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.)
Wonderful evenings and meals with Don and Janet in Vermont
Lovely tajine meal in Vermont
Paella in Vermont
Mark hard at work – the WiFi in our little house is perfect!
A real bedroom with a real bed!
Maya is comfortable as well
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. 🙂
Gift unwrapping by my niece and nephew in Berlare
Gift for my nephew
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. 🙂
Lunch consists of fresh whole wheat bread, cheese (for me), and vegetables
How about this? A salmon & Brie cheese sandwich!
This is why I come to Belgium: fresh and tasty pastries from the bakery.
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.
Healthy meals at home
Mark makes his own granola in the second-hand oven I bought.
Mark tests the beer my cousin’s husband brews.
Our friends and family have been spoiling us as well with fantastic food and drinks!
Rum tasting, anyone? A choice of 80 (!) different rums…
Mussels and fries, a typical Belgian dish
Healthy fare at my cousin’s house in Boom
Group photo of us with Kim and part of her family
Lunch invite by my friend Hilde: she made three quiches from scratch!
Spread of amazing appetizers at my friend Kim’s place in Lokeren
My friend Hilde and I pick up fresh strawberries at this vending machine to top our ice cream dessert.
Aperitif at my friends Rosy and Peter in Merelbeke
Rosy makes a second dinner for us: Thai green curry. Delicious!
And another big spread for breakfast. Can you spot the fresh pastries?
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.)
Maya meets a sheep
On a walk in Berlare, where we are staying
Walking along the Donk lake, where we are staying
Walking around Lier with my cousin and her husband
Walking along the beach in Holland
Walk in Damme
Day trip to Damme with Rosy and her family
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.
Maya is also getting spoiled!
Maya is not complaining