Financial Case Study: Liesbet Collaert – Interview on The Professional Hobo
I’m excited to announce something entirely different and unique today…
Many of you know that I post monthly and yearly expense reports on this blog, without any secrecy. Yet, I have never disclosed how much money I/we actually make in a year. I’ve also been pretty vague about how we have been able to afford our nomadic lifestyle over the years and what is required to financially sustain ourselves.
All this and more insights can be found on Nora Dunn’s website The Professional Hobo, where I take part in her Financial Case Study series. Unlike most of her guests, we don’t make six figures a year and stay true to our motto “The less money you need, the less you need to earn.”
Check it out here!
Warning: Her website is advertisement-heavy.
Financial Case Study: Liesbet Collaert, Roaming About
Liesbet Collaert was born in Belgium and recently became an American, but calls herself a world citizen. She’s been a digital nomad since 2003 (sailing, house sitting, and RVing), earning money as a freelance writer, photographer, translator, and editor. Her first travel memoir is almost ready for publication. Liesbet connects with her readers on her blog Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary, as well as her Facebook page or Instagram account.
While Liesbet’s income seems small, I think you’ll agree that she and her husband have lived an extraordinary life of travel, and by using creative budget travel tips (like getting accommodation for free) they haven’t been left wanting for much. Check it out!
How long have you been living/working on the road, and where have you traveled to?
Where do I start? Since I’m pretty impulsive and adventurous, my nomadic existence and means to make money developed organically. I’ve always been a traveler. One of the reasons I became a teacher in Belgium was to have a long summer vacation designed around exploring the world. I took two “leave of absences” during my first four years of teaching, to backpack in Southeast Asia and Down Under. Being frugal and passionate about travel, that’s what I used my income for. I never owned anything, making it easy for me to be flexible. The third time I left Belgium for an extended adventure, I never returned. That was in 2003.
While I didn’t need to make money during these initial escapades, as I had savings from my “real job” and I run a tight budget ship, one – of course – can’t journey forever without earnings. Darn! I think it was in 2008 – after a few years of RV-travel and getting close and personal with sailboats – that I started to create some sort of income. Up until that point, I’d cleaned a few boats for change and kept a free blog about our sailing journey on SV Irie to share our experiences and inspire others.
I traveled throughout Europe while living in Belgium until I was 27, backpacked in Southeast Asia and Oceana for two years, explored the continental US, Canada, and Alaska in a truck camper for a year and a half and Mexico and Central America for another year. In 2007, the sailboat episode followed – a journey that brought us from Maryland (USA) south to Florida, throughout the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, spending hurricane season in the Dominican Republic, and on to the Eastern Caribbean via Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
After three years up and down the Leeward and Windward Islands, we skimmed the out islands of Venezuela, spend time in Colombia, and enjoyed over a year in Panama. The next steps were transiting the Canal, being blown away by wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, and concluding our sailing voyage after cruising in French Polynesia for two years. Eight years after casting off (in 2015), we sold Irie in Tahiti.
Since then, we’ve slowed down a bit, house and pet sitting throughout the United States and exploring North America in our 19ft camper van Zesty. I am more than ready for tropical and exciting destinations again, whenever this pandemic allows it.
Please describe what you do for income.
First, I’d like to point out that my husband and I are very frugal and we’ve found that being careful with expenditures allows us the life we desire – more freedom and less need to be workaholics. The way we manage our money, our aversion towards collecting material goods, and our love of simplicity are leading factors for how we make this nomadic lifestyle work – financially and otherwise.
Continue reading here…
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August 12, 2020 at 11:37
Great post. You are living the life! Bravo!
August 12, 2020 at 17:04
Thanks! You two are doing pretty well yourselves! I have to admit that the expat life sounds very attractive to us as well, at times. Maybe we will be “converted” once we visit you in Colombia. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 11:50
As I’ve gotten to know your amazing nomadic spirit, I’ve always wondered how you found a kindred spirit in your husband. In 2007, you start saying ‘we’–is that when you got married?
August 12, 2020 at 17:08
Hi Jacqui! I really appreciate you reading and following along, while you are so busy with your book promotion. Thank you for being in “my camp”! I wasn’t aware of the time stamp in my “we” declarations, but, yes, we officially got married in 2007; a story in itself. Yet, we’ve been together since the end of 2004. As for your other curiosity about “finding” Mark, chapter one in my travel memoir will provide the answer. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 17:46
Can I pre-order it yet?????
August 13, 2020 at 09:06
Haha! I don’t even know how to put it on pre-order. Let’s finish the edits and all that other stuff first. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 12:37
Such a fascinating interview, Liesbet. It’s great to learn more about you. Some of this information would be perfect for your “other” book. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 17:09
You know, Jill, as I was rereading this interview today, I had the exact same thought. Some anecdotes will have to be a part of this “How to Live on a budget and Travel the World” book!!! 🙂
August 13, 2020 at 06:02
Definitely! Travel the World on a Shoe String Budget…you have to write that book. 🙂
August 13, 2020 at 09:14
I’m sure it exists already, but I can add my two cents one year! 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 13:29
Thanks for sharing your inspirational case study on my site! I’ve interviewed over 100 people for the series now, and income range as dramatically as the lifestyles and characters interviewed do. I resonate very much with your focus on quality of life. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 17:12
Hi Nora! Thank you for “having” me and featuring our side of the equation. It’s a good thing we are all different, with certain priorities and “agendas”. From the moment I heard and learned about you, I had a feeling we had tons in common. That was somewhere around 2010, when you were in Grenada. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 13:42
It was great reading your story. I must say that I am also very frugal. And your position is very close to me: “that being careful with expenditures allows us the life we desire – more freedom and less need to be workaholics”.
August 12, 2020 at 17:14
Hi Michael! Thank you for reading and swinging by on my blog as well. I’m happy to connect with a like-minded soul. Not that we never wish we had and could spend more money, but setting priorities helps us achieve our goals of lifetime adventures, right? 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 14:24
$16,000 a year expenses. Wow, that’s incredible. You are very fortunate.
August 12, 2020 at 17:16
Hi Alex! That amount would be an average – when we were sailing on our boat for eight years, it ranged from $12,000 to $20,000. But, over the last decade+, I can say that we pretty much stuck to (or ended up spending) this amount. Not sure whether this is a fortunate thing or more a matter of choice. 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 16:03
An interesting read, Liesbet, well done!
August 12, 2020 at 17:20
Thanks, Anabel. I think by now, my life is an open book. Wait a minute, no reason to write it then… 🙂
August 12, 2020 at 19:16
Liesbet, you certainly know how to make a title clickable! Few people are willing to share their income sources or “bottom line” because of inevitable comparisons. Brava for that!
As I have observed first-hand, you and Mark are solidly and contentedly “planted” in a nomadic lifestyle, a wonderful thing. Fortunately, you both are flexible and focused on similar goals; otherwise, it wouldn’t work. Yes, your life has become an open book, but that a good reason to certify it in memoir.
I love the name/logo for the Professional Hobo. I’ll click over to find Nora on her website! 😉
August 13, 2020 at 09:12
Hi Marian!
I honestly think this is the first time I ever had a “click-bait” title. I’m actually terrible at picking titles. Even my book’s subtitle is still up for debate. I can’t figure these things out… Even Maya’s name took days of deliberation. Or, the name of this blog – I think that was going on a week, before I settled on Roaming About. Maybe a bit more practice does the trick?
I realize finances, together with religion and politics, are taboo topics. I’ve never had a problem sharing my opinions or “facts” about that. Only recently have I come to the understanding that these topics are not necessarily tricky for the “privacy” reasons I thought, but more because you might offend people or cause arguments, leading to fights. Ouch!
It sure is a good thing that Mark and I are on the same page (of that book :-)). Many people have pointed out how fortunate that is, but I have been taking it for granted, figuring that 1) we wouldn’t be together if we had different priorities, and 2) we wouldn’t be together anymore, if that were the case. Of course, life and relationships are not that simple!
August 13, 2020 at 10:04
😀
August 12, 2020 at 21:02
Hi, Liesbet — Awesome interview! I just left my comment on Nora’s site.
August 13, 2020 at 09:13
Thanks, Donna! For reading and commenting twice! Have a great rest of the summer… hiking! 🙂
August 13, 2020 at 09:15
Hi again, Donna! I didn’t see your comment on Nora’s site. Maybe it has to go through moderation first. I’ll keep an eye on it.
August 13, 2020 at 22:08
You have piqued my interest, Liesbet. “…entirely different and unique…”
You are an open book, Liesbet. This is part of your appeal, besides many other reasons your readers love you.
You have also been very honest about the pros and cons to your lifestyle. It often sounds idyllic, yet you encounter many challenges. Aside for simplicity and minimizing, “flexibility” is the philosophy that stands out.
A fascinating interview, Liesbet. I am looking forward to reading your Memoir. I agree with Jill, how you have enough interesting material for a second book. xx
August 14, 2020 at 14:24
Hi Erica!
Thank you for reading my interview with Nora and hopping back over here to comment. I so feel like you get and understand me! The pros and the cons of this life are worth sharing, especially if readers want to learn about this lifestyle in front and behind the scenes. Also, posting a rosy picture would create disappointment and inaccuracies for people who might like to try it out as well.
Flexibility is the name of the game! And, yes, I have material for ten more books. But, I’m sure I lack the determination and time to write them all. Besides, I’d still rather live my adventures than write about them. 🙂
August 15, 2020 at 20:45
Well said, Liesbet “…live my adventures than write about them.” ❤️
August 17, 2020 at 09:18
It’s a choice I have struggled with, which is why right now is a good time to do some writing instead of traveling. 🙂 Thank you for the comment on Nora’s site as well, Erica. xx
August 14, 2020 at 10:39
I appreciate you sharing the other side of the financial story Liesbet. I think you and Mark are a perfect match and your mindset about how to live life very in sync. Perhaps one small benefit of the pandemic was that it showed you are not ready to have a home base just yet. Adventure on and I look forward to reading more about the journey ahead.
August 14, 2020 at 14:28
Hello Sue! A potential home base is still part of our conversations, but not daily. It would be nice to have roots somewhere – more for practical reasons (like during a pandemic…) – but each time I contemplate the responsibilities of owning a house, my stomach contracts! Mark can;t make a decision about what’s next either. We will see what happens, after we head back west in Zesty, but in any case, we are both happy to live within, even beneath, our means. 🙂
August 17, 2020 at 17:25
It’s great that you’ve found a lifestyle and income level that suits you so perfectly. Life will always be an adventure for you! 🙂
August 18, 2020 at 08:52
Yes to adventure, Diane! I think the lifestyle found me somehow – hard to elaborate on that in a memoir, though. Between you and me, I’m just too lazy and not cut out for a “normal” 9-5 job, so I try to wing it in different ways. And then, I try to justify it. 🙂
August 18, 2020 at 16:21
Sounds good to me! 😉
August 22, 2020 at 12:27
Perfect! 🙂
August 17, 2020 at 21:46
I enjoyed the whole post. It felt like reading your memoir lol.La dolce vita my friend, take it all in. <3
August 18, 2020 at 08:55
I’m glad you liked the article, Debby. In my memoir I only touch on financials briefly – certainly not in this much detail. Maybe an interview like this can be an appendix to my next book. 🙂
August 18, 2020 at 09:06
Great idea! 🙂
August 22, 2020 at 12:20
🙂
August 17, 2020 at 23:04
This post and the previous one were so interesting and I am enjoying getting to know more about you and the details with your life Very kind of you to share the personal info – and love the world citizen term
also
this wisdom:
very frugal and we’ve found that being careful with expenditures allows us the life we desire
August 18, 2020 at 09:00
Hi Yvette!
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. To a lot of people, their finances (income and expenses) are private matters, or taboo topics, like religion or politics. When I first left Belgium and traveled globally, it became clear that certain cultures are less willing/comfortable to share these details than others.
The reason I’m an open book about our lifestyle is to not only inspire others but also to give them a good idea of what to expect, what is possible, and what is challenging. People need to understand all facets of a life change, before plunging in. 🙂
August 18, 2020 at 13:17
I found this really interesting. It was shocking to me, at first, how little you needed to make each year to support your lifestyle, but then I remembered USD are close to double CAD. When I decided to quit my job and write full time, I budgeted for just over $19K for the year, and I have a house and mortgage.
It was tight, but doable.
August 22, 2020 at 12:27
Hi JH! 1 USD is actually 1.3 CAD, so not quite double there. 🙂 The euro is 1.5 CAD. The pound is almost double, at 1.75 CAD.
If I say so myself, spending about USD 16,000 (CAD 21,000) a year for two people and a big dog is relatively low. But, we are pretty careful with what we spend money on and don’t splurge or have fun enough. You did an amazing job living off CAD 19K a year, including a mortgage and utilities. Those are the high expenses in a non-nomad lifestyle. I am still so happy (for you and for your readers!) that you made that risky decision and are “thriving” now. Such a wonderful life change, personal improvement, career decision, and positive outlook. 🙂
August 18, 2020 at 17:40
Good article!
As a nomad I am reluctant to tell people how much money we make it where it comes from. I think it is a societal thing that says that you need to work your life away to have small pleasures in your life. And the thing is – although Greg used to do just that I never really have – but I have been very frugal and have taken care of my money which is part of the reason we get to spend most of our time traveling now.
Living on the road is a crazy life and everyone does it differently. I’m glad we can live small and have like minded friends like you, Mark, and Maya we can meet along the way.
August 22, 2020 at 13:15
Hi Duwan!
You are so right that being careful with what you spend contributes almost as much to feeling financially safe than having to work hard and make a lot of money. Seriously… Making little money and spending little would produce the same result as making lots of money and spending lots of money. Or, are my mathematical calculations wrong here? 🙂
Yes, people travel in a different way, by boat, RV, or plane. I’m happy with our lifestyle the way we manage, yet, I have to admit that reading RV blogs about couples who often visit wineries, go out to restaurants and bars, and stay in comfortable campgrounds often causes a twinge of jealousy. I do think Mark and I should splurge more often. It will affect our expense reports but also our happiness and fun levels!! Maybe we will try it one day. 🙂
August 20, 2020 at 02:59
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview Liesbet. Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventurous lifestyle. Keep smiling. xx
August 22, 2020 at 12:55
Hi Miriam! Thank you for commenting here and on Nora’s website. I’ll keep smiling, more internally than externally as I don’t like my crooked teeth! 🙂
August 22, 2020 at 18:04
Liesbet, this was a fascinating read and we learnt so much more about you from this post. Love the three priorities that you have and your motto, which makes total sense. Quite extraordinary that you have made a life with someone who has the same nomadic and frugal and adventurous aspect. You have covered a LOT of ground with your travels.. the first comment that Peta made was that this is how much travel one can do with no young children in tow. Not that one can’t travel with children but of course way easier and cheaper to cover a lot of ground without them. I really appreciate that you distill your own experience through the prism of rigorous budgeting and income. This blog post is a go to reference that I am sure we will use in the future as we so frequently get asked about the cost of a nomadic lifestyle. While we are no where as frugal as you two, we do appreciate the correlation of minimizing expenses to not have to chase a higher level of income.
You certainly have had a wide range of job experiences in the past, that was interesting to read about. I like that you are frank and honest about full time travel and how exhausting it can be. Worth it, but for sure sometimes exhausting. Great post all around.
Ben
August 23, 2020 at 11:10
Hello Ben and Peta!
Thank you for leaving this kind and extensive comment here and on Nora’s site. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this deeper insight into our finances.
While we have met some families on our journeys, Peta is certainly right about how much harder travel (especially the logistics) and maintaining a nomadic life would be, let alone the extra cost and requirements for more comfort.
When I was in my twenties, I covered a bit of ground backpacking for two years. Since then, slower travel has been pursued and in a more comfortable matter. The last seventeen years, this was with our own home, either on wheels or on hulls. That being said, I have found our destinations quite “boring” the last few years and Mark and I are more than ready to leave the US again and head for more exotic shores. 🙂
I do believe our frugalness has affected the extent of our travels, but there are other factors as well. Like the one you point out immediately… being able to have a partner with the same or similar passions in life. Mark didn’t used to be an adventurer (or a money pincher) before he met me, though. 🙂
I just wanted to point out (again) that we totally appreciate the way you both live your lives – and not just for the amazing impact you are making with your job, Ben – as it seems to be the best of both worlds: being nomads and being temporarily “settled” (or better “grounded” :-)) in different countries and regions allowing for deeper immersion into the local culture and scene and for fighting travel burnout!
August 26, 2020 at 03:28
Liesbet, even though I have been reading your blog for years now, I learned several new things about you/your life reading this interview. For example, I didn’t know that you are an assistant editor of a boating magazine.
The article and your responses to comments led me to reflect on the trade-offs one makes in life. I have always loved travelling, both local camping & backwoods adventures and international travelling. But the choices I’ve made in life have not allowed me to do nearly as much international travelling as I would have liked (e.g., my career, having kids, being a single parent, living in smaller more remote communities, purchasing houses, prioritizing financial security). But, looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted to have missed any of those experiences either. I had hoped to travel more internationally in retirement, but Covid has put that hold for now.
Jude
August 27, 2020 at 16:31
Hey Jude! You’re almost caught up on your binge-reading. 🙂
In January 2019, I was approached by a magazine editor/owner, who had bought articles and photos from me in a Caribbean past. I was surprised and humbled (as a non-native English speaker and ex-sailor) that she wanted to hire me as an assistant editor for her publication. Every month since then, I spend about two days doing work for her.
Yes, life is full of trade-offs, or “compromises:” as I like to call them. No regrets for either of us! We both have memories, a career, and/or families we created. 🙂 And, lots of valuable and precious experiences to boot. I do hope the pandemic comes to an end soon too, and not only to be able to travel internationally again!