Saturday, January 3, 2009

Just How Much Do You Spend on the Road?

Several readers have asked this question. Well, I can tell you exactly what I spent for the last 2 years!


Year_____________________2008_______2007

Auto & Trailer --
__Gas____________________4700_______3100
__Equipment, Repairs, Tags_____1400_______2450
__Insurance________________1300_______1300
__Propane__________________300________300
Camping Fees_______________1900________450
Groceries__________________1700________1650
TV, Internet, Telephone________1600________1300
Photography, Computer_________900_______2150
Health Insurance_____________3900_______3450
Medical & Dental_____________2800________550
Dog_______________________300________300
Entertainment, Eating Out_______1800________750
Clothes_____________________600________150
Miscellaneous "Stuff"___________1800_______1900

Total_____________________25000______19800

Some notes:

Why was 2008 so much more than 2007? For several reasons. Gas was higher because I traveled farther, and gas was more expensive. Camping fees were higher because I stayed in some expensive parks in San Diego, Branson, and Bandera, and traveled in areas where boondocking is not always available. I also ate out a lot more, and I guess I'm better dressed.

These numbers include everything except income tax and the cost of new vehicles. (Or, alternatively, the decrease in value of those vehicles.)

I bought a new rig and a new computer in 2007. The cost of the rig is not included, but the cost of improvements, new equipment and $500 in sales tax is.

I'm not trying to be particularly frugal. If there's something I want to buy, or something I want to do, I don't hesitate. I just want to get the best deal possible!
at

6 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    Looks like another great year, thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DaveJanuary 4, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    I have just done a rough conversion ino £'s and it surprised me. BTW I have bought an SX110 is. If I hadn't visited your blog I may not have found out about it, so thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lew and Jan JohnsJanuary 4, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    Thanks for the Info, Diana. How many Miles? One of these days when we get to be Retired, Broke, Homeless and Living in a Box its going to take a lot more yearly miles to get where all we will want to be. DD lives in New England, DS, DIL and DGD will be living who-knows-where and we are just a couple of Farts in a Windstorm. A Great White Circle including East Coast and West Coast with a side trip to The Mouse might do it.

    Lew

    ReplyDelete
  4. Barbara and RonJanuary 4, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    Wow! That's a lot more than I would have guessed. I better never add up mine!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cedar ...January 6, 2009 at 7:32 AM

    You must have a nice income from somewhere to be able to do that and still trade rigs. Way out of my range, sadly to say. I'll keep reading and enjoying your adventures... Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Desert DivaJanuary 9, 2009 at 11:15 AM

    Thanks for sharing this information. This is exactly what I was looking for - an itemized list of expenses. Maybe I can do this now...

    ReplyDelete

I love comments!