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 Anxiety: Think of that it is possible to introduce one all-natural preparation into your everyday diet plan, which might prove to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive problems. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, developed on the basis of an increasingly popular and examined chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just potentially really reliable, but is not related to the threat of negative effects regular of medicinal medications? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know more? Read this write-up In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Official definitions suggest that depressive problems, additionally known informally as clinical depression, are identified by: abrupt clinical depression of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse instructions, of moderate to strong strength of the strength of the skilled changes, for more than a few weeks. There might be several reasons for the event of modifications. It likewise occurs that it is tough to identify any kind of absolute factor. We extremely usually discovered the statement that it is a human being illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for clinical depression, let alone our incomes – it can affect any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more natural tasks connected to the rise of exercise as well as the intro of significant adjustments in the day-to-day diet plan. It is as part of natural techniques of dealing with and also neutralizing anxiety that the addition of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the day-to-day diet plan is getting more and more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific studies as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Notably, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the 3 most common mental disorders in which clients resort to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from consumers and their positive opinions on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile impacts, which indicates that CBD reduces the effects of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating effect, causes a sensation of bliss, influences cognitive functions, yet likewise loosens up. Large, consistently eaten doses of THC are taken into consideration unsafe to the human mind. Excessive usage of THC can cause psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as even permanent unfavorable adjustments in cognitive function. Both THC and CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as already pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide resources, and THC speeds up this procedure. Nonetheless, this does not suggest that THC is only an unsafe cannabinoid and also needs to not remain in the prep work at all. On the other hand. Its small visibility in hemp preparations is even required in order to acquire the supposed impact. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a low and, notably, lawful amount. This quantity is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not cause drunkenness. Working together, THC as well as CBD have higher potential than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for people struggling with clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system responsible for the guideline of basic human physiological processes, such as power administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, electric motor activity, mood and also inspiration, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is normally created in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. exercise, and to a minimal level by the supposed deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “utilized” to preserve the proper performance of the body, including in the field of psychological wellness. As received this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are associated with a decreased danger of creating psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is also connected with a favorable effect on the decrease of anxiety and anxiety symptoms. This device is still not completely recognized, however it appears logical that a highly depressed mood in an individual period for a details case, and with the synchronised lack of activities targeted at its improvement, causes an intensification of the influx of negative thoughts. As depressive problems establish, they can become even more harmful forms of disorders, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as quickly as possible might end up being crucial in the efficient therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

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  2. CBD for Anxiety and also Anxiety: Picture that it is possible to present one all-natural preparation right into your day-to-day diet regimen, which might prove to be the secret to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. What happens if the addition of this preparation, created on the basis of a significantly widely known and also evaluated chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just possibly extremely effective, but is not associated with the danger of adverse effects regular of pharmacological medications? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know more? Read this article In this article we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official meanings recommend that depressive conditions, also recognized colloquially as depression, are characterized by: abrupt clinical depression of a person’s state of mind, in the adverse instructions, of moderate to solid strength of the strength of the skilled modifications, for greater than a few weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the incident of changes. It additionally happens that it is difficult to recognize any unquestionable factor. We really frequently encountered the declaration that it is a civilization condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older and younger people. Our education and learning is trivial for anxiety, let alone our incomes – it can affect anybody. Therapy of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also even more natural tasks associated with the concentration of exercise as well as the introduction of substantial changes in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of natural techniques of combating as well as combating depression that the incorporation of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids naturally happening in the plant in the day-to-day diet regimen is gaining more and more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in various scientific studies as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Significantly, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Interestingly, clinical depression is amongst the three most typical mental illness in which patients turn to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from consumers as well as their favorable point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an extraordinary pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal hostile results, which indicates that CBD minimizes the results of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating result, causes a feeling of euphoria, influences cognitive features, yet additionally relaxes. Big, regularly eaten dosages of THC are taken into consideration harmful to the human mind. Excessive intake of THC can cause psychosis, absence of motivation, and also even long-term adverse changes in cognitive feature. Both THC and CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as currently mentioned, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD slows down the exhaustion of anandamide resources, as well as THC quicken this process. Nonetheless, this does not imply that THC is just a dangerous cannabinoid as well as needs to not remain in the prep work whatsoever. As a matter of fact. Its small presence in hemp preparations is even required in order to obtain the supposed effect. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a minimal and also, importantly, lawful amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not cause drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have greater capacity than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for people suffering from anxiety? Read on! CBD, Anxiety as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the policy of standard human physical processes, such as power administration, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, electric motor task, state of mind and inspiration, and also fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is naturally created in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. exercise, as well as to a minimal degree by the supposed work with the body (massage!). Its sources are “utilized” to maintain the correct performance of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health and wellness. As displayed in this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a decreased risk of creating psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is also related to a positive result on the reduction of depression and anxiousness symptoms. This mechanism is still not totally understood, yet it seems rational that a strongly depressed mood in a private time period for a particular case, as well as with the synchronised lack of activities aimed at its improvement, causes a climax of the influx of adverse thoughts. As depressive conditions create, they can develop into a lot more unsafe types of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this procedure as quickly as possible may turn out to be essential in the efficient therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Stress And Anxiety as well as Depression: Picture that it is feasible to present one all-natural prep work right into your everyday diet regimen, which might prove to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive problems. What if the addition of this preparation, developed on the basis of a significantly well-known and checked chemical compound of plant beginning, is not only possibly really reliable, yet is not associated with the danger of adverse effects typical of pharmacological medicines? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this article In this article we will cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official interpretations recommend that depressive disorders, additionally known colloquially as clinical depression, are identified by: unexpected depression of a person’s mood, in the unfavorable instructions, of moderate to solid strength of the strength of the seasoned modifications, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be several reasons for the occurrence of adjustments. It additionally occurs that it is hard to recognize any type of absolute reason. We really usually stumbled upon the declaration that it is a people condition of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as younger individuals. Our education is trivial for depression, not to mention our earnings – it can impact any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more all-natural tasks related to the aggravation of physical activity as well as the introduction of significant changes in the day-to-day diet regimen. It is as part of natural approaches of fighting and also neutralizing anxiety that the inclusion of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the everyday diet regimen is gaining an increasing number of appeal worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in various clinical studies as a possibly efficient cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Interestingly, clinical depression is amongst the three most usual mental disorders in which patients turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers and also their favorable point of views on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an unprecedented pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which indicates that CBD minimizes the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating effect, causes a sensation of bliss, influences cognitive functions, but additionally loosens up. Large, consistently eaten dosages of THC are considered unsafe to the human brain. Excessive intake of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of motivation, and also long-term unfavorable changes in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as currently mentioned, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating images, CBD slows down the deficiency of anandamide resources, and THC speeds up this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is only a damaging cannabinoid and also ought to not remain in the preparation in all. As a matter of fact. Its little visibility in hemp prep work is also required in order to get the so-called impact. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a minimal and, significantly, lawful quantity. This quantity is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger drunkenness. Interacting, THC and CBD have better potential than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its importance for people suffering from depression? Keep reading! CBD, Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system in charge of the policy of fundamental human physical procedures, such as power management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, electric motor task, state of mind and inspiration, and also fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally created in the human mind. Its manufacturing is boosted by e.g. exercise, and also to a minimal degree by the supposed work with the body (massage!). Its sources are “used” to maintain the proper performance of the body, including in the field of mental health. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are associated with a decreased risk of establishing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is likewise related to a favorable effect on the decrease of depression and also stress and anxiety symptoms. This device is still not totally understood, yet it appears sensible that a highly clinically depressed mood in a specific time period for a specific instance, and with the simultaneous lack of activities aimed at its renovation, causes a surge of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive problems create, they can turn into much more hazardous kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as swiftly as feasible may become crucial in the reliable treatment of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Stress And Anxiety and Depression: Envision that it is possible to present one natural preparation right into your daily diet plan, which could confirm to be the secret to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What happens if the incorporation of this prep work, created on the basis of an increasingly popular as well as checked chemical compound of plant beginning, is not just possibly really reliable, however is not related to the risk of side effects normal of pharmacological drugs? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know even more? Read this write-up In this article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main definitions recommend that depressive conditions, additionally known informally as anxiety, are defined by: abrupt anxiety of an individual’s mood, in the unfavorable instructions, of moderate to strong intensity of the strength of the skilled modifications, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be one or more reasons for the incident of changes. It additionally takes place that it is tough to recognize any kind of unquestionable reason. We extremely often stumbled upon the declaration that it is a people disease of the 21st century – it influences both older and younger people. Our education is not important for clinical depression, let alone our revenues – it can affect anyone. Therapy of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more all-natural activities associated with the surge of physical activity and also the introduction of significant adjustments in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural techniques of fighting and also combating anxiety that the inclusion of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids naturally taking place in the plant in the everyday diet is gaining increasingly more appeal on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous clinical studies as a potentially effective cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Notably, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, anxiety is among the 3 most typical mental illness in which individuals turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers and also their positive viewpoints on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an unprecedented pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences The key cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which implies that CBD minimizes the results of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating effect, causes a feeling of ecstasy, affects cognitive functions, however likewise loosens up. Big, consistently taken in doses of THC are thought about damaging to the human brain. Excessive consumption of THC can cause psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also even permanent unfavorable changes in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as currently discussed, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating images, CBD slows down the deficiency of anandamide sources, and also THC accelerate this procedure. Nonetheless, this does not suggest that THC is only a dangerous cannabinoid as well as needs to not remain in the prep work in all. On the contrary. Its tiny existence in hemp preparations is even required in order to get the supposed effect. harmony. THC completely range hemp oil exists in such a limited and also, significantly, legal quantity. This quantity is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Collaborating, THC and CBD have higher possibility than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for people dealing with anxiety? Continue reading! CBD, Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the regulation of basic human physical processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, electric motor activity, state of mind and motivation, and also fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally created in the human mind. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and also to a lesser level by the supposed work with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “utilized” to maintain the appropriate 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 related to a reduced danger of developing psychotic signs. A high level of anandamide is likewise related to a favorable result on the decrease of depression and anxiety signs. This device is still not totally comprehended, yet it appears rational that a highly depressed state of mind in a private time period for a details case, and also with the simultaneous absence of activities aimed at its renovation, causes an intensification of the increase of negative thoughts. As depressive conditions create, they can turn into a lot more harmful types of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this process as quickly as feasible might turn out to be important in the effective therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply

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