Van Life Costs – March

Heading into our van life adventure at the beginning of 2019, one thing that we were hyper-focused on was our van life costs. We had some money saved from working full time, and did not have a ton of money coming in each month. What did that mean? It meant that the more we spent, the shorter our adventure would be! So we HAD to minimize costs, because we wanted to adventure as long as possible! We are going to give you a 100% transparent view into our expenses we had in our third month on the road. Here we go!

In March, we spent a TON of time with family! The whole month in fact. We started the month in Minnesota staying with Zach’s parents, took a Wisconsin trip to see Julie’s parents, and capped off the Midwestern excursion with a wedding in Stillwater, MN in mid-March!

We had an absolute BLAST seeing so much family and friends for the first time since we started our adventure! After the wedding (and Julie passing her nursing boards YAY!!) we took off from Minnesota heading South!

We stopped in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Waco on our way towards Houston. We had so much fun seeing our new nephew JP in February that we had to go back in March to see him again! We stayed in Houston with our Texas family until the end of March, exploring everything we could while we were there.

Photos from Month 3’s Adventure

Our budget for March was smaller than our January and February budgets because we were spending so much time with Family. We knew we would probably have higher entertainment expenses, but fewer gas and grocery trips, so those expenses would probably be lower. Here’s what we came up with for the budget:

February Budget

Expense Budget
Gas $300
Groceries $100
Lodging $0
Auto Maintenance $100
Other / Entertainment $300
Total $800

Now, let’s see how we did!

Gas

Budget: $300 || Actual: $147.93

Exxon (1 fill up) $28.37
Super America (1) $38.78
Cenex (1) $40.89
Holiday (1) $32.11
Other (1) $7.78
Total $147.93

We did WAY better than expected on gas in March. That was mainly due to a few reasons:

  1. We traveled much less than we thought we would while in MN and WI
  2. We split gas by carpooling from MN back to Houston

On the trip from MN to Houston, we had the pleasure of riding with some of Zach’s family! It made the road trip SO fun, and also it helped because the gas cost for us was much much lower.

Our Gas Search Strategy

Once we were under 1/4 tank, Julie opens up Get Upside and Google Maps, and searches for gas places on our route in the next 50 miles. We’d find and stop at the cheapest one, whether it was 2 miles away or 48!

If you decide to download Get Upside, use code ‘2GZ28A’ for an extra $.15/gal cash back on your first gas purchase!

Groceries

Budget: $100  ||  Actual: $116.20

Wal Mart (2 times) $109.51
Gas Station Coffee (3) $8.86
Total $116.20

We were SO close on our grocery budget for March. Close enough that I’m going to give us the benefit of the doubt and say we basically hit our goal.

If only a few more things were on sale at the right time, we could have snuck in right under budget for March. Either way, se la vie, life goes on.

One of our Favorite Recipes

Lodging

Budget: $0  ||  Actual: $0

Living in our van at Harvest Hosts, National
Forests, and Wal Mart parking lots
$0
Total $0

Just like February, we hit our budget DEAD ON for lodging… ZERO! Nada! Zip!

To be honest, finding lodging has become one of the most fun portions of our adventure! Also, to be honest, it has gotten MUCH easier the further West we’ve traveled.

Out West, there is MUCH more public property (National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, Wildlife Areas, etc) that offer opportunities for free camping! What’s more? The land is BETTER!

We have found b-e-a-utiful places to spend the night almost each and every night!

https://ruhlsoftheroad.com/park-overnight-free/

If you are interested in exploring Harvest Hosts, use this link for 15% off a membership:

Click this Image for 15% off your Harvest Hosts Membership!

Auto Maintenance

Budget: $100  ||  Actual: $94.69

One oil change and general tune-up $94.69
Total $94.69

In March, Winnie continued to be an absolute CHAMPION on the road! Absolutely no issues to deal with except our regular oil change and tune up.

We try to stay ahead of schedule with these to keep Winnie in as tip top of shape as we can. So far our strategy seems to be working well! Knock on wood…

Other / Entertainment

Budget: $300  || Actual: $660.99

Drinking Out (7 times) $171.65
Eating Out (4) $60.31
Van Improvements $269.73
Subscriptions (Canva, Adobe, Spotify, Planet Fitness) $62.90
Other $96.40
Cash Expenses $0
Total $660.99

Once again we are over budget in our other/entertainment category! I guess you can say we cave in to peer pressure pretty easily.

Being back home with friends we found ourselves going out a lot more. How can you say no to a damn good time?? We have no idea!

Also while we were back in Minnesota, we made some van improvements. Our first two months on the road were a great test drive for what van-life would be like and we learned a ton!

For example, we learned having our kitchen pull out of the back was a huge pain, especially with our bikes on the back. Brushing your teeth/washing your face isn’t very fun using water bottles either.

Therefore, while we were home we rearranged some things in the van and put our kitchen with running water inside! We also added a deck to our roof, which has been by far our favorite improvement! We’ve loved reading, sunbathing, and star gazing on our roof all over the country.

Even though our van improvements took us over budget, they were totally worth it. Having running water in the van and a rooftop deck have been extreme life improvements for us!

Total

Expense Budget Actual
Gas $300 $147.93
Groceries $100 $16.20
Lodging $0 $0
Auto Maintenance $100 $94.69
Other / Entertainment $300 $660.99
Total $800 $1019.81

So close, but yet so far. Again and again, it is the other/entertainment category that absolutely CRUSHES us month after month.

We REALLY need to improve our self-control, but we just have so much rootin’ tootin’ FUN when we see friends and family! So sue us. Actually please don’t, we don’t have a lot of money, so you won’t win a lot anyways…

Month 4 Budget

Expense Budget
Gas $400
Groceries $300
Lodging $0
Auto Maintenance $100
Other / Entertainment $200
Total $1000

For April, we will be back on the road FULL TIME! That means our budget is back to what it was in February: $1000, broken down just as it is in the table above.

Will we hit it? Will April be the first time this year that we actually HIT our budget? You’ll have to check back to find out!

If you liked this article, use the below image to Pin it and save for later!

If you want to hear more about our budget, here is our budget and spending from February and January!

https://ruhlsoftheroad.com/van-life-costs-february/
https://ruhlsoftheroad.com/van-life-cost-month-1/

3,465 thoughts on “Van Life Costs – March”

  1. CBD for Anxiousness as well as Clinical Depression: Think of that it is possible to present one natural prep work into your everyday diet plan, which can prove to be the key to winning the defend a calmer life for individuals with depressive problems. What happens if the inclusion of this preparation, developed on the basis of an increasingly well-known as well as tested chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only potentially very efficient, but is not associated with the threat of negative effects common of pharmacological medications? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know more? Read this short article In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC and also CBD cannabinoids – differences Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main meanings recommend that depressive disorders, additionally understood informally as anxiety, are identified by: sudden anxiety of an individual’s mood, in the negative instructions, of modest to solid strength of the intensity of the experienced adjustments, for more than a few weeks. There might be several reasons for the incident of modifications. It additionally takes place that it is difficult to identify any unequivocal factor. We very usually encountered the declaration that it is a civilization disease of the 21st century – it affects both older and more youthful individuals. Our education is trivial for clinical depression, not to mention our incomes – it can affect any person. Therapy of clinical depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more all-natural activities connected to the increase of exercise and also the intro of substantial modifications in the day-to-day diet plan. It is as part of all-natural techniques of fighting as well as counteracting clinical depression that the addition of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids normally taking place in the plant in the daily diet is obtaining a growing number of appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in various clinical research studies as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Interestingly, depression is amongst the three most typical mental disorders in which individuals turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from customers as well as their favorable point of views on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary speed. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which implies that CBD minimizes the effects of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating result, causes a sensation of bliss, influences cognitive functions, but additionally relaxes. Large, regularly eaten dosages of THC are thought about damaging to the human mind. Excessive consumption of THC can bring about psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as even permanent adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC and CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as currently discussed, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD slows down the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and THC accelerate this process. Nonetheless, this does not imply that THC is just a damaging cannabinoid as well as needs to not be in the prep work in all. On the other hand. Its small existence in hemp preparations is also required in order to obtain the supposed result. synergy. THC in full spectrum hemp oil exists in such a low and, significantly, legal quantity. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger drunkenness. Interacting, THC and also CBD have higher capacity than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals suffering from depression? Keep reading! CBD, Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the guideline of fundamental human physical procedures, such as power monitoring, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, motor activity, state of mind as well as motivation, and also fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is naturally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a minimal extent by the so-called deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to keep the proper functioning of the body, including in the field of mental health and wellness. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a lowered threat of developing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high level of anandamide is additionally connected with a positive effect on the reduction of clinical depression and also stress and anxiety symptoms. This device is still not completely comprehended, however it appears logical that a highly depressed mood in a specific period for a specific situation, and with the synchronised lack of activities aimed at its improvement, causes a surge of the increase of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive conditions create, they can become a lot more dangerous forms of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as quickly as possible may become important in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply
  2. CBD for Anxiousness as well as Depression: Debunked Imagine that it is possible to introduce one natural preparation into your daily diet, which can prove to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive problems. What happens if the inclusion of this preparation, created on the basis of a progressively widely known and also tested chemical substance of plant beginning, is not only potentially extremely efficient, however is not connected with the threat of adverse effects typical of medicinal drugs? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this article In this post we will cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official definitions recommend that depressive problems, also known colloquially as depression, are defined by: abrupt anxiety of a person’s mood, in the unfavorable instructions, of modest to strong strength of the strength of the experienced adjustments, for greater than a couple of weeks. There may be several reasons for the event of adjustments. It also occurs that it is difficult to recognize any unequivocal factor. We very commonly encountered the declaration that it is a human being disease of the 21st century – it influences both older and also younger individuals. Our education and learning is not important for depression, not to mention our revenues – it can influence anybody. Treatment of clinical depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural tasks connected to the intensification of physical activity as well as the introduction of substantial modifications in the day-to-day diet plan. It is as part of all-natural approaches of combating and neutralizing clinical depression that the inclusion of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the day-to-day diet plan is obtaining increasingly more popularity worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in numerous clinical studies as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the 3 most common mental illness in which patients consider CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers and also their positive opinions on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which means that CBD minimizes the results of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an envigorating result, creates a feeling of bliss, impacts cognitive features, but additionally relaxes. Huge, routinely eaten doses of THC are considered dangerous to the human brain. Extreme consumption of THC can cause psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as also long-term adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC as well as CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently stated, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating images, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide resources, and THC speeds up this process. However, this does not suggest that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid and needs to not remain in the prep work in all. As a matter of fact. Its little visibility in hemp preparations is also needed in order to get the so-called result. synergy. THC completely range hemp oil is present in such a minimal as well as, notably, legal quantity. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Working together, THC and CBD have better potential than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals struggling with clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a crucial system in charge of the guideline of standard human physiological processes, such as power management, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, electric motor task, state of mind and also motivation, as well as fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally created in the human mind. Its production is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and to a lesser level by the supposed deal with the body (massage!). Its resources are “utilized” to keep the correct functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As shown in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a decreased danger of creating psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is likewise related to a favorable effect on the reduction of clinical depression as well as anxiety symptoms. This device is still not fully understood, however it appears rational that a highly depressed mood in an individual period for a certain situation, and also with the simultaneous lack of activities aimed at its improvement, results in an accumulation of the increase of adverse ideas. As depressive problems establish, they can develop into much more unsafe forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as swiftly as feasible might turn out to be crucial in the reliable treatment of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiety and also Clinical Depression: Envision that it is possible to present one all-natural prep work into your daily diet plan, which could confirm to be the secret to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive conditions. What if the inclusion of this prep work, created on the basis of an increasingly widely known and tested chemical substance of plant origin, is not just potentially really efficient, but is not related to the danger of adverse effects regular of medicinal medications? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know even more? Read this write-up In this short article we will cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Anxiety and the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main definitions recommend that depressive problems, also understood colloquially as depression, are defined by: sudden depression of an individual’s mood, in the negative instructions, of modest to strong intensity of the intensity of the knowledgeable changes, for greater than a couple of weeks. There might be several reasons for the event of modifications. It additionally happens that it is hard to identify any indisputable factor. We really commonly stumbled upon the declaration that it is a people illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also more youthful people. Our education is not important for anxiety, not to mention our earnings – it can affect anybody. Treatment of anxiety boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more natural tasks associated with the intensification of exercise as well as the introduction of substantial changes in the day-to-day diet. It is as part of all-natural methods of dealing with as well as combating clinical depression that the incorporation of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids naturally taking place in the plant in the day-to-day diet plan is obtaining increasingly more popularity in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific researches as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the therapy of clinical depression. Significantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant origin. Surprisingly, clinical depression is among the 3 most typical mental disorders in which clients turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from consumers and their positive opinions on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unprecedented pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic effects, which means that CBD reduces the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating result, causes a feeling of bliss, impacts cognitive features, however likewise unwinds. Big, consistently consumed dosages of THC are considered harmful to the human mind. Too much intake of THC can bring about psychosis, absence of motivation, as well as also irreversible adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC and also CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as already pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing images, CBD slows down the exhaustion of anandamide sources, as well as THC accelerate this process. However, this does not mean that THC is just a damaging cannabinoid and also needs to not be in the preparation in any way. On the other hand. Its little existence in hemp preparations is even needed in order to get the supposed impact. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a limited and also, significantly, legal quantity. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not cause drunkenness. Interacting, THC and also CBD have better capacity than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its importance for individuals suffering from depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system responsible for the guideline of standard human physiological procedures, such as energy monitoring, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, electric motor activity, state of mind as well as inspiration, as well as fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally produced in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, and also to a lesser degree by the so-called work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to keep the appropriate performance of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a lowered threat of creating psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is also associated with a positive effect on the decrease of clinical depression and also anxiety signs. This mechanism is still not totally comprehended, yet it seems rational that a strongly clinically depressed state of mind in a specific time period for a details instance, and with the synchronised absence of activities focused on its renovation, results in an aggravation of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive disorders establish, they can develop into even more hazardous forms of conditions, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this procedure as swiftly as possible might become crucial in the reliable therapy of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Anxiety and Depression: Visualize that it is possible to present one all-natural prep work right into your everyday diet plan, which could prove to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What happens if the incorporation of this preparation, developed on the basis of an increasingly popular as well as examined chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just potentially very effective, however is not connected with the threat of negative effects typical of pharmacological medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you want to know more? Read this post In this post we will certainly cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main interpretations suggest that depressive disorders, additionally understood colloquially as depression, are defined by: sudden anxiety of a person’s state of mind, in the adverse instructions, of modest to solid intensity of the strength of the experienced adjustments, for more than a few weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the occurrence of modifications. It additionally occurs that it is challenging to identify any kind of unquestionable factor. We extremely typically discovered the declaration that it is a world condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older and younger individuals. Our education and learning is trivial for clinical depression, let alone our earnings – it can affect anyone. Therapy of clinical depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural tasks connected to the rise of physical activity and the introduction of substantial changes in the everyday diet plan. It is as part of natural methods of combating and neutralizing clinical depression that the addition of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the day-to-day diet is acquiring a growing number of popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in many clinical studies as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the therapy of clinical depression. Significantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Surprisingly, clinical depression is among the 3 most common mental illness in which individuals consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from consumers as well as their positive opinions on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched speed. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile impacts, which means that CBD reduces the effects of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating effect, creates a sensation of euphoria, influences cognitive functions, yet likewise relaxes. Large, routinely taken in doses of THC are considered unsafe to the human brain. Extreme usage of THC can result in psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also even long-term adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC as well as CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as currently stated, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing photos, CBD reduces the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and also THC quicken this process. Nevertheless, this does not suggest that THC is just an unsafe cannabinoid as well as ought to not be in the preparation at all. On the contrary. Its little visibility in hemp prep work is also necessary in order to acquire the so-called impact. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a minimal and also, notably, legal amount. This amount is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and CBD have better potential than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals struggling with anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the policy of basic human physiological procedures, such as energy monitoring, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, motor task, state of mind as well as inspiration, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. exercise, as well as to a lower degree by the supposed collaborate with the body (massage!). Its resources are “made use of” to keep the proper performance of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological health. As received this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a reduced danger of establishing psychotic signs. A high degree of anandamide is likewise associated with a favorable effect on the reduction of anxiety as well as anxiety signs and symptoms. This device is still not completely recognized, yet it appears rational that a highly clinically depressed mood in a private time period for a particular instance, as well as with the synchronised lack of activities aimed at its renovation, leads to an accumulation of the influx of negative thoughts. As depressive problems develop, they can turn into even more hazardous types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this process as promptly as possible might turn out to be vital in the effective therapy of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply

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