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/

3,464 thoughts on “Van Life Costs – March”

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  2. CBD for Anxiousness as well as Anxiety: Picture that it is possible to introduce one natural prep work right into your daily diet, which can verify to be the secret to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive problems. What happens if the incorporation of this preparation, produced on the basis of an increasingly widely known and evaluated chemical substance of plant origin, is not only potentially really effective, yet is not connected with the danger of adverse effects normal of medicinal medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know more? Read this short article In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Official meanings recommend that depressive problems, likewise recognized informally as clinical depression, are defined by: abrupt depression of an individual’s mood, in the unfavorable direction, of modest to strong strength of the intensity of the experienced adjustments, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be one or more factors for the event of modifications. It likewise occurs that it is difficult to recognize any absolute reason. We really often found the statement that it is a world illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as more youthful individuals. Our education and learning is not important for depression, let alone our earnings – it can influence anyone. Treatment of anxiety comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more natural activities connected to the climax of exercise and also the intro of substantial changes in the everyday diet. It is as part of all-natural techniques of fighting and combating clinical depression that the addition of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids naturally occurring in the plant in the everyday diet is obtaining more and more popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless scientific studies as a potentially efficient cannabinoid in the therapy of clinical depression. Significantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, clinical depression is among the 3 most typical mental disorders in which clients turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from customers and their positive opinions on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an unmatched pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic effects, which means that CBD reduces the effects of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an envigorating result, causes a feeling of euphoria, influences cognitive features, yet additionally loosens up. Big, routinely consumed doses of THC are thought about hazardous to the human mind. Too much usage of THC can bring about psychosis, lack of motivation, as well as even long-term unfavorable changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as already stated, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing photos, CBD slows down the depletion of anandamide sources, as well as THC quicken this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that THC is just a hazardous cannabinoid as well as should not remain in the preparation in any way. On the other hand. Its small existence in hemp prep work is even required in order to acquire the so-called result. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a marginal as well as, importantly, legal quantity. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Collaborating, THC and CBD have greater capacity than either particle performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals struggling with clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the regulation of fundamental human physical procedures, such as energy management, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune links, electric 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 created in the human brain. Its production is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, as well as to a lower level by the so-called work with the body (massage!). Its resources are “made use of” to maintain the proper functioning of the body, including in the field of psychological health. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a reduced danger of establishing psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is likewise connected with a favorable result on the decrease of depression as well as anxiousness signs. This mechanism is still not fully understood, however it appears sensible that a highly depressed state of mind in a private amount of time for a certain situation, and also with the synchronised lack of actions focused on its improvement, causes an accumulation of the increase of unfavorable ideas. As depressive conditions develop, they can develop into a lot more harmful forms of disorders, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this process as quickly as possible may turn out to be vital in the effective treatment of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiousness and Depression: Demystified Imagine that it is feasible to introduce one all-natural prep work right into your day-to-day diet, which can prove to be the secret to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive conditions. What if the incorporation of this preparation, produced on the basis of a progressively well-known and tested chemical substance of plant origin, is not only possibly really effective, yet is not related to the danger of side effects typical of pharmacological medicines? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this post In this write-up we will certainly cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official definitions recommend that depressive problems, also known informally as anxiety, are identified by: abrupt clinical depression of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of modest to solid intensity of the strength of the experienced modifications, for greater than a few weeks. There may be one or more reasons for the occurrence of changes. It additionally occurs that it is tough to identify any type of unquestionable reason. We very usually found the declaration that it is a human being disease of the 21st century – it affects both older and more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for anxiety, let alone our earnings – it can influence any individual. Therapy of anxiety comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and more all-natural activities associated with the increase of exercise and also the introduction of significant adjustments in the everyday diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural approaches of fighting as well as counteracting clinical depression that the addition of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the everyday diet is gaining an increasing number of appeal in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in numerous scientific researches as a possibly reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Notably, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Surprisingly, depression is among the 3 most common mental disorders in which clients consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from customers as well as their positive opinions on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an unprecedented pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal antagonistic results, which means that CBD decreases the impacts of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating result, triggers a sensation of ecstasy, impacts cognitive functions, but also kicks back. Big, routinely consumed dosages of THC are considered damaging to the human mind. Excessive intake of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of inspiration, and even irreversible adverse adjustments in cognitive feature. Both THC and CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as already pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating pictures, CBD slows down the exhaustion of anandamide resources, as well as THC speeds up this procedure. However, this does not suggest that THC is just an unsafe cannabinoid and needs to not remain in the preparation whatsoever. On the contrary. Its tiny presence in hemp preparations is also needed in order to obtain the so-called impact. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a minimal as well as, significantly, legal amount. This quantity is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not cause intoxication. Working together, THC and CBD have greater possibility than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for people struggling with depression? Read on! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a crucial system responsible for the policy of standard human physical procedures, such as power monitoring, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, motor task, state of mind and motivation, as well as fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally produced in the human brain. Its production is stimulated by e.g. physical activity, and to a minimal level by the supposed work with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “used” to keep the proper functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of mental wellness. As received this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a reduced risk of developing psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also associated with a favorable result on the decrease of anxiety and anxiousness symptoms. This system is still not totally comprehended, but it seems logical that a strongly clinically depressed state of mind in a private time period for a details situation, as well as with the synchronised lack of activities focused on its improvement, brings about an accumulation of the influx of adverse thoughts. As depressive disorders establish, they can turn into even more dangerous forms of conditions, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as rapidly as feasible might turn out to be critical in the reliable therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Anxiousness and Anxiety: Picture that it is feasible to present one natural preparation right into your daily diet regimen, which could verify to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. What happens if the incorporation of this prep work, produced on the basis of an increasingly well-known and also examined chemical compound of plant origin, is not only potentially extremely efficient, but is not associated with the danger of negative effects normal of pharmacological medicines? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know more? Read this short article In this post we will cover: What is depression? THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression as well as the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main meanings suggest that depressive problems, additionally known informally as clinical depression, are characterized by: unexpected clinical depression of an individual’s state of mind, in the negative instructions, of modest to solid intensity of the intensity of the knowledgeable adjustments, for greater than a few weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the incident of adjustments. It also occurs that it is tough to identify any kind of unequivocal reason. We really frequently come across the statement that it is a human being condition of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also more youthful people. Our education is trivial for depression, not to mention our earnings – it can influence anybody. Therapy of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as more natural activities associated with the surge of physical activity and the intro of substantial changes in the day-to-day diet. It is as part of all-natural techniques of battling and neutralizing clinical depression that the incorporation of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally taking place in the plant in the daily diet plan is getting an increasing number of appeal worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in various clinical researches as a possibly efficient cannabinoid in the therapy of depression. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, anxiety is amongst the three most usual mental disorders in which individuals resort to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers as well as their positive point of views on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an unprecedented rate. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The key cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal hostile impacts, which suggests that CBD decreases the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating effect, triggers a feeling of euphoria, influences cognitive features, but additionally unwinds. Big, consistently consumed doses of THC are considered dangerous to the human brain. Excessive consumption of THC can cause psychosis, lack of inspiration, and even long-term unfavorable changes in cognitive function. Both THC and CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing photos, CBD reduces the depletion of anandamide resources, and also THC quicken this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is just a damaging cannabinoid as well as should not remain in the prep work in all. On the contrary. Its little visibility in hemp prep work is also essential in order to get the so-called result. harmony. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a marginal as well as, significantly, lawful amount. This quantity is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Working together, THC and also CBD have higher capacity than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals experiencing anxiety? Keep reading! CBD, Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the law of fundamental human physical processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune connections, motor activity, mood and inspiration, and fat metabolic process. 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 also to a minimal extent by the so-called work with the body (massage!). Its resources are “used” to maintain the correct performance of the body, including in the field of mental health and wellness. As received this research study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a decreased danger of establishing psychotic signs. A high degree of anandamide is also connected with a positive effect on the reduction of clinical depression and stress and anxiety symptoms. This device is still not completely comprehended, however it seems rational that a strongly clinically depressed mood in a private period for a specific case, and with the simultaneous absence of activities focused on its renovation, leads to an aggravation of the increase of unfavorable ideas. As depressive disorders develop, they can develop into even more dangerous types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as promptly as feasible might end up being critical in the effective treatment of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply
  5. CBD for Anxiousness and also Anxiety: Envision that it is feasible to present one natural preparation right into your everyday diet, which might confirm to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive conditions. Suppose the incorporation of this prep work, developed on the basis of a significantly popular as well as evaluated chemical substance of plant origin, is not only possibly really reliable, yet is not connected with the risk of adverse effects normal of pharmacological medicines? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know more? Read this article In this short article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official definitions recommend that depressive disorders, also recognized informally as clinical depression, are identified by: sudden anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of modest to strong intensity of the intensity of the knowledgeable changes, for more than a couple of weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the event of changes. It also takes place that it is challenging to determine any absolute factor. We extremely commonly found the statement that it is a civilization illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as younger individuals. Our education and learning is not important for clinical depression, let alone our profits – it can influence any individual. Therapy of anxiety comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and also psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more natural activities connected to the aggravation of physical activity and also the intro of significant changes in the day-to-day diet. It is as part of natural techniques of fighting as well as counteracting depression that the incorporation of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids naturally taking place in the plant in the daily diet plan is acquiring an increasing number of appeal worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in numerous scientific researches as a possibly effective cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Significantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical compound of plant origin. Remarkably, clinical depression is amongst the three most common mental disorders in which individuals turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Records from customers and also their favorable point of views on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are growing at an unmatched speed. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which means that CBD minimizes the effects of THC. What are these results? THC has an envigorating result, creates a feeling of ecstasy, impacts cognitive functions, but additionally kicks back. Huge, regularly eaten doses of THC are thought about dangerous to the human brain. Extreme usage of THC can result in psychosis, lack of inspiration, and also even irreversible negative modifications in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as already mentioned, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating images, CBD slows down the exhaustion of anandamide sources, as well as THC quicken this procedure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid as well as must not be in the prep work whatsoever. As a matter of fact. Its small existence in hemp preparations is also essential in order to obtain the supposed result. synergy. THC in full spectrum hemp oil exists in such a low as well as, significantly, legal quantity. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger drunkenness. Interacting, THC as well as CBD have greater capacity than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals experiencing clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, 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 and also neuroimmune links, electric motor activity, mood and also inspiration, and also fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally produced 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 “made use of” to preserve the proper functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As displayed in this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a reduced danger of establishing psychotic signs. A high degree of anandamide is additionally connected with a favorable effect on the reduction of anxiety as well as anxiousness symptoms. This mechanism is still not totally recognized, but it appears logical that a highly depressed state of mind in a specific period for a certain situation, and with the simultaneous absence of activities aimed at its improvement, brings about a rise of the increase of negative ideas. As depressive conditions create, they can turn into much more harmful types of conditions, e.g. psychosis, deceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as quickly as feasible may turn out to be important in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply

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