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 as well as Anxiety: Picture that it is possible to present one all-natural preparation into your day-to-day diet, which could show to be the key to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive problems. Suppose the inclusion of this prep work, produced on the basis of a progressively popular and evaluated chemical substance of plant beginning, is not only possibly extremely effective, however is not related to the threat of side effects regular of medicinal medicines? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you want to know even more? Read this post In this short article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Main meanings recommend that depressive conditions, also known colloquially as clinical depression, are characterized by: abrupt depression of an individual’s mood, in the adverse direction, of modest to solid strength of the strength of the skilled modifications, for greater than a couple of weeks. There may be one or more reasons for the event of changes. It also occurs that it is challenging to determine any type of indisputable factor. We really usually encountered the statement that it is a human being illness of the 21st century – it affects both older and more youthful individuals. Our education is trivial for depression, let alone our earnings – it can influence anybody. Treatment of anxiety boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy as well as psychoeducation, photo-therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and more all-natural activities connected to the aggravation of physical activity and also the introduction of substantial changes in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural techniques of fighting and counteracting depression that the inclusion of marijuana preparations with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the day-to-day diet regimen is acquiring an increasing number of appeal worldwide. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in countless clinical studies as a possibly effective cannabinoid in the treatment of depression. Significantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, anxiety is amongst the three most common mental disorders in which patients resort to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete range hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers and also their favorable viewpoints on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an extraordinary pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The key cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They reveal hostile effects, which means that CBD minimizes the results of THC. What are these effects? THC has an envigorating result, causes a feeling of ecstasy, impacts cognitive functions, yet additionally kicks back. Large, frequently eaten doses of THC are considered harmful to the human mind. Too much consumption of THC can lead to psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also long-term negative changes in cognitive feature. Both THC as well as CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their activity, as already stated, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing images, CBD reduces the depletion of anandamide resources, and also THC quicken this process. Nonetheless, this does not mean that THC is just a dangerous cannabinoid as well as needs to not remain in the prep work in all. However. Its small presence in hemp preparations is even required in order to acquire the supposed result. harmony. THC completely range hemp oil is present in such a marginal and also, importantly, legal quantity. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger intoxication. Interacting, THC and also CBD have greater capacity than either molecule performing alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for people struggling with depression? Read on! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the regulation of basic human physiological processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune links, motor task, mood as well as motivation, and fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is normally created in the human mind. Its production is stimulated by e.g. exercise, as well as to a lower extent by the supposed work with the body (massage!). Its sources are “made use of” to keep the proper performance of the body, including in the field of psychological health. As shown in this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are related to a decreased risk of developing psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also connected with a favorable effect on the decrease of clinical depression as well as anxiety signs. This mechanism is still not fully recognized, however it seems logical that a highly depressed state of mind in an individual time period for a details situation, and also with the synchronised lack of activities focused on its renovation, brings about an accumulation of the influx of negative thoughts. As depressive disorders develop, they can turn into a lot more unsafe forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Reducing this procedure as promptly as possible may turn out to be vital in the efficient therapy of mental illness of human functioning.

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  2. CBD for Stress And Anxiety and Anxiety: Demystified Imagine that it is feasible to introduce one natural prep work right into your everyday diet plan, which can confirm to be the secret to winning the fight for a calmer life for people with depressive problems. Suppose the addition of this prep work, developed on the basis of a significantly widely known and evaluated chemical substance of plant beginning, is not just potentially really effective, however is not connected with the danger of side effects regular of medicinal drugs? Is it even feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you wish to know more? Read this article In this write-up we will cover: What is clinical depression? THC distinctions Depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is clinical depression? Official interpretations suggest that depressive disorders, likewise known informally as clinical depression, are defined by: unexpected depression of a person’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of moderate to solid strength of the strength of the seasoned modifications, for more than a few weeks. There may be several factors for the incident of modifications. It additionally happens that it is difficult to determine any absolute reason. We very commonly stumbled upon the declaration that it is a people disease of the 21st century – it impacts both older and also more youthful people. Our education and learning is trivial for anxiety, let alone our incomes – it can impact any person. Therapy of depression boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychiatric therapy as well as psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more all-natural activities associated with the aggravation of physical activity and the intro of considerable adjustments in the everyday diet plan. It is as part of natural techniques of combating as well as neutralizing clinical depression that the addition of cannabis preparations with cannabinoids normally occurring in the plant in the daily diet regimen is acquiring increasingly more popularity in the world. Cannabidiol CBD, found in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, appears in many clinical researches as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of anxiety. Notably, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Interestingly, clinical depression is amongst the three most typical mental illness in which people turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD pills. Reports from customers and also their favorable viewpoints on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full spectrum hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an unmatched rate. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and also CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which indicates that CBD reduces the results of THC. What are these results? THC has an intoxicating impact, creates a feeling of ecstasy, influences cognitive functions, but also relaxes. Large, regularly taken in dosages of THC are considered harmful to the human mind. Too much usage of THC can bring about psychosis, lack of inspiration, and even permanent negative modifications in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing images, CBD reduces the depletion of anandamide sources, as well as THC speeds up this process. However, this does not mean that THC is only a damaging cannabinoid as well as ought to not remain in the preparation in any way. On the contrary. Its little visibility in hemp preparations is even essential in order to obtain the so-called impact. harmony. THC in full spectrum hemp oil is present in such a marginal and, notably, lawful quantity. This quantity is so small (less than 0.2) that it does not create drunkenness. Interacting, THC and also CBD have better capacity than either molecule acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for people suffering from clinical depression? Read on! CBD, Anxiety and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the guideline of standard human physiological processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune links, electric motor activity, mood as well as inspiration, as well as fat metabolism. The endocannabinoid system includes a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally generated in the human brain. Its manufacturing is stimulated by e.g. exercise, and also to a minimal degree by the so-called work with the body (massage!). Its sources are “made use of” to maintain the appropriate performance of the body, consisting of in the field of mental health. As received this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high levels of anandamide are associated with a decreased danger of creating psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is additionally related to a positive effect on the decrease of depression and stress and anxiety signs and symptoms. This system is still not completely comprehended, but it appears sensible that a strongly clinically depressed state of mind in a private period for a certain instance, as well as with the simultaneous absence of activities targeted at its improvement, causes a climax of the influx of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive conditions create, they can develop into a lot more harmful forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Reducing this process as rapidly as feasible may end up being important in the efficient therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply
  3. CBD for Anxiousness and also Anxiety: Envision that it is possible to present one natural preparation into your daily diet regimen, which might show to be the key to winning the fight for a calmer life for individuals with depressive disorders. What happens if the addition of this prep work, created on the basis of a progressively well-known and also tested chemical compound of plant origin, is not only potentially really efficient, yet is not related to the danger of negative effects regular of medicinal medications? Is it also feasible? Where’s the catch? Do you need to know even more? Read this short article In this short article we will certainly cover: What is depression? THC and CBD cannabinoids – differences Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is anxiety? Main meanings recommend that depressive problems, additionally known informally as depression, are defined by: unexpected clinical depression of an individual’s state of mind, in the adverse direction, of modest to strong strength of the strength of the seasoned adjustments, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be one or more factors for the event of modifications. It additionally happens that it is tough to recognize any type of absolute reason. We extremely typically encountered the statement that it is a civilization illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older and more youthful people. Our education and learning is not important for clinical depression, let alone our incomes – it can impact any person. Treatment of clinical depression comes down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more all-natural tasks related to the concentration of physical activity as well as the introduction of substantial adjustments in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of natural methods of combating and also combating clinical depression that the inclusion of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids naturally occurring 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, shows up in various scientific studies as a potentially reliable cannabinoid in the treatment of clinical depression. Notably, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant origin. Surprisingly, depression is amongst the 3 most typical mental disorders in which clients turn to CBD hemp prep work such as CBD oil, full spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Records from customers as well as their favorable opinions on the performance of e.g. CBD oil or complete range hemp oil with natural CBD are expanding at an extraordinary pace. THC and CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show antagonistic results, which implies that CBD decreases the impacts of THC. What are these effects? THC has an intoxicating impact, triggers a sensation of euphoria, impacts cognitive functions, however also kicks back. Huge, on a regular basis eaten dosages of THC are taken into consideration unsafe to the human mind. Too much intake of THC can bring about psychosis, absence of inspiration, as well as even irreversible adverse modifications in cognitive function. Both THC and also CBD influence the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Their action, as currently pointed out, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When composing pictures, CBD slows down the deficiency of anandamide sources, and THC accelerate this process. Nevertheless, this does not imply that THC is only a hazardous cannabinoid as well as needs to not be in the preparation whatsoever. On the contrary. Its tiny visibility in hemp preparations is even necessary in order to obtain the supposed result. harmony. THC in full range hemp oil exists in such a minimal and also, significantly, legal quantity. This amount is so little (less than 0.2) that it does not create intoxication. Working together, THC as well as CBD have higher possibility than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its value for individuals struggling with clinical depression? Keep reading! CBD, Depression as well as the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system responsible for the law of fundamental human physical processes, such as power monitoring, neurohormonal and neuroimmune connections, electric motor task, mood and also motivation, and fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a neurotransmitter called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is normally produced in the human mind. Its production is stimulated by e.g. exercise, as well as to a minimal level by the supposed work with the body (massage therapy!). Its resources are “used” to preserve the appropriate performance of the body, including in the field of mental health and wellness. As received this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23580381 high degrees of anandamide are connected with a decreased risk of establishing psychotic signs and symptoms. A high level of anandamide is also connected with a positive impact on the decrease of depression and also anxiety signs. This mechanism is still not totally comprehended, yet it seems sensible that a highly clinically depressed state of mind in a private amount of time for a specific situation, and with the synchronised lack of actions aimed at its renovation, causes an accumulation of the increase of unfavorable thoughts. As depressive conditions establish, they can become much more unsafe forms of problems, e.g. psychosis, misconceptions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this procedure as swiftly as feasible may turn out to be critical in the effective therapy of mental disorders of human functioning.

    Reply
  4. CBD for Anxiety and also Clinical Depression: Visualize that it is feasible to introduce one all-natural preparation into your everyday diet plan, which could prove to be the trick to winning the defend a calmer life for people with depressive disorders. Suppose the addition of this prep work, created on the basis of a significantly well-known as well as checked chemical substance of plant origin, is not only potentially very reliable, yet is not related to the threat of negative effects common of medicinal medications? Is it also possible? Where’s the catch? Do you would like to know even more? Read this article In this short article we will cover: What is anxiety? THC distinctions Depression and also the endocannabinoid system What is depression? Main definitions recommend that depressive problems, likewise recognized informally as clinical depression, are identified by: abrupt anxiety of a person’s mood, in the adverse direction, of modest to solid strength of the intensity of the skilled modifications, for greater than a few weeks. There might be one or more factors for the incident of adjustments. It also takes place that it is difficult to determine any unquestionable factor. We really often stumbled upon the statement that it is a civilization illness of the 21st century – it impacts both older as well as more youthful people. Our education is trivial for clinical depression, let alone our incomes – it can impact any person. Treatment of anxiety boils down to: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation, phototherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and also more natural tasks associated with the intensification of physical activity and the introduction of substantial changes in the daily diet regimen. It is as part of all-natural approaches of fighting and counteracting anxiety that the addition of cannabis prep work with cannabinoids normally happening in the plant in the everyday diet regimen is acquiring an increasing number of popularity on the planet. Cannabidiol CBD, located in e.g. CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil, shows up in countless clinical studies as a possibly effective cannabinoid in the therapy of anxiety. Importantly, it is a 100 natural chemical compound of plant beginning. Remarkably, anxiety is amongst the 3 most usual mental illness in which people consider CBD hemp preparations such as CBD oil, complete spectrum hemp oil with CBD or CBD capsules. Reports from customers as well as their positive point of views on the efficiency of e.g. CBD oil or full range hemp oil with all-natural CBD are expanding at an extraordinary speed. THC as well as CBD cannabinoids – distinctions The primary cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as CBD (cannabidiol). They show hostile results, which suggests that CBD reduces the effects of THC. What are these impacts? THC has an intoxicating impact, triggers a feeling of bliss, influences cognitive functions, yet likewise relaxes. Big, on a regular basis consumed doses of THC are taken into consideration hazardous to the human brain. Too much usage of THC can bring about psychosis, absence of inspiration, and also also irreversible adverse changes in cognitive function. Both THC as well as CBD impact the endocannabinoid system in the body. Their activity, as currently stated, is inconsistent. Cbd-a-thc-in-the-endocannabinoid-1 system When writing images, CBD reduces the deficiency of anandamide sources, and also THC speeds up this process. Nevertheless, this does not mean that THC is just a harmful cannabinoid and must not be in the prep work at all. On the other hand. Its tiny presence in hemp preparations is even needed in order to obtain the so-called effect. harmony. THC completely spectrum hemp oil is present in such a minimal and also, importantly, lawful quantity. This amount is so tiny (less than 0.2) that it does not trigger drunkenness. Collaborating, THC and also CBD have higher possibility than either particle acting alone. What is anandamide (AEA)? What is its significance for individuals experiencing clinical depression? Read on! CBD, Clinical depression and also the endocannabinoid system The endocannabinoid system is a key system in charge of the policy of standard human physiological processes, such as energy administration, neurohormonal and also neuroimmune links, electric motor task, state of mind and also inspiration, and fat metabolic process. The endocannabinoid system consists of a natural chemical called anandamide (AEA). Anandamide is a natural chemical that is naturally created in the human mind. Its production is promoted by e.g. exercise, as well as to a lower level by the so-called collaborate with the body (massage therapy!). Its sources are “made use of” to maintain the correct 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 decreased danger of developing psychotic symptoms. A high degree of anandamide is also related to a positive effect on the reduction of clinical depression as well as stress and anxiety signs. This device is still not totally understood, yet it seems sensible that a highly depressed state of mind in a specific period for a certain instance, and also with the simultaneous lack of activities focused on its renovation, leads to an intensification of the increase of adverse thoughts. As depressive problems establish, they can develop into a lot more hazardous kinds of conditions, e.g. psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia. Decreasing this process as promptly as possible may end up being crucial in the efficient treatment of mental illness of human functioning.

    Reply

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