Save Money, Eat Out Less

We all know eating out is expensive. When I say eating out, I mean any food or meal not prepared at home. That includes fast food, take-out, restaurant dining, and delivered meals.

The amount you pay when you eat out is astronomical. Most people must realize that the food you buy at a fast food place costs twice as much as if you had cooked it at home. Eat out less often to save money.

The price is even higher in nicer restaurants with wait staff, cooks, and bussers. The amount you could save if you prepare this meal at home is even greater.

Reducing the amount you spend on food is vital for several reasons. It gives you more money to save and spend on other things.

It’s essential to stop wasting money on food. To stop spending so much money on food, you must start eating at home more often. And that means you will need a meal planner.

How To Stop Eating Out So Much

Why do you eat out so often? It’s important to know your whys. I’m going to assume you eat out for convenience.

You worked all day; who wants to go home and fix dinner?

But if you want to save money for other things, saving money on food is a logical place to find extra money. We can manipulate the amount we spend on food so easily.

We can eat at-home food prepared by you for less than half of what it costs to eat out.
When we shop for groceries, we can buy generics, use coupons, and look for on-sale items.
Price comparison when you shop
Take our lunch to work
We can start eating leftovers.

Why Is Eating Out So Expensive

Most people take it for granted; if they eat, it will cost more. But how much more will it cost? Will it be just a few dollars, or will it be a lot more?

Did you know you can make a hamburger for less than $2.00, but to buy the same hamburger from a restaurant will cost you, on average, $9?

That’s a markup of almost 390%

To put it in real terms, you could have had four hamburgers for the hamburger you paid $9 for.

The reason it’s so expensive to eat out is because of the cost of labor, marketing and advertising, real estate, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and daily administrative expenses. A high markup is required to keep the restaurant profitable and open.

If you and your family eat out and pay $200, you could have had the same meal for $50 if you cooked it at home. That’s a considerable saving.

Eat At Home And Save Money

Now we know eating out isn’t a little more expensive; it’s a lot more expensive. It’s time to make eating at home more convenient.

There are several ways to accomplish this.

It’s easy to do.

Plan your meals ahead of time. Plan one or two meals for next week if you need to start small. Every week add a meal or two. Soon, you’ll be saving money and eating at home.

Grocery Shopping Plan

It lists all the grocery items you need to provide meals for your family.

Meal Planner

It is a plan, what will you serve your family for each meal?

Shopping List

A list is a list of what you need to buy to feed your family.

Meal Prepping

The more you prepare when you can, the less you have to do later. Chopping veggies and peeling fruit is one of many preps you can do. There are some dishes you can cook and freeze for later use.

Crock pots are perfect for fixing easy meals. Add ingredients and turn on. The meal is ready when you get home.

Conclusion

Save money, eat out less. The most inexpensive way to eat is to prepare your food. Eating out is expensive; it’s costly. Save money, eat out less.