It’s been a while since I last updated my blog! With all this quarantine time, I’ve decided to get back into journaling and blogging in a more personal, first-person style. Hopefully, this keeps both you and me entertained. If it feels like you’ve missed a lot, don’t worry—I’ll fill in the gaps as we go along. In the meantime, stay safe and remember to wash your hands.
**Day 48 Is Here**
Clicking on the Day 48 link will show you our monthly expenses for living in an RV in San Diego. If you don’t feel like checking, it costs us around $1,400 a month. This amount covers the spot rental, RV and truck payments, insurance, cooking propane, and gas for moving the RV between campgrounds.
That sounds like a lot, but considering San Diego prices, it’s not terrible. We previously lived in a one-bedroom apartment where rent, utilities, and commuting costs added up to $2,250 a month. So, we’re saving $850 a month now. Plus, I don’t pay any rent at all.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’ve always prided myself on being independent—insisting on splitting shared expenses evenly. However, I made an exception for my husband.
**Why I Don’t Think Paying Rent Is Fair**
When we first discussed expenses before moving in together, I told him I expected him to cover the rent. San Diego is ridiculously expensive, and we’re only here because of his job. He’s a Marine and bound to stay put by his job.
He receives a tax-free housing allowance of $3,165 every month to cover rent, regardless of the actual amount. Thanks to my suggestion to move into an RV, our monthly cost decreased to $1,400. His previous apartment cost $2,250 just for rent.
Additionally, marrying me increased his housing allowance by $468, bringing his new rent to $932 a month. Essentially, I reduced his rent expenses by 58%, which is more than what I would have contributed had we stayed in his apartment.
**More Reasons Why Paying Rent Isn’t Fair**
I left my two fully paid-for homes in Guatemala to live with David. In Guatemala, we could have lived rent-free. We could also be in Colorado finishing up my cabin, costing us nothing for housing there either. Alternatively, we could be traveling in the RV or staying at charming Airbnbs around Europe, where I’d be open to splitting costs.
Currently, I cover the costs of our RV park stays for vacations, as well as all groceries, alcohol, and improvements to the RV. We regularly enjoy pricey treats like salmon and steak.
I also invested in a $450 mini-split air conditioning unit and will spend another $450 to install it. I bought a $210 memory foam mattress and a $100 vapor barrier to prevent mold. Other purchases include a $200 bike rack and various household items. Whenever David mentions he needs something, it usually arrives in a box at our Post Office soon after.
Everyone manages finances differently in a relationship, and this setup works for us. David appreciates the reduced rent and free groceries, and I enjoy living rent-free, more or less. Even though life in Guatemala would be cheaper, I consider this an investment in our love and happiness.
How do you handle finances in your relationship?