Roaming About

A Life Less Ordinary

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

2 Comments

  1. I think you need to spend more money on wine ? Really, I am very impressed with your frugality and limited imprint on Mother Nature. I guess compared to my NY lifestyle I’ve become frugal and make less of an imprint, but I have a ways to go to catch up with you. In the meantime…?

    • Living on a sailboat is by far the most sustainable way of living, I believe. The spoil of a big city can be a good one for the mind, body and senses for a little while… Enjoy Sydney!

      PS: Our alcohol expenses for February are much higher. 🙂

This is the place where conversation is made. Please, join in!

© 2024 Roaming About

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑