<story><title>Living in a van - an inspirational story of frugality and achievement</title><url>http://www.salon.com/life/pinched/story/index.html?story=/news/pinched/2009/12/06/living_in_a_van</url></story><parent_chain></parent_chain><comment><author>kiddo</author><text>This line caught my attn:&lt;p&gt;&quot;Not including tuition, I lived (and lived comfortably) on $103 a week, which covered my necessities: food, gas, car insurance, a cellphone and visits to the laundromat.&quot;&lt;p&gt;To each his own, but if it was me and I wanted to live on $103 a week I would skip the van (-$1500), gas, car insurance, and probably cell phone too. I know you can find rooms in Durham for under $300 a month. Find a friend to share the room with and you&apos;re each paying $150 a month. You then have windows (fresh air), a kitchen, shower and toilet. Maybe buy a bicycle from the Salvation Army for $10 and you&apos;re more than set.</text></comment>
<story><title>Living in a van - an inspirational story of frugality and achievement</title><url>http://www.salon.com/life/pinched/story/index.html?story=/news/pinched/2009/12/06/living_in_a_van</url></story><parent_chain></parent_chain><comment><author>adriana</author><text>While the adventure of van-living is fun and the rant on loans and cost of education are true, I think you can get the education you need in a financially responsible way without having to live in a smelly van all alone. I made it through my undergrad by working part-time, living at home, and going to state and community colleges. It took me over 5 years but I had no loans of any kind at then end. Maybe that&apos;s the difference between CS and English majors.</text></comment>