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”

  1. CBD for Anxiousness and also Depression: Visualize that it is feasible to introduce one natural prep work right into your everyday diet plan, which might prove to be the trick 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 significantly well-known and evaluated chemical substance of plant beginning, is not only possibly extremely reliable, but is not connected with the danger of adverse effects regular of medicinal medicines? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know even more? Read this post In this article we will cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Depression and the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main meanings suggest that depressive problems, also understood colloquially as depression, are identified by: abrupt depression of a person’s mood, in the negative instructions, of moderate to solid intensity of the strength of the knowledgeable changes, for more than a few weeks. There might be one or more reasons for the event of modifications. It likewise takes place that it is challenging to recognize any type of absolute factor. We extremely usually found the declaration that it is a civilization illness of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as younger people. Our education is trivial for clinical depression, let alone our profits – it can affect anyone. Treatment of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and also psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also even more natural tasks related to the accumulation of physical activity and the introduction of considerable adjustments in the day-to-day diet. It is as part of all-natural methods of battling and neutralizing anxiety that the addition of marijuana prep work with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the day-to-day diet regimen is acquiring a growing number of popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in many scientific studies as a potentially efficient cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Notably, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant origin. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the 3 most typical mental illness in which patients turn to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from consumers as well as their favorable point of views on the effectiveness of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an extraordinary speed. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal antagonistic impacts, which implies that CBD lowers the effects of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating effect, causes a sensation of euphoria, influences cognitive features, however also kicks back. Huge, consistently taken in dosages of THC are considered hazardous to the human mind. Extreme usage of THC can cause psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also also long-term adverse modifications in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently mentioned, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing photos, CBD decreases the deficiency of anandamide sources, and THC accelerate this process. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is only a damaging cannabinoid as well as must not remain in the prep work at all. On the contrary. Its little visibility in hemp prep work is also needed in order to get the supposed effect. synergy. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a marginal as well as, notably, legal quantity. This quantity is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger drunkenness. Working together, THC and CBD have higher potential than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for people suffering from anxiety? Read on! CBD, Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a vital system in charge of the regulation of fundamental human physiological procedures, such as power administration, neurohormonal as well as neuroimmune connections, motor activity, mood and also inspiration, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally produced in the human brain. Its manufacturing is boosted by e.g. exercise, and also to a lesser level by the so-called deal with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “made use of” to keep the appropriate functioning of the body, including in the field of psychological health and wellness. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are associated with a reduced risk of creating psychotic signs. A high degree of anandamide is additionally related to a positive impact on the decrease of clinical depression and anxiousness signs and symptoms. This device is still not fully understood, but it seems rational that a strongly clinically depressed mood in a private amount of time for a particular situation, and also with the synchronised absence of actions aimed at its improvement, results in a climax of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive conditions create, they can turn into a lot more dangerous kinds of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as rapidly as possible might become critical in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human performance.

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  2. CBD for Anxiety and also Depression: Demystified Imagine that it is feasible to present one all-natural prep work right into your day-to-day diet regimen, which can confirm to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive conditions. What if the inclusion of this preparation, developed on the basis of an increasingly well-known as well as examined chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just potentially extremely effective, but is not associated with the risk of negative effects typical of medicinal medications? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this short article In this short article we will certainly cover: What is clinical depression? THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Main definitions recommend that depressive problems, additionally understood colloquially as depression, are defined by: sudden anxiety of an individual’s state of mind, in the unfavorable direction, of moderate to strong intensity of the strength of the experienced modifications, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be several factors for the incident of modifications. It also occurs that it is hard to identify any type of absolute factor. We really often discovered the declaration that it is a people condition of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as more youthful people. Our education and learning is not important for clinical depression, not to mention our profits – it can influence anyone. Treatment of anxiety comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also even more all-natural activities connected to the climax of physical activity and also the introduction of significant modifications in the everyday diet plan. It is as part of natural approaches of fighting as well as combating anxiety that the addition of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the daily diet plan is gaining a growing number of popularity in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in countless clinical researches as a potentially efficient cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Significantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Interestingly, clinical depression is amongst the 3 most typical mental disorders in which individuals consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from consumers as well as their favorable viewpoints on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an unprecedented pace. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal hostile impacts, which indicates that CBD reduces the effects of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating result, creates a sensation of ecstasy, influences cognitive features, yet likewise kicks back. Large, regularly consumed doses of THC are thought about harmful to the human brain. Too much consumption of THC can result in psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as also irreversible adverse modifications in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as currently pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating photos, CBD decreases the depletion of anandamide resources, and THC accelerate this process. However, this does not indicate that THC is only a hazardous cannabinoid and ought to not be in the prep work at all. On the contrary. Its little presence in hemp preparations is even essential in order to obtain the so-called impact. synergy. THC in full range hemp oil is present in such a minimal as well as, importantly, legal amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Interacting, THC and also CBD have better possibility than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its importance for people dealing with depression? Read on! CBD, Anxiety as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system in charge of the regulation of standard human physical procedures, such as energy monitoring, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune connections, motor task, state of mind as well as inspiration, and also 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 manufacturing is boosted by e.g. physical activity, and also to a minimal degree by the supposed work with the body (massage!). Its sources are “made use of” to keep the proper functioning of the body, including in the field of mental health and wellness. As displayed in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a reduced danger of establishing psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is also associated with a favorable effect on the reduction of depression and anxiety signs. This mechanism is still not totally comprehended, however it seems sensible that a highly clinically depressed mood in a specific time period for a details case, and also with the synchronised lack of actions focused on its renovation, results in a climax of the increase of unfavorable ideas. As depressive conditions establish, they can develop into a lot more unsafe types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this procedure as promptly as possible may end up being important in the efficient treatment of mental illness of human performance.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiety and Depression: Visualize that it is feasible to present one natural prep work right into your daily diet plan, which could show to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What happens if the addition of this preparation, produced on the basis of an increasingly popular and checked chemical substance of plant origin, is not only potentially really effective, but is not associated with the danger of adverse effects regular of medicinal drugs? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know more? Read this short article In this short article we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Clinical depression and the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main definitions recommend that depressive problems, likewise recognized informally as anxiety, are identified by: abrupt clinical depression of an individual’s mood, in the unfavorable instructions, of moderate to solid strength of the intensity of the experienced adjustments, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be several reasons for the occurrence of modifications. It additionally happens that it is tough to determine any kind of indisputable factor. We really typically come across the statement that it is a human being condition of the 21st century – it influences both older and also more youthful individuals. Our education is not important for clinical depression, let alone our earnings – it can impact any individual. Treatment of depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy as well as even more natural tasks related to the surge of physical activity as well as the introduction of substantial adjustments in the daily diet plan. It is as part of natural approaches of battling and also combating anxiety that the incorporation of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids naturally happening in the plant in the everyday diet is getting a growing number of popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, discovered in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in countless clinical researches as a possibly effective cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Interestingly, clinical depression is amongst the three most usual 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 customers and also their favorable viewpoints on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with natural CBD are growing at an unmatched rate. THC as well as 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 minimizes the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating impact, creates a sensation of ecstasy, affects cognitive features, but likewise kicks back. Large, frequently eaten dosages of THC are taken into consideration unsafe to the human brain. Excessive intake of THC can cause psychosis, absence of motivation, and even permanent unfavorable changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently mentioned, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When creating photos, CBD decreases the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and also THC speeds up this procedure. However, this does not indicate that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid and should not remain in the preparation in all. As a matter of fact. Its small visibility in hemp prep work is also necessary in order to obtain the supposed impact. harmony. THC completely spectrum hemp oil exists in such a marginal as well as, notably, lawful amount. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Collaborating, THC and CBD have better possibility than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals experiencing clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is an essential system in charge of the policy of fundamental human physical processes, such as energy management, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, motor activity, state of mind and motivation, and fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally produced in the human mind. Its production is boosted by e.g. exercise, as well as to a lesser extent by the supposed work with the body (massage!). Its resources are “used” to preserve the proper functioning of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As shown in this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are related to a reduced danger of creating psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is additionally associated with a positive effect on the reduction of clinical depression and stress and anxiety signs and symptoms. This mechanism is still not completely understood, however it seems sensible that a highly depressed state of mind in a specific amount of time for a certain instance, and also with the synchronised lack of actions targeted at its renovation, results in an increase of the influx of negative thoughts. As depressive conditions develop, they can become a lot more harmful types of disorders, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this process as swiftly as possible might become essential in the effective treatment of mental disorders of human performance.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Stress And Anxiety as well as Anxiety: Visualize that it is feasible to introduce one all-natural prep work right into your everyday diet plan, which might confirm to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. What happens if the inclusion of this prep work, created on the basis of an increasingly well-known and also evaluated chemical compound of plant origin, is not only potentially very reliable, however is not related to the threat of adverse effects typical of medicinal drugs? Is it even possible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know more? Read this article In this post we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – differences Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Official definitions recommend that depressive problems, likewise known informally as clinical depression, are defined by: sudden depression of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse instructions, of modest to strong strength of the strength of the skilled changes, for greater than a couple of weeks. There might be several reasons for the event of modifications. It likewise happens that it is difficult to recognize any type of indisputable factor. We really usually encountered the statement that it is a world illness of the 21st century – it influences both older as well as younger people. Our education and learning is not important for depression, not to mention our earnings – it can impact anyone. Therapy of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy and psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and even more all-natural activities associated with the concentration of physical activity and the intro of considerable adjustments in the daily diet plan. It is as part of all-natural approaches of fighting and combating clinical depression that the addition of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the day-to-day diet plan is getting increasingly more popularity in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in many scientific researches as a possibly efficient cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Importantly, it is a 100 all-natural chemical substance of plant beginning. Remarkably, clinical depression is amongst the 3 most common mental illness in which individuals turn to CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, full range hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from consumers as well as 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 CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile effects, which implies that CBD minimizes the impacts of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an envigorating impact, causes a feeling of bliss, affects cognitive features, however likewise unwinds. Huge, on a regular basis taken in dosages of THC are taken into consideration damaging to the human mind. Extreme usage of THC can result in psychosis, lack of inspiration, as well as even long-term adverse modifications in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their action, as already pointed out, is contradictory. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD decreases the exhaustion of anandamide resources, and THC quicken this process. However, this does not suggest that THC is just a damaging cannabinoid as well as should not be in the prep work in all. However. Its little existence in hemp preparations is even needed in order to acquire the so-called effect. harmony. THC in full spectrum hemp oil exists in such a marginal and also, significantly, legal quantity. This amount is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have better possibility than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its relevance for individuals struggling with depression? Read on! CBD, Depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a crucial system responsible for the policy of basic human physical procedures, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and neuroimmune links, motor task, state of mind as well as motivation, and fat metabolic rate. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally produced in the human brain. Its manufacturing is promoted by e.g. physical activity, and to a lower extent by the so-called deal with the body (massage!). Its resources are “made use of” to keep the appropriate performance of the body, including in the field of mental wellness. As shown in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are associated with a decreased threat of creating psychotic symptoms. A high level of anandamide is likewise related to a positive effect on the decrease of clinical depression as well as stress and anxiety signs. This device is still not fully recognized, however it seems logical that a strongly clinically depressed state of mind in an individual time period for a details instance, and with the synchronised lack of actions aimed at its improvement, brings about a concentration of the increase of negative thoughts. As depressive problems create, they can develop into even more unsafe kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Slowing down this process as quickly as possible might become essential in the effective treatment of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply

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