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 Anxiety and also Anxiety: Picture that it is feasible to present one all-natural preparation into your everyday diet plan, which can verify to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, created on the basis of an increasingly well-known and also tested chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just potentially really reliable, but is not related to the danger of negative effects common of medicinal drugs? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this article In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main interpretations recommend that depressive conditions, additionally recognized informally as anxiety, are characterized by: abrupt depression of a person’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of moderate to strong strength of the strength of the experienced adjustments, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be several reasons for the occurrence of adjustments. It likewise occurs that it is hard to recognize any type of absolute factor. We very often encountered the statement that it is a human being condition of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as more youthful people. Our education and learning is not important for anxiety, not to mention our incomes – it can affect anybody. Treatment of anxiety comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more all-natural activities related to the accumulation of exercise and also the introduction of substantial adjustments in the daily diet plan. It is as part of all-natural approaches of dealing with as well as counteracting anxiety that the incorporation of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the everyday diet is obtaining increasingly more appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in many clinical researches as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the therapy of clinical depression. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, depression is among the 3 most usual mental illness in which people consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers and also their positive point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an unprecedented rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which indicates that CBD lowers the effects of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating result, triggers a sensation of euphoria, affects cognitive functions, but additionally unwinds. Big, frequently taken in doses of THC are taken into consideration dangerous to the human brain. Excessive consumption of THC can cause psychosis, absence of motivation, as well as also permanent unfavorable modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC as well as CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating photos, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide resources, and THC quicken this procedure. Nonetheless, this does not imply that THC is just a dangerous cannabinoid and ought to not be in the preparation at all. As a matter of fact. Its tiny visibility in hemp preparations is also required in order to acquire the supposed result. synergy. THC completely range hemp oil is present in such a marginal as well as, significantly, legal quantity. This quantity is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have better possibility than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals suffering from anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the policy of fundamental human physical procedures, such as energy management, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, motor activity, mood and motivation, and also fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is normally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is boosted by e.g. exercise, and also to a lesser degree by the supposed work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “made use of” to maintain the appropriate functioning of the body, including in the field of psychological health and wellness. As received this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are connected with a reduced risk of developing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also associated with a positive effect on the reduction of anxiety and anxiousness signs and symptoms. This mechanism is still not completely recognized, yet it seems logical that a highly depressed state of mind in a specific period for a specific case, and also with the simultaneous absence of activities aimed at its improvement, brings about an intensification of the increase of negative ideas. As depressive problems develop, they can become much more dangerous forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as rapidly as possible might end up being critical in the reliable therapy of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply
  2. CBD for Anxiousness and Anxiety: Envision that it is feasible to introduce one natural prep work into your daily diet, which could verify to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. Suppose the addition of this preparation, created on the basis of a progressively well-known and also examined chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just possibly very efficient, yet is not connected with the danger of negative effects regular of medicinal drugs? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this write-up In this post we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC and also CBD cannabinoids – differences Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official definitions suggest that depressive disorders, also known informally as anxiety, are defined by: sudden clinical depression of a person’s mood, in the negative direction, of modest to solid strength of the strength of the seasoned modifications, for greater than a couple of weeks. There might be several factors for the event of modifications. It also occurs that it is hard to determine any kind of absolute factor. We really frequently stumbled upon the statement that it is a people illness of the 21st century – it affects both older and also younger individuals. Our education and learning is trivial for anxiety, not to mention our incomes – it can impact any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural activities related to the intensification of exercise as well as the intro of substantial modifications in the day-to-day diet regimen. It is as part of natural techniques of dealing with and counteracting clinical depression that the inclusion of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the daily diet regimen is acquiring a growing number of appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless clinical studies as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Surprisingly, anxiety is amongst the three most usual mental illness in which patients consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers as well as their positive viewpoints on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary rate. THC and also CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which suggests that CBD lowers the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating impact, triggers a sensation of euphoria, impacts cognitive features, yet likewise kicks back. Big, on a regular basis consumed dosages of THC are considered unsafe to the human brain. Too much consumption of THC can result in psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also irreversible unfavorable changes in cognitive feature. Both THC and also CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as currently mentioned, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD slows down the depletion of anandamide sources, and also THC accelerate this process. However, this does not indicate that THC is only an unsafe cannabinoid and also must not be in the prep work in all. On the other hand. Its tiny existence in hemp prep work is even essential in order to get the so-called impact. harmony. THC completely range hemp oil is present in such a marginal as well as, importantly, legal amount. This amount is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have greater possibility than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals experiencing depression? Read on! CBD, Depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the guideline of basic human physiological processes, such as power management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, motor activity, mood and also inspiration, and also fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally created in the human mind. Its manufacturing is boosted by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lower level by the so-called collaborate with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “used” to keep the proper performance of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological health and wellness. As displayed in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are associated with a reduced threat of establishing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high level of anandamide is likewise connected with a positive effect on the decrease of anxiety and anxiousness signs. This mechanism is still not fully recognized, however it appears logical that a strongly clinically depressed mood in an individual time period for a certain case, as well as with the simultaneous lack of activities focused on its renovation, leads to a surge of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive problems create, they can become much more dangerous types of conditions, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as swiftly as possible may turn out to be important in the efficient treatment of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiousness and also Anxiety: Visualize that it is possible to present one natural prep work into your everyday diet plan, which might prove to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive conditions. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, produced on the basis of a significantly popular and also examined chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only possibly really effective, yet is not connected with the threat of side effects typical of medicinal medications? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know more? Read this article In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC and also CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main interpretations suggest that depressive problems, likewise known informally as depression, are identified by: unexpected anxiety of a person’s mood, in the negative direction, of moderate to solid intensity of the intensity of the knowledgeable changes, for greater than a few weeks. There may be one or more factors for the event of modifications. It also takes place that it is difficult to identify any type of absolute factor. We very often stumbled upon the declaration that it is a people condition of the 21st century – it affects both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for depression, let alone our incomes – it can affect anyone. Therapy of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more natural tasks associated with the increase of physical activity and also the intro of considerable modifications in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of natural approaches of dealing with as well as combating depression that the incorporation of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally taking place in the plant in the daily diet is obtaining a growing number of popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in many clinical research studies as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the therapy of depression. Notably, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the three most typical mental disorders in which people turn to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from customers and also their favorable point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The key cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile impacts, which means that CBD reduces the impacts of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an envigorating effect, causes a sensation of euphoria, influences cognitive features, but also unwinds. Large, regularly eaten dosages of THC are thought about unsafe to the human mind. Too much consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of motivation, as well as even irreversible negative adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as currently mentioned, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD reduces the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and THC speeds up this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not indicate that THC is just a damaging cannabinoid and must not remain in the preparation in all. As a matter of fact. Its tiny existence in hemp preparations is also essential in order to get the so-called impact. harmony. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a marginal as well as, importantly, legal quantity. This quantity is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not cause drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and CBD have greater capacity than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals dealing with anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system responsible for the regulation of basic human physiological procedures, such as energy management, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune connections, motor task, state of mind and inspiration, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally produced in the human mind. Its production is boosted by e.g. exercise, and to a lesser extent by the so-called deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “made use of” to preserve the proper functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological health. As shown in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a reduced threat of establishing psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is also connected with a positive impact on the decrease of depression as well as anxiety symptoms. This mechanism is still not completely comprehended, however it appears logical that a strongly depressed state of mind in a specific amount of time for a certain instance, and with the synchronised lack of activities targeted at its improvement, results in a concentration of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive problems develop, they can become much more hazardous types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Reducing this process as promptly as possible may become critical in the reliable treatment of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Anxiousness and also Anxiety: Think of that it is feasible to introduce one all-natural preparation into your daily diet regimen, which can show to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. Suppose the incorporation of this preparation, developed on the basis of a progressively popular as well as examined chemical substance of plant origin, is not only possibly very effective, however is not connected with the danger of negative effects normal of medicinal drugs? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know more? Read this article In this short article we will cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main definitions suggest that depressive problems, also recognized informally as anxiety, are identified by: unexpected clinical depression of a person’s state of mind, in the unfavorable direction, of modest to strong strength of the intensity of the skilled adjustments, for greater than a few weeks. There might be several factors for the incident of changes. It additionally takes place that it is hard to recognize any absolute reason. We extremely usually found the declaration that it is a human being illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for anxiety, not to mention our profits – it can affect any individual. Treatment of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also even more all-natural tasks related to the increase of physical activity and also the introduction of significant changes in the daily diet plan. It is as part of all-natural methods of dealing with and also combating clinical depression that the incorporation of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the daily diet regimen is gaining more and more popularity in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in many clinical research studies as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant origin. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the 3 most usual mental illness in which individuals consider CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from consumers and their favorable point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched rate. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which suggests that CBD decreases the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating impact, triggers a sensation of ecstasy, impacts cognitive features, however also relaxes. Huge, frequently consumed dosages of THC are considered harmful to the human brain. Extreme consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also permanent negative modifications in cognitive function. Both THC and CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as already stated, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD reduces the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and THC accelerate this procedure. Nonetheless, this does not suggest that THC is only a hazardous cannabinoid and also needs to not remain in the preparation in all. On the other hand. Its little presence in hemp prep work is even necessary in order to obtain the supposed effect. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a minimal and also, significantly, legal amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Interacting, THC and CBD have greater potential than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals experiencing depression? Read on! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system responsible for the regulation of standard human physical processes, such as power administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune links, motor activity, mood as well as inspiration, and also fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally produced in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lower extent by the supposed deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “made use of” to preserve the proper functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of mental wellness. As shown in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a decreased threat of creating psychotic signs and symptoms. A high level of anandamide is also related to a favorable impact on the decrease of depression as well as anxiety signs. This mechanism is still not fully comprehended, but it seems rational that a highly depressed state of mind in a private amount of time for a specific case, and with the simultaneous lack of activities focused on its renovation, results in a rise of the influx of adverse thoughts. As depressive disorders develop, they can develop into a lot more hazardous kinds of disorders, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as promptly as feasible might end up being crucial in the efficient treatment of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply

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