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 June, Mark, Maya, and I lived in “our room above the garage” for three weeks. My companions stayed there the entire month and I flew to Belgium, where I visited friends and family from June 24th to July 15th. That first week, I was spoiled rotten by myself. Mark – without Maya – joined me on July 1st, so that is reflected in next month’s expense report.
The biggest category was a painful one. On our nationwide pick-up truck search, which I still have to elaborate on whenever there is conclusion, Mark flew to a small town in Arkansas on two different planes with a hotel stay in between. From there he would drive back in our next vehicle. Again, it was not meant to be. Instead, he had to spend another night in a hotel and return by air at increased prices. The entire ordeal – other than loads of extra research, discussions, time, energy, and emotions – set us back almost $800!
When you subtract that amount from June’s total, it wasn’t too bad of a month, despite a few other high-ish categories, like “gifts”… I treated my mom (and dad) to a fancy meal for her 70th birthday at Pacht 26 in Gijzegem and we bought some goodies for our friends Duwan and Greg, who would pet sit Maya during our absence.
Before I left Massachusetts, we organized a small outdoor party with my brother-in-law and his wife. The occasion: my in-laws 64th wedding anniversary. The four “kids” cooked a fabulous meal and Mark and I found an original gift – a fancy Irish whisky that incorporates the family name.
Our dog needed new heartworm meds, so that was taken care of. And I “needed” a haircut before my trip across the Atlantic. Even though I only visit Supercuts once a year or so, I was surprised at how the prices have gone up.
Our grocery, borrowed car, alcohol, and take-out costs were manageable, but we needed a new battery for Mark’s phone (the old one literally grew out of proportions and almost exploded), his passport is due for renewal, and we bought Amazon credit. Mark couldn’t resist the deal “buy $40 of credit and receive $50 worth.” 🙂
Mark carefully replaces his phone battery – tricky!
I’m a tad late with this report; the last three weeks have been extremely hectic with unreliable internet and no me-time. Despite spending different currencies in July, we seem to be back on track this month! Or not?
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.
July 21, 2021 at 12:58
Sucks the pickup didn’t work out. Glad you had a good time in Belgium and got to go. Sometimes, we just have to live a little.
July 22, 2021 at 14:25
Just like with so much in life, we are determined to find that truck, Alex! And, yes, you are so right. I think my resolution should be to enjoy life more in terms of spoiling ourselves – and others. 🙂
July 21, 2021 at 14:56
I can relate to Mark’s experience with truck search. When it comes to buying a big ticket item like that I have to do my research to not only get the right model but also to get a good deal. We live in northern California and I had been tracking prices and saw that I could get the same vehicle with all of the things that I wanted on it for a few thousand dollars cheaper in southern California. When the vehicle I wanted dropped another $1,000, I said I’m going for it. It was too far to ask a friend to go, and I knew my wife wouldn’t have any interest, so I did something totally out of character for me and bought a plane ticket. to go buy it. I still figured I’d save over $2,000 after airfare, one night at a motel, and gas to drive it home.
I walked into the dealership with my travel bag in tow and said I’m here to buy X truck. Apparently somebody else was watching , and beat me to it as the truck sold overnight. I had considered that possibility and had two other vehicles as my backup plan. Instead, I came home with the first runner up. I still figure I saved more than $1,500, although it was a bit unnerving driving my new vehicle home in LA traffic.
July 22, 2021 at 14:30
Oh wow, Pete! What an ordeal. And, that’s something that could (and has) happened to us too. I’ll share that story one of these weeks as well. Good that you had a back-up, or two! I’m glad you didn’t return home empty handed and that your second choice worked out. There’s probably a good reason for that (if you believe in fate)… Maybe that first vehicle had hidden issues. I’m glad you saved a bunch of money in the end. And, you got used to the car very quickly and in challenging circumstances. 🙂
In this current market with little or no supply of Super Duty Ford pick-up trucks, there are certainly no back-up vehicles. We have to pursue any potential and get burned – either by a vehicle that is not good enough, has covered-up issues, or by the super inflated purchase prices. No bargaining or negotiating this year! Not with dealers anyway. Stay tuned!
July 21, 2021 at 15:16
That is amazing. Thanks to the chip shortage, buying a car (or truck) isn’t as easy as it once was. My son will be doing that in October. We’ll see. He’s invited me along on the journey, even though he’s 35!
July 22, 2021 at 14:35
Unfortunately, the chip shortage and other Covid-related issues have turned this pick-up truck search of ours into a nightmare. “Not as easy as it once was” is an understatement. We didn’t expected this crazy Ivan in the market and expected to find a truck and a camper within a couple of months of being in Massachusetts, get them ship-shape, and then hit the road again. At the moment, there are other reasons to remain put for a bit longer, though. We will see what happens.
I hope your son is looking for a “normal” car and not a pick-up truck, because I don’t think things will have returned to normal by October. Will you go vehicle hunting with him, Jacqui? In California?
July 21, 2021 at 18:25
64 years, that’s impressive! Congrats to your in laws.
July 22, 2021 at 14:37
Thanks, Anabel! That is pretty impressive, indeed! I’ll always remember the amount of years for their wedding anniversary, because it was my intended visit to the US for their 50th anniversary that got me in trouble with Homeland Security and led to my own marriage. So, their number is ours plus 50. 🙂
July 21, 2021 at 18:52
Hi Liesbet, I love the family photos!!
Have you ever heard of Reedman Toll Autoworld? It’s in Langhorne, Pa. I hope it’s OK that I’m mentioning their name here on your blog. Back in the 90’s my husband and I were living in CT. We were in the market for a truck. Someone told us about Reedman’s and we bought a truck there that cost a lot less. I don’t remember the details Liesbet. I’m sorry. But it was thousands of dollars. I don’t know how they are now but maybe a google search will help you learn more about them?
July 22, 2021 at 14:40
Thanks for the tip, Lea! No problem about mentioning the company here or anything else that might help people out. 🙂
Right now, decent second-hand pick-up trucks are elusive and crazy expensive. Everywhere. Mark checked out Reedman Toll Autoworld after I read your comment. They don’t have any Super Duty Ford trucks at the moment, which is what we are looking for, an F350. It’s good to know for future reference that this company offers better deals. Thanks again!
July 22, 2021 at 00:09
Considering all the expenses and what you did Liesbet, you did really well! Fancy the whisky incorporating the family name. How did that come about?
July 22, 2021 at 14:42
We were browsing the New Hampshire liquor store one day and Mark stumbled across these bottles. Clonakilty is an area in Ireland. Unfortunately, it’s not the region where my in-law family (Kilty) is from, though. That would make an even better story. But, just the fact that their last name is part of the whisky brand made this a special anniversary present. My parents-in-law are keeping the box as a souvenir. 🙂
July 22, 2021 at 12:15
You must have been so happy to finally get home and see your family and friends in Belgium!
Your in-laws are adorable. 🙂
Sorry to hear about the continuing truck headaches. It truly sounds like a nightmare.
July 22, 2021 at 14:45
Hi JH! It was an interesting experience to be back in Belgium after three years. Those were three years of “living” in the US and not traveling around the world like “before.” Hard to describe, but I felt out of my element when I first returned. As if I was in a new, unattractive country. It took about a week of familiarizing myself with my parents’ new place and neighborhood and seeing some good friends to smile at being back. The last two weeks were a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed all the attention and spoils. 🙂
Most nightmares end at some point, even the truck-searching ones…
July 22, 2021 at 15:04
Wow, Liesbet. So many goods and bads in this post. I’m sorry the truck venture didn’t work out. That’s a long way to travel to come up empty. Who knows when this whole car thing will blow over and things will get reasonable again. Fingers crossed for you.
July 23, 2021 at 11:31
Hi Janis! Our search for a new vehicle (the right one, a heavy-duty pick-up truck) has proven to be insanely difficult and super expensive. We don’t mind a good challenge, but – as you know – we are budget-minded people and dislike capitalism, which is playing havoc right now. Thank for keeping your fingers crossed. We appreciate it! 🙂
July 22, 2021 at 19:22
Hi Liesbet, sorry the truck purchase didn’t work out. I’m sure there is a story there. Focusing positive energy on family and friends is the best cure for disappointment and you guys are obviously great at that. Your in-laws look very sweet. I’m sure they loved the gift and the special dinner.
July 23, 2021 at 11:34
Hi Suzanne! You are correct, there are many truck stories as of now. Hopefully one of them will soon be the last one! 🙂
Mark and I had a nice break for a few weeks in Belgium – away from the truck (and other) stress and mostly from the internet as well. It was exhausting, but it was satisfying. We are happy to be back in the US and reunited with Maya, though. Now if a truck were to work out, we can get back on track with our lives. My in-laws totally appreciate our extended presence here and all we do and mean to them. They are okay with our delayed departure…
July 22, 2021 at 20:15
Hi LIesbet, I too am sorry that the truck hasn’t worked out yet, or the right opportunity has not come along. But I am happy for you and Mark that you were able to get home and have some alone time and that Mark was able to join you, both of those things were up in the air when you last wrote before heading home. Wonderful too, that you were able to celebrate both your parents’ anniversary and your in-laws. Also, despite the frustrating and unexpected expenses, an impressive financial report. Best and blessings, Michele
July 23, 2021 at 11:37
Hi Michele! Thank you for you kind comment and meaningful presence here. You are right; we are very fortunate to fit in that three-week visit (for me) and two-week visit (for Mark) in Belgium. It was all tricky and ended up happening at the right time. Except for the rainy weather that only lasted until we left again… Being with family during milestones is something we rarely get to do.
July 23, 2021 at 09:19
I think you need to take the cost of Mark’s travel to find the truck out of this report and put it into a separate report that details expenses that relate to buying and the new camper and getting it ready to roll. Including the cost of the lithium batteries and anything else you need to buy special for the rig. Just a thought – people might want to know how much it costs and how much work goes into buying and putting a truck camper on the road.
So nice to see the faces of your family and friends in Belgium! And what a lovely party for Carol and Stan. Sixty-four years! Can you imagine? They have such a lovely space for outside parties.
And thanks for the treats from Belgium! I loved the waffle and the pralines are long gone.
July 23, 2021 at 11:44
Hi Duwan!
Good idea about doing a report/blog post about the truck and camper episodes and what it all takes and costs. It is certainly an endeavor to change gears. As for our monthly expense reports, the $800 to fly to Arkansas and back (and the lithium batteries a few months ago) is part of that. We put everything in those reports except the purchase price of transportation units, which means our home and mobility items (vehicles and e-bikes), the really big-ticket items. People can always ask us how much all that costs too. 🙂
I was already impressed when Stan and Carol were married for 50 years, haha. Yep, 64 years is incredible. Let’s hope we can celebrate the 65th edition next year as well.
I’m glad you liked the Belgian sweets! I did too. 🙂 Enjoy Acadia and see you soon again.
July 23, 2021 at 14:25
Too bad about the truck issues and that it didn’t work out. However I think the total is still very reasonable. As has been mentioned above sometimes I think it is important to treat your self and others and just enjoy it.
July 26, 2021 at 16:10
Hi Sue! Wise words about treating ourselves and others. It seems like we are often comfortable to spoil others but forget about ourselves. Luckily, Mark and I were treated like royalty on our visit to Belgium in terms of getting spoiled. Now, I need to go on a diet and stop drinking alcohol for a bit… I even postponed my bloodwork until more stable times. 🙂
July 23, 2021 at 15:41
Oh, no, not more truck troubles! I’m sorry to hear that’s turning into such an ordeal. I hope you find your dream truck soon!
Your trip to Belgium sounds wonderful, though – well worth a bit of extra expense. 🙂
July 26, 2021 at 16:13
Hi Diane,
The truck ordeal has lasted over three months now with nightmarish experiences. The tide will turn soon… It has to. Maybe not with a dream truck (those are even more impossible to find) but with an adequate one. 🙂
Yes, we both enjoyed that little break in Belgium. Autocorrect wants to keep spelling “break” as “breakfast”, I guess it likes food as much as me!
July 24, 2021 at 12:47
I’m so sorry to read about your frustrating and expensive truck search. Glad to hear about your positive time in Belgium. Your truck is out there. Hopefully you will find it soon!
July 26, 2021 at 16:15
Thanks for the encouraging words, Donna. This nomadic lifestyle isn’t always simple, especially when being in limbo and trying to find the next means of transportation in an inflated period of pandemic proportions. But, we are patient and determined and great achievements can be reached in that manner. 🙂
July 24, 2021 at 20:12
Liesbet, Sorry to hear about your costly and difficult truck search. Glad you got to celebrate the special events with your family and good time catching up with friends. I hope you’ll find the right truck for you soon.
July 26, 2021 at 16:17
Thanks, Natalie. Your positive vibes across country lines is appreciated! My three weeks in Belgium were a nice distraction from our ordeals here in Massachusetts. Those, too, will come to an end. I hope you will be able to enjoy more freedom soon as well!
July 27, 2021 at 21:44
Sad to learn of the troublesome pickup that had to go back. But I shake my head at how cheap you can get away with living in an expensive world. Your gas was laughable. I pay that to fill up my tank! Oye! Well good for you, and I hope you will soon find a vehicle and get back on the road. Hugs my friend. <3 xo
July 28, 2021 at 14:11
Hi Debby,
Not sure what you mean with you paying “that” to fill up your tank? The $87 for fuel? We paid that to fill up the tank of my in-laws as well. It’s about US$60 for a full tank here. I do remember fuel being much more expensive in Canada… I guess about $90 a tank? I hope that’s a relatively big tank. In Europe it costs about US$100 to fill a mid-size car these days. Crazy expensive there!!!
Have a great hump day, my friend!
July 29, 2021 at 10:45
Hi Liesbet, yes. Our gas is expensive here. I think only Europe prices are worse. Don’t forget, you guys pay per gallon. We pay per litre and approximately 4 litres to your gallon. At our rough price of $1.35 litre, that makes it almost $5.50 a gallon!
July 29, 2021 at 17:09
Fuel is insane in Canada. I remember this well from our travels there two years ago. Here in MA it’s a bit over $3 a gallon now and in California it’s over $4. In Belgium, the cost was about 5.50 as well, but euros… So, approximately US$6.50 a gallon. Crazy… Yet, the roads are packed everywhere.
July 30, 2021 at 10:36
It’s absolute robbery! 🙁
July 29, 2021 at 08:14
Ugh – so sorry to hear about the Arkansas debacle. You and Mark spend so much time researching and being careful – it’s wrong that it didn’t work out! I’m anxious for you and Mark to find and get the right vehicle for your next journey. Your trip to Belgium, though, sounds like it was wonderful in so many ways. And thanks for including the photos of your family and Mark’s. Wonderful celebrations.
July 29, 2021 at 13:00
Hi Pam,
Remember we talked about that upcoming Arkansas trip with you? I guess it didn’t end well. But, it was for the best. We didn’t trust that truck as it had structural issues. We made the right decision, even though it was a tough one. Well, the decision wasn’t tough, but still not having a truck was…
I happily included some photos of my Belgian life here. My most recent blog is overflowing with it, however. 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 10:13
Lots of pros and cons. Uff the expenditure on things not working out and last minute pricey tickets. Even though where we live is a pretty low cost of living, certainly compared to the U.S. or Europe, we still find that we have unusual expenses almost every month that swallow more than we would like. We are nowhere as vigilant at keeping records, but at the end of each month we check if we managed to save anything…. lately we at least are not dipping into savings, but have not been so good at actually stashing a bit away. So it goes….
Hope the vehicle story resolves itself the best way you wish it too, soon!
Peta
July 29, 2021 at 17:04
Hi Peta,
Mark and I can’t wait to return to Baja and Mexico this fall/winter. You are right, there are always unexpected expenses. Not a month seems to go by without them as we get older! Yet, being able to do take-out more often and being immersed in another culture is what we crave right now. 🙂 And we will travel slowly as fuel is more costly in Mexico than in the US…
Good for you for breaking even! You are doing much better than us at the moment. We “made” money selling the camper, but that all goes to our next set-up. Other than that, I’m making peanuts and we are dipping in savings these months. Putting money aside is a luxury of years passed, haha.