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.
During the entire month of September, Mark, Maya, and I lived in our “room above the garage” in Newburyport, MA – no side-trips in Zesty. Mark had a job with the US Census bureau in August and September and I’m 100% focused on my upcoming travel memoir. He made good money at $27.50 an hour, especially when working overtime for1.5x that amount. During his week-long stint on Cape Cod, putting in 12-hour days, he sometimes made $500 a day! I generated zero income working on my memoir… Instead, I spent a bunch more on it and will keep doing so this month.
Sign for the parked car when Mark performed his Census job
My editor would have been the most expensive category last month (and for four months in a row), if it wasn’t for us buying tires. Zesty made it through the annual Massachusetts inspection with flying colors, but a new set of tires was recommended and – as a matter of fact – we had been planning to replace them before heading west. Mark’s careful research and patience paid off. We managed to upgrade our tires to all-terrain and bigger ones for less than $600. Not only will we be better equipped for dirt roads this winter, but our clearance is an inch or two higher; just what we needed!
For my father-in-law’s 90th birthday, Mark, his brother, our sister-in-law, and I organized a socially distanced outdoor party, where the four of us cooked and provided food and drinks. Sixteen family members were present and we were grateful for the sunny weather and space on the patio of my in-laws. The second expense in the gift category went to a non-fiction book written by a friend.
Another perk of Mark’s temporary relocation to the Cape was a daily food stipend of $70, which he never used up. So, we managed to get a few take-out meals and even an outdoor restaurant dinner that didn’t cost us anything! Also, with the last of our credit card points being allocated to food, we actually spent $400 less than this report shows. But, Maya’s fish oil cost almost as much as a 28-pound bag of dog food last month!
At $1,800, September was an above average month in which we spent much more than usual, but for good reasons! 🙂
To learn what other full-time nomads spend each month, check out the expense blogs of our vanlife friends Duwan and Greg at Make Like An Ape Man.
October 4, 2020 at 13:10
Thats really good! How do you allocate your RV and health insurance?
October 4, 2020 at 13:23
Hi guys!
Our health insurance is free in Massachusetts, because we make less than minimum wage. Sometimes, we pay a co-pay out of pocket (which I mention in these posts) and meds cost around $4 for any prescription. We each got flu shots for free this month as well. All that being said, I need a root canal done, which isn’t covered here and is crazy expensive, so I am planning to get that done in Mexico this winter. That will be another expensive month, since the procedure will cost the equivalent of four new tires!
Our RV is paid off. We never borrow money or get a mortgage for anything; we buy things out of pocket or not at all. 🙂
October 4, 2020 at 13:56
Your investment in tires is a great one, anticipating the terrain you will travel on this summer: Like platform shoes, they raise your height by just the right amount.
I’m glad Mark’s work gave you a good buffer for the coming months. Also, you gained extended writing time, another good thing.
Liesbet, if everyone lived as you and Mark do, there would be no need for bankruptcy attorneys, that’s for sure! 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 17:28
What’s a bankruptcy attorney? 🙂 I often joke that if more people lived like Mark and me, the economy would tank!
I had to smile about your platform shoes remark, Marian. As you know, I’m pretty tall. I have never ever worn any heels in my life. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it. Not my style and not my look and not my agility-level.
We both took advantage of our extended time in Massachusetts and while I have no idea how I will be able to finish this book publishing business once we’re on the road, it is time for a change of scenery and environment!
October 4, 2020 at 14:11
Liesbet, I make zero money on my memoir work, too. And yes, I spend much, much money trying to get a final revision to send to betas. I keep telling myself I need patience, but after almost ten years on this college memoir book—first by myself, then with classes and coaching—I am SO ready to be finished and work on sending it out like you are. All the luck with your project. Never give up. You have a truly intriguing story.
October 5, 2020 at 17:31
Our memoir work is only costing us money right now, Victoria. But, it will pay off in the long run. Maybe not financially, but in other ways. I was mostly joking with my comment about making zero money. There is no money in writing. 🙂
If I could do it over again, I might have gone the self-publishing route from the start. It would have saved me a lot of time. At least a year. Maybe something for you to consider? It is very difficult to have an agent or a publisher interested in memoirs these days… Good luck!
October 4, 2020 at 15:00
This is awesome, Liesbet! This is the work-to-live philosophy I subscribe to, in which you keep your expenses low — by determining what you need versus keeping up with the Joneses — and then work to cover those expenses, not stress yourself out trying to pay for a too-big monthly nut. I’m a practicing minimalist, and the best thing I ever did was learn to live with (a lot) less. I’ve never been happier.
October 5, 2020 at 17:39
Hi Sean! We’ve always been a fan of buying what we need versus buying what we want. With that philosophy, we have been able to travel (frugally) non-stop for the last seventeen years. Weighing our expenses and working as we see fit contributes to a happier life for sure. Good for you sticking to this lifestyle as well. It opens a lot of doors and creates a healthier mental balance, in my opinion. 🙂
October 4, 2020 at 16:14
Hi, Liesbet – Once again, you and Mark live a very inspiring lifestyle. I also love your positive, open and honest style. I’m glad that you invested in tires – good choice.
October 5, 2020 at 17:40
Hi Donna! Those big expenses – like tires – are inevitable. Luckily, we have been able to keep other costs (except for my writing) down over the summer. We will see what happens once we hit the road again this weekend! 🙂
October 4, 2020 at 17:01
Nice job! You can’t go wrong investing in new tires. It sounds like you and Mark will be ready to hit the road in no time.
October 5, 2020 at 17:42
We are rrrrready, Jill! I’m trying to get as much as possible accomplished this week towards my final memoir edits and publication prep, before that world goes “dark”. Maybe, I will be able to keep the progress up, but I’m skeptical. It’s hard to plan anything once Zesty becomes our permanent home again. We don’t even know where we are going right now. Pathetic, really! 🙂
October 4, 2020 at 17:32
Yummy, strawberry rhubarb pie. Liesbet, I second the comment on don’t give up as you do have a unique story to share with the wider world.
October 5, 2020 at 17:43
Can you believe I have never eaten strawberry-rhubarb pie, Suz? I could try a piece of my father-in-law’s, but since he spit all over the pie blowing those candles out, I think I’ll pass. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement regarding my memoir. While it has been driving me up a wall – a few times – recently, I definitely won’t give up at this point. Too much time, money, and energy invested in it!
October 4, 2020 at 17:36
Even with those two large expenses, you both did quite well. Funny though, I didn’t see a line item for a new map book 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 17:47
Good eye, Janis! I just love how observant you are. There was no line item for a new atlas, because I refuse to buy another one! When Maya ate 1/3 of a roll of paper towel, I wasn’t too upset about replacing it, since such a thing only costs a dollar. When available. It would have been harder if she’d have pulled that trick a few months ago at the start of the pandemic… But, an atlas? Those run higher than $20 a piece these days. So, we will skip the states that have been eaten. California is still there, luckily! 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 20:10
Hahahahahaha! Good thing we didn’t end up in Maya’s tummy!
October 7, 2020 at 13:24
Right? And, it will probably be too cold to camp in Colorado by the time we get there. Luckily, Utah and Arizona remained untouched as that’s where we’re headed…
October 4, 2020 at 21:30
I love your comment that you don’t borrow money or take out a mortgage. I needed a mortgage for my house–can’t imagine having that much saved up–but I still think it’s an amazing philosophy.
October 5, 2020 at 17:50
Hi JH! Good to see you around. If I would have ever bought a house in one of my previous lives, I would have needed a mortgage as well. So, it’s easy for me to talk about not having/wanting any loans or mortgages. It was never needed – I don’t own and have never owned anything of value. Except for our camper and our e-bikes. But, we would have never bought those if we couldn’t afford them. 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 11:52
You’re in the money now, thanks to Mark’s long hours…congrats. I’m sure that will make your upcoming travels less stressful. I look forward to following your venture as we plan to stay home for the foreseeable future.
October 5, 2020 at 17:53
You know, Leslie, having this money come in actually feels nice. I feel much more generous than I usually do, buying gifts, leaving extra tips, and spoiling ourselves a bit more as well with a couple of take-out meals. Maybe this is how “normal” people feel? 🙂 Sorry to read that you will take it easy travel-wise in the near future… What’s the reason? Just a bit fed up with it right now? I can imagine you’d like some peace and comfort after the kind of winter and spring you both endured!!
October 5, 2020 at 12:03
Well, even with your higher than average expense report, you beat us again. Love the $27.50 an hour plus time and a half overtime. They should have the census every year!
Love the tires. We just talked to a young couple traveling in a Sprinter who had all-terrain tires and were really happy with them.
So nice you were able to have a socially distant part for Mark’s dad. What a milestone.
October 5, 2020 at 17:59
Hi Duwan! When I saw the total amount of our expenses for last month, I thought about you guys and how you surely would have us beat this time. It was certainly your chance. 🙂 I’ll read your post one of these days, to see what “did you in” as an extra expense in September… I think I mentioned before to you that we needed new tires as well (I think it was in a comment when you posted about your new tires). This was the moment to do it, based on the “deals”. Right in time, as we leave this weekend.
October 5, 2020 at 18:19
A just-in-time investment on the new tires, I believe! Happy trails on the road once more and continued good luck with the writing.
October 7, 2020 at 13:13
Thank you! We will try our best… 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 19:56
Still doing way better than me on budget, lol 🙂
October 7, 2020 at 13:13
Even with the new tires and editing expenses? 🙂
October 5, 2020 at 23:51
Buying new tires always makes me wince, but it’s money well spent on something that carries me safely around at over 100 km/hr! I can imagine they must be even more important for you.
Wishing a very happy 90th to your father-in-law! 🙂
October 7, 2020 at 13:26
I agree, reliable tires to a car are what a good editor is to a book. Indispensable. 🙂 Thanks for the wishes. His actual birthday is in ten days…
October 7, 2020 at 12:11
I enjoy following your frugal lifestyle. Thanks for sharing!
October 7, 2020 at 13:26
I’m glad you find some value in these posts, Sadira. I’ll keep them coming… every month. 🙂
October 8, 2020 at 13:38
You two are amazing with money. His job is the census taking? How long does that last? I’m not filling mine out online. Maybe he’ll have to come by my house!
October 8, 2020 at 15:27
Money, money, money… Just being careful does most of the job, really. Easy peasy. 🙂
Mark worked for the US Census for two months (August and September). He’s done now and things are being wrapped up. You should have had someone swing by your house by now, or leaving you forms to fill out/call in/complete online. If you haven’t done the Census yet, I strongly suggest you do so soon. The information you provide helps with allocating money to your area for all kinds of things.
October 10, 2020 at 09:53
Hi Liesbet, I see how it is very relevant to post the weight of Maya and how much dog food is required. Tires are always a big, yet necessary expense. My friend also buys fish oil for her dog. Expensive, yet makes a huge difference. I love all of the photos! The ‘modern-day kissing’ made me smile.xx
October 10, 2020 at 10:18
Hi Erica! We humans are good at adapting to our surroundings and circumstances… Most of us anyway. Kissing is just not the same, though. 🙂 Not only is fish oil healthy (for dogs and humans – it’s the only supplement I take every day), but it makes Maya’s coat healthier and shinier as well. In the past, we have been able to buy the same bottle for $18 instead of $30, so we hope the price will go down – somewhere – by the time we need to order it again!
October 10, 2020 at 21:42
I am with you on the fish oil, Liesbet. Whatever helps keep us healthy. 😁
October 14, 2020 at 13:59
Yep! I mostly take it because it helps prevent “dry eye”. Maya takes it to soften her fur. And, Mark takes it for its all-around benefits. 🙂
October 15, 2020 at 18:20
Some things are well worth the money! Reliable tires, a good editor and that wonderful celebration. Mark’s employment sounds like a perfect fit and a well paying one. As always your budgeting is impressive.
October 20, 2020 at 09:06
Hi Sue! We haven’t had any “normal” expense months for a while. First, because we were “room bound” and second because of the major $2,000 expense for my editor, which I’ve divided (and paid) over four months. I love our new, robust tires! People find it strange that I am so excited about car tires, but, there you have it. 🙂
October 26, 2020 at 13:01
“We’ll skip the states that have been eaten”!!! What a perfect line to put in your NEXT memoir, Liesbet. When my son and I went across Canada in an antique motorhome several years ago, we had no air conditioning, and so we kept the windows open on hot days as we drove. One very hot windy day passing through southern Alberta, the wind snatched and tore out several pages of our atlas. Out the window they went. Like you, we didn’t replace the atlas. By that time we were almost back to BC, where I knew my way around most of the highways.
Jude
October 28, 2020 at 10:11
That’s a funny story, Jude. I guess you have experience with incomplete atlases as well. 🙂 Unlike you, we are not going home soon (well, I guess we are always home, on the road), but I’m not replacing the map book. So far, we have been and will be skipping the states Maya destroyed, as we changed our initial route. And, there’s always Google Maps these days.
I’ll have to write that sentence down somewhere for a next book. Thanks for the idea!
October 28, 2020 at 12:46
As a funny postscript, a few years later, we ended up moving to that part of Alberta where our atlas pages dispeared. We spent five years there and I came to know the area very well.
Jude
October 28, 2020 at 22:07
That is funny! I wonder whether we will ever move to a state starting with a letter between “C” and “K”, as those are the atlas pages Maya destroyed. 🙂