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My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 2:57 pm
by Bethers
As I often tell people, RVing can be expensive, but doesn't need to be. Here are some of my expenses from last year.
The RV traveled a couple miles under 6,000 miles. I travelled in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas... Going back through New Mexico and Arizona.
I paid $975 in camping fees. (That comes to $81.25/mo or $2.20/day)
Gas for the RV came to $1435 or $119.45/mo once broken down.
Propane costs were $79.79 or $6.65/mo.
MH maintenance was very low at $302 for the year, and that included one bigger expense. I budget $500-$1000 for that.

I realize my camping expenses are low because of workamping... But right now while I get my site for volunteering. I would have been boondocking this winter with also no cost and not having to work.

Car expenses... Gas was $300/year... $25/mo. Regular maintenance in 2016 was under $100.

Add in groceries, essentials, insurance, etc and I am still under $1000/mo total for 2016. I do not look at cost on my sightseeing, but rarely does it cost much and it is included in my staying at $1000 per month or less. That is where, if I want to do it, I fit it into the budget.

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:23 pm
by cnq50b
Just goes to show, if there's a will, there's a way.
Thanks for sharing this, Beth.

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:17 pm
by Wanderer2
Thank you Beth. That was informative and thank you for taking the time to do that. Budget is important or expenses could soon be out of control. I am going to try to keep expenses down as much as possible and I think it will be a learning experience. Workcamping is definitely a possibility for me. Is it hard to land your first job workcamping?

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:26 pm
by Bethers
Wanderer2 wrote:Thank you Beth. That was informative and thank you for taking the time to do that. Budget is important or expenses could soon be out of control. I am going to try to keep expenses down as much as possible and I think it will be a learning experience. Workcamping is definitely a possibility for me. Is it hard to land your first job workcamping?

No, it really isn't. Winter jobs are harder to come by than summer... More people want them, and it's easier to find volunteer in the winter rather than paying jobs. When you are ready, let me know and I'll gladly help you get started.

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 7:47 am
by IrishIroamed
aaaaahhhhhhh BBeeeettthhhh! :o You made me do math! Dontcha know I'm mathematically challenged! :? Just ask Melissa & Sue can confirm about trailer weights :lol: All is good tho. Helps me out for the 'when the time comes scenario'. Thanks!

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 1:01 pm
by havingfunnow
Thank you, Beth! This was really helpful -- and heartening. :D

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:23 pm
by chalet05
That's very helpful info, Beth, especially for those not on the road yet. Certainly different than mine - between the two vehicles, I did 28,000 miles and $3600 in fuel. Of course, not everyone crosses the country 3 times in one year. :D My RV parking was a bit over the top because I ended up in parks that were above what I would normally spend but was necessary for event I was attending or family I was visiting.

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 9:28 pm
by Wanderer2
Thank you for the offer and I will. :D

Re: My 2016 Expenses/Budget

PostPosted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 1:14 am
by Bethers
chalet05 wrote:That's very helpful info, Beth, especially for those not on the road yet. Certainly different than mine - between the two vehicles, I did 28,000 miles and $3600 in fuel. Of course, not everyone crosses the country 3 times in one year. :D My RV parking was a bit over the top because I ended up in parks that were above what I would normally spend but was necessary for event I was attending or family I was visiting.

You had a very unusual, but also very exciting year. Be grateful for the lower gas prices when you crisscross the country like that!