Today, everyone is trying to figure out how to get more money. There are two real ways to do this. The first is to make more, and the second is to spend less. Now, the nice thing about saving money is that you don’t have to pay taxes on it, so you wind up saving even more this way.
So here is a favorite way to save money through smarter spending: bringing your lunch to work. If you’re working anything like a regular job, you probably have a meal break during your shift.
Traditionally, you took this time to go buy food at a cafeteria or fast-food restaurant, or maybe you order something in. But that can get expensive! A meal at a fast-food restaurant can run you six-seven dollars. If you’re working five days a week, 50 weeks a year, that’s over $1,500 annually!
Instead, consider bringing your food with you. Say your average lunch break is spent grabbing a sub, chips, and a soda. Instead, you could grab some cold cuts, maybe some lettuce or tomato, and a loaf of bread. Then, get a twelve or twenty-four pack of soda, and a large bag of potato chips.
Once you’ve bought all that, you’ve probably spent $10-15, depending on brands. So, two or three meals, tops – and it will last all week; the soda will last about a month! You’ll save $15-20 a week, so almost $1,000 over an entire year!
Now, just make yourself a sandwich every day, toss some of the chips in a plastic baggie, and grab a soda. Not to exclude a cooler bag which is also recommended, just like you might keep beer or soda in on a golf course or at the beach. Toss a few ice packs in it will stay cold till your break – and you’re all set!
Now, another great option along the same lines is to bring in leftovers from last night’s dinner. This works best if your break room has a microwave. A sink and refrigerator are helpful, too. If you don’t have a fridge, use the cooler bag and ice packs from before.
Put the food in a Tupperware container, bring it in, toss it in the fridge, and nuke it. Just bring a soda or water to drink, and an instant, nearly free meal is all yours. And it makes sure leftovers don’t sit in your fridge for a month!
The best thing is, whether you decide to go the homemade or carry leftovers, the bottom line is that you will end up saving hard-earned and much needed money!