BYE LAND-LIVING, hello paradise!

THESE AUSSIES HAVE FOUND A CLEVER WAY TO LIVE IN STYLE - AND SAVE MONEY

- By Emma Levett

Buying a boat is mostly seen as something reserved for the rich and famous.

But there are a growing number of Australians who are bucking the trend and actually buying a boat to save money! In her seventies, Virginia Frost, from Queensland's Gold Coast, had begun experiencing financial issues. Facing credit card debt, a mortgage and a lack of support, Virginia says she felt she had to sell up her Surfers Paradise unit and find another option.

She soon realised that by living on a houseboat she could be mortgage free, as well as pay off all her credit card debt.

"I've always thought about it and when a mooring became available at Hope Island Marina three years ago, it fell into place," Virginia, now 73, tells New Idea.

"Financially, it was the best option for me, and I sold my unit and made the switch." At $930 a month to berth the 13-metre boat, which she owns outright, Virginia says it's much cheaper than any land rental.