We all want to live the grand life at some point in an area where we can sit outdoors, looking at the sunset and sipping wine (or scotch). However, most of us think that we need to work until we retire to afford such living. Most people buy a house that the bank says they can afford and pay the mortgage for almost their entire life.
But what if we told you there are ways to achieve that lifestyle on a budget. You can live in pristine conditions without bothering about mortgage or rent for the rest of your life. And you won’t have to sacrifice your living conditions while you do that.
In some situations, you may have to downsize a bit, but the perks of such a lifestyle outweigh the sacrifices you might need to make. In this article, we are going to discuss some of these options for you to consider.
Want More Land Than House?
Sometimes we buy land for how it looks and what we can see from it, but unfortunately, properties like that usually come at a premium. For those that love the outdoors more than inside, spending some time browsing tiny homes for sale may lead to a more idyllic lifestyle for you!
Yes, tiny homes are not just a house, but an alternative lifestyle. Typical American houses are about 2600 square feet, whereas tiny houses are between 100 to 400 square feet. While you may need to sacrifice some space, tiny homes cost around $50,000, which means you can live your life without paying any mortgage or rent.
So you can spend on better things that you desire, such as travels or adventures. Plus, living in a tiny house means that you will leave a smaller carbon footprint on the planet.
A tiny house does not always make you feel constrained about the space. You need not pay anything extra for it, but the outdoor areas become an extension of your home. Some tiny homeowners spend the entire day outside when the weather is right.
There are some constraints you have to keep in mind. For example, you will not get a lot of alone time indoors unless your partner goes away for work. You will also have to take care of your septic and water systems. Most tiny homes use a composting toilet and connect to a town water line or a well.
But most people think that they may not get enough storage space. On the contrary, people use spaces intelligently inside a tiny house so you can find storage under the stairs, under the couch cushions, and even in the headboard of your bed.
Living in a tiny home makes you aware of spending without reason because you will worry about space before you buy something impulsively. So you will end up saving more money. If you love to move around a lot, you can buy a tiny house built on a trailer that you can carry around with you.
Live Abroad?
If you always wanted to live in warmer weather or an exotic location, you can move abroad to one of the countries with a low cost of living. You may need to consider visa requirements, healthcare systems, and some factors while you choose the country to live in. But some of these places have such a low cost of living that you can set up a shop or live off your savings. These are some of the countries that you can consider.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world. It has a rich culture, pristine beaches, and a lot of sunshine all year round. Portugal offers a high-quality lifestyle at affordable prices, along with a good healthcare system.
You can find the perfect blend of architectural and natural beauty while you enjoy delicious food and wine. If you choose to live in the countryside, you can live a decent lifestyle for as low as $500 a month.
Panama
Panama is one of the best countries to move to Central America. U.S dollars are the currency of the country, and you have to pay a lot less in taxes. There is a large English speaking population in the country, and it has a decent healthcare system.
You can enjoy good quality air and water, and the internet and mobile coverage is excellent. It offers an easy residency program to U.S. citizens, and the American soil is a three hours flight away. There is plenty to enjoy in Panama because the country is a cultural capital. You can experience a little bit of every culture in the world here.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular options to settle in South East Asia. The country boasts of beautiful beaches and pristine coastlines. The cost of living index is quite low when compared to the quality of the lifestyle it offers. You can stay in the busy city of Bangkok, or you can move to one of the several islands. Most people speak English in the country, and contrary to what Hollywood might have portrayed, Thailand is quite safe for ex-pats.
Apart from these, several other countries offer to live at affordable costs. Trying to live the grand life in America is getting pricier each day, so people have to find alternative ways to live a grand lifestyle at affordable costs. These choices of lifestyle may need you to make some sacrifices, but they are worth it if you want to enjoy a gorgeous view from your home every day.