The Money Trip

So how has the budget been working out while on the road?

Overall, it's been pretty good. January was a stretch as we'd just had Christmas, plus some unexpected expenses. Also,we were traveling, spending money on fuel and eating in restaurants. We didn't feel like cooking at rest areas when the temperature was below freezing and the wind howling. January was also when we went down to the Florida Keys -not the cheapest place to stay. To top it all off, my lovely wife's medications had a huge deductible that had to be paid.

Even so, we didn't too badly. Time spent in low cost Federal Campgrounds helped the budget. February was the month when we started to pay down debt. Even though we never felt a budgetary pinch, we spent a lot less than we took in.

Halfway though March we are doing well. Our side trip to Texas hurt the fuel budget, but we made up for it in other areas. Camping expenses haven't been bad, plus we've spent less eating out. I've paid down more debt this month. The month is only half over, so anything could happen.

Of course, something like a major mechanical breakdown on the van would be a strain, but vehicle problems happen anywhere. Driving in the cold and snow is rough on cars too. I've also been pretty healthy this winter. It's hard to put a price tag on that.

-Sixbears