More About Money

By Claire
Several months ago we sent a €2500 deposit for our camper. Today we wired the rest of the money. It took 90 minutes at the bank (and they say you can do it on-line, ha!). Lots of back and forth about whether to use the "Swift" code or the "IBAN" account. Then they determined that we didn't have enough in our account to transfer the funds. What?!?! Turns out I thought the bank only charged a $35 fee. Nooooooo. Today's rate for the Euro is 1.43 to the dollar. The bank charged 1.47. That 4 Euro difference added up to a cool $914 that we hadn't counted on. Guess I forgot that banks are in the business to make money.

I know there are some things in life you just have to let go; but I can't help thinking of all the things we could do with that money. No, don't go there. It's already behind us.

So, the total for the camper at today's rate is $30,337.95 (€18,500 plus those nasty bank fees). Registration is €1398 and insurance is €1430. Both are included in the total camper cost. When we return, BW Campers will buy our camper back at 60%, minus the included 19% tax and the registration and insurance. At today's rate, we should be coming home with $10,430 in our pockets.

Running total so far:
Pre-trip costs, $5,115.08
Pre-trip Airport parking, $2
Camper, $30,337.95
Total, $35,455.03

I think I'll go lie down now.



Save a little money each month and at the end of the year you'll be surprised at how little you have. ~Ernest Haskins