Monthly Expenses – January 2016

Mark and I have lived frugally since we met, the reason being that we barely make any money and that we are not keen on materialistic goods and gathering possessions. We like to travel and we like to have a low impact on Mother Nature. While I only used to spend around $350 a month while backpacking by myself in my twenties, and around the same amount while camping, staying with friends and family or exploring North and Central America by camper in my early thirties, this amount went up when we both lived on Irie for eight years. Our annual expenses were then around $20,000 for two people, most of that money being put into the boat. It took a chunk out of our savings.

This year, being semi-settled on land, we will try to be even more careful with our dollars. We bought a second-hand car last year and have come accustomed to house and pet sitting, which is pretty much free. So, in regards to transportation and accommodation, we are mostly set. Still, costs add up, of course. To give you an idea of what we spend each month, I am starting a monthly expense report. These numbers are expenses for both of us. In January we didn’t do too great for a couple of reasons, like making our way back to New England from Florida and Mark needing a new computer, but… next month can only be better!

January 2016 Overview:

Electronics – Computer Mark:                                                                                                    $457

(Note: Purchase price was $717, but he sold his “old” laptop for $260)

Groceries:                                                                                                                                                 $641

(Note: High, due to starting a new house sit and Connecticut being expensive)

Accommodation – 2 hotels trip north                                                                                      $122

Car – Fuel (1500 mile trip north and locally)                                                                        $114

Car – Maintenance                                                                                                                               $ 75

Dining out – Trip north                                                                                                                       $ 72

Miscellaneous                                                                                                                                          $ 55

Gifts                                                                                                                                                               $ 43

Alcohol                                                                                                                                                         $ 34

Health                                                                                                                                                           $ 19

Postage                                                                                                                                                        $ 11

Transportation                                                                                                                                        $ 10

Phone                                                                                                                                                             $ 3

TOTAL:                                                                                                                                                   $1656