaimie Jaimie Hall Bruzenak




 

RVs - for richer or for poorer?

RVing - is it for the rich or the poor? While we have read many stories of movie stars, sports figures and politicians traveling in monster buses and elaborate motor coaches, we are now seeing more about the homeless using RVs as a last resort. Three recent articles highlight this issue.

The headline of a Seattle Times article is "More seniors using vehicles as shelters." One person they focus on is Sarge. His income is less than $700 a month. He moves his truck and trailer from spot to spot - on side streets, department-store parking lots - moving when he is asked to leave. Even a county park is $150/week so he can't afford that. He has few options.

San Diego is moving to require a permit to park an RV on the street according to an article at RV e-News. Crime has gone up in Point Loma where RVs park overnight. Homeless live in boats and perhaps the RVs.

Another article in the Los Angeles Times tells about the homeless parking their RVs near the beach in Venice Beach. Venice is considering making this a no-overnight parking area. They recognize the problem and are seeking another place for homeless RVers to park. They began considering this ordinance almost a year ago. (See blog post.)

A big concern to residents and officials is that some RVs lack facilities and there is no place for them to dump or get water. In the Seattle Times article, one man was given an RV by his daughter but now the refrigerator and toilet no longer work. He must use public facilities. In some places, raw sewage gets dumped on the ground.

RVing can be the fulfillment of a dream or one step above living on the streets. RVing reflects the extremes of society at large. When economic times get tough, many people are not far from losing everything if they lose their job. Shelters are full and options are few. Jobs are difficult to find - especially if you are tied to an area. While RVing can give you the flexibility to travel to a job, you still need an RV in running order with all its systems working - and you need money for fuel. The wheels are useless in a case like that, other than to move down a few blocks when forced to do so.

Most of us are fortunate that we are living our dream, even if it isn't in a monster bus. We can move to a new place when we want. We can control some of our living expenses by where we park and how long we stay. We can supplement our income with work or volunteer for an RV site. We are seeing North America, even if it is a little at a time. That's the best of RVing. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Out of the RV ashes

An inspiring story on Fox 28 in South Bend, Elkhart is about how a company called Specialty Window Coverings, which makes window coverings for RVs, is digging its way out of the pits. Their main customers were RV companies. They make draperies, top treatments, wooden valances, bedspreads, headboards, pillows and other decorator items for RVs. That business has dried up. They've laid off about 200 employees and have around 30 left.

They decided to produce bags and totes with the material they had left from canceled orders! They have a variety of carpet bags, totes and shopping bags displayed at their Web site and several local businesses carry them. The tag tells the shopper it is made in America and is putting people back to work - the company has hired six people back since going into production on the bags. The back of the tag tells the company's story.

Economic adjustments are tough - especially in Elkhart where  unemployment is highest in the nation at 18-20 percent. It is inspiring to see a company find a brilliant idea. It reminds of the touching movie, "Kinky Boots."

The bags are quite nice. The shopping bags and totes would be good to carry along in your toad for grocery shopping. I've completed the form to find out if they are available on line anywhere. I'll let you know what I find out. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak