“We sold everything and moved into a caravan” - creating financial freedom without the fat paycheck

She hit financial freedom at 51, by downsizing to a caravan and selling the family trade business.

It wasn’t a tech salary. It wasn’t an inheritance. It was good old-fashioned DIY thinking, property investment, and a whole lot of planning.

In this episode of Making Cents, you’ll meet Charmaine Hands, who “re-lifed” in her 50s and built a whole new life of travel, flexibility, and financial independence.

She ran a glazing and locksmithing business with her husband for over two decades, raising their family and carefully reinvesting in assets along the way.

Then, with the kids grown and the business ready to hand over, she took the leap.

Sold the business to a staff member. Turned their home into a rental. Bought commercial property for passive income. Moved into a caravan to travel New Zealand. Started living the life they’d always imagined.

No million-dollar pay cheque. Just smart money moves, DIY upgrades, and a relentless vision for something better.

We talk about:

- What it really takes to build financial freedom without a big income

- How to turn your home or business into long-term wealth

- The pros and cons of living in a caravan full-time

- Why imagination and stubbornness might be your best financial tools

If you're dreaming of more freedom, flexibility, and meaning in your next chapter, this episode is for you.

Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.

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