Retirees on the road and saving $150 a fortnight

[padding] [If you are unable to view this message correctly, click here]( [padding] [stuff header] [spacer] [padding] Hi {NAME}, Van life is not for all of us. Some of us are homebodies, who like to be able to potter in the garden, invite the neighbours over regularly, tend 60 houseplants… or, more prosaically, work full-time and pay down the mortgage. But some intrepid folk take to life on the road seemingly without a backwards glance. This week, writer Sharon Stephenson spoke to [Irene and Vince Iwikau]( retirees who’ve spent the past 15 months living in their motorhome, after selling their Whangārei home. They love their $180,000, 18sqm, German-made campervan, and even the “cathartic” process of letting go of stuff that won’t fit in it. The couple, both 68, are even saving a minimum of $150 a fortnight from their New Zealand Superannuation. They are finding joy in “waking up to a different view every day”. Similarly, the Leopards from Rotorua: The family-of-five are adventuring before their children hit high school and have made it all the way south to Bluff. [Their plan is to travel for a year]( renting out their home meanwhile to cover mortgage, rates and insurance. It’s a big leap, but one few seem to regret. What would it take for you to give up the security of your stable fixed-address life? Happy weekend. [padding] [user profile pic] [padding] Joanna Davis [padding] Homed Editor [padding] [spacer] [padding] Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.]( [spacer] # [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Homed]( [spacer] Van life on Super [spacer] The Iwikaus love life on the road, and they’re even managing to save $150 a fortnight. "Retirement should be an exciting time, not sitting around waiting to die," Irene says. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Homed]( [spacer] 'You just need to push the go button' [spacer] The Leopards – formerly of Rotorua, more recently of no fixed abode – say they are just a normal family and nearly anyone could do what they’ve done, which is to rent out their home and hit the road for a year of adventure. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [Privacy Info]( [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Homed]( [spacer] When money's no object [spacer] Kitchen of the Week: It's picture-perfect for professional empty-nesters in a $4m-plus spec home, right down to the black-framed window seat with spice-toned cushions. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][hot take]( [spacer] Character and a big garden [spacer] First-time buyers: It took a while for Yvonne Julian and her husband to come around to the idea of Wainuiomata. Now, they never want to leave. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [spacer] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][hot take]( [spacer] Prestigious spot, but you’ll need $8m [spacer] This historic Italianate villa is right next door to Government House in Epsom, and it's every bit as grand as its neighbour, albeit smaller. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Homed]( [spacer] Beer can collection inspires [spacer] Simon Gaul's man cave is full of interesting and historic odds and ends, but it's his beer can collection that stands out. Check out one of the judge’s favourite in the NZ Gardener shed competition. [spacer] [read more]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [padding] [spacer][Support Stuff]( [Discover more at Homed]( [padding] [spacer] You are receiving this email because you are a opted in to receive the Stuff Homed newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Stuff Homed newsletter in your inbox]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand [spacer] [padding]