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 and also Depression: Visualize that it is possible to introduce one all-natural prep work into your everyday diet plan, which can verify to be the trick to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive conditions. Suppose the incorporation of this preparation, created on the basis of a significantly widely known and examined chemical substance of plant beginning, is not only possibly really reliable, but is not connected with the threat of negative effects regular of medicinal medications? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know even more? Read this article In this article we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Anxiety as well as the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official meanings suggest that depressive problems, additionally understood colloquially as anxiety, are defined by: sudden depression of an individual’s mood, in the adverse instructions, of modest to solid strength of the intensity of the seasoned modifications, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be one or more reasons for the occurrence of adjustments. It also happens that it is challenging to recognize any kind of absolute reason. We extremely frequently stumbled upon the statement that it is a human being condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also younger individuals. Our education is not important for anxiety, not to mention our revenues – it can impact any individual. Therapy of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more all-natural tasks connected to the accumulation of exercise and the introduction of substantial modifications in the everyday diet plan. It is as part of all-natural techniques of fighting and also neutralizing anxiety that the inclusion of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids naturally taking place in the plant in the daily diet regimen is gaining more and more appeal on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in countless scientific researches as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Significantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, clinical depression is amongst the three most common mental disorders in which individuals turn to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from consumers and their positive viewpoints on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an unprecedented rate. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic impacts, which indicates that CBD minimizes the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating result, creates a sensation of ecstasy, affects cognitive functions, yet likewise unwinds. Big, frequently eaten dosages of THC are taken into consideration dangerous to the human brain. Extreme usage of THC can bring about psychosis, absence of motivation, and also also irreversible unfavorable adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as already stated, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD slows down the deficiency of anandamide resources, as well as THC speeds up this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is just a hazardous cannabinoid as well as ought to not remain in the preparation in any way. On the other hand. Its small visibility in hemp preparations is also required in order to obtain the supposed impact. synergy. THC in full spectrum hemp oil is present in such a low as well as, notably, legal amount. This amount is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Working together, THC and CBD have greater possibility than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for people dealing with anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system in charge of the law of basic human physical processes, such as power administration, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, motor task, mood and also inspiration, and fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and to a lesser extent by the so-called work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to preserve the appropriate performance of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As received this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a lowered risk of creating psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is likewise related to a favorable result on the decrease of depression as well as stress and anxiety signs and symptoms. This mechanism is still not completely understood, however it appears sensible that a strongly depressed mood in an individual time period for a certain case, and with the simultaneous absence of actions targeted at its improvement, leads to a concentration of the increase of negative thoughts. As depressive disorders establish, they can turn into even more harmful forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as promptly as feasible may turn out to be crucial in the efficient treatment of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply
  2. CBD for Anxiety and Anxiety: Think of that it is possible to present one all-natural prep work right into your daily diet plan, which could verify to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What if the inclusion of this preparation, produced on the basis of a significantly widely known and tested chemical substance of plant origin, is not just possibly really effective, however is not related to the risk of side effects common of pharmacological medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this write-up In this article we will cover: What is depression? THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Main meanings recommend that depressive problems, likewise known colloquially as anxiety, are defined by: abrupt anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the negative instructions, of modest to strong strength of the intensity of the seasoned changes, for greater than a couple of weeks. There might be one or more factors for the incident of modifications. It additionally takes place that it is tough to identify any type of indisputable factor. We really usually stumbled upon the statement that it is a people condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as more youthful people. Our education is not important for anxiety, let alone our revenues – it can influence any individual. Therapy of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more all-natural activities connected to the increase of physical activity as well as the introduction of significant changes in the daily diet plan. It is as part of natural techniques of dealing with as well as combating anxiety that the incorporation of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the everyday diet plan is getting increasingly more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in countless scientific studies as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the treatment of clinical depression. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, anxiety is among the 3 most usual mental illness in which individuals turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers as well as their favorable point of views on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal antagonistic impacts, which implies that CBD reduces the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating result, causes a sensation of euphoria, impacts cognitive features, but also loosens up. Huge, regularly eaten dosages of THC are thought about hazardous to the human brain. Too much intake of THC can result in psychosis, lack of inspiration, and even irreversible adverse adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC and CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as already pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing images, CBD reduces the exhaustion of anandamide sources, as well as THC quicken this process. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is just a dangerous cannabinoid and should not be in the prep work in all. On the other hand. Its small visibility in hemp preparations is even required in order to obtain the supposed result. synergy. THC in full spectrum hemp oil exists in such a limited as well as, importantly, legal quantity. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger intoxication. Working together, THC as well as CBD have greater potential than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its importance for individuals dealing with depression? Read on! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a crucial system in charge of the guideline of basic human physical processes, such as energy management, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, motor activity, mood and also inspiration, as well as fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is normally generated in the human mind. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lesser extent by the so-called deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to preserve the appropriate functioning of the body, including in the field of psychological health. As received this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are associated with a reduced risk of establishing psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is also associated with a positive impact on the reduction of anxiety and also stress and anxiety signs. This system is still not fully understood, however it appears logical that a highly clinically depressed mood in an individual period for a particular instance, as well as with the simultaneous absence of actions targeted at its renovation, results in a climax of the increase of adverse thoughts. As depressive disorders create, they can turn into even more hazardous kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as swiftly as feasible might end up being crucial in the efficient therapy of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiety as well as Anxiety: Think of that it is feasible to present one natural preparation right into your daily diet regimen, which can prove to be the key to winning the defend a calmer life for individuals with depressive problems. What if the inclusion of this preparation, produced on the basis of a significantly well-known and also tested chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just potentially extremely effective, but is not connected with the risk of negative effects normal of medicinal medicines? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know more? Read this short article In this write-up we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences Depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official interpretations suggest that depressive problems, additionally understood informally as anxiety, are characterized by: sudden anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the negative instructions, of modest to strong strength of the strength of the experienced changes, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be several reasons for the incident of modifications. It additionally occurs that it is challenging to identify any indisputable factor. We very often discovered the statement that it is a world disease of the 21st century – it influences both older and more youthful individuals. Our education and learning is trivial for depression, not to mention our earnings – it can affect any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more natural tasks related to the concentration of physical activity and the intro of significant changes in the everyday diet. It is as part of natural techniques of fighting and neutralizing anxiety that the incorporation of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally taking place in the plant in the daily diet is acquiring a growing number of appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in many scientific researches as a potentially efficient cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Significantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant origin. Surprisingly, depression is among the 3 most common mental disorders in which patients turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from consumers as well as their favorable point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary speed. 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 hostile results, which means that CBD reduces the results of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating result, causes a feeling of bliss, influences cognitive functions, but additionally relaxes. Huge, frequently consumed dosages of THC are thought about hazardous to the human brain. Extreme consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, lack of motivation, as well as also irreversible adverse modifications in cognitive feature. Both THC and CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as currently pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating images, CBD reduces the depletion of anandamide resources, and THC quicken this procedure. However, this does not mean that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid and also needs to not remain in the prep work at all. As a matter of fact. Its small existence in hemp prep work is also required in order to obtain the so-called effect. harmony. THC completely range hemp oil exists in such a marginal and, importantly, lawful amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger intoxication. Working together, THC and CBD have higher capacity than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for people dealing with depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the policy of fundamental human physical procedures, such as power management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, motor activity, mood and motivation, and fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is naturally generated in the human mind. Its production is boosted by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lesser level by the so-called work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “used” to keep the correct performance of the body, consisting of in the field of psychological wellness. As shown in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are associated with a reduced risk of establishing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is likewise associated with a favorable result on the decrease of depression as well as stress and anxiety signs. This device is still not completely comprehended, however it appears logical that a strongly depressed state of mind in a private amount of time for a specific instance, and with the simultaneous absence of activities aimed at its renovation, leads to a rise of the increase of unfavorable ideas. As depressive problems develop, they can develop into much more harmful kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as quickly as feasible may turn out to be critical in the effective therapy of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Anxiousness and also Anxiety: Think of that it is possible to present one natural prep work right into your everyday diet plan, which can confirm to be the trick to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive problems. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, created on the basis of a progressively popular and examined chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only possibly really efficient, yet is not connected with the threat of negative effects regular of medicinal medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know more? Read this article In this short article we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Anxiety and the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main interpretations recommend that depressive disorders, likewise recognized colloquially as anxiety, are defined by: abrupt anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of moderate to solid strength of the intensity of the knowledgeable changes, for greater than a couple of weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the occurrence of changes. It also happens that it is difficult to determine any kind of absolute reason. We really often stumbled upon the declaration that it is a human being disease of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also younger individuals. Our education is not important for anxiety, not to mention our incomes – it can affect any person. Treatment of anxiety boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more natural activities associated with the rise of exercise and the intro of significant modifications in the everyday diet plan. It is as part of all-natural methods of battling as well as combating anxiety that the inclusion of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the daily diet regimen is getting more and more appeal on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific researches as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the therapy of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Remarkably, anxiety is amongst the three most typical mental disorders in which clients consider CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from customers and their favorable viewpoints on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile impacts, which indicates that CBD minimizes the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating effect, causes a feeling of ecstasy, influences cognitive functions, yet additionally unwinds. Big, frequently taken in doses of THC are considered dangerous to the human brain. Extreme consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of motivation, and even irreversible unfavorable adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC and CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as already mentioned, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing photos, CBD decreases the exhaustion of anandamide sources, as well as THC accelerate this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that THC is only a damaging cannabinoid and needs to not remain in the prep work whatsoever. On the contrary. Its tiny existence in hemp preparations is even needed in order to acquire the so-called effect. harmony. THC in full spectrum hemp oil is present in such a marginal and, importantly, legal amount. This quantity is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Interacting, THC as well as CBD have higher capacity than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals experiencing clinical depression? Read on! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system responsible for the guideline of fundamental human physiological processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, motor activity, state of mind and also motivation, and fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is naturally generated in the human mind. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. exercise, and also to a lesser extent by the so-called collaborate with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “made use of” to keep the appropriate performance of the body, including in the field of psychological health and wellness. As shown in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a decreased risk of creating psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is additionally related to a favorable result on the reduction of depression and anxiousness signs and symptoms. This device is still not completely recognized, however it appears sensible that a strongly clinically depressed state of mind in a specific period for a certain case, and with the simultaneous absence of actions aimed at its renovation, causes an aggravation of the increase of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive problems establish, they can turn into a lot more unsafe forms of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as promptly as feasible may become critical in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply

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