Table of Contents
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
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Wedding in Minnesota! -
Wedding in Minnesota! -
Wedding in Minnesota -
Grassy Knoll in Dallas -
JFK Memorial in Dallas -
Grassy Knoll in Dallas -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Magnolia in Waco! -
Hanging with our Nephew JP in Houston! -
Hanging with our Nephew JP in Houston!
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:
- We traveled much less than we thought we would while in MN and WI
- 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!
If you are interested in exploring Harvest Hosts, use this link for 15% off a membership:
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Bayou Teche – Harvest Hosts -
Everything is Beachy Here! -
Golden Acres Ranch – Harvest Hosts -
Buffalo National River
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!
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We Added a Sink to the Inside of the Van! -
Rooftop Deck after Construction -
Rooftop Deck after Construction
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!
CBD for Stress And Anxiety as well as Depression: Think of that it is possible to present one all-natural prep work into your day-to-day diet, which might prove to be the secret to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. Suppose the incorporation of this prep work, developed on the basis of an increasingly widely known and also tested chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just potentially extremely efficient, but is not related to the risk of negative effects normal of pharmacological medicines? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you want to know more? Read this post In this article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Official meanings suggest that depressive disorders, also known colloquially as clinical depression, are defined by: abrupt anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the negative instructions, of moderate to solid strength of the intensity of the experienced modifications, for more than a few weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the event of adjustments. It likewise happens that it is tough to determine any type of unequivocal reason. We extremely often stumbled upon the declaration that it is a civilization disease of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also more youthful people. Our education is not important for depression, let alone our incomes – it can impact anybody. Therapy of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural tasks connected to the climax of exercise as well as the introduction of substantial modifications in the everyday diet. It is as part of natural techniques of combating as well as neutralizing clinical depression that the inclusion of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the everyday diet plan is acquiring more and more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific studies as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the therapy of clinical depression. Notably, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant origin. Remarkably, depression is amongst the three most typical mental illness in which individuals consider CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from consumers and their positive point of views on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an extraordinary rate. THC and also CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which suggests that CBD reduces the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating impact, causes a sensation of bliss, affects cognitive functions, but additionally unwinds. Large, routinely taken in doses of THC are taken into consideration harmful to the human mind. Excessive usage of THC can lead to psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as even permanent negative adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as already mentioned, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD decreases the depletion of anandamide sources, as well as THC accelerate this procedure. Nonetheless, this does not indicate that THC is only a damaging cannabinoid as well as ought to not remain in the preparation in any way. On the contrary. Its tiny existence in hemp preparations is even necessary in order to acquire the supposed impact. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a limited as well as, notably, lawful amount. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Interacting, THC and also CBD have higher possibility than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals struggling with depression? Read on! CBD, Anxiety as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system responsible for the law of fundamental human physiological procedures, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, motor task, state of mind and also inspiration, and fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally generated in the human brain. Its production is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and to a lesser level by the supposed deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “utilized” to preserve the proper functioning of the body, including in the field of psychological health and wellness. As shown in this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a reduced threat of developing psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also associated with a favorable impact on the reduction of clinical depression and also anxiousness signs and symptoms. This mechanism is still not totally recognized, however it appears sensible that a highly clinically depressed mood in an individual time period for a specific situation, and also with the simultaneous absence of actions aimed at its renovation, causes an increase of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive conditions create, they can develop into much more harmful forms of conditions, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this procedure as quickly as feasible may become crucial in the effective treatment of mental illness of human functioning.
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CBD for Anxiety and also Depression: Envision that it is feasible to present one all-natural preparation right into your day-to-day diet regimen, which might verify to be the secret to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive problems. What happens if the addition of this prep work, developed on the basis of a progressively widely known and examined chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just possibly very efficient, however is not related to the threat of adverse effects regular of medicinal medications? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know even more? Read this short article In this article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Depression and the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main interpretations suggest that depressive conditions, likewise understood colloquially as anxiety, are characterized by: abrupt anxiety of a person’s mood, in the negative direction, of modest to strong strength of the strength of the seasoned changes, for more than a couple of weeks. There might be several reasons for the event of adjustments. It also takes place that it is challenging to recognize any absolute factor. We really often found the statement that it is a civilization condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older and younger people. Our education is trivial for depression, let alone our profits – it can influence any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more all-natural tasks associated with the intensification of exercise and also the introduction of significant changes in the day-to-day diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural techniques of combating and also counteracting anxiety that the incorporation of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the daily diet plan is getting an increasing number of popularity worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless scientific researches as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the therapy of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, clinical depression is amongst the 3 most common mental disorders in which patients consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers 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 unprecedented pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile impacts, which implies that CBD lowers the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating effect, triggers a sensation of ecstasy, influences cognitive functions, yet additionally kicks back. Big, on a regular basis taken in dosages of THC are considered unsafe to the human mind. Excessive consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, lack of inspiration, and also even irreversible adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC and also CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as already stated, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing images, CBD decreases the deficiency of anandamide resources, and also THC accelerate this process. Nonetheless, this does not mean that THC is only a harmful cannabinoid and ought to not be in the prep work whatsoever. As a matter of fact. Its little existence in hemp prep work is also essential in order to acquire the supposed result. synergy. THC in full spectrum hemp oil exists in such a low and, notably, lawful amount. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Working together, THC as well as CBD have better capacity than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals suffering from anxiety? Continue reading! CBD, Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system responsible for the policy of basic human physical processes, such as power management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, electric motor task, mood 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 normally produced in the human brain. Its production is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and to a lower degree by the supposed deal with the body (massage!). Its resources are “utilized” to preserve the correct performance of the body, including in the field of mental health. As displayed in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a reduced risk of establishing psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is likewise related to a favorable effect on the reduction of anxiety as well as stress and anxiety signs. This system is still not totally recognized, but it appears rational that a highly clinically depressed mood in a specific amount of time for a details situation, and also with the synchronised lack of activities aimed at its improvement, results in a rise of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive problems create, they can turn into even more harmful types of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Reducing this process as promptly as possible may turn out to be critical in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human functioning.
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CBD for Anxiousness and also Clinical Depression: Envision that it is feasible to introduce one natural preparation right into your day-to-day diet plan, which can show to be the trick to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, produced on the basis of a significantly widely known and examined chemical substance of plant origin, is not only potentially very efficient, however is not connected with the risk of negative effects normal of pharmacological medicines? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know even more? Read this short article In this post we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Main interpretations recommend that depressive conditions, likewise known colloquially as anxiety, are characterized by: abrupt anxiety of an individual’s mood, in the negative instructions, of moderate to strong strength of the strength of the experienced modifications, for more than a few weeks. There may be several reasons for the event of modifications. It likewise takes place that it is hard to identify any unquestionable factor. We really often discovered the statement that it is a human being condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for depression, not to mention our earnings – it can impact any person. Treatment of clinical depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural activities related to the increase of physical activity and the introduction of significant adjustments in the day-to-day diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural methods of battling and combating anxiety that the addition of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the daily diet regimen is acquiring an increasing number of appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in various clinical research studies as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant origin. Surprisingly, clinical depression is among the 3 most common mental disorders in which people resort to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers as well as their favorable opinions on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an unmatched pace. THC and also CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The key cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal hostile results, which suggests that CBD decreases the effects of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an envigorating effect, triggers a feeling of ecstasy, influences cognitive functions, but also loosens up. Huge, on a regular basis eaten dosages of THC are considered unsafe to the human brain. Extreme intake of THC can result in psychosis, lack of motivation, as well as also permanent unfavorable modifications in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as currently discussed, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide sources, and THC quicken this process. Nonetheless, this does not indicate that THC is only a dangerous cannabinoid as well as needs to not be in the preparation whatsoever. However. Its small presence in hemp prep work is even needed in order to get the so-called effect. synergy. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a limited and, significantly, legal amount. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Interacting, THC as well as CBD have greater potential than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for people struggling with depression? Continue reading! CBD, Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system responsible for the regulation of basic human physiological procedures, such as power management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, electric motor activity, mood and also motivation, as well as fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is boosted by e.g. exercise, and also to a lower level by the supposed work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “made use of” to preserve the correct functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological health and wellness. As displayed in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a reduced threat of developing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also associated with a favorable result on the decrease of depression and stress and anxiety signs. This system is still not completely comprehended, yet it appears rational that a strongly clinically depressed mood in a specific amount of time for a certain instance, as well as with the synchronised absence of activities aimed at its renovation, results in a climax of the influx of adverse ideas. As depressive problems establish, they can develop into a lot more harmful forms of disorders, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as swiftly as possible may end up being crucial in the reliable therapy of mental disorders of human performance.