This wife has revealed how she and her husband made the dramatic decision to swap their suburban life for a canvas tent in the wilderness and have managed to save roughly $2,000 (£1,600) each month.
Aimee Hawkins says she and her husband were forced to take extreme measures after being priced out of the rental market but after 18 months off-grid, their total savings roughly equal $36,000 (£26,900).
She claims that the simpler way of living has not only saved her and her husband money but has increased their quality of life.
She said: “My husband and I made the radical decision to leave our traditional life behind to live in a canvas tent.
“We did this because we deserve some kind of quality of life. This country needs major change and reform. But until that happens, people like us will keep finding ways to survive.”
The couple, from Arizona, USA, who now live entirely off-grid, claim they are saving up to $2,000 every month, money that once vanished on rent, bills, and basic groceries.
Far from being an impulsive escape into the wild, their choice reflects a growing movement of people rejecting the traditional living standard to save as much money as possible.
While the couple admits their choice may seem extreme to some, they insist it was necessary, not just for their finances, but for their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Life in a tent, however, isn’t all hardship.
Aimee described several unexpected benefits to their off-grid existence including greater privacy, reconnecting with nature, and a sense of purpose.
Yet it’s not without its challenges.
Aimee said the toughest part isn’t the elements or even the lack of modern luxuries, it’s the judgement from others, claiming many have not accepted her way of living.
Despite criticism, Aimee told how the change is permanent, and whilst she will eventually move out of the tent, she will never go back to traditional living.
Aimee said: “Between wage stagnation, inflation, and the rising cost of rent, Americans are taking extreme measures to survive. Some of us are choosing vans or tiny homes. We chose a canvas tent.
“It doesn’t seem fair that we are hardworking but still can’t afford the basic necessities.
“We can’t afford groceries or utilities or anything else. And don’t even think about treating yourself or taking a vacation.
“We save approx. $2,000 a month living this way.”
She added: “We’ve lived in the tent for 18 months. The positives? Saving money, privacy, getting back in touch with nature, being energy-dependent, and feeling like we are living a more authentic, purposeful life.
“Honestly, the only negative feelings I have about living this way is the stigma behind it.
“We will never go back to a traditional lifestyle. A tent is obviously not going to work as a long-term solution, but we are saving to convert a shed into a tiny.
“We will always live off the grid in some form of alternative housing. Once you gain this kind of independence, you can never go back.”