Money, Money, Money/COST

imported
#1

Im beginning to think that half the battle of planning a thru-hike is the cost factor. Even though a thru-hiker lives on the edge or outside of society for 6 months he or she still has direct ties the the real world. A few examples: Mortgage, Lease, Auto Payments, Insurance, Cell Phone Bill, Utility Bills, If you have pets or Children, Credit Card Payments, Other anomalous Bills on top of the expenses of the trip itself and having enough left over to meld back into society. Jen and I have had to save 25% of our annual income besides purchasing all our gear, MailDrop stuff etc. And were going to quit our jobs which pay pretty good and that we both have worked for more than 5 years. But we have pulled it off and will have enough to make it a reality. I suppose one of our biggest fears is finding jobs when we return from the trail. Oh well just wanted to vent. Anyone else having any financial worries?
Cross

Cross

#2

We saved like hell also but went over as we had to do some home repairs before we left. Talk to your bosses and explain that this is a once in a life time chance to experience something like this and see if they will hold a position for you until you get back. Show them this site talk to them until they get the idea. We both got ours back…and raises. Create a following. Also get a home equity credit line while intersest rates are low. unless you don’t have a home. And were not talking like you have to blow $10000, unless you have a home, then you do have all the extras like mortgage, insurance, cars, health insurance. A home credit line will let you keep going and fill the low cash gaps. We had my dad pay the bills and transfer funds at our bank when we were low and our checking got down to a few thousand leaving some cash for when we got home. Transfer your credit card bill to the home loan each month by moving say $1500 a month. Don’t get 5-g’s at once. At the start you only have a small payment each month to the lone.

Bushwhack