Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Pocket-sized notebook and pen
- Zippered bank bag
- Small plastic canister
- Inexpensive storage items, like clear plastic shoe boxes
- A mini-microwave oven or slow cooker
- A small refrigerator
- One credit card for emergencies
Step1
Take that small notebook and pen and write down every penny you spend for a week--every penny. At the end of the week, look and see if there aren't at least three things you could stop spending money on and either save it or spend it on something far more enjoyable. For example, if you blew $8 on video games at a truck stop because you were bored, you could have spent that same amount on a paperback book and had several evenings of relaxation. Or you might have taken advantage of the coupons at that same truck stop and picked up a DVD to enjoy on the road and with the kids at home. If you need to stop smoking, put the money you would've spent on cigarettes away for some of those special fishing lures, a new reel, or a tin of caviar.
Step2
Keep your quarters for the laundry in a small plastic canister. You won't have to dig for change when you get a chance to do laundry, and you won't have to break a large bill at the truck stop counter, either. The temptation to buy a few things so you won't be just getting change for the laundry is almost too much to resist. Store any large bills you have in a zippered bank bag and then hide the bag somewhere other than under your mattress. Truck cabs have lots of unusual little niches; take advantage of one of them. Try to put away even five percent of your salary each week in this bag--you'll be amazed at the total you'll have in just three months. Then put that amount in your bank at home, and start saving on the road again.
Step3
Using clear plastic shoe boxes for your socks, underwear and the other small items that like to hide aboard a truck can be a smart money move. You can see when you're getting low on clean clothes, or remind yourself you already bought a pair of new work gloves. You can also store small snack items that you purchase at your hometown grocery store and bring on the road with you. This move alone will save you from one-third to half of the cost of each snack, because usually snacks and candy at truck stops or vending machines are much higher than at supermarkets.
Step4
Cooking your own meals of course is a top money-saver. A small microwave will pay for itself in less than three weeks time and twenty-one meals eaten out. The same can be said for a refrigerator. Soda, water and fruits and vegetables can all be purchased much more cheaply at your neighborhood grocery store than on the road. You don't have to fix fancy dishes, but don't try to survive on peanut butter and crackers, either. Treat yourself to your favorite foods. Cook extra portions at home, too, and bring them with you when you hit the road.
Step5
Bring along one credit card for emergencies, and try not to use it. Many truckers get lonely for their families, especially the kids, when they're out for long stretches, and credit card impulse buying can be really hard to control at times. Spend a little cash and try building an inexpensive collection of something for each kid instead; maybe T-shirts from each state you visit, or add to his dinosaurs or her ceramic horse display.
Novice 
