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, we both return to the East Coast.
In November, Mark, Maya, and I lived on the road, in our camper van Zesty, and drove from Alabama to Southern Arizona (Tucson), which is reflected in our diesel cost. As usual, we managed to dump and camp for free (boondock). One of our favorite overnight sites of all times was the spot we found in Big Fur Public Use Area in Arkansas, early in the month. We stayed as long as our water and food supply lasted. (Hover over or click on photos to read captions.)
No stipends or use of credit card miles this time, so what you see in the table underneath is what we spent. Mark fixed one of our car heaters, changed the oil, and replaced parts in the engine. To reward himself, he bought a better remote (Bluetooth) speaker. If you’ve read my travel memoir Plunge, you know how important crisp-sounding music is to my husband. 🙂
The writing category is finally going down. I owed my cover artist $50 for the paperback cover (the eBook cover package a month ago was $125), we ordered two proofs of Plunge to check for issues and mistakes, and, to self-publish my book under a different name than my own (we chose Roaming About Press as our publishing company), I needed to purchase a business license in Massachusetts for the price of $35.
You can blame our special celebrations in the desert for the alcohol expense last month. Our bubble of nomadic friends includes two other couples, Duwan and Greg from Make Like An Ape Man and Ellen and Scott, who we hung out with for Thanksgiving, the release of Plunge, and my birthday, all of which took place the end of November. We made our own margaritas; a much better and tastier deal than the ones we bought in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Not a bad expense month. Maybe we are finally back on track?
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.
Full moonrise in the desert
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December 8, 2020 at 23:14
I want to camp somewhere called Possum Kingdom! You did great this month – especially with all the traveling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen our fridge that empty – and if I did I’d imagine the beer would go before the food.
December 10, 2020 at 14:37
Haha! You guys always have a good amount of beer in that fridge. Mark can only fit 2-3 at a time in ours and I have to wait until there is space to put a bottle of white wine in there. I love that name Possum Kingdom as well. It’s a beautiful and peaceful destination that was kind of on our way west. 🙂
December 8, 2020 at 23:33
Pretty shots 🙂 I would be more then happy to help ya out with expediencies 🙂 right after I feed the cats,fill up my pantry, pay child support, pay off the moon-shiners, & the city screws for protection❗️ I got a $5 coupon off a DC comic subscription for Superman & Batman which is out of publication 𝕊𝕠𝕠𝕣𝕪
December 10, 2020 at 14:40
A guy to my heart! Life throws us way too many responsibilities and creates quite a few necessities – some of which you just have to pay for! 🙂
December 9, 2020 at 00:56
Once again – very impressive!
December 10, 2020 at 14:41
Wait until we finally start to have some fun and pay for excursions!! Hmmm. When is that going to happen? 🙂 There are some expenses coming up if I decide to get a root canal done soon…
December 9, 2020 at 01:20
I contributed to the balance sheet by picking up Plunge this week. I’m impressed not only by the low expenses but that you manage to keep records of all this.
December 10, 2020 at 14:44
You are awesome, Pete! I’m glad you took the plunge getting my book. 🙂 My husband and I just spend money on what seems to be necessary to survive, in comfort. It’s more about “need” than “want” in our book. It’s kind of easy, because a lot of the “wants” we request are very affordable – like diesel to get places and free camping out west (in the US). Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. And, for helping to off-setting the balance sheet. 🙂
December 9, 2020 at 06:26
Your expense report once again is impressive, especially in the accommodations column. I did notice the name Roaming About Press as your imprint. We used Spindletree Books.
The campfire scene looks festive – and safe. 🙂
December 10, 2020 at 14:47
Yes! I like your press name, Spindletree Books, and the little emblem you created. Not sure you need a business licenses in Florida to do so? I think by now I have memorized your cover and some of the interior, Marian, as we have “consulted” it a lot lately. 🙂 We are always very careful with fires and appreciated the fact that they were allowed at that particular site.
December 9, 2020 at 07:55
How many miles a gallon does your van get.
December 10, 2020 at 14:49
For a van this size and height, our Zesty has fabulous fuel economy. We usually get about 22 miles a gallon. The worst has been in the Colorado mountains, at 18 miles a gallon. The best has been 23 miles a gallon. We don’t exceed 55mph to conserve fuel and make it easy on the engine. This certainly helps, but semis probably hate us! Although we try to avoid highways.
December 9, 2020 at 10:12
Great job with the expenses. My paperback arrived yesterday and I just started reading … very engaging … well done!
December 10, 2020 at 14:50
Oh, awesome, Ingrid! I’m glad you like my book so far. You’ll get a decent peak into our cruising journey and my mind! 🙂
December 9, 2020 at 10:23
You are so thrifty. I love it. Duwan takes gorgeous pictures (I follow her site also–what wonderful images she posts). And a fire! I didn’t know we could even light fires in the open anymore. I know my sister can in rural Indiana. Maybe desserts are like that.
You’ll have to offset the book costs with revenue. I have no doubt that will soon tip the scales.
December 10, 2020 at 14:54
Not tipping that scale quite yet, Jacqui, as I spent quite a bit producing this book (around $2,600). So, it will take a while. Maybe next year? 🙂
I know you follow Duwan’s blog. I think you hopped over there the first time, clicking their link at the bottom of one of my expense posts. I’ve left you a few comments there – like how I knew their posts about prehistoric times and geology are right up your alley! Greg has a wealth of information stored in his brain and Duwan, indeed, takes gorgeous photos, especially now she has a new camera. 🙂
We are currently hanging out with them again, doing a little tour of SW Arizona. Fires were allowed at our previous, very open and remote, desert location. Not where we currently are, I think…
December 9, 2020 at 18:13
I’m always so impressed with your monthly expenses. Are you going to add an income line when your book sales come rolling in? 🙂
December 10, 2020 at 15:06
I think I’ll let the world know when I break even with the book expenses, Janis. But, you can always ask me privately how the balance sheet is going, once my “investment” has been returned. 🙂
December 10, 2020 at 07:31
So impressive, Liesbet. Glad to see you’re taking care of Zesty!
December 10, 2020 at 15:07
Hi Jill! Most of our costs have always been our modes of transportation/accommodation. Luckily, the camper life is cheaper than the boating life. But if we were to live in a house, I think we’d spend more money, especially on utilities and such. 🙂
December 11, 2020 at 06:16
An excellent expense month! And you got a great deal from your cover artist – the end result is perfect. xo
December 11, 2020 at 22:05
Thanks, Pam! I’m glad I used a professional for the cover. Too many indie authors don’t and often that shows. I did get a better deal, because I provided my own photos. 🙂
December 11, 2020 at 10:10
Liesbet I am enthralled with your book. It’s been a surprise to me. I’m not sure what I was expecting. Perhaps a life is so perfect type of read. and although there is some of that, I am most drawn in by the challenges and obstacles. It feels genuine and written in a way that makes me feel as if I am hovering over your shoulder.
I hope you had a massive celebration in November with your friends. Your budget continues to amaze me. Safe travels ahead!
December 11, 2020 at 22:10
Music to my ears, Sue! I’m glad you are enjoying Plunge – “life the way it is on the high seas.” 🙂 I wanted my book to be different from the usual memoir or sailing narrative. And, I surely didn’t want it to be a “did this, then that” kind of book. I purposefully wrote it in the present tense to create that “hovering over my shoulder” feeling.
It was a small celebration in November, but it was nice. I’m not very good at being in the spotlight, but it was fun to celebrate the launch a little bit, although it still hasn’t dawned on me what I achieved. It’s been so much work and focus – and it’s not really done yet – but I do hope to relax again one of these days.
December 11, 2020 at 11:26
Stunning sunrise shot, Liesbet. Your expenses are well under control even with the extra splurges. Congratulations on publishing your book. I look forward to reading it. Is it available in Kindle?
December 11, 2020 at 22:13
Hi Sylvia! Yep, our expenses seem to be under control again after all the fees to my editor were paid. 🙂 Until the next big camper issue appears. Or, until I go to the dentist. 🙂 Yes, Plunge is available in Kindle. You can click on the following link – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NHP3NHC – or the icon on the top right of my blog. Both will bring you to the Amazon product page.
December 11, 2020 at 16:44
I love the last entry: Accommodation: $0. Perfect. 🙂
December 11, 2020 at 22:14
I love that zero expense category as well. It’s my favorite! 🙂
December 11, 2020 at 18:53
Looks like you’re back on track! Sometimes I look at your monthly budget and sigh with a bit of envy… and then I remember that you don’t have a yard or garden. No envy anymore! I’m glad your lifestyle suits you so well, but I wouldn’t want to trade places. 🙂
December 11, 2020 at 22:17
I often read your blog posts with a bit of envy – your fruits of labor from the garden, your peaceful, sizeable property, and your writing focus and achievements. Then, I remember you are settled in one place. A place where it rains often and can get cold. No envy anymore… 🙂
I like your comments, Diane. And, I can add: we don’t have running water, unlimited electricity, a comfortable bed, a real couch, laundry facilities, or a car either. Sigh… There are some improvements to be made. Except… those require a house – or a gigantic RV. 🙂
December 14, 2020 at 21:25
I’d say you dun exceptionally well my friend! And what a month of celebrations! 🙂 xx
December 16, 2020 at 16:17
Not too bad, not too bad… 🙂
December 17, 2020 at 21:38
What lovely photos, and that cake looks fantastic! I hope December will be just as wonderful for you!
December 18, 2020 at 13:42
Thank you for those lovely wishes, Deb. December has been a pretty good month so far, as I am finally taking a break from my book work and exploring Southern Arizona. Happy Holidays to you!
December 18, 2020 at 15:22
I like how your expenses are structured and well under control. Something to be admired.
Gorgeous sunsets. I imagine you would have seen a few lovely sunsets in the years on the boat and travelling around.
December 19, 2020 at 00:11
Hi Amanda! Sunsets by the dozens. They are hard to miss when you live on the water. Yet, they never got/get old. Just like spotting dolphins. I have multiple fantastic sunset photos in my archives, some of which I have shared here over the years. Sunrises, however, have been observed less frequently. 🙂
December 19, 2020 at 05:27
I was blogging about money the other day and realised there aren’t too many bloggers talking about money, budget and expenses. So happy to have stumbled upon your post, Liesbet 🙂 That really is a tidy budget, spending on what you need and giving yourself a well-deserved occasional treat. As Jacqui said, you are thrifty and I love it too. Love how you are living the simple van life and focusing on what makes you happy.
Funny how there can be quite a few fees and costs associated with publishing a book. But when it’s your passion, it’s money spent justified. Happy belated birthday. That looked like a nice cake 🙂
December 19, 2020 at 22:25
Hi Mabel!
I’ll have to check out that blog post of yours about money! You are right, few people are open about their expenses, or they censor the costs, not including health care or alcohol or… I have few taboos, for good or for bad! 🙂
I was so surprised when I got into this whole book writing thing, that publishing your own book, after so much work, time, and dedication, also had a financial cost. It still doesn’t make sense to me – writing a book costs money instead of makes money! – but I had to go along with it in order to make Plunge as professional as possible.
Thank you for your visit and comment!
December 20, 2020 at 04:09
So lovely of you to want to check out my blog, Liesbet. Really like how you included alcohol in your expenses. After all, many of us drink casually and responsibly, and no shame in that.
That is so true, putting your book out there costs money and you essentially pay for it to be published. It’s all about the passion and not money at the end of the day 🙂
December 22, 2020 at 12:22
I agree there is no shame in drinking a glass of wine or beer or anything else responsibly and writing or reporting in it, Mabel. As I mentioned before, I’m okay writing about anything (my memoir is proof of that) and people can take it or leave it. 🙂
December 23, 2020 at 05:01
Keeping living the life the way you want to live it, Liesbet. Looking forward to coming back again to see how life is on the road for you 🙂
December 26, 2020 at 11:18
I will, Mabel. And, I always have lived life on my own terms. By choice. 🙂 Looking forward to your visits here!
December 19, 2020 at 20:18
You made me smile, Liesbet, with alcohol expense and special celebrations. You definitely had a lot to celebrate in November.🙂 I do wonder whether readers know they can hover over or click on photos? I may possibly start adding a note to my posts, too. I love all of your photos, Liesbet. Fun!
December 19, 2020 at 22:38
Hi Erica, thanks for celebrating virtually with me. Sometimes I add that note about the photo captions (it takes quite a bit of time to write them all down in the draft, so it would be nice if people actually read them) in my post and other times, I leave it out. This depends on my mood and time allotment. I just wish the new editor would provide a better way to do galleries. Maybe one day? 🙂
December 21, 2020 at 09:09
I agree with everything you are saying about the captions, Liesbet. I may begin adding a note in the future.🙂
December 22, 2020 at 16:59
Changes are a’ comin’! 🙂
December 21, 2020 at 23:45
Hi Liesbet, Your pictures are gorgeous. I admire your adventurous and frugal spirit. I hope you do well with your book Plunge. I am scheduling a promo post tomorrow. Belated happy birthday, BTW. My husband’s BD is Nov. 25th and mine is the 7th. Nov. is a great month. 🙂
December 22, 2020 at 17:02
November is a pretty good birthday month, Marsha, especially if you live in warmer climes or travel in/to them. 🙂 Thanks a lot for the Plunge promo on your blog today. You’re helping me to do better with my book. 🙂
January 3, 2021 at 20:46
That photo of the desert moonrise is lovely, Liesbet. I’m glad you and Mark had some time to explore Arizona in December, after weeks of focusing on nothing but the book. In your exchange above with Erica about photo galleries, I’d just like to mention that Blogger, in its most recent update, has made it almost impossible to do photo and text layout, including captions. I find myself spending more time on layout than writing or importing the photos, and I’m still never happy with it in the end. It makes writing a blog frustrating.
Jude
January 4, 2021 at 17:31
Sorry to read about all those issues with Blogger you are having, Jude. It is one of the reasons I changed from Blogger to WordPress five years ago. I find WordPress more intuitive, supportive, diverse, and clean. Of course, changing your entire site over is no small task, so I hope your issues will get fixed soon. Maybe the Blogger team can help? Yet, even on WordPress I spend more time “dealing” with my photos – selecting, resizing, captioning, layout, preview, edits – than my writing. Strange but true!