RV-Dreams Journal

December Financial Summary

December 2008 Results

Campground Fees $406.60 (13.12 per day) - Budget $450.00

We've stayed in the SKP Saguaro Co-Op all month.  Three weeks were at the monthly rate since we arrived before Thanksgiving, and the last week was at the weekly rate.  Also, you pay for electricity separately here and our total electric bill for December was around $75.

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $35.49 - Budget $10.00

We filled up two propane cylinders for December.  Even southern Arizona gets cold at night and the furnace has to be run some.  :)

Cell Phones $85.39 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is not included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $150.00

We drove the truck a whopping 3 miles in December.

Gas $44.42 - Budget $170.00

We only drove the Jeep 466 miles in December doing some local exploring.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $624.70 ($20.15 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out. 

This month we dined out over a dozen times at about double our budget for dining out.  Had we known we were going to do that, we wouldn't have bought so many groceries early in the month and this category could have looked a little better.  :)

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $58.73 - Budget $75.00

Linda stocked up on hair supplies at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Entertainment $433.51 ($13.98 per day) - Budget $200.00

I played over a dozen rounds of golf and some poker.  Between Linda on bingo and me on poker, we won $90 but that doesn't get used to offset the expenses.  :)

Still, we were over $1,000 under budget for the year in this category.

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $195.07 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium. 

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $207.23 - Budget $150.00

I bought a new hose, a new electrical adapter, and a new water pressure regulator.  With the holidays, we also had some gift purchases.

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $2,170.18 ($70.01 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,170.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $2,170.18 - Budget $2,670.00.

We were a whole 18 cents over budget in normal living expenses.  :)

Even the extra dining out and golf didn't hurt us.

For the year, we were almost $5,000 under budget on normal living expenses - $25,248 actual vs. $30,000 budget.

For a look at the final numbers for 2008, go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we took a loss of ($419) for the month.  December is a big business expense month for us, so we were glad to keep the loss that low.  For the year, we ended up generating just over $10,000 in net income.  Hopefully, we can keep going up a little each year. 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

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November Financial Summary

November 2008 Results

Campground Fees $590.05 (19.67 per day) - Budget $450.00

We ended up staying in a $30 a night park for eleven days in November while we waited on new tires & wheels for the fifth wheel to be delivered.  Our nightly budget for campgrounds is only $15, so the thirty bucks a night was rough.  Our average for the other 19 days in the month was about $14.00. 

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $30.00

We declined to renew our Good Sam Club membership.

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $34.45 - Budget $10.00

It got down into the teens during our final days in Colorado waiting on our tires/wheels.  We needed a little extra propane to stay warm.

Cell Phones $85.39 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is not included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $45.02 - Budget $50.00

We bought a new wall receiver for our furnace thermostat.  Turns out that wasn't the problem, but now we have a spare.  :)

Diesel $150.05 - Budget $150.00

We drove the truck 662 miles in November.  All but 11 of that was while towing the rig.

Gas $109.96 - Budget $170.00

We drove the Jeep 1,143 miles in November.  Of that, 492 miles was local exploring.

Truck Maintenance $156.35 - Budget $35.00

We had the truck serviced and the tires rotated in November.  We had budgeted for this expense, however, we budgeted for it in October instead of this month.  :)

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $372.71 ($12.42 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.  This category was helped by getting out of Pagosa Springs where groceries are high.

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $24.00 - Budget $75.00

Entertainment $135.50 ($4.52 per day) - Budget $200.00

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $195.07 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium. 

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $279.89 - Budget $150.00

Our big purchase in this category was a portable propane heater for $125.  After we had furnace problems, we picked it up as a back-up for heating when not hooked up to electric.

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $2,230.00 - Budget $500.00

We were hoping not to spend anything else in this category this year.  However, we decided to go ahead and purchase new tires and wheels for the fifth wheel rather than wait until next year.  We felt it was important to go ahead and get higher rated tires/wheels for increased safety margins based on the weight of our rig.

Totals $2,257.88 ($75.26 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,200.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $4,487.88 - Budget $2,700.00.

We were $58 over budget in normal living expenses.  We were under in most categories, but the Campground Fees, the Truck Maintenance we did this month instead of last, and the portable propane heater put us over.  We made most of that up, so it wasn't too bad at all.

For a look at this year's numbers through November, go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we made a profit of $307 for the month. 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

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October Financial Summary

October 2008 Results

Campground Fees $87.83 (2.83 per day) - Budget $450.00

We didn't know that we would be workamping during October when we set the budget at the end of 2007.  We finished our position with a few days left in the month.  So the expenses in this category are for those few days.

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $40.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $85.41 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is not included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $31.79 - Budget $50.00

We had to buy some wire for our solar system.  We had to replace it due to some rodent chewing.  Pesky varmints.

Diesel $130.00 - Budget $150.00

Again, we didn't know we would be workamping in October and the truck would basically sit.  We drove it 31 miles as we towed from our remote job to town.  We drove it 18 miles and filled it up for the first time since June 23.  The diesel price dropped $1.60/gallon from the last time we filled up.  :)

Gas $129.90 - Budget $170.00

We drove the Jeep 859 miles in October.  We did about 300 miles on a four day high alpine drive.  And another 300 miles was going to meetings for our workamping job for which our employer paid the gas.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $120.00

We budgeted for a service in October, but it will actually happen in early November.

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $382.82 ($12.35 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.

However, while working, our employer often fed us.  Also, the guests at the Ranch often gave us their leftovers when they left.   But we did dine out quite a bit on our four day "mini-vacation".  Still, we were well under budget.  :)

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $17.64 - Budget $75.00

Our laundry is free at the Ranch while workamping.

Entertainment $389.68 ($12.57 per day) - Budget $200.00

We sort of piled a lot of "entertainment" into this month during our little driving tour of the mountains.  Almost all of this was for lodging on our trip.  Even though we were well over budget this month, we have spent less than half our budget in this category for the year with only two months to go.  :) 

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $195.07 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium. 

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $103.94 - Budget $150.00

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $1,633.12 ($54.44 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,255.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $1,633.12 - Budget $2,755.00.

We were $622 under budget in normal living expenses.  Could have been better, but we're still quite happy with it.

We were $4,027 under budget for the four months we workamped - July through October.  Even with an October splurge, we still spent $1,000 per month less than normal.  :)

For a look at this year's numbers through October, go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we made a profit of $1,170 for the month.  That put us over $10,000 for the year.  We're very proud that we've pieced together that kind of income from doing what we enjoy.  :) 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

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September Financial Summary

Thought I'd better post this before we go on our little trip.  :)

September 2008 Results

Campground Fees $0.00 (0.00 per day) - Budget $450.00

We didn't know that we would be workamping this summer when we set the budget at the end of 2007.  But we are and, therefore, had no campground fees.

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $40.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $85.41 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $150.00

Again, we didn't know we would be workamping in September and the truck would basically sit.  We started it a few times, but didn't drive it this month.

Gas $46.43 - Budget $170.00

We drove the Jeep 490 miles in September.  That's basically one trip a week from the Ranch to Pagosa Springs (50 miles roundtrip) plus another 90 miles exploring.  The gas cost looks low because the gals bought the gas when it was ladies day on the Chama train.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $147.22 - Budget $20.00

Got a new battery, had the alternator tested, and got an oil change/service.

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $307.18 ($10.24 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.

However, while working, our employer often feeds us.  Also, the guests here at the Ranch often give us their leftovers when they leave.  :)

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $0.00 - Budget $75.00

Our laundry is free at the Ranch while workamping.

Entertainment $0.00 ($0.00 per day) - Budget $200.00

Didn't do anything that cost us money.  We did have one big dinner out that could have gone here, but we kept it in the Groceries & Dining Out category.

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $195.07 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium. 

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $199.52 - Budget $150.00

Well, we went over due to the $65 purchase of new walkie-talkies.  The Cobra walkie-talkies we got last year at Walmart just weren't cutting it, so we upgraded to a better pair from Radio Shack.

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $1,059.88 ($35.33 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,210.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $1,059.88 - Budget $2,710.00.

We were $1,150 under budget in normal living expenses.

We didn't know we were going to be workamping for the summer, so we budgeted as if we weren't.  And we spent $1,100 less while workamping in September.

For a look at this year's numbers through September, go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we made a profit of $715 for the month.  Once again, except for health insurance, we almost covered our September expenses with our little businesses & workamping.  Cool. 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

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August Financial Summary

August 2008 Results

Campground Fees $0.00 (0.00 per day) - Budget $450.00

We didn't know that we would be workamping this summer when we set the budget at the end of 2007.  But we are and, therefore, had no campground fees.

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $85.41 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $83.25 - Budget $75.00

Got one pay-per-view movie during the month.

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $150.00

Again, we didn't know we would be workamping in August and the truck would basically sit.  We drove a total of 10 miles in the truck for the month.

Gas $176.06 - Budget $170.00

We drove the Jeep 819 miles in August.  That's basically one trip a week from the Ranch to Pagosa Springs (50 miles roundtrip) plus another 419 miles exploring.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $167.44 ($5.40 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.

However, while working, our employer often feeds us.  Also, the guests here at the Ranch often give us their leftovers when they leave.  :)

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $0.00 - Budget $75.00

Our laundry is free at the Ranch while workamping.

Entertainment $126.02 ($4.07 per day) - Budget $200.00

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $195.07 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium.  It went up about $15 a month in August, but we had budgeted for the increase.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $55.99 - Budget $150.00

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $889.24 ($28.69 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,170.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $889.24 - Budget $2,670.00.

We were $1,281 under budget in normal living expenses.

We didn't know we were going to be workamping for the summer, so we budgeted as if we weren't.  And we spent almost $1,300 less while workamping in August.

For a look at this year's numbers through August, go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we made a profit of $635 for the month.  Except for health insurance, we almost covered our August expenses with our little businesses.  Cool. 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

July Financial Summary

July 2008 Results

Campground Fees $0.00 (0.00 per day) - Budget $450.00

We didn't know that we would be workamping this summer when we set the budget at the end of 2007.  But we are and, therefore, had no campground fees.

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $160.21 - Budget $85.00

Had to replace a cell phone that drowned in a canoeing mishap.

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $150.00

Again, we didn't know we would be workamping in July and the truck would basically sit.  We drove a total of 11 miles in the truck for the month.

Gas $106.41 - Budget $170.00

We drove the Jeep 400 miles in July.  That's basically one trip a week from the Ranch to Pagosa Springs (50 miles roundtrip) plus another 200 miles exploring.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $37.72 - Budget $20.00

Got an oil and filter change, fluids checked, etc.

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $342.77 - Budget $358.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $429.53 ($13.86 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out. 

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $233.15 - Budget $75.00

Our laundry is free at the Ranch while workamping.  Our overage in this category is for two new pairs of hiking boots to replace are worn out pairs.

Entertainment $29.37 ($.95 per day) - Budget $200.00

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $180.48 - Budget $200.00

Monthly health insurance premium.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $58.28 - Budget $150.00

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $1,754.21 ($56.59 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,728.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $1,754.21 - Budget $3,228.00.

We were $974 under budget in normal living expenses.

We didn't know we were going to be workamping for the summer, so we budgeted as if we weren't.  And, true to form, we spent almost $1,000 less while workamping.

For a look at this year's numbers through July go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, we made a profit of $1,011 for the month.  That was a combination of cookbook sales, workamping income, Google ads (which were actually a little low), and affiliate ads. 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

June Financial Summary

June 2008 Results

Campground Fees $207.00 (6.90 per day) - Budget $450.00

We managed to keep our overnight stays at around $15 a night.  Then we had several nights where we had no cost.  Our site was comped during the Rally and we arrived at our workamping position earlier than expected. 

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $85.39 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $686.87 - Budget $150.00

Well, when the budget was made, we had no idea that we were going to have to hustle over 1,000 miles from Branson, Missouri to Pagosa Springs, CO for our summer/fall workamping.  We hadn't taken the position when the budget was done, and we thought we would be traveling at our usual slow pace.  And of course we didn't expect diesel to be quite so high either.

We towed 1,474 miles in June and drove the truck an additional 74 miles while shuttling for canoe and hiking trips for a total of 1,548 miles.  We averaged $4.60 a gallon for diesel, $1.10 over the $3.50 I used to budget for the year.

Gas $330.02 - Budget $170.00

See above explanation for Diesel.  :)

We drove the Jeep 1,846 miles in June.  Of that, 1,479 miles was following the rig and 367 miles was exploring the local areas where we stopped.  Our average gas cost was about $3.94 per gallon, ninety-four cents a gallon over the $3.00 I used to budget for the year.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $375.60 ($12.52 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out. 

We done good in June!  :)

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $92.28 - Budget $75.00

We had to replace some worn out shorts.  :)

Entertainment $128.27 ($4.28 per day) - Budget $200.00

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $1,133.48 - Budget $1,134.00

Monthly health insurance premium of $181 plus our annual life insurance of $953.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $146.60 - Budget $150.00

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $827.00 - Budget $500.00

Paid estimated quarterly taxes based on capital gains taxes we had to pay last year.  I'm pretty sure we won't have capital gains this year and we will get the money back in 2009, but we're paying the estimates just in case.

Totals $3,264.55 ($108.82 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $3,104.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $4,091.55 - Budget $3,604.00.

Looking at the bright side as I tend to do, we were only $160.55 over budget on our normal living expenses even though we were almost $700 over budget on our fuel categories.

For a look at this year's numbers through June go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business side, it took quite awhile to crunch the Rally numbers, etc.

For the month of June, we made a profit of $4,913.  Woo Hoo!  That certainly helped.  :)

Of that amount, $4,650 of it was in RV-Dreams.com.  Of that, we had a profit on the 2008 Rally of $3,824.  However, if not for our special 50/50 raffle that was donated back to us and a couple of sponsorships, we would have netted less than $2,000.  We need to do a lot better than that for future rallies.  :) 

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

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First Half 2008 Summary

Well, let's start with the good news.  For basic living expenses alone, we are $783 under budget for the first half of the year.  We have spent $15,483.53 so far which is an average of $2,581 per month.  That's just $81 over our goal of $2,500 a month for the year.  That's really good because almost all of our big expenses are loaded into the first six months of the year.

And since we are workamping July - October, which wasn't accounted for in the budget, we should come in well under our $30,000 goal in basic, normal living expenses.  :)

Now, the bad news.  We budgeted $6,000 for Emergencies/Budget Cushion.  With capital gains taxes from 2007, estimated taxes for 2008, our solar panels, and our additions to the Jeep, we are probably going to come in at around $13,500 in that category for the year.

I don't think we can make that $7,500 deficit up in our normal living expense savings.  But if we can make up half, we might just get the other half back in taxes next year (or at least a good portion of it).

The bottom line is it is again pretty clear that we can live comfortably on less than $30,000 a year ($2,500 a month), but $36,000 a year ($3,000 a month) sure provides some wiggle room for emergencies and upgrades to the lifestyle that aren't necessities.  :)

May Financial Summary

May 2008 Results

Campground Fees $495.25 (15.98 per day) - Budget $450.00

Just a little over for the month.  But with our workamping we are averaging a whopping $4.13 a day for the year.  :)

RV Clubs $44.00 - Budget $0.00

I forgot that our initial 3-year membership with Passport America was expiring.  So we signed up for another year.

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $0.00 - Budget $10.00

Cell Phones $85.06 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $79.04 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $723.29 - Budget $150.00

What was I thinking?!  I knew we were going to have to drive over 1,000 miles from Moab, UT to Branson, MO for the RV-Dreams Rally.  I have no idea why I didn't budget properly.

We towed 1,081 miles in May and drove the truck an additional 109 miles while shuttling for canoe and hiking trips.  We averaged $4.30 a gallon for diesel, eighty cents over the $3.50 I used to budget for the year.

Gas $323.17 - Budget $170.00

Again, I have no idea what I was thinking.

We drove the Jeep almost 2,000 miles in May.  About half of that was following the rig on our way to Branson and half was exploring the local areas where we stopped.  Our average gas cost was about $3.80 per gallon, again about eighty cents a gallon over the $3.00 I used to budget for the year.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $120.00

We guessed that May would be the month for a truck service, but it looks like it will fall in June instead.

Jeep Maintenance $37.72 - Budget $20.00

Got an oil and filter change, fluids checked, etc.

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $592.67 ($19.12 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out. 

Groceries have gotten expensive and we just happened to have one more grocery run in the month than usual.  Also, we had a $90 dinner splurge in addition to the $90 worth of dining out that was in the budget.

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $30.75 - Budget $75.00

Entertainment $131.00 ($4.23 per day) - Budget $275.00

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $180.48 - Budget $181.00

Monthly health insurance premium.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $450.33 - Budget $150.00

Bought a few lifestyle items in May.  Let's see, we got a coffee carafe to keep coffee warm while boondocking, we got a filtered pitcher to try to cut down on bottled water, we got a new vacuum for the rig, I had to replace an electric razor, and there were a couple of other items.  Also, we bought a gift for our friend Jack for all his help with our electrical/solar system.

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $46.50 - Budget $500.00

Totals $3,172.76 ($100.85 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,236.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $3,219.26 - Budget $2,736.00.

Yikes!  Being $936.76 over budget in normal living expenses isn't good.  Most of it, $726, was due to me simply not budgeting correctly for our fuel expenses.  Fortunately, we will make that up by not moving in July - October since we will be workamping. 

For a look at this year's numbers through May go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business income side, it was a decent month at $750.  Our expenses were $114.

So it was a decent net income of $636 for the month.

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

April Financial Summary

April 2008 Results

Campground Fees $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Free campsite for April in return for volunteering as a Campground Host at Arches National Park in Moab, UT.  

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $714.29 - Budget $950.00

I was pleasantly surprised by that difference.

Propane $39.43 - Budget $10.00

We knew we would not be reimbursed for propane at Arches because we are living in a park residence.  We anticipated using the furnace on occasion to keep our rig warm, but we had no idea that it would be as cold as it was overnight.  Fortunately, we didn't have to use nearly as much as last month.  :)

Cell Phones $84.90 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Satellite TV $100.20 - Budget $75.00

The extra $25 was to ship us a new DVR since I dropped one and broke it while moving from our rig to the campground residence.

RV Maintenance $80.17 - Budget $50.00

Had to replace a latch that keeps our entry door open after it broke off.  Also, had to replace our water input component due to a broken check valve.  But the expenses were only for parts.  Believe it or not, I actually did the work myself.  :)

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Didn't take the truck anywhere in April.

Gas $169.07 - Budget $170.00

We drove more in April than we did in March - 944 miles.  Still less than expected, but higher gas prices still made our expenses right on the budget.  Our average gas cost was $3.26 per gallon.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $447.25 ($14.91 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.  We're actually really pleased to be under budget because groceries in Moab are pretty expensive.

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $41.50 - Budget $75.00

Entertainment $25.00 ($0.83 per day) - Budget $275.00

Lots of free stuff to do around here.  :)

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $180.48 - Budget $181.00

Monthly health insurance premium.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $232.31 - Budget $150.00

Forgot to budget for our renewal of our Coach-Net roadside assistance plan ($99).

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $11,625.70 - Budget $500.00

What?!!  I'm afraid that's correct.

First, I failed to anticipate the capital gains taxes from our investment withdrawals in 2007 to buy the Jeep.  That was $3,450.  Ouch.

Add to that $700 to pay our accountant and another $800 in quarterly estimates we had to pay.  Of course, we shouldn't have the same issue in 2008 and will probably get money back in 2009.

But Moab caused more expenses to enhance our lifestyle and increase our fun on the road.  :)

With it being one of the foremost off-roading places in the country, we decided to outfit our Liberty.  We added skid plates to protect vital parts underneath and a bumper/winch combination to get ourselves out of problem situations.  That cost us $3,600.  We probably spent more than necessary to have it all done, but we were confident it would be done right here at Moab 4X4 Outpost.  Now we can go off-road in more places with more confidence and that should be handy during our upcoming four-month stay in the Colorado mountains.

And, finally, we added solar panels and a solar charge controller to complete our electrical upgrade we began last year.  We were going to hold off on the panels, but being in this area of the west showed us how many boondocking opportunities there are and how solar could benefit us immediately.  Plus we had Jack to do the installation while I watched and learned.  So add another $3,000 to the tally.  By the way, after only a week, we are very, very pleased we went ahead and did the solar thing.

To start the year, I budgeted $6,000 in this category, but we did not intend to use it.  Not only did we use it in a single month, but now we have to make up another $5,000 the rest of the year to make budget.

Fortunately, we are already $1,900 under budget in our normal living expenses for the year.  And the extra four months of workamping from July through October should help since we didn't plan for that either.

Totals $2,114.60 ($70.49 per day) for normal living expenses - Budget $2,576.00

Totals with Emergencies/Budget Cushion $13,740.30 - Budget $3,076.00.

Obviously, being almost $11,000 over budget isn't really what we expected.  But we have no regrets and we are pleased that we were $460 under budget on our normal living expenses for April.

For a look at this year's numbers through April go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business income side, it was a decent month at $658.  But our annual bill for web hosting for the Journal was due as were our annual subscriptions to Workamper News and Caretaker Gazette.

Still, we had a respectable net income of $264 for the month.

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.

March Financial Summary

March 2008 Results

Campground Fees $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Free campsite for March in return for volunteering as a Campground Host at Arches National Park in Moab, UT.  

RV Clubs $0.00 - Budget $0.00

RV Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Propane $101.14 - Budget $10.00

We knew we would not be reimbursed for propane at Arches because we are living in a park residence.  We anticipated using the furnace on occasion to keep our rig warm, but we had no idea that it would be as cold as it was overnight.  So we ate up quite a bit of propane.  The rig is plugged in, but we have only battery power generated by solar, so we couldn't run electric heat in the rig.  Oh well, it was our only significant overage for the month and we are still working on getting some of it reimbursed.  :)

Cell Phones $85.06 - Budget $85.00

Satellite Internet $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Note:  Satellite internet is no longer included in our regular expenses.  We now classify it as a business expense.  We paid $798 in December 2007 for all of 2008. 

RV Taxes/Registration $563.60 - Budget $636.00

Overbudgeted by a bit.

Satellite TV $79.01 - Budget $75.00

RV Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Diesel $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Didn't take the truck anywhere in March.

Gas $94.20 - Budget $170.00

Expected to drive a lot more while exploring the area.  However, we spent most of March just seeing everything there is to see in Arches.  We drove the Jeep 535 miles and I was expecting somewhere in the range of about 1,200.  Our average gas cost was $3.127 per gallon.

Truck Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $35.00

Jeep Maintenance $0.00 - Budget $20.00

Truck Insurance $707.60 - Budget $745.00

Jeep Insurance $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Truck Taxes/Registration $578.37 - Budget $600.00

Jeep Taxes/Registration $0.00 - Budget $0.00

Groceries & Dining Out $456.75 ($14.73 per day) - Budget $450.00

Our Groceries & Dining Out budget for 2008 is based on $12 per day per month for groceries PLUS $90 for dining out.   

Laundry, Clothing, Hair Care $42.99 - Budget $75.00

Entertainment $40.96 ($1.32 per day) - Budget $275.00

Lots of free stuff to do around here.  :)

Insurance - Health, Life, Umbrella, Etc. $333.48 - Budget $381.00

Monthly health insurance premium and umbrella policy.  Umbrella policy came in under the $200 budget for that item.

Medical & Dental Expenses $0.00 - Budget $50.00

Miscellaneous $145.88 - Budget $150.00

Emergencies/Budget Cushion $0.00 - Budget $500.00

Totals $3,229.04 ($104.16 per day) - Budget $4,307.00 with Budget Cushion or $3,807.00 without.

We did really well in again in March.  I'm very pleased.

For a look at this year's numbers through March go to Our 2008 Actual Expenses. To see our budget month-by-month click on Our 2008 Budget.

On the business income side, it was a good month at $1,000.  But it was a heavy expense month as well with a couple web hosting bills due and some gear "necessary" for workamping.  :)  Still, we had a respectable net income of $307 for the month.

Our business income & expense summary statement is now available at Our 2008 Business Financial Summary page.