Every month, I post a report of our expenses to show that it is possible to live a comfortable, exciting, and adventurous life without breaking the bank. The less money you spend, the less you need to make. 🙂
This report includes ALL of our expenses, in US$, for two adults and one 60-pound dog (we adopted Maya on June 4th, 2019). Under groceries we incorporate food, produce, and non-alcoholic drinks predominantly bought in supermarkets. Toiletries belong in that category as well. Dining out means eating at a restaurant/event or purchasing take-out food. The health category covers non-prescription medicines and vitamins/supplements; medical contains prescription drugs and doctor’s visits. Because of our income level, Mark and I are eligible for free health care within the state of Massachusetts. For check-ups and extensive care, we return to the US East Coast. Other health issues are resolved locally and out of pocket where needed and possible.
While our truck camper Thirsty Bella is stored in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mark, Maya, and I are on a summer break. Or is it a winter break? The first week of July, we were still in Newburyport, Massachusetts, visiting friends and dentists, but the rest of the month, we lived comfortably in my home country of Belgium.
(As always, click on or hover over photos in galleries to read their captions.)
This expense report is a bit unusual, since my parents are generously sponsoring us while we are “home.” This is mostly visible in the grocery, dog, and fuel categories!
Maya cost us the most for the second month in a row. We had to pay for overnight shipping of her health permit from the USDA, in order to receive it in time and take her with us to Belgium. We also ordered another annual dose of heartworm pills, while my parents paid for her salmon-based food.
The car came in second, but it wasn’t our truck. Storage fees for Thirsty Bella will appear once we return to Argentina. We used my mother-in-law’s car in Massachusetts, USA, to get around, so we filled it up again before we left. And, Mark ordered special grease for Thirsty.
Our wheels in Massachusetts
When Mark spots a deal for something we need, he snatches it up. This time, it was for an annual subscription (in 2025) of Quicken, the program we use for our bookkeeping and finances. Usually, this tool costs twice as much ($120).
Since I am having issues with my teeth and gums, we ordered more electric toothbrush heads and a water flosser. Has anyone ever used one? I’m hoping it’s a game changer regarding gum disease.
And, we keep ordering more items online for our camper: electrical wire, since Mark used our spare spools to install a Starlink unit in a friend’s camper, and new bed sheets and properly sized toilet bags.
The gifts from last month’s expense report have been delivered. 🙂
Groceries came in at only $5. Not realistic in the long run; we have to thank our parents for this nice financial break. I also bought Mark a t-shirt in a thrift store, but it doesn’t quite fit and he doesn’t like it, so we see those $4 as charity. 🙂
We’ve been cooking wholesome meals at home and I’ve been enjoying the Belgian food and treats tremendously. From money I have put away in Belgium (not part of our accounting), I bought an oven for the little house we are staying in and beer for Mark.
Our friends and family have been spoiling us as well with fantastic food and drinks!
Other than that, I bought an eBook about the writing craft (nope, I’m not working on another book, yet) and we went on a lot of walks with Maya. Low costs for entertainment in July. I also wanted to point out that we slept for free and paused our Starlink satellite internet subscription for the summer, which saves us $70 (usually split between business and personal expenses.)
It’s hard to believe that our total for last month amounted to under $400 and I sure wish we could keep that up! We thank my mom and dad for this “all inclusive” stay in Belgium.
(It might be easier to read the table when turning your device in the horizontal position.)
Find all our expense reports here. To learn what other full-time nomads spend each month, check out the blogs of our vanlife friends Duwan and Greg at Make Like An Ape Man.
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August 9, 2024 at 09:40
I expected a good report for July. And here it is!
August 12, 2024 at 06:26
Thanks for the trust, Marian! 🙂 My parents promised to help out, after we bought our expensive plane tickets, and they are.
August 9, 2024 at 10:05
A low month counters all the high ones.
Mark is really eyeing his beer.
Never used a water flosser although I do floss twice daily.
August 12, 2024 at 06:28
Hi Alex,
We do need a cheap month once in a while to bring the average “down.” Or, to stick to the annual average. Mark was comparing two batches of the same beer my cousin-in-law made. 🙂 Flossing is important!
August 9, 2024 at 10:40
Glad you’re enjoying the break. I know every time I see my Army son, I pay for everything (my daughter makes plenty of money!) so I get your parents. It’s what we do! How wonderful for them to spend time with you.
August 12, 2024 at 06:39
Hi Jacqui,
You sound like an amazing and supportive mother! I’m sure your son appreciates the help on visits “home.” Getting along well with parents and family members isn’t trivial, based on what I’ve seen and heard around me.
I’m so glad that 1) my parents are both still alive, 2) that we get along well and stay in touch (I video Skype them once a week), and 3) that they’ve always been supportive of my choices and lifestyle – mentally and, when we are in Belgium, financially as well.
August 9, 2024 at 10:58
Haha! I’m reading this ($387) for the month and thinking of our recent expenses. I am traveling on Monday to have a root canal done because it is near impossible to get into an endodontist. We have dental insurance, but we capped out earlier this year when I had to get a crown. This out-of-pocket bill is going to be $2,400. I’m spending six times more than you in one day.
August 12, 2024 at 06:43
Wow, Pete. That’s expensive! When you say you’re traveling for dental work, is that to find cheaper help and procedures?
I once had an implant and crown done in Belgium for the same amount of money you mentioned. I’m covered in MA for most dental care (I currently have five temporary crowns in my mouth for 2+ months awaiting new ones in MA in September), but when I was out west, I had a root canal and crown done in Los Algodones for about $600. I have quite a few friends who travel to Mexico for their dental work. Maybe that’s an option in the future?
August 9, 2024 at 11:42
Hi Liesbet! I LOVE all your photos of family and friends. AND Maya looks very happy too! How nice that your family is helping cover so many costs… such a nice thing! Appreciate them for as long as you can!!! And as far as teeth go… probably 20 years ago I went to get my teeth cleaned and the dental tech warned me that I needed to do more than brush (with an electric tooth brush of course!) twice a day–but that I needed to get a water-flosser. Ever since Thom and I do it EVERY day and now when I go to the dentist (20 years later) I’m always told I have excellent gums and my teeth look great. It REALLY can make a difference. Enjoy the rest of your time in Europe and I look forward to your ongoing adventures! ~Kathy
August 12, 2024 at 06:50
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the note and the insight about a water flosser. I sure appreciate my parents and am super grateful that they’re both still alive. I’m trying to see them as much as possible while I’m here, finding a balance between chores, other visits, walks with Maya, and some down time. 🙂
I believe the water flosser will make a difference. Right now, I’m trying everything I can, short of surgery, to do something about my “severe bone loss” and “developed gum disease.” I brush my teeth at least three times a day, have switched to an electric toothbrush, water floss 2-3 times a day, still floss with string once before bed, and rinse my mouth with a salt or medicinal solution…
Despite that, I’m still suffering from daily gum infections, but I hope this changed routine will make a difference in the future and I hope my insurance will approve of a scaling procedure. That’s probably more information that you want… 🙂
August 9, 2024 at 16:27
Hi, Liesbet – Congratulations on a incredible expense month. Speaking as a parent, we often love to treat our children — so I am sure that your parents enjoyed being able to do so. Wishing you an excellent August ahead!
August 12, 2024 at 07:59
Hello Donna,
Thank you for the lovely wishes. August has been great so far – and we are enjoying the company and spoils of my parents. 🙂
August 9, 2024 at 17:54
It’s nice to be treated once in a while… and I’m sure your parents enjoyed being able to spoil you a bit. Enjoy your time with family and friends while you can. I bet it will go quickly.
August 12, 2024 at 08:00
Hi Janis,
You are thoughtful and right, as always. Time is flying by quickly this summer. We are over halfway of our visit to Belgium already. While busy, our balance here between work, errands, visits, and leisure has been better than anywhere else – and the treats as well! 🙂
August 9, 2024 at 20:37
Happy that you can take a welcome sigh of relief financially!
August 12, 2024 at 08:02
Hi Annie,
Thanks for reading and commenting. We have been able to take a sigh of relief in many ways since arriving to Belgium. It’s been surreal and great. Soon, we will return back to “reality!” 🙂
August 10, 2024 at 11:37
It looks like you’ve been eating well! Coincidentally, we bought a soccer jersey for Greg’s grandson, Gabe, and sent it back to the US with a friend. Of course it was only the second place winner, Colombia.
So glad you have had a chance to save money and relax!
August 12, 2024 at 08:05
Hi Duwan,
Yes, I have been eating well. Gorging on a few things, to be honest. But after the first couple of weeks of buying whatever (unhealthy) diary products and preparations I craved, I’ve caught myself and am leveling things out now. I’m sure I’ve gained at least three kilos since being here!
Coming from Argentina and knowing my nephew loves (playing) soccer, I had to buy him a Messi shirt. My only worry was that it wouldn’t fit, or that he had one already. So nice of you both to send a soccer jersey back to the grandson as well.
August 11, 2024 at 16:54
Ah, how nice for you to have a break, both from expenses and from the constant struggle to travel and camp safely. I’m glad you’re enjoying your “vacation” and hope it leaves you refreshed and recharged! 🙂
August 12, 2024 at 08:07
Hello Diane,
Thanks for swinging by. We are having a nice time in Belgium on this summer break. It’s what the doctor ordered. Ideally, we relax more and get bored, but that will never happen! Still not enough time here and too many friends and family members to visit! 🙂 Plus, I can always, always stay busy…
August 12, 2024 at 21:58
Wow! It’s like you’re rich! Lol. And yes, I use a water flosser and it makes a huge difference. I don’t like flossing string. This is more powerful. Keep enjoying! <3
September 5, 2024 at 06:34
Thanks for your input on the water flosser, Debby! I appreciate it. I enjoy using mine, but still on the “soft” setting, since I don’t want to “blow off” my temporary crowns! 🙂
September 5, 2024 at 09:28
Believe me! I know what you mean about the various modes! Lol 🙂
September 9, 2024 at 09:22
🙂
August 14, 2024 at 07:43
Wow! That rum cupboard! I hope you sampled a few, Liesbet. Were there any strange-flavoured rums in that collection? I saw a toffee-apple-flavoured rum last week. It made my teeth all fall out just thinking about what it tasted like.
Be careful with the water flosser. Don’t press it too hard against your gums (like I did) and end up with sore gums.
Glad you’re having a great time while in the Northern Hemisphere.
September 5, 2024 at 06:44
Hello Hugh!
A toffee-apple-flavored rum??? Wow. My stomach cringes from just reading that. My cousin-in-law’s rum collection does contain some really fancy and tasty examples. but mostly just alcohol based and not flavored. And, yes, we sampled quite a bit of them on our first visit to their house. On a recent vacation we took with him and my cousin, he only brought one kind, our favorite (Flor de Cana)! 🙂
Thanks for the tip about the water flosser! I am very careful with it, leaving it on the “soft” setting for now, because I’m worried about water blasting my temporary crowns off! I’m having a lot of dental issues at the moment. Using the flosser with cold water, for example, really hurts my sensitive teeth, so I’ve been filling it with warm water. That helps. It’s quite a scene to take care of my teeth these months and I have no idea how I will be able to keep it up in the camper, with limited space and water… I guess we will find out in a couple of weeks.
September 5, 2024 at 10:56
I’ve abandoned the electric flosser since we last spoke, Liesbet. I was having too many issues with it. Now I’m using those little toothbrushes to clean between my teeth. So far, no issues with using them, although they don’t seem to last very long, but they’re inexpensive from Amazon.
September 9, 2024 at 09:28
Sorry to read about the abandonment of the water flosser, Hugh. Had it been new to you? Mine has different stands, so you can spray less hard. I know exactly what you mean with the tiny flossers. I reuse one of those for one area in my mouth that has a “wide gap”. It’s a pity these are wasteful and bad for the environment. I also still use the thread floss.
September 10, 2024 at 09:10
In the UK, we can recycle the small flossers with the handles, Liesbet. They can be used to make fences and other garden items. I had the electric flosser for about a year. I may go back to using it occasionally, but we’ll see.
September 16, 2024 at 13:41
Aha! Thanks for that insight, Hugh! In Belgium I noticed as well that these days many items are recycled. Way more than when I grew up there as a kid and way more than in the US – or elsewhere in the world.