Most people want to know how we’re able to afford to just hit the road for a year. They may not come right out and ask, but they want to know, and it’s a legitimate question. This is not something that most people our age can typically afford (I'm in my mid 30s and my husband's in his early 40s). The answer is really threefold. First, we have very little debt and some money saved to help finance part of the trip. Second, we’ll have my pension. Lastly, we’ll have to find a way to earn some money on the road to cover the shortages.

We’ve made a detailed budget (which we’ll share in a later post) so that we know exactly what we’ll need. Now all we need to do is make sure we get the income and expenses to balance. Sticking to the budget will be very important.

As I mentioned earlier, I recently retired medically after 15 years as an air traffic controller. My pension provides our health insurance and some steady income. Let me just say now, for those of you who are interested in aviation, are under the age of 32, and are searching for career options – consider air traffic control. Yes, it can be stressful at times. Yes, you might have a crazy schedule. But, it pays well, has excellent benefits (you don’t work past the age of 56), is challenging and rewarding, and the FAA is hiring right now! The best way to secure a job is to complete a degree at a CTI school. For a listing of these schools go to faa.gov and click on jobs and then air traffic controllers.

Although we are extremely blessed to have a pension, it will not be enough to cover all of our expenses on the road. We have spent a lot of time researching and brainstorming ways to cover our shortage. Medical transcription, trade shows, promotion work…all of these are possibilities. So far we have not settled on anything, but we’ll find a way to get it done. We have to.

How about scheduling speaking engagements in upcoming cities to discuss your trip and how you are homeschooling your children using the world around you versus the WORLD WIDE WEB! I am sure the homeschooling communities in the areas will pay $5 a head to support your goal. At which time you can offer your curriculums as well.

First thought that came in my head after reading your 'how to' posting.

Kimberley in Hockley, Texas

How about videotaping your educational excursions. You can put the videos on DVD (low cost to mail) and anyone that knows about your website or the video's would have computer access... Then selling them through your website. It wouldn't interfere with your time schedule because you wouldn't have to make stops that you weren't already interested in. Plus there is always a postal drop near you in the U.S.

The first video could be kind of Chaplanesque while you are still in your 3000 sqft home, introducing yourselves to potential video watchers. Thus, in essence, making new friends that will be taking your journey, via video, with you.

You could have semi-educational fun excursions that little ones would really enjoy...
And detailed historical segments that older children (and parents) would appreciate...

Fun (with popcorn) for the whole family!

Your website could remain free because the DVD adds a totally different dimension as a curriculum add on.

This is something that could potentially continue to pay off even after you are home from the trip.

I knew we could count on you to come up with some creative ideas! Keep them coming! This is great!
Jennifer

I'm going to throw out Mystery Shopping as a possibility. You get to choose which shops to do, which area of the country, and most of the ones we've done recently have either involved food/beverages or banking institutions (you can check your funds and get paid to do it!). Of course, you need to get signed up and let your company know you're on the road and moving about so you can get shops in different areas and all. It doesn't bring in a full time pay check by any means, but it does add to the funds!

Maybe make up a D2E logo and put it on T-shirts and travel mugs and sell them on your online store.

Of course, you would have to have somebody run the store while you are galavanting all across the Country