This is a question we
need to seriously think about. It’s fun to
eat out with co-workers, but can our budget
handle it? Following the group could be part
of the problem that is siphoning our hard
earned money each payday.
No one wants to be left out. Eating lunch together is a way to bond away
from the office. Besides it’s only six dollars, right?
This scenario demonstrates how we think when it comes to spending money on
food. Food and good times seem to go together in our culture. Eating out is
not the only way to bond over food.
When setting up a budget, a category is created for groceries. A weekly or
biweekly shopping trip to the grocery store brings enough groceries in the
house to feed the family. Buying lunch when there is food in the house blows
the budget.
Ask co-workers to try bringing in their own lunch at least three times a
week. Make a plan to eat in the break room together or outside at a picnic
table for lunch. They will save money also.
When you eat out, you probably choose the same one or two places. Make some
of your favorite dishes at home and take them for lunch. The grocery trips
are not just for breakfast and dinner items. Buy foods that are good in a
packed lunch. Most workplaces have a microwave and/or a toaster oven. You
can prepare your food and eat it piping hot.
If you have a group of co-workers that you spend most of your time with, why
not start a lunch club. Each person takes a day and fixes something for the
others in the group to enjoy. No one has to prepare a meal more than once a
week and they will know in advance when it is their turn.
The extra food can be figured into the grocery bill. The lunch club idea may
catch on and more people will want to join. The more people are involved,
the less often each person has to contribute a meal. The meals don’t have to
be elaborate. There are many delicious meals that require only a few
ingredients.
You can still eat out once a week or maybe even twice. Add it to your
budget. Pay for your meal in cash. This eliminates the temptation to
overspend that can happen when using a credit card. Eating lunch out means
that dinner will have to be eaten at home to balance spending habits.
Lastly, if the group still wants to eat out more often that your budget
allows, opt out. Tell them politely that you can’t go and brown bag it.
They’ll still be your friendly co-workers, and you’ll have learned a
valuable lesson about resisting the temptation to follow the crowd at the
expense of your money.
Recommended Reading
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