It is no surprise to many people that it’s difficult to thrive financially in our modern times. From not being able to retire at the age you desire to struggling to pay your rent, this is a harsh and unforgiving reality that so many of us face. For Kai, who appeared on the YouTube channel ‘CheapRVliving’, it’s also her reality—and the reason why she decided to engage in harsh measures. Kai now lives in her Smartcar as a way to save up for retirement.
Kai, a 65-year-old woman who travels in many areas of the United States, transformed her European Smartcar into her living space. It’s almost hard to believe when you see the 8-foot, 2 inches long vehicle for yourself. But for Kai, it’s just another day, who commented, “I discovered I could actually lay flat in her and take everything I needed,” while giving a personal tour on YouTube.
Kai has been in her home on wheels, a 2006 vehicle called ‘Smart ForTwo’ for the past 14 months. Her reasoning? She said, “I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn’t afford it. I need to wait until I’m 70 to have Social Security. I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon,” which, to be fair, is probably great for her travels but incredibly tight on space for her possessions.
When she goes to sleep, she stacks up two air mattresses to help her lie down on the passenger’s side. She has just enough room to sleep with her body fully stretched out, though a bit claustrophobic. She did add that there was a benefit to this, however: “My head is toward the dash and I can see the stars at night through the windshield.” You can’t beat a good view.
Other necessities have proven to be possible for Kai as well. Though she doesn’t have a kitchen, she keeps her food neatly organized in bins. She also has a portable stove, her clothing, and spare parts in the trunk to assist her in her journey and daily life. She also somehow fits three gallons of water and personal hygiene products in the front passenger’s seat. When asked about how she uses the bathroom, she replied, “Usually—I’m an old backpacker—I go outdoors.”
Kai’s plans are to receive “double social security” when she turns 70. Though this works for Kai as a temporary solution, it begs the question: Should it really have to be this way for our aging population who should be able to access benefits without having to resort to these desperate measures?
