SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR RV TRAVEL PLANS ?
LIMIT WASTE
THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY WASTES ABOUT 250 POUNDS OF FOOD PER YEAR . YIKES ! I ALWAYS LIKE TO SAY , “ COOK ONCE , EAT TWICE .” Here ’ s our secret : we immediately put our leftovers in the fridge . Once they hit the table , our family (* cough cough * the boys ) will put more than they can eat on their plates . If we limit the food on the table , there ’ s always more in the fridge if they are still hungry . But this prevents overeating or wasting food that was barely touched and then thrown away .
An Italian friend once told us , “ If there are no leftovers , you didn ’ t make enough food !” We couldn ’ t agree more . However , putting out food for appetizers or family-style meals can be done in smaller portions , with the ability to refill community plates .
And while we ’ re on the subject of waste , it ’ s good to remember that it ’ s a luxury ! It means we have more than we need . Our brains like to focus on scarcity , but it makes a huge difference to our mood when we look at what we have instead of what we don ’ t . This way , we are setting our thoughts on a positive , grateful approach that stretches our budget .
TRACK MEASURE
PLAN
SEEING RESULTS HELPS KEEP US GOING . AND , TO QUOTE PETER DRUCKER , “ YOU CAN ’ T IMPROVE
WHAT YOU DON ’ T MEASURE .” SO TRUE ! When we zero in on something to improve , we must track progress . This gives us hard evidence that our efforts are worth the grind . Also , it ’ s easy to miss small changes until it ’ s too late . ( Remember that myth about the frog in the boiling water ?) Or , we can overestimate our progress . Tracking can also keep us focused on a plan for the future and give us the
“ why ” behind small tweaks throughout the day that help us stay on track .
REVIEW
AND REACCESS *
EVERY PERSON AND EVERY FAMILY IS DIFFERENT ,
AND YOU WON ’ T ALWAYS FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE FOR YOU ON THE FIRST TRY . Take the time to look back at your spending each day , week , or month — whatever works for you — and identify patterns . What ’ s going well , and what could use some work ?
Remember that travel truly is all about the journey , not the destination . The same goes for your budgeting journey ! Try some things , see how they work , and stay true to what ’ s right for you .
Above all , don ’ t give up before you ever get started ! That ’ s why our mantra is “ START SMALL , START NOW .”
Plan , pause and pursue your dreams ! Keep your daydream .