Traveling Towards Wealth

Sarah

Welcome to Traveling Towards Wealth—the podcast where money meets adventure and freedom is always on the horizon. I’m Sarah Jones: financial coach, full-time traveler, houseplant lover, sourdough baker, and your guide to building a life that’s as rich in experiences as it is in peace of mind. Each month, we dive deep into a new theme—whether it’s real money stories, the ins and outs of full-time travel, building a business on the road, or finding wellness and simplicity wherever you are. Here, you’ll get practical tips, honest conversations, and a gentle push to spend, save, and live according to your values—not someone else’s rules.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 32 RV life & Travel Series: Is Harvest Hosts Worth It? Full-Time RV Living Mistakes

    Recap: This week on Traveling Towards Wealth, Sarah gets real about the messy, unscripted side of full-time RV life. From discovering way too much clutter in the fifth wheel (hello, Marie Kondo moment!) to navigating a surprise $1,800 budget curveball after moving into an Airbnb, she shares the honest lessons learned, the systems that held up (and the ones that didn’t), and why it took five years to finally join Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome. Plus, Sarah closes with the poem “Risk” by William Arthur Ward - a powerful reminder that growth, freedom, and adventure all require a little courage. If you’re craving more adventure, money confidence, and real talk about what it takes to live intentionally on the road, this episode is for you. ✅ What You Will Learn Why speaking your mistakes out loud is the fastest way to grow - financially and personallyThe two-part “useful + love it” test for decluttering your RV, home, or life (even if you like something!)How to spot your default “stress system” and why busyness ≠ productivityA three-question daily planning hack to focus on what (and who) matters mostHow a depleted “experience fund” can quietly drain your travel joy - and how to fix itThe truth about traveling full-time on any budget (hint: free and low-cost adventures are everywhere)A botanical garden membership hack for free/discounted access to 180+ gardens nationwideWhat Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome actually cost, with a real first-week breakdownHow a surprise $1,800 expense stress-tested Sarah’s own money systems—and what she’s changing nowWhy taking risks (in money, travel, or life) is the only way to real freedom  Resources Mentioned Harvest HostsBoondockers Welcome (included with select Harvest Hosts memberships)Good Sam ClubEscapees RV ClubThousand TrailsAmerican Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program (180+ gardens & museums nationwide)“Risk” by William Arthur Ward Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  2. Sep 8

    Ep. 31 RV life & Travel Series: Our RV Broke Down - Why Every Full-Time RVer Needs a Financial Safety Net

    Recap of Episode What happens when your home breaks down - literally? In this episode, Sarah Jones shares the real-life adventure of facing unexpected RV repairs after the Grand Design Owners National Rally. When her Grand Design Solitude, Karmen, needs more than just a quick fix, Sarah, her husband, their cat, and 35 houseplants are suddenly displaced near Notre Dame during peak season. From the scramble for pet-friendly housing to a powerful flashback of a past housing crisis, Sarah reveals how financial preparedness - her Peace of Mind Fund - turned a stressful time into something a little easier to navigate. Plus, hear why Grand Design’s out-of-warranty support made all the difference, and how you can build your own financial safety net for life’s curveballs. What You Will Learn What the Grand Design Owners National Rally is and why it matters for RVersHow to handle unexpected RV repairs - practically and emotionallyWhy Grand Design’s customer support stands outThe real challenges of full-time RV life (with pets and plants!)How to find pet-friendly, plant-friendly short-term housing on the roadWhat a Peace of Mind Fund is and why it’s essentialHow financial preparedness transforms stress into stabilityThe emotional difference between past panic and present peaceSteps to start building your own financial confidence Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  3. Sep 1

    EP 30. RV Life & Travel Series -How to Work Camp: A Beginner’s Guide to Living Rent-Free and Getting Paid on the Road

    Recap of Episode If you’ve ever wondered how you could possibly travel the country, live rent-free, and still make money, this episode is your roadmap. I’m Sarah Jones, and today I’m breaking down the real, practical ways you can use work camping to unlock financial freedom and flexibility - especially if you’re brand new to RV life and feeling overwhelmed by the “how.” Work camping isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle strategy that lets you choose your own adventure. Whether you want to pick your dream location and find a local job (like my husband James, who rebuilds golf carts in Arizona every winter), work at RV parks for a free site and utilities, or dive into seasonal gigs at rallies, fairs, and harvests, there’s a work camping path for you. I share our real stories - like our six-week stint in Idaho where James worked for our site and utilities, plus extra paid hours - and walk you through the math so you can see how dramatically this can lower your cost of living. You’ll hear about everything from camp hosting at state parks, to working remote jobs or running an online business on the road, to finding opportunities on Facebook or by simply reaching out to parks and farms. The best part? Everything is negotiable - your site, your utilities, your pay. I want you to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and you don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. The most important thing is to try, explore, and find what fits your version of freedom. If you’re new to RV life and worried about making it work financially, this episode is packed with encouragement, real-life examples, and actionable steps. Let’s figure out how to make work camping work for you - because your adventure (and your financial freedom) starts now. What You Will Learn What is work camping and how does it work? Work camping is a flexible lifestyle where RVers exchange work - at campsites, events, or through remote jobs - for free or reduced-cost camping, allowing you to travel and lower your living expenses.How can I find a job in my favorite RV destination? You can choose where you want to stay (like Arizona, Texas, or Florida), find seasonal or part-time work with local employers, and often get invited back year after year.How does working at RV parks and resorts help me save money? Many parks offer free sites and utilities in exchange for part-time hours, with additional paid hours available - helping you reduce monthly costs and earn extra income.What are the best work camping options for new RVers? RV park work camping, camp hosting at state parks, and seasonal event gigs are ideal for beginners, offering structure, free housing, and income without long-term commitments.Can I combine workamping with a remote job or online business? Absolutely! If you have a remote job or run an online business, you can layer work camping income on top, giving you ultimate flexibility and financial stability.What should I know about negotiating work camping terms? Everything is negotiable - site fees, utilities, hourly pay - so always do the math and advocate for what you need to make it financially worthwhile.How do I find work camping opportunities if none are advertised? Beyond Facebook groups, you can proactively contact RV parks, farms, event organizers, and homesteads in your target area - many opportunities aren’t posted publicly.Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  4. Aug 25

    EP 29 - Wellness & Simplicity Series: Sourdough Myths Busted: How to Bake Amazing Bread in Any Kitchen (Yes, Even an RV!)

    Key Takeaway: This episode of Traveling Towards Wealth with Sarah Jones shatters the most common sourdough myths, proving that anyone - even with a tiny RV kitchen and a busy schedule - can bake incredible sourdough bread. Sarah’s real-life, unfiltered approach makes sourdough simple, flexible, and totally doable for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. 🎙️ Recap of Episode Ever felt like sourdough is only for expert bakers with fancy tools and endless free time? Think again! In this episode, Sarah Jones, your favorite financial coach and full-time traveler, shares her authentic, no-nonsense process for baking sourdough in her RV oven - up to 15 loaves in a single day. She debunks the biggest myths that keep beginners stuck, from the idea that you must feed your starter daily to the misconception that you need a kitchen full of specialty gadgets. Sarah’s supportive, adventurous voice guides you through her flexible, low-waste approach: minimal discard, no daily feeding, and hands-on time that fits around your real life. She shares practical tips for storing, reviving, and freezing sourdough, plus how to stagger batches for maximum efficiency in any kitchen. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or intimidated by sourdough, this episode is your permission slip to start (or restart) your baking journey - with confidence, simplicity, and a whole lot of flavor. 📚 What You Will Learn Do you have to feed your sourdough starter every day? No! Sarah only feeds her starter when she’s ready to bake. The rest of the time, it lives happily in the fridge.What tools do you actually need for sourdough? Just two Dutch ovens, regular mixing bowls, a kitchen towel, and parchment paper. No fancy gadgets required.How much active time does sourdough really take? Very little. The process spans hours or days, but hands-on time is minimal -  perfect for busy, multi-passionate people.How much starter and discard should you keep? Only 1–2 tablespoons in the fridge. Sarah keeps two small jars to develop deep flavor from the dark hooch.Is dark hooch on your starter a bad sign? Not at all! Dark hooch means rich, fermented flavor. The darker, the better.Do you need to follow strict timing for sourdough? Absolutely not. Sourdough is flexible - refrigerate your dough to pause the process anytime.Should you wrap your sourdough bread to keep it fresh? No need! Leave it unwrapped on the counter. If it hardens, run it under water and bake at 400°F for 8–12 minutes to revive.Can you use active starter in discard recipes? Yes! Any starter - active or inactive - works in discard recipes.Can you freeze sourdough bread? Definitely. Vacuum seal and freeze loaves, then refresh in the oven for bakery-fresh results.How do you bake multiple loaves efficiently? Stagger your batches - mix, ferment, and bake in rounds to avoid overwhelm and maximize small kitchen space. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  5. Aug 18

    EP 28 Wellness, Simplicity Series - Simple Steps to Stay Healthy on the Road: Insights from Five Years of Travel

    In this episode, we dive into the simple yet impactful ways to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, while living a life on the road. Drawing from five years of full-time RV travel, I share tips and habits that have helped us avoid illness, maintain energy, and live intentionally—without a gym membership or relying on processed foods. Key topics include: The importance of movement and staying active in nature.Why exploring new places boosts mental and physical health.Building a strong immune system through whole foods, supplements, and reducing toxic chemical exposure.How intentional living and finding adventure can reduce stress and improve overall wellness.Practical tips for eating healthier, avoiding processed foods, and prepping meals on the go.Why value-based spending on health and wellness matters more than cutting costs. Join me as we talk about living simply but healthily, and discover how small, intentional changes can create big impacts on your health and happiness. Key Takeaways: Movement Matters: Walking, hiking, and exploring nature are excellent alternatives to traditional gym workouts.Boost Your Immune System Naturally: Whole foods, high-quality supplements, and reducing exposure to toxic chemicals can make a huge difference in overall health.Intentional Living: Finding adventure, exploring new places, and breaking out of routines helps reduce stress and improve mental health.Reduce Stress for Better Health: Small moments of excitement and discovery can have long-term benefits for your immune system and overall well-being.Healthy Food Choices: Eating minimally processed and nutrient-dense foods contributes to better physical and financial health. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  6. Aug 11

    EP 27. Wellness, Simplicity Series - Credit Card Chaos vs. Money Simplicity

    Sarah’s coming to you fresh out of bed, coffee in hand, and straight from the wild energy of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. After long nights working the ticket booth, she’s witnessed firsthand the exhausting chaos people create by juggling dozens of credit cards just to pay a simple fee. In this episode, Sarah gets real about the dangers of overcomplicating your finances - calling out the myth of “travel hacking” with 16 credit cards and showing how it leads to overwhelm, not freedom. With her signature no-fluff, no-filter style, she breaks down why simplicity is the real path to financial peace and shares actionable steps to help you cut the chaos for good. What You Will Learn Why awareness through transaction categorization is the first step to taking back control of your moneyHow to evaluate the number of accounts and credit cards you’re using - and whether they’re helping or hurtingThe power of cash envelopes (especially the “free money” category) to instantly calm spending chaosWhy it’s time to ditch “buy now, pay later” services like Klarna - and what those habits are really costing youHow to define what simplicity actually looks like for you, so you can stop wishing and start actingSupport the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  7. Aug 4

    EP. 26 Wellness, Simplicity Series - What Sturgis, RV Life, and Letting Go Taught Me About Living Intentionally

    In this episode, Sarah Jones gets real about one of the most misunderstood words in intentional living - simplicity. Sparked by her behind-the-scenes experience at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s clothing-optional campground, Sarah unpacks how judgment from outsiders can complicate our pursuit of peace. She shares honest stories from RV life, challenges the myth that “downsizing” is the only path to simplicity, and offers practical steps for decluttering your life and finances. This episode is a grounding reminder that simplicity isn’t about owning less - it’s about choosing more intentionally. What You Will Learn ✦ Why the loudest judgment about “simple living” often comes from outside the community - and how that blocks our own peace.✦ How to redefine simplicity on your own terms, regardless of what your life looks like to others.✦ What real-life simplicity looks like for a full-time RVer: morning walks, sunrises, and grounding routines.✦ How your spending habits mirror the chaos or peace in your life, and how to use this insight for financial clarity.✦ Why buying things that require ongoing attention is really buying complexity - not comfort.✦ A practical 4-step Simplicity Audit to help you identify and eliminate what’s adding noise to your life.✦ How to make one intentional choice this week to move closer to your version of a simple, wealthy life. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

  8. Jul 28

    Ep. 25 - Money & Mindset Series: Financial Prioritization & The Order of Operations for Your Money Plan

    Recap of Episode What do I focus on first? If you’ve ever stared at your finances and felt stuck, this episode is for you. Host Sarah Jones cuts through the noise and delivers a straightforward, no-fluff framework for prioritizing your personal finances. Whether you’ve just received a financial gift, an inheritance, a work bonus, or you’re simply trying to figure out where your money should go next - Sarah walks you through the real order of operations for your money plan. She gets honest about the two biggest reasons people feel stuck (spoiler: it’s not just about the numbers), calls out the most common - but totally wrong - places people start, and introduces the concept of the Peace of Mind Fund as your non-negotiable first financial move. Because life will throw curveballs, and Sarah’s here to make sure you’re ready for them. This is the kind of real, practical, and empowering conversation that makes your money feel manageable - and your life feel a little more free. What You Will Learn Why following too many financial gurus on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube is keeping you stuck - and what to do insteadThe surprising reason your financial priorities feel unclear (hint: it’s not the math - it’s the vision)Why tracking expenses and making more money are NOT the best places to start on your financial journeyThe Order of Operations for your money: Peace of Mind Fund → Debt Payoff → Other GoalsHow much to put in your Peace of Mind Fund to start ($2,500–$5,000 range) and why it comes before paying off debtThe “two focuses at a time” rule that will simplify your entire money planThe 5 most common budget disruptors you need to plan for (and why generic budget templates never work)Your non-negotiable essential expenses and the order they must be fundedHow to realign your spending habits with your actual financial values Timestamps [00:00] | Introduction  What does financial prioritization even mean? Sarah frames the big question listeners are asking. ] | Reason #1: Information Overload  Too many financial gurus = too much noise. Why following only 1–2 people is your first money move. [03:30] | Reason #2: You Don’t Know What You Want Yet  The power of building a life vision before you tackle your finances. [05:30] | The Two Biggest Misconceptions  Why expense tracking and chasing more income aren’t the right starting points (yet). [07:00] | The Order of Operations: Peace of Mind Fund First  The core framework. Why you fund your safety net before paying off debt - every single time. ($2,500–$5,000 starter target.) [09:30] | Two Focuses at a Time  The simplicity rule that keeps your money plan followable and your brain from burning out. [11:00] | Building Your Personalized Money Plan  The 5 budget disruptors (medical, car, home, pets, kids) and why your plan must account for them specifically. [12:30] | Non-Negotiables First  Housing, utilities, food, transportation, medical, and insurance: the foundation of every money plan. [14:30] | Realigning Your Priorities & Wrap-Up  A real talk on misaligned spending, how to bring your habits back in line with your goals, and how to book a complimentary call with Sarah. Support the show Ready to take your first step? Book your FREE call with Sarah: 👉 Schedule your free call today Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going: Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFCFacebook: Sarah JonesWebsite: Traveling Towards Wealth Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!

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About

Welcome to Traveling Towards Wealth—the podcast where money meets adventure and freedom is always on the horizon. I’m Sarah Jones: financial coach, full-time traveler, houseplant lover, sourdough baker, and your guide to building a life that’s as rich in experiences as it is in peace of mind. Each month, we dive deep into a new theme—whether it’s real money stories, the ins and outs of full-time travel, building a business on the road, or finding wellness and simplicity wherever you are. Here, you’ll get practical tips, honest conversations, and a gentle push to spend, save, and live according to your values—not someone else’s rules.