146 - Our Road Trip Budget: Estimated vs Actual Numbers

We’re back with the real numbers from our 9-day drive from Pennsylvania to New Mexico—after sharing our estimated travel budget and plan in the last episode.And the results were surprising.✅ Estimated total: $1,356✅ Actual total: ~$946 (and possibly lower if you account for unused groceries)In this episode, we break down exactly what happened—where we spent more, where we spent less, and the real-world factors that no spreadsheet can predict.Here’s what changed from the plan:Restaurants came in higher than expectedGas was lower than expected (better mileage than we planned for)Groceries were lower than expected (including a huge boost from a friend who was moving)We forgot a necessary expense in the original estimateWe had to buy car fluids because one vehicle burned more oil than anticipatedThe trip took 9 days total, including 3 non-driving rest daysOur average speed was only 50–55 mph, which stretched the timelineAnd “night driving”? That plan died within the first two hoursWe never activated our internet because the drive was long, stressful, and exhaustingThis is the part nobody talks about: planning is useful—but reality is the final editor. If you’re budgeting for a road trip, a cross-country move, or any big lifestyle transition, this episode will help you think in ranges, identify the hidden line items, and build a plan that survives real life... or add buffers for the unexpected.Roswell Photos --> HERE_________________________________________________________________________________Questions? Email Tim at [email protected] FREE weekly market updates, Tim's top 10 dividend picks, and our portfolio updates delivered right to your inbox?Subscribe to our email list.Stay connected. Follow us on social!DISCLAIMER Ticker metrics change as markets and companies change, so always do your own research. The content in this podcast is based on personal experience and is for educational purposes, not financial advice. See full disclaimer here.Episode music was created using Loudly.