# 146 - Our Road Trip Budget: Estimated vs Actual Numbers

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roaming-returns-6576992/146-our-road-trip-budget-estimated-vs-actual-numbers
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roaming-returns-6576992/146-our-road-trip-budget-estimated-vs-actual-numbers.md
Podcast: [Roaming Returns](https://stenobird.com/podcast/roaming-returns-6576992)
Published: 2026-03-10T22:29:11+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/roamingreturns/2618361
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/371411/2618361/roamingreturns/2026_03_10_22_28_51_3c615ee6-43dc-4237-b49c-bc1d564e7fee.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/roaming-returns-6576992/episodes/146-our-road-trip-budget-estimated-vs-actual-numbers
Duration seconds: 2093

## Resource

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 expected Gas 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 estimate We had to buy car fluids because one vehicle burned more oil than anticipated The trip took 9 days total , including 3 non-driving rest days Our average speed was only 50–55 mph , which stretched the timeline And “night driving”? That plan died within the first two hours We never activated our internet because the drive was long, stressful, and exhausting This 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 debrine9@gmail.com Want 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…

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## Transcript

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