As one could imagine, my budget naturally aligned with JeepLife, diverging from the norm to offer a transparent insight into my choices. Through that openness, I aimed to inspire introspection, urging others to consider what they were truly willing to sacrifice to pursue their passions. While my decisions may have seemed unconventional at first glance, they stood as a testament to life’s adaptability in accommodating one’s preferred way of living. For me, this involved striking a delicate balance between work and play, embracing weekends and leisure time for exploration and travel while still maintaining financial responsibility. It entailed forsaking the security of a consistent residence and prioritizing relatability, yet it afforded me the liberty to live authentically.
If someone didn’t have a clear direction or goal, saving money wasn’t a bad idea. However, I wouldn’t view it as something to prioritize heavily, as it could slow momentum during periods of self-discovery and limit opportunities. Investing in oneself also compounded over time, much like money did. A good compromise was to allocate funds for discretionary spending and personal investment, similar to contributions made to retirement accounts funded through budget savings.
Additionally, that breakdown not only covered my allocations but also fixed-cost items with less variability. It was important to understand that those allocations were personalized to my needs and desires, influenced by my location, credit score, and track record.
The level of detail serves not only to refine this list as I hone my frugality skills (ability to pay less for the same quality), but also to stimulate critical thinking.
Budget
(As of August 2025)
| Monthly: $1,653.34 | Annually: $2,346.12 Yearly Budget: $22,186.20 |
Budget – Subscriptions
| Subscription | Cost/Month | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $474.57 | Monthly | – Splitting rent with partner according to our agreed-upon arrangement. – This figure is based on usage. |
| Parking | $90 | Monthly | – Splitting with partner as a fixed contribution to transportation costs, since she rarely uses my car except for item-related errands and conveniences. |
| Gaia GPS | $3.49 | Annually | – Best offline map service I’ve ever used. – Sub ends near Black Friday every year so for 2026 I got off 30%. |
| WordPress | $14.86 | Triennially | – This blog |
| WordPress Domain | $1.58 | Annually | – Blog real estate |
| Panera Sip Club | $8.48 | Annually | – Unlimited no-prep coffee. – Place to work with outlets – Panera conveniently across street from work – $127.19/year with taxes, but you can pay with discounted gift cards. They usually run a sale at least once a year—I grabbed mine at 20% off during the back-to-school sale in late August. |
| Google Photos | $5 | Annually | – Saves time – Easy of sharing – Easy of searching – Light weight |
| AMEX Platinum | $74.58 | Annually | – Benefits outweigh cost – nets at least $1135/year in value – in actuality even more since rebates aren’t treated as income, therefore not taxed. |
| AMEX Aspire | $45.83 | Annually | – Reduces travel expenses – think of it like a vacation package. Most rewarding card I have in my wallet. |
| Choice Hotel | $7.92 | Annually | – Value currently outweighs cost |
| Spotify Family Plan Partition (1/5) | $3.40 | Monthly | – Rely on my immediate fam to keep this cost low. |
| Gym | $29 | Monthly | – Employer pays for most of this |
| ChatGPT | $19.99 | Monthly | – Consistent value especially when planning trips. |
Monthly: $616.96 | Annually: $1762.56
Note: Expenses occurring less frequently than yearly won’t be budgeted but more so noted so there are enough funds set aside in time for those due dates.
Budget – Medication
| Medication | Cost/Month | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye Drops | $7.37 | Quarterly | – Required – $22.10 each occurrence |
| Contacts | $23.33 | Annually | – Semi-Optional – Only buy a 90-day/year supply for socializing/traveling. |
| Hair Drops | $2.08 | Triennially | – Optional – Takes me three years to go through a bottle which is valued at $75/each. |
Annually: $368.40
Note: Expenses occurring less frequently than yearly won’t be budgeted but more so noted so there are enough funds set aside in time for those due dates.
Budget – Insurance
| Insurance | Cost/Month | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Dental/Vision | $117.66 | Monthly | – Employer Pays for most of this – Pretax money |
| Car Insurance | $112.72 | Semiannually | – Family Plan – Full Coverage – Perfect Record – Mid-age vehicle |
Monthly: $112.72
Note: I exclude pretax expenses from the budget as they’re deducted before my paycheck. However, I list them here to maintain thoroughness.
Budget – Life Maintenance
| Life Maintenances | Cost/Month | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Taxes (Federal & State) | $17.93 | Annually | – Saves tremendous amount of time – Typically use a coupon through one of my credit cards. |
| Non-covered Medical | $25 | Random | – Typically less than $300 total per year from dentist and doctor for expenses not covered by insurance. |
| Verizon Wireless (Cell) | $51.26 | Monthly | – Family plan |
| Haircut | $23.40 | Monthly | – every 5-weeks at $27/haircut with gratuity |
| Toiletries | $4 | Random | – Cut this recently as I’m no longer using Aveda (gym surprisingly provides a similar quality option in the shower rooms) |
| Apartment Cleaning Supplies Half | Not sure yet | Random | – Going to price this at $20/month for now until I know for sure. |
Monthly: $123.66 | Annually: $215.16
Budget – Everyday Spend
| Everyday Spend | Allocation/Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery | $300 | – I spend close to $200/month but allow a higher ceiling for health and performance needs. Plus, I don’t buy snacks during grocery trips, so I will occasionally buy cravings during the week. |
| Gas | $300 | – I don’t budget for this; it’s my upper limit for usual spending. This approach ensures I don’t feel restricted. I stay conscious of my trips and combine errands when possible. |
| Consistent Dining | $200 | I avoid cooking on the weekends and don’t limit spending when socializing with friends, so this amount only reflects my consistent spending. In fact, this is the area that consumes most of my additional spending each month. |
Monthly: $800
Discretionary Spending
| $2-3k/year |
Back in July (2025), I began working toward an income adjustment to keep pace with inflation and stabilize my long-term plans. Although that adjustment didn’t move forward, I did receive the largest bonus I’ve ever had, which I appreciate. I’ll be using it as a buffer to stay positive going into 2026.
As part of this shift, I decided to cut my discretionary spending roughly in half as I transition into renting, and my partner and I will be splitting travel costs. With these changes in place, the overall impact should feel manageable.
- Travel
- This is what I enjoy most next to planning the said travel, but have found ways to mitigate this usually inflated category of spend by leveraging the following strategies:
- Opting for Economy Rental Cars: By booking months in advance, I can secure rental cars for less than $50 per day.
- Using a Car Hammock for Solo Trips: Not only does this solution provide a comfortable place to rest during solo travels, but it also saves valuable time, particularly for outdoor activities in remote locations.
- Traveling Light: I limit myself to a personal item the size of a backpack when flying, eliminating the need for luggage fees.
- Maximizing Credit Card Miles: I make use of credit card miles to access flights with non-budget airlines at more affordable rates.
- Choosing Budget Airlines Wisely: When my travel plans align with their routes, I opt for budget airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit. For instance, I recently experienced a round trip to Asheville in April 2024 for just $56 via Allegiant.
- This is what I enjoy most next to planning the said travel, but have found ways to mitigate this usually inflated category of spend by leveraging the following strategies:
- Dining Out
- Besides my regular $200 monthly allocation, I often exceed this allocation in discretionary spending. This typically happens during social outings with friends, similar to socializing over drinks. I prioritize these moments for quality time with friends, so I don’t impose a strict cap. Fortunately, I don’t socialize excessively, which prevents this from becoming a concern. Additionally, apart from social dining, I treat myself to new foods when traveling, a habit that aligns well with most of my destinations since things tend to be more affordable outside of the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia area).
- Besides my regular $200 monthly allocation, I often exceed this allocation in discretionary spending. This typically happens during social outings with friends, similar to socializing over drinks. I prioritize these moments for quality time with friends, so I don’t impose a strict cap. Fortunately, I don’t socialize excessively, which prevents this from becoming a concern. Additionally, apart from social dining, I treat myself to new foods when traveling, a habit that aligns well with most of my destinations since things tend to be more affordable outside of the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia area).
- Clothing/Gear
- As you’ll notice in the “Common Expenses I Avoid” section below, I rarely purchase clothing. However, if there’s a need for replacement, this is where the funds come from, similar to how I approach backpacking gear.
- As you’ll notice in the “Common Expenses I Avoid” section below, I rarely purchase clothing. However, if there’s a need for replacement, this is where the funds come from, similar to how I approach backpacking gear.
- Gifts
- I choose not to allocate a specific budget for gifts, instead incorporating them into my discretionary spending. Generally, I adhere to a guideline of not exceeding $50 per person, although I’ve occasionally made exceptions for gifts to my parents and close friends.
Common Expenses I Avoid
- Regular Car Maintenance
- Unlimited Oil changes, tire rotations, and car washes were included with the purchase of my vehicle.
- For replacing tires, brake pads, and longer interval maintenance, I’ll shop around to get the best rate that typically pull from my emergency fund to cover, which I’ll usually trade to refill it with traveling less.
- Rent/Cleaning Supplies/Rental Insurance/Utilities/Furniture
- Rent, along with associated necessities like cleaning supplies, rental insurance, and utilities, is currently not worth the price. However, I choose not to pay for these to sustain the life I want to lead, not just because of the cost. In other words, I enjoy this lifestyle, which means fewer responsibilities, less time spent on chores, no pressure from being locked into a lease, no temptation to fill an apartment with things, and the added benefit of not having to conform to a landlord.
- Rent, along with associated necessities like cleaning supplies, rental insurance, and utilities, is currently not worth the price. However, I choose not to pay for these to sustain the life I want to lead, not just because of the cost. In other words, I enjoy this lifestyle, which means fewer responsibilities, less time spent on chores, no pressure from being locked into a lease, no temptation to fill an apartment with things, and the added benefit of not having to conform to a landlord.
- Clothing
- I already possess what I need from my previous non-minimalistic lifestyle. When I purchase clothing, it’s typically to replace items rather than accumulate more, benefiting both my wallet and my lack of storage space. For instance, I recently acquired new black jeans to replace a pair I ripped not too long ago.
- I already possess what I need from my previous non-minimalistic lifestyle. When I purchase clothing, it’s typically to replace items rather than accumulate more, benefiting both my wallet and my lack of storage space. For instance, I recently acquired new black jeans to replace a pair I ripped not too long ago.
- Debt associated expenses
- I avoid debt like the plague. I’m mainly referring to consumer debt rather than larger, more structured loans like auto or mortgage financing. I am mindful of expenses that may often go unnoticed, such as late fees and bank charges, which can be effectively managed through organization and planning.
- I avoid debt like the plague. I’m mainly referring to consumer debt rather than larger, more structured loans like auto or mortgage financing. I am mindful of expenses that may often go unnoticed, such as late fees and bank charges, which can be effectively managed through organization and planning.
- Streaming/Video Gaming
- Although my Amex Platinum card offers a streaming benefit for Disney & Hulu, I seldom utilize it as it’s not something I consistently enjoy. I occasionally watch shows to diversify my entertainment, but it’s never a regular occurrence.
- Similarly, my experience with video games tends to divert my attention from the ultimate game I’m playing: life. Nowadays, I struggle to immerse myself in a game without feeling the urge to remain productive or battling a sense of procrastination, which might seem a tad unhealthy. However, I doubt I’ll find relaxation in this aspect until I achieved my long term goal of financial independence.
Ways to mitigate your expenses
Couponing
- Many credit card issuers, especially large banks, offer promotions on everyday spending.
- I know for sure that every year, right before taxes are due, there are discounts available for common services like TaxAct and TurboTax.
- I know for sure that every year, right before taxes are due, there are discounts available for common services like TaxAct and TurboTax.
- Rakuten
- This is a very well known promotional site for cashback various businesses.
- This is a very well known promotional site for cashback various businesses.
- Lidl App
- One example of a grocery store app that displays what is on sale and what is not, akin to what most grocery stores typically feature.
Credit Card Rewards
- I highly recommend reading my credit card page in full detail before proceeding with this method. Simply put, you can get up to 5% cashback on all of your expenses, which really adds up. If you know you have a large expense coming up, you can apply for a card with a high introductory bonus to cover that expenditure, potentially getting anywhere from 5-35% back in value on that purchase. Best way to think of this is negotiating your spending real estate.
Shopping Around
- RetailMeNot is a useful browser plugin for promo codes.
- It provides pop-ups while you shop, eliminating the need for manual searches.
- It provides pop-ups while you shop, eliminating the need for manual searches.
- Capital One Shop Plugin is a browser plugin for finding alternative deals or best prices online.
- Checking multiple sources:
- For example, when booking flights, don’t rely solely on Google Flights. Explore SkyScanner’s results too.
- For example, when booking flights, don’t rely solely on Google Flights. Explore SkyScanner’s results too.
- Shopping at discount stores:
- In the past three years, I’ve shifted all my grocery shopping to Lidl and observed that I spend almost half of what I would if I were to shop at a traditional grocery store.
Used Goods
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are commonly thought of as go-to platforms for purchasing secondhand items like furniture.
Employee Benefits
- Typically, there’s a portal providing discounts on various common expenses. If you’re uncertain about access, you can often find links on the page where you access your time card. Alternatively, you could ask your HR department. Some of the most substantial discounts I’ve encountered have been for hotels and rental cars through the portal provided by my employer.
Excluding Expenses Entirely
- Just as I prioritize certain aspects of life, such as excluding expenses like rent, many people commonly omit major costs like owning a car from their budgets. This can be addressed by moving closer to work or taking advantage of the public transportation options available. Some people even bike to work or do a combination of both.
Reward Programs
- Shell Fuel Rewards
- Considering that gas represents a significant portion of my expenses, and Shell consistently offers the most competitive prices even without the rewards program, I’ve decided to enroll in the Shell rewards program. This typically saves me 10 to 15 cents per gallon simply through regular card usage.
- The advantage of this is that I can combine it with my credit card rewards to maximize the value on top of the rewards program.
- To take it a step further, though I don’t utilize this option due to the effort involved, you could earn additional cashback by submitting your receipt via Upside.
- Walmart +
- Primarily, I utilize Shell’s Fuel Rewards program. However, in areas lacking Shell stations, Walmart+ offers a discount program providing 10 cents off per gallon at most Exxon and Mobil stations.
- While I personally wouldn’t opt for the Walmart+ membership, considering Amazon as the superior choice, holders of the Amex Platinum card receive this membership as a card benefit (if they choose the monthly plan).
- Costco Travel
- I don’t leverage this because I don’t have a membership, but it is widely recognized that Costco offers excellent deals on rental cars.
Discount Apps
- Gas Buddy is the only one that comes to mind, but there’s likely a plethora of similar apps available that offer services like these.
- I frequently utilize Gas Buddy while traveling; it simply identifies the cheapest gas stations. There’s also a feature that displays the cheapest stations along your route.
- It’s worth mentioning that prices at gas stations with car washes are included in the listings, which is why I consistently choose Shell, as they typically don’t offer car wash services. This helps to circumvent the problem of deceptive pricing linked to gas stations that provide discounted prices per gallon alongside a car wash purchase.
- I frequently utilize Gas Buddy while traveling; it simply identifies the cheapest gas stations. There’s also a feature that displays the cheapest stations along your route.
Forming the Habit
Ultimately, this shift in behavior hinges on developing habits, and the most recommended book for habit formation, regardless of the habit’s subject, is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
If your goal aligns with mine to reach financial independence, leveraging pre-tax funds such as the 401(k) and HSA has been immensely beneficial. These allocations are deducted before reaching your bank account, following a “pay yourself first” approach. Prior to employing these investment vehicles, it’s crucial to verify that you can sustain your living expenses with the remaining amount in your paycheck. Bear in mind that these contributions are tax-deferred, so they don’t merely subtract from your current paycheck. It might be prudent to trial this method for one paycheck after fully funding an emergency fund, in case the remaining amount proves inadequate for living expenses. Nonetheless, ensure you establish an emergency fund before pursuing any of these strategies.