I've been here a little over a year and thus far roughly half of my per diem each month has been put in the bank along with the paycheck. Of course, one can spend every dime of per diem out on the road but you have to be a glutton and a lush to do that. Wait! I just described the pilot fraternity to a "T". ;-) Suffice it to say that unless you are extravagant on the road your expenses will be covered by per diem.