Career Article 140:
Financial Basics: Eating Expenses

By Tamara Dowling, CPRW

Monday: You've worked a long day, and you just don't feel like cooking. So, you call for Chinese food. The minimum order is $15.00, so you order two meals and save one for tomorrow.

Tuesday: You're running late for work and have no time to make lunch, so you eat lunch out.

Thursday: You stopped for a bagel and coffee.

Friday: You have dinner and see a movie with friends. You're out of cash, so you use your credit card.

At the end of the month, you can't believe how large your credit card balance has become. You narrowly squeak by with just enough to pay your rent and cable bill.

Are your eating habits eating into your bank account? Here are some ideas to save money without starving.

• Plan your grocery shopping trips. Shop once a week. Prepare a list. Review store advertisements and coupons. Don't allow coupons and ads to hook you into buying more expensive items that you don't need.
• Don't shop on an empty stomach.
• Avoid impulse items and prepared meals.
• Sometimes warehouse grocery stores are not the bargain they seem to be. Make sure you know how much you would pay in a traditional grocery store, so you know how much you are saving. It is tempting to buy things that you don't need. When you add the annual fee associated with most warehouse stores, you may not be saving money.
• Plan your meals and stick to the plan. If you know Monday nights are tough, prepare a meal on Sunday and freeze it. Look for specials on frozen dinners. They are easy to grab and take to work in a hurry.
• Try to budget for dining out and pay for your meals in cash. If you are with friends and use your credit card for the group bill, have your friends write you a check to pay you back. You'll be less likely to spend it before the bill arrives.
• Suggest pot luck lunches at work rather than meals at restaurants to celebrate birthdays and holidays at the office.

Related articles:
Credit Cards
Budgets for Recent Graduates