I thought I was living simply before, but I am living far more simply now! Here is my updated budget as a single momma:
- Rent: $450 (all bills paid; I rent a bedroom in a big house with another family – a great deal!)
- Car payment: $360 (I have a 2011 Toyota Camry)
- Groceries: $250
- Child care: $250 ($50 a week for 25 hours a week of home care)
- Auto Gas: $100 (I commute a long way to school)
- Phone: $100
- Medical Insurance: $105 (I get this cheaply through school)
- Car Insurance: $80
- Life insurance: $30 ($500k term life for my baby boy)
So, my basic expenses to live total about $1,725 a month, or net $20,700 a year. I should include about $200 a month for incidentals/unexpected stuff, so it is probably more like $1,925 a month or closer to $23k net a year.
Some lucky breaks I have:
I am very fortunate to have many siblings who have already had kids, so continue to get completely free hand-me-downs for all of my baby stuff. Also, my sister is CFO for a women’s clothing line, so was able to get nice work clothes for $12 an item!
I also learned I can qualify for food stamps on my income! Isn’t that crazy? I was told that I could get $370 in food stamps every month, but I haven’t applied.
An additional expense that I still have is subsidizing my rental home in Austin. I was able to get a 4% refinance, so my payment is $1,960. Currently leased for $1,650, they are going to re-let it for $1,800 in July. That is sort of my savings/investment plan at this point as it should be paying for itself in a few years.
I don’t think anyone is checking my blog anymore, but I feel like blogging!
If you are out there, I hope you are well!
Take care,
Jennifer
What's an RV momma?
26 Comments
Still reading!
Hi Jennifer
I’m still reading. Sounds like things are going well. I like your rental house thing. I have a rental house that isn’t quite paying for itself yet but I am hopeful. Maybe I should consider renting the one I’m living in. hmmmm
Definitely get the food stamps. I apply every time I’ve qualified (twice). You paid in….time to get some of it back.
I hope school is going well.
The baby looks great. I know you are enjoying being a momma. I enjoyed being a daddy.
Still reading.. and absolutely delighted to hear from you!
Remember that little video interview we did with you almost 3 years ago at the NuRVers gathering? I’ve been producing them into segments, and doing follow-ups with those we interviewed back then. Would you like to do a follow-up? It can be as simple as you writing us paragraph or so about what you’re up to these days… or filming your own follow-up interview for us to integrate in.
Check out : http://www.technomadia.com/ramblings to see the series coming together.
If interested, drop us a line at us@technomadia.com
Sending all our best your way!
Oh my gosh! How did I miss the part about you having a baby? WOW! He’s adorable, congratulations!!!!
Nice to see your post! What a beautiful child!
Yep. Still reading, and happy to hear from you.
What does, “$50 a week for 25 hours a week of home care” mean? Does that mean you babysit for the family you live with for 25 hrs a week and only have to chip in $50 a week for groceries?
Nice to hear from you all, too! Cherie – I sent you an email. Athena – There is a lady in my neighborhood that has a home child care. It is $100 for full time care (60 hours a week) or $50 a week for half time care (20-25 hours a week). I searched and searched for affordable care so was grateful to find her. Daycares are $200-300 a week!
So, so good to hear how you are doing!
Sill reading!
Can you expand on your groceries? How are you stretching your dollar at the market?
I am able to buy groceries from my housemate – who is a super-savvy sale shopper at Sam’s and Costco. We are always eating whatever was on sale! Before I lived here I’d make things in bulk – beans, soups, stews, spaghetti – and freeze them for single portion heat and serve. Usually oatmeal for breakfast. We spend a bit more on fresh fruits and veggies.
Still here. Love it when you pop up in my feed reader.
Hey Jennifer,
I just happened to click on your link tonight & saw your new post. I’ve been following your blog since you were shopping for a big diesel pusher several years ago and felt like I was in the passenger seat driving up the Dempster.
I’m very glad to detect the happiness in you latest posts. The things happening in your life right now are obviously fulfilling. The new man in your life can’t hurt. Those little guys can change your perspective.
I encourage you to apply for the food stamps. Many undeserving people do so and I believe that the folks who are striving everyday richly deserve a helping hand.
You should be secure in the knowledge that you will always have people following your blogs. Your honest posting about your struggles, demons and triumphs touch hearts.
Be safe.
Steve
Just found your videos and then your blog. I’m so excited to see what you’re doing. My husband and I have talked about doing the Dempster Highway, so I’m looking forward to watching your videos on that. (Also, I’m from Dawson Creek, so I know the Alaska Highway first hand!)
Thanks for showing us an interesting alternative. Now I just have to convince my husband he wants to join me in some Gypsy adventures…
Dawn
How great to see you writing here again. Do you still keep up Simple Momma?
I decided to let the Simple Momma blog go. After having my baby, I was way too busy to blog! (And I am trying to cut every expense I can.)
A great photo of your bambino. I’ll echo someone else’s sentiments and suggest you look at food stamps and/or WIC. And know we all enjoy your infrequent entries.
Hi Jennifer, As I prepare to buy and make a van ready to live in, I’ve watched a few of your interview videos and now I’ve found your blog. Congrats on Mommyhood, I’m Gram to a 12 yr old. The videos have been a great source and inspiration and I am giving 3 months job notice March 1. The wining vehicle is (I think – need to give over the money) a 1990 e250 Econoline high top extended luxury van (78K miles). Don’t like all that yellowed wood and raspberry fluffiness. That has to go and a workable camper floor plan installed. Will love seeing/hearing about your van conversion.
Have been following your adventures since you were in Alaska. Joined the ladies’ group you started, and still a member. Baby pictures are always welcomed! ;-> Best of luck; hope you will keep up the blog. You are an interesting-to-read writer.
Since you qualify for food stamps, you will also qualify for medicaid, which could come in handy with the young one. Alhtough you’ve stated you have insurance, it probably could not hurt. Plus you’ll be surprised how the food stamps will actually help you greatly at this time. We’ve all paid into the program, so when needed, why not go for it?
Texcyn – I was applying for CHIPS coverage for my boy when I was told I also qualified for $370 in food stamps. The $105 insurance is just for me as he is now fully covered. (CHIPS is like medicaid but covers higher incomes – a family of five can make close to $50k and get free coverage!) As a family of two, he is covered until I make more than $30k. It’s weird, but I am SO grateful. It would be $200 a month thru my school plan. (My business coverage went to $900 a month w/ a $2,500 deductible for each of us. Brutal! That is when I started shopping.)
Jennifer, welcome back. Obviously you were missed. I’m thrilled to hear you are doing well and sharing with us. I had no idea. I’m one of those who stopped checking the blog. It was dumb luck someone cross posted one of your (older) YouTube videos to another group I follow. Then I saw other videos including your update about the blog. So, if you take suggestions, please add email subscription as an option. (I’m one of those Luddites that don’t get RSS.) Thanks and rock on!
Thank you so much, Jennifer, for the specific details. I am researching the prospect of the possibility of RVing full time, but I feel so completely ignorant. I appreciate the financial info as I won’t have a lot of dough if I decide to do this. Please keep us posted, I’ll be looking forward to your updates – and congratulations on your beautiful baby.
I just stumbled upon your site minutes ago, interesting in some respects, you bring up more questions in me though…more than anything else! Rick
Fascinating! My hubby and I have a toy hauler we do some traveling in. I think I could really do this full time, but not until I am pet-less. We are near retirement age, and it would be nice to be unfettered I think. Anyway, just found your blog as I was searching for rv redecorating ideas. I see you haven’t posted since February, but I sure hope you will again! I’ve really enjoyed this journey!
Take Care! <3
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