Costs of living simply

A lot of people assume it is expensive to live the way I do... I am rich, my parents must be rich.  So, I thought I would show you my dream budget... it's a dream because I rarely meet the minimum even when working 9 to 10 months out of the year like I have this last year.

I need around 1/3 of what I needed when living in one place.  When I lived in one place I went cheap.  No internet, No cable and all that extra stuff.  My furniture was all given to me or free off Craigslist.  I have never had money to just buy whatever.

Now, my motorcycle is paid for as Today would mark 9 years with Blue.  TicTac, I worked 3-4 jobs for 9 months to pay for straight out.

I don't have rent, I don't have utilities.  I use to do a pay as you go phone and spend $100 a year but my family didn't like not being able to get a hold of me so I am on their plan. I use public libraries for internet.

What do I pay for?

(Monthly budget)

• $8-10 in gas for every 100 miles

I can easily spend $50 a month on gas if I am just wandering,  I am looking forward to spending more time in one spot.  You can spend 7-14 days in a lot of free camping areas and I really want to take advantage of that.  If I need to be somewhere for a job or visiting someone it would cost more but use less once I get there.  For instance, I spent less than $90 to get from New Hampshire to my friend's house in North Carolina.. and that was going a round about way.  Now being here I go out with my friend in her car so no gas money used.

• $80-150 groceries

This has a wide range and it all depends on where I am.  This also includes Yoska's food which I only need a 4lb bag a month to 6 weeks depending on how much of my leftovers he gets.  If I am moving a lot and riding long days I eat out more often so the price is higher.  If I am boondocking I make my own meals and I usually eat the same meal twice in a day to not have leftovers without refrigeration for long periods of time. 

• $100 motorcycle and trailer insurance

This is a bit high but I have a large amount for medical on my motorcycle insurance.  Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be expensive so I want to be sure to get as much as I can because with my lifestyle there isn't a lot of extra money lying around... usually no extra money lying around.  I want to be sure the burden on others will be as little as possible.

• $500 student loan payment

This is the kicker.  My student loan bills are more than everything else combined.  They are at the lowest payment possible and will be a burden for many, many, many years to come.

• $100 set aside for maintenance of Blue and TicTac

TicTac needs very little in the way of maintenance.  I just replaced the wheel bearings this summer so greasing them twice a year is really all there is.  I changed the tires about 2 years ago but the good thing about those they last a whole lot longer and cheaper than motorcycle tires.   I do this type of work with friends or when visiting my dad so the cost is parts only. 

Blue on the other hand can be a little more expensive.  I do my own oil changes, air filter cleaning on the road and when I visit my dad a couple times a year we tackle the bigger things so I save thousands by doing the work ourselves.  The only costly thing is the rear tire.  I try to order it online for about $130 and then find a mom and pop shop to change it costing around $40-60. A Harley shop can easily cost over $300. (Rear tires need to be balanced)  I do save a bit but I change the rear tire 2-3 times a year.  Front tire maybe every year and a half and I want to be able to do that when visiting my dad.

• $100 for emergencies and odds and ends

It is nice to have a little extra around in case of needing to pay for a place to stay because of bad weather, extreme heat or just wanting to treat myself.  Then there are times you want a souvenir or need some sort of odd and end thing.  I also would really like the National Park Pass.  So this very minimal put away each month helps with all of that.


When I say I can live comfortably for $15,000 a year it is a true statement.  I can get away with $1000 a month but it's nice to be able to save a little each year for things like a new engine for Blue.


Don't forget to click thru the tabs at the top of the blog to see how you can help fund my journey.  From workamping, helping you with needs around the house to working for businesses ranging from 1 day to 6 weeks.  Marketing your business with Social Media Management or advertising on the side of TicTac. Speaking at an event about my travels, living simply or Eating Disorder Awareness.   There is even a bit of shopping with items I make or sending a personalized postcard.  Many different ways for me to make my Dream budget come true.

Here's what we have been up to

Yoska and I headed south a few weeks ago.  We weren't getting any work in New Hampshire and would have to leave soon because of the weather anyways.  We were sad to leave Michelle but talk to her daily.

We did a round about trip to our friends house in North Carolina.  I really didn't want to ride through 4 cities so we headed more inland.  Had a few days of rain but it was nice being back on the road.  We are staying with a friend in North Carolina hoping to find some sort of work... no luck just yet but something will hopefully come about.  Check the links above to see the services and products I have to offer.  They bring you to my website jaclynheyen.com. Every little income helps.

Yoska has some new friends and they play all day every day.  He misses Michelle but is getting along great with his new buddies.

We were in Hurricane Matthew but luckily inside my friends house with Blue and TicTac in the garage.  We all stayed dry but outside the house flooded quite a bit.

The water here is gone but we can't really go anywhere outside of town since all the surrounding towns are flooded.  

So, we are hanging out, looking for work, and planning our next adventure.