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Old 11-18-2012, 06:53 AM   #29
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How do you get it to come out in even dollars?

I quit using quicken long ago. The import into Excel is quick easy but not something I do often. Different strokes. When you're dealing with variable expenses - they vary. Averages don't tell the story and depending on what comes my way - I have to adjust accordingly. I "live" some months better than others in the S&B and assume it will be the same on the road.
I record things in Quicken, not as a way of budgeting, but as a way of knowing how expenditures are trending. For example, by keeping track of restaurant meal costs we can see if we're keeping to our twice a week lunch estimate and how much that is taking of our monthly total. I also find it helpful to know what we're spending on something like campground fees which are an essential part of RV living.

Sure, some of the things we all do are not averageable. The fun excursions, whether they be ATV rides, or whale watching are unique one-time costs. But repetitive expenditures such as food and "shelter" can be averaged and IMHO there is some benefit for doing so. To each his own.
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Old 11-18-2012, 07:43 AM   #30
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We do more breakfasts out than dinners and often will do a late lunch rather than dinner. We both have certain foods that are difficult for us to digest, so breakfast out is usually a better option for us.

Barb
We are the same. In fact, we seldom eat dinner out....not only is it the most expensive meal to eat out...it is the the restaurant food we enjoy the least and we are also not particularly happy driving around at night in strange cities and towns! Inevitably we also seem to find ourselves in some sort of "sports bar" where every square inch of wall space is covered with a big screen TV...feels like you are at dinner with someone who won't put down their smart phone......and if I never have another buffalo wing and grilled mushroom & blue cheese burger ....my life we still be complete. BTW the most expensive burger on our travels was $26 at the Jasper Park Lodge.
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Old 11-18-2012, 07:59 AM   #31
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One thing that may throw our monthly food bill out of wack is the "DINNERS AND DRIVEIN SHOWS." I'm sure I don't have the name right, but are planning to look up the place when we travel. Wow! All that food looks great!
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Old 11-18-2012, 08:13 AM   #32
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I also neglected to mention I have been blessed with the greatest budget tool for household (consumable items) ever invented, affectionately know as Annie. She loves planning menus and running a household. She loves her shopping excursions, finding good deals and saving money. This may become more difficult on the road full time. Limited store choices - and regional differences in prices of things we are accustomed to having. That may cause me to look more closely at expenditures.

Currently I know when I have an expense problem upfront and why. It shows up when I make my bimonthly payment to principle on the Motorhome. Working to payoff before going full-time is the priority for us right now and I did not mean to give the impression there was a right or wrong way to keep up with expenses.

The last thing we want to experience on the road is breaking our budget and going to savings for the one time excursions. And if that were ever due to eating too high on the hog - on or off site - we would both be unhappy campers.

Thanks all.
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Old 11-18-2012, 08:25 AM   #33
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There are always those that have costs that most of us find incredibly low. Usually when pressed you will find that there are things that they don't include, such as receiving things at a food bank, etc. Barb
There is no food bank food in my MH nor any $20 Wine bottles.

I can afford to eat Lobster for every meal if I wanted. But usually only have Lobster twice a year. Every Memorial & Labor Day weekends.
So far for 2012 my savings from income after all expenses is $25,530.16 by quicken. So no Food Bank needed.

I'm on Doctor orders that no alcohol be consumed. Coffee maybe a 12 oz bag every 2-3 months. I do drink a lot of Ice Water every day that cost 0¢ except for the cost of electric making the Ice.

I may have forgotten to add 2 fresh Strawberry Milkshakes a month or almost $10 month extra to my food total. That may be offset by the free meal once or twice a month from friends that invite me over.

Now if I add in things other then food like a lot of you have. And include paper products, cleaning supplies, pop etc.

My monthly total will be $175.84* including those items also.
Eating out will not be over 4 times a month on average sometimes less.
Then usually less then $6 for a 1/2 order of Biscuits & Sausage Gravy with coffee.
*Tips not included.
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Old 11-18-2012, 08:37 AM   #34
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Triker - sorry to hear your doctor has restricted your diet - but admire your savings ability!

My doctor had me trade sausage biscuit and gravy for a glass or two of red wine and a daily dose of vitamin D3. I don't miss the one - enjoy the other and the D3 doubled my D results in 6 months. Saw him Friday and am still on track.

Good luck. It sounds like you have found a formula that works well for you. I think that's what's important.
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Old 11-18-2012, 08:59 AM   #35
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We are fulltime and dont track food costs. We seldom eat out and buy at grocery stores like we always did. We are frugal, comparative shoppers.
It is what it is
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Old 11-18-2012, 09:06 AM   #36
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When I travel by myself, it's quite low. A pound of sliced cheese and a bag of bagels can last a long time.

When the DW (AKA Her Majesty) is aboard, dining out is not optional - the rule of the land.
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