I built a tiny house in my parents' backyard and lived rent-free for 5 years. It helped me save money to see the world — and taught me how to live simply.

• Mckean Matson built a tiny home in her parents' backyard and lived there for five years.
• She says the experience taught her how to live with fewer materials and helped her save money.
• Matson says she was able to buy horses and a bigger home and see the world with the money she saved.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mckean Matson, a 25-year-old tiny homeowner in College Station, Texas. It has been edited for length and clarity.