Need to Spend More Money

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jester

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I know, right?

Here's the deal:  I'm currently on the road full time, use campgrounds once a month or less and only state or national parks.  I rarely eat out (food allergies), don't watch tv, have no expensive habits. My budget comes out to about $670 a month including a bit set aside for emergencies.

I'd like to bump this up to $800 a month but do so sensibly.  Things I have been considering:

$30 for campground/sightseeing/increased fuel/etc.  Basically a buffer for whatever comes up

$25 for 24-hour gym.  Need to find a deal because most of these are running about $50/month for the national chains

$25-$50 to eat better.  More veggies, fewer potatoes

$25 for . . . ??

What invaluable thing do you do that I should think about adding to my life?
 
Add to good karma by making part of that extra $ via donation to your favorite charity? You never know when you might find yourself on the other side.
Ted
 
jester said:
I know, right?

...snip...

$25 for 24-hour gym.  Need to find a deal because most of these are running about $50/month for the national chains

Planet Fitness is a 24 hour gym that costs $20/mo plus tax, coming in just under your amount.  That level of membership gives access to all of their gyms Nationwide.  See if they are located where you need to work out and shower.  I'm a member in Phoenix.
 
You didn't say how old you are, but if you're ready for your midlife crisis, the traditional red convertible and/or younger girlfriend should solve your I-Have-Too-Much-Money problem nicely.
 
I would set aside a special improvement fund. Someday you might want a fridge, solar or other higher dollar goodie.
 
shadowmoss said:
Planet Fitness is a 24 hour gym that costs $20/mo plus tax, coming in just under your amount.  That level of membership gives access to all of their gyms Nationwide.  See if they are located where you need to work out and shower.  I'm a member in Phoenix.

Currently in Rochester and it's $39 here.   :(
 
jimindenver said:
I would set aside a special improvement fund. Someday you might want a fridge, solar or other higher dollar goodie.

I have solar and I installed a new 12v frig in December.  I like the idea of an improvement fund, although currently I can't think of what high-dollar improvements I would make.  I plan to rip out the carpet, put in some sort of more sensible flooring and paint the inside of the camper, but none of these will be all that pricey.  Maybe plan for a devastating leak at some point?
 
Optimistic Paranoid said:
You didn't say how old you are, but if you're ready for your midlife crisis, the traditional red convertible and/or younger girlfriend should solve your I-Have-Too-Much-Money problem nicely.

Did the convertible when I got my first job.  They are entirely over-rated and do terrible things to your hair.  Never tried the younger girlfriend thing, but I imagine my ex-husband would have approved.
 
Hahahaha Jester!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
jester said:
Did the convertible when I got my first job.  They are entirely over-rated and do terrible things to your hair.  Never tried the younger girlfriend thing, but I imagine my ex-husband would have approved.

Oh!  Sorry.  Then you should be looking for a boy-toy.
 
On a more serious note, save your money for a once-a-year non-van vacation.  Fly to Hawaii for a week, or visit Pompei or something.  A change is good for everybody.
 
yeah if you want to give it away may I suggest, The Highdesertranger fund for wayward prospectors. of which there is only one member. highdesertranger
 
jester said:
Currently in Rochester and it's $39 here.   :(

I looked at their website and i think the $39 is just a annual membership fee which is paid every september, otherwise it is just $20 or $10 a month depends which plan you choose just like in all the other planet fitness across the country.
 
I like the idea of this forum helping you decide what to do. Saving for a special vacation is a great suggestion.
 
Hmm, yes, looks like Planet Fitness continually has 'specials' to bring the price down.  I was looking at a general number.  Thanks for pointing that out!

Although I won't be flying anywhere with two cats, I could certainly save for a splurge like a helicopter ride over something cool.  What a great idea!
 
Emergency fund.  

Parts wear out.  Things break.

A little extra always helps.
 
jester said:
Although I won't be flying anywhere with two cats, I could certainly save for a splurge like a helicopter ride over something cool.  What a great idea!

This may come as a shock to you, but it's not hard to find a perfectly safe place to board a couple of cats for a week while you take some "Me Time".  The cats will survive just fine.
 
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