July 24, 2020: My 35th birthday AND the day my house went under contract. My dream of traveling full-time as a gypsy, vagabonding nomad was right there on the horizon... and the only thing in the way of ultimate freedom? A house-full of stuff. I had 7 weeks until closing. So how did I decide what would go and what would stay?
Category: Lifestyle
Minimalism, the pursuit of financial freedom, stress management, and everything else that matters to me. By Julie B. Rose.
I Made 2020 My Year, and You Should Too
2020 is not what I expected or planned for, and it's been uncomfortable and demoralizing in a lot of ways, but I take this approach: I take stock of all my blessings and accomplishments. Are you doing the same?
Discovering Some Bittersweet Truths, Six Weeks Into Nomad Life
The nomad life, so far, has been bittersweet — bitter because I just got a taste of what life would be like. But sweet — because a new adventure is right around the corner.
SUV & Airbnb Organization Tactics for Living the Nomad Life
One of the major concerns I've found with living a nomad life — where you travel to a destination and then live out of an AirBNB or similar accommodations for a period of several weeks — is keeping my things straight and sorted. Here's my "suite" of solutions!
The #1 Finance Fact That Guided my Decision to Downsize
I’m not a financial expert, nor can I predict the future. But I knew that I had significant equity and I had a willing buyer. Combine that with motive (excitement and eagerness for change) and opportunity (remote employment)... and it was an easy decision to sell my home of 7 years and become a full-time nomad.
Countdown to the Nomad Life: A Recap of the 6 Weeks I Spent Downsizing
Excitement, determination, worry: Here are some of my thoughts and musings during the 6-week time period from when my house went under contract (July 24) and when I was due to be out, September 4, 2020 — the day I started my full-time nomad journey.
Why I Decided to Sell My House, 99% of my Belongings, and Travel the U.S. by Car (In the Middle of a Pandemic)
In July, I announced that I was putting my house on the market and moving away from Arizona, my home of 11 years. Where am I going? Anywhere, everywhere, wherever I feel like, for as long as I want to, to live the #nomadlife. Just me, my dog and the few things I can fit in my car. Since I made my announcement, many people have asked me how and why I came to this decision. The truth is, I had an epiphany.
Change Your Surroundings, Change Your Life
If you’ve been following me and my journey for a while, you know that I’ve called Arizona home for 11 years. This summer, 2020, I’ll be 35, and have been largely single since age 30. Well, I have a huge announcement. Drumroll, please....
The Love, Career and Finance Advice I’d Give to My Younger Self (From a Single Woman in Her 30s)
Dear impressionable 20-somethings: DON'T get married just because you’re “supposed to" or "it's time." Don’t choose your career on “suitability,” choose a CALLING. Forget the things that'll make you look rich, INVEST in what truly enriches your life. Let everything you do be best for you; for now or for later, and for the betterment of what really matters in this life.
What I Know To Be True In Times of Struggle
Usually, when we're in the midst of a struggle, whatever it may be, we’re only able to see the overwhelming negative. Only when the struggle is won do we realize how it’s changed us.
