Tina Forster spent her teenage years tirelessly saving up so that she could become a homeowner in her early twenties by setting up her own business.
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But, when Tina was finally ready to open up her cheque book, she had a sudden change of heart when realising she would be locked into a 40-year-long mortgage.
The 22-year-old now plans on hitting the road in May in a van that she bought for £4,000, after giving herself a £10,000 budget to turn it into a drivable home.
The rest of the money has been spent on supplies and gadgets to transform her van into a cosy abode.
She is currently living at home with her parents in Sandown, Isle of Wight, and so far has put in wood flooring and panelling on the inside of the van.
Tia has also put in supports for the bed and is installing a kitchenette.
She said: “I definitely did consider buying a house and getting on the housing ladder as I had savings sitting in the bank.
“I quite dramatically switched this mindset once I knew I’d be tied into a mortgage for the next 40 years with high-interest rates and little freedom to travel while I’m young.
“It was also a financial decision as I wanted to invest my money in something that will appreciate in value in the short term, which my van will once complete.
“Since I was very young I would always watch tiny home builds on YouTube and knew I would do it one day.
“I was always obsessed with how cosy and beautiful small spaces could be and being a super creative person, I wanted to do it myself.”
Tina went on to say that when she passed her driving test she “straight away” looked for a van, and found one three years later.
The clever money-saver said she has “always” been quite good with money, even ditching university plans to start her own jewellery business.
Starting the firm allowed her to buy her first car, and stick some money aside for a rainy day – or a van.
She said: “Since then, I’ve been working full time and putting aside money every month to buy parts for my conversion.”
However, after sharing her journey online she said she’s faced a litter of stereotypical and sexist comments.
She added: “I get comments like ‘Where is the guy that’s really doing the work’ or about what I’m wearing.
“I think a lot of it comes from a small minority of men who feel slightly intimidated, perhaps that a woman is doing a stereotypical ‘men’s’ job.”
But ignoring the nasty comments, Tina said the positive messages gets are “amazing” as they usually come from people who “feel inspired” to follow in her footsteps.
She said: “The words of encouragement definitely help.”
Businesses who have loved her DIY journey have helped pitch in with items to contribute to the cause.
Even the well-known brand Ninja gifted her one of their iconic air fryers to help kit out her kitchen.
“Since doing my van conversion some amazing companies have kindly gifted me products which have helped massively,”
“I was a bit too excited when Ninja gave me an air fryer for my van’s kitchen.”
OFF-GRID LIVING
A man who worked 60 hours a week and made six figures now lives off grid in an old school bus full of genius features.
And, a dad has revealed having to live in a caravan with his six-year-old twins after losing all of his money in a divorce.
While also, this chap revealed how trolls call him a “jobless sponge mess” and would rather he did not date their daughter because he lives outdoors.
The die-hard nature lover said he enjoyed the outdoors so much that instead of just visiting it, he wanted to live there permanently.
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