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Some people our age think that that eating out for lunch is typical and is alright. They feel that getting a combo at some fast food place they’re saving money or if they go for a healthier option, it’ll help them in the long run. First off, eating out is not bad. It can be fun and a chance to talk with your friends. Eating out constantly, though, can affect your health and drain your wallet. Even with all the value menus, out there, it can still be cheaper to bring leftovers.
I work in a rural area and there aren’t many choices compared to where I live. There’s a strip of fast food joints on one street. It’s convenient if I forgot my lunch, but it’s not healthy. Brownbagging saves me time because I can just get up and eat. There’s no commuting to pick up lunch. I save gas by staying put, but if the weather is nice, there are tables outside for employees. There’s a great view from there and it’s nice be out in the sun instead of being indoors all day. We try to make well-balanced dinners, so my lunches include lasagna, pork chops with rice and veggies, roast pork shoulder with rice and beans, and more. Some dinners are better the next day and it keeps me from throwing out food out of the fridge that gets too old.
I do eat out with co-workers from time to time for certain cuisine, like sushi. It’s better fresh and the atmosphere is relaxing. I spend my money on the experience and food.
Photo Credit: 46137
My husband goes more for the sandwich route for his meals. We refill meats, bread, and cheese each week. He is pretty consistent with it and enjoys his lunches. I’d personally get bored having sandwiches, but if it works for him, great. He also eats out sometimes and that’s ok. You should enjoy your money, just try to use it wisely and on things that matter to you.
The money I save goes towards my emergency fund and paying off my car loan payment. I feel better knowing that I’m reducing the amount of debt I’m carrying and saving up for a rainy day. My husband keeps his money in his individual account, so kudos to him as well. He will splurge maybe twice a year on something for his computer. His latest purchase was a widescreen monitor. He found a great deal and had the cash to buy it.
What do you do for lunch? If you brown bag, what are your plans for the saved money?
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Mrs. Micah 01.21.08 at 2:38 pm
I mostly eat at home now between shifts (or if I only have one morning/evening shift). I’m not scheduled to work between 2 and 5 any day of the week. So I just reheat leftovers.
However, I bought some ziploc plastic containers last fall and a small lunchbox. It was really simple just to pack them and wash it at night. Lunchbox wasn’t well insulated, though, so it had to go in the fridge.
Aryn 01.21.08 at 2:53 pm
It must be that time of year - I was planning to blog on this very topic tomorrow! My husband was opposed to brown-bagging his lunch (my diet forces me to) until I showed him how much those lunches he bought every day were costing us - and what they were doing to his health.
admin 01.21.08 at 5:46 pm
Mrs. Micah: I like your work schedule. I’m an hour away from my house, so if I forget my lunch, I have to bite the bullet.
Aryn: My husband doens’t like to fuss around for lunch. He justs eats. Typical guy
Brooke|Dollarfrugal.com 01.21.08 at 8:43 pm
Oh, you know I’m brown-bagging it, but I’m so lazy about it! I just always throw peanut butter on the bread, throw a couple pieces of fruit in my bag, and I’m totally good to go. DH is another story; he needs granola bars and a sandwich with meat and a soda…what a guy! Whatever, we’re still saving off what the restaurants are charging. We’re trying to pay off our mortgage by May 2009, so we’re in budget overdrive!
Green Panda 01.21.08 at 11:32 pm
Wow, I hope you reach your mortgage goal. Leftovers are easy, as I just dump them into tupperware. I’m lazy too.
Canadian 01.29.08 at 10:01 am
I work downtown in a big city so there are lots of yummy options for lunch. However, I almost always resist them and bring my own lunch. Usually either leftovers from the night before, or else sandwich-carrots-fruit-and-yogurt. Occasionally, maybe once a month, I’ll go out for lunch with co-workers (more for the social aspect than the food).
Green Panda 01.30.08 at 11:26 am
I sometimes eat out with my coworkers to cath up with them We’re so busy, hardly time to talk to them.