Episode Summary:
In this episode, we remind everyone that we have food at home, and so do you! Eating out can be one of the largest expense categories, and many people don’t realize how much they spend in this category until they start tracking their expenses. We talk through the benefits of eating at home versus eating out, tips and ideas for eating out less and eating at home more, and a few tips for reducing your spending when you decide to eat out. We hope this encourages everyone to be more intentional about eating out at restaurants because #wehavefoodathome.
Episode Notes:
We dig into tips and advice to eat more at home and, in the process, eat out less.
Food and eating out are typically among the top 5 largest expense categories.
- Many people don’t realize how much they are spending eating out. Some families easily spend $5-10K a year and do not fully realize it. Like all things, we recommend you figure out how much you’re spending and ensure it’s intentional and how you want to spend your money.
- Mike and Maggie share how much they spent eating out in 2021.
Benefits of eating at home more often:
- It’s usually healthier.
- It’s often faster and can save you time.
- It saves you money.
- Sometimes it tastes better.
- You will likely feel better afterward, physically and mentally. You will be less stuffed and feel emotionally better about your financial and health decision.
- It makes you appreciate eating out more when you do it on a more limited basis.
- It keeps everyone in the family happy. Have you eaten out at a restaurant with kids before? Enough said.
Tips for eating out less:
- Set a monthly budget for eating out if budgeting is your style and approach.
- Set a goal for how much less you want to spend if that’s more your style.
- Keep food and snacks on hand that you love and make you happy. The more well-stocked your fridge and pantry are, the less tempted you’ll be to eat out.
- Make a plan! We’re referring to meal planning here. You’re less likely to deviate or make a last-minute decision when you have a plan.
- Have some emergency meals always on hand in the freezer or pantry. So when you’re tired but not craving to eat out, you’ve got something quick and yummy you can prepare. One of our favorites is public goods ramen.
- Have a shortlist of easy meals everyone likes.
- Get inspired with recipes that align with your lifestyle and skillset. These could be simple and easy recipes that only use a few ingredients if that’s your jam, more complex ingredients and recipes that challenge you in the kitchen, or something in between! Recipes are free and easy to find on sites like Pinterest and Google.
- Plan ahead for busy nights or periods. Make extras and freeze things. Prep things the day before when you have time.
- Get help! If you’re in a relationship, take turns on who’s in charge of dinner. Get your kids involved in the prep-work and make it a family event.
- For work, pack your lunch and pack extra emergency lunches and snacks.
- Keep non-perishable snacks and water in your car at all times.
- Pack ahead for outings and trips to avoid eating out emergencies.
- Use your freezer! You can freeze bread, milk, meats, soups, and so many other things and then pull them out as you need them.
- Save eating out for social or special occasions.
- Get creative on hosting social occasions at home versus at a restaurant. Even with social occasions, consider suggesting an at-home pot-luck meal or group approach to meal planning. Consider hosting a fun-themed dinner party.
- Learn to make a takeout meal you love at home. You might even like it better!
If/when you do eat out, here are a few tips for spending less:
- Find affordable places you love, and only spend more when it’s a splurge.
- Have a snack before you leave home so you won’t place a frantic hangry order when you get there.
- Limit the alcohol as that can be expensive. Instead, have a drink at home before you go out, or BYOB if the location allows for that.
- When you’re traveling, consider booking a place to stay with a kitchen. Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can still buy simple ingredients at a local market and pack a picnic or prepare simple meals.
Top 3 takeaways:
- There are many great benefits to eating more at home vs. out.
- Set a budget or spending goal for eating out.
- Eating out is fun and enjoyable, but try to approach it more as a treat than a convenience. Be intentional when you choose to eat out.
Show References: