We’re working through simple steps of reducing your debt, all month long (note I’m obviously a few days behind but do plan on 31 posts total). We’ve talked about everything from creating extra streams of income, to changing your mind to change your finances. Today’s tip is rather simple but can have a huge impact on your monthly budget
Day 18: Brown Bag It
Nothing eats your cash faster than eating out. While dining at a restaurant is a nice sometimes occasion (especially when you’re the one who does all of the meal preparation), it is not a daily necessity. It’s not even a weekly necessity. And it doesn’t even have to be a monthly or yearly necessity (just ask the King of Free who has gone over a year without eating any food, beverage, dessert, anything at all from a restaurant).
I know you’re about to get wound up on me . . . I have to eat out for my job.
Ask yourself again, is it really a need or is it a want?
The King of Free often meets with clients, colleagues, and friends over lunch. He mentors young men at lunchtime. He has a job where meals and drinks are “expected” as a part of the gig. However, he’s become countercultural.
At first, people were caught off guard.
They offered to pay.
They told him it wasn’t that big of a deal.
They said he couldn’t hold out for that long; that it just couldn’t be done.
But now?
They bring a brown bag themselves to his office to meet. They don’t think twice when he politely declines free food. They don’t really say it can’t be done anymore. They still might think we’re a little weird but that’s just fine with us.
Leftovers are usually his main fare. Although he’s been known to eat PBJ, pears, carrots just like the Eldest Princess does in her lunch.
I wrote a post a year or two ago with some of my favorite lunch packing tips.
And yes, I still eat out upon rare occasion, as do the girls. Usually only if it’s healthy and free. But it’s a special occasion, maybe once a month. And the food tastes much better than it did when we frequented the drive thru and sit down restaurants.
How has bringing your lunch (or packing a lunch for those you love) changed your finances? What are your best brown bag tips?
