Sacrifices

I won’t be leaving for my thru hike for another ~8 months, but even the beginning of the planning process is making me realize what actually lies ahead. I’m the type of person who gets very anxious and impatient- especially when I really want to accomplish something. If it weren’t incredibly irresponsible, I would leave for the trail a lot sooner… but the stars just don’t align for that. So here are sacrifices I have already realized will have to be made in order to actually get to the day I will fly to Maine, ride the bus to Baxter State Park, and begin hiking south. Also, this is already my second “list” post… I told you guys that I’m a list extraordinaire.

  1. Starbucks. Yes, this is listed first for a reason. The coffee addiction is too real. With the holiday season coming up, all I can think about is a peppermint mocha… I guess I better learn how to make one at home- $5 on a drink seems a bit unrealistic when I’m trying to save thousands of dollars.
  2. Eating out. I don’t do this too often, but I feel that I need to completely cut it out. Not only because I’m starting to buckle down and really eat healthier, but also because $15+ per meal begins to add up.
  3. Black Friday. As many of you have already heard, REI has decided to close their doors for Black Friday, still pay their employees, and encourage everyone to get outside rather than shop. In years past, I have looked forward to this huge shopping day because I am a sucker for deals. REI’s campaign has got me thinking, “do I really need to go out at midnight (or earlier) in order to shop for a deal on an item I don’t truly need”…. the answer is no. I can’t think of anything I actually need so why go out and spend money that I should be saving.
  4. Halo 5. I feel kind of silly for typing this. I’ve been a huge Halo fan for many, many years. The newest game released on October 27, and I have successfully refrained from spending the $60 on it. I’ve decided that playing the game at friend’s houses will have to suffice.
  5. Data on my cell phone. I’ve been trying to find ways to get my bills down so that I can save every penny possible. I’ve been paying for way too much data on my phone. I mean I have wifi at work and at home, why in the world did I need 15 gigs?! 2 will do. This change in my phone bill will save $400 over the next 8 months.

So there are 5 things I have already sacrificed in order to continue saving money for my thru hike. They may seem minimal, but I truly think it will make a difference. I’m excited for spending less money and more time spent in the woods! The worst way to find myself coming home off the trail would be because I don’t have enough money. This is something that I can prevent by making small changes in my day-to-day life. Comment below or shoot me an e-mail of what you’ve already decided to give up in order to save for your thru hike! Or if you just have suggestions, I would love to chat! Thanks for reading. Cheers to life and happy trails!

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Comments 13

  • Bob Rogers : Oct 29th

    Without wifi at home I had to bump my data up to 3 gigs. 15gigs means you’re watching way too many cat videos!! I dunno if #3 is a good idea or not. I’m not a fan of going out in the middle of the night for some stupid tv or whatever else only to find the line wrapped around the building for the 5 tvs at that price. But I wouldn’t write it off completely either. And certainly not Cyber Monday. I assume REI and the rest of the world will still be doing that. If people NEED gear still, why pay MSRP? I still need a headlammp, gloves (that don’t suck), stuff sacks, and possibly a few other odds and ends. Some trekking poles that weigh less than I do would be nice.

    For anyone else reading along, REI’s November sale is the 13th.

    Reply
    • Ashley Schellhase : Oct 29th

      I never came close to using 15 gigs so I have no clue why I didn’t lower my phone bill before now haha! Yes! If you still need gear, hitting up an awesome sale is definitely smart! I need a few odds and ends as well, but I’m going to hold out until I 100% know what I need. I’m a sucker for seeing “SALE” and thinking I should purchase something. And the picture is from Roswell Mill in Georgia. Thanks for the reply! “Trekking poles that weigh less than I do” made me giggle. Happy trails!

      Reply
    • Ashley Schellhase : Oct 29th

      I never came close to using all 15 gigs so I have no clue why I didn’t lower my phone bill before now haha! Yes! If you still need gear, hitting up an awesome sale is definitely smart! I need a few odds and ends as well, but I’m going to hold out until I 100% know what I need. I’m a sucker for seeing “SALE” and thinking I should purchase something. And the picture is from Roswell Mill in Georgia. Thanks for the reply! “Trekking poles that weigh less than I do” made me giggle. Happy trails!

      Reply
      • Bob Rogers : Oct 29th

        Impulse shopper I see. I can be the same way when it comes to outdoor stuff or tools. I’ll have to look up Roswell. You obviously haven’t met “Rebar” then. He was a 2013(?) SOBO hiker I met in MD. He got his trail name from his “trekking poles”; they were literally 4 foot sections of rebar with duct tape handles. I don’t know his backstory but those poles were a good 10~15 lbs EACH.

        Reply
        • Ashley Schellhase : Oct 29th

          Oh man! That’s insane haha!

          Reply
        • Brian (The Chief) : Oct 30th

          Bet the dude had some guns!

          Reply
          • Bob Rogers : Oct 30th

            I met him at the halfway point. He didn’t look like Popeye yet but wasn’t carrying any extra fat either. His arms were still proportional. Would be interesting to see a before/after pic.

            Reply
            • Brian (The Chief) : Oct 30th

              Whenever I finally do my hike, it will be with the lightest and strongest that money can buy. I was a sailor, I don’t want to look like a cartoon one…lol!

              Reply
          • Gunslinger : Jan 11th

            I walked with him for a while and hung out in Harpers Ferry. We were both Army Vets! He said that when hiking, your legs get big and your arms shrivel up…the T-Rex look! The heavy walking sticks were simply a way to compensate to the extent possible!

            Great idea, and one I may copy instead of doing curls with my pack!

            Reply
  • Bob Rogers : Oct 29th

    P.S. Is that De Soto Falls in the pic?

    Reply
  • Kira Thornley : Oct 30th

    Ah the money saving struggle is SO real. I had to replace the alternator in my car last week and it had me in tears for a whole day…. $700. At least it’s fixed now. I also canceled spotify premium 🙁 and set a stricter budget on my other expenses. And I’m doing everything in cash. I too am an impulse shopper, and god help me if I log on to Amazon…. Hope to see you out there! – Kira

    Reply
    • Ashley Schellhase : Oct 31st

      Hey Kira! Sorry to hear that about your car : Canceling Spotify premium is a great idea! I think I’ll do that as well- thanks for the idea. It won’t be easy to cancel haha but probably a wise decision.

      Reply
      • Kira Thornley : Nov 2nd

        It’s inconvenient, but so far I think it’s worth it… and maybe I’ll be able to reactivate when it’s time to actually get on the trail! 🙂

        Reply

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