Okay me and my hubby were talking today about what we could cut back on around here to be able to save some money or be able to afford some stuff we need to be able to buy and such. Well, we both agree the only thing we can cut out that aren't bills is: eating out so much. We eat out alot. As most of America does I imagine. I like to go eat lunch with my hubby when the kids are in school. It kinda gives us like a little miny date, that and on the weekends we usually end up eating out quite a bit.
So, time for confession. I got home and did the math in one week we spent over 200.00 on out to eat. This does not count any groceries only eating out. Now some of that was drive through fast stuff some sit down. Nothing really expensive but all added up like that its alot. So, I am telling you about this to help me. See its me that likes to eat out. Its me that has to cook. So, the rest of my family would be fine to only eat out once a week if thats all we did. However, I like to eat out all the time. Probably b/c that was how I was raised. My mom was a single mom and was too tired at the end of the day to cook so I kinda am used to out to eat as a way of life. I have to break this habit. Do you know how much stuff I could do around here with that money that is now gone forever that I just spent eating out. I mean at least if I spent it on other stuff I could get more out of it than just at that one time. I am asking that you guys hold me accountable. I am going to cut back on eating out. We are going to shoot at first to Matt and I eating lunch once or twice a week and eating out as a family on the weekend one. That should cut that number in 1/2 at least that we spend if not more. I am going to then with the money I save use it either to save up for some stuff we need to do around the house, shop for some new spring clothes, or let hubby buy a new guitar that he wants for the wii. So, in short I need your help. I am writing this b/c in actually saying it out loud and declaring it , it makes it a real commitment. Just for my curiosity though I was wondering. How often do you guys eat out. Not just sit down but even grabbing something drive through. How often would you say you do, and further more how often do you think is appropriate?
4 comments:
have you seen that subway commercial where the girl eats the $5 bill. Next time you want to eat out...just eat the money and see how wonderful that feels...kidding. What you should do is put $20 or $30 aside a week or a month and only spend that. ONLY that. $200 a week is like $800 a month...that's almost my house payment. Treat yourself...I love the $1 salads at McD's and they have the awesome Newmans dressing. That's a treat!
Well 200 a week is high for even us. We have ate out alot more this past week than even we "normally" do. However, even with that said I would say that about 100 is a "normal" amount we would spend weekly. I mean it makes me sick to think about that it is gone, you know?? I could use it!! lol. Anyway, just wanted to actually confess. It is a bad habit I have to break for sure!
I'm guilty of eating out when Jon's at work...sometimes (maybe once a week) when Jon's working at night I'll run through the drive thru to get Mae chicken and fries and she usually eats them in the car. It's just easier and requires no clean up at home. I have to say that we don't eat out nearly as much now that we live further away from the temptations. We have to go about 10-15 miles to get anything fast, and then you only have two or three choices unless you want to go another 10 miles. What works for us is we set aside Friday night as our "eat out" night, but now that the weather is getting warmer we've packed a picnic to take to the park or staying at home to cook dinner and play outside. Jon is working a lot lately, so dinner as a family of four around our kitchen is rare. Also I have a set amount of money (in cash) to spend on food every week. When it's gone, it's gone. My credit card stays at home and it's less of an impulse buy if I have to get it out of the filing cabinet. In the past, we've spent more on eating out than eating in and when I saw the results breaking our budgets we had to make some changes too.
Well we too live at least 20 min from anything to eat. However, my problem is usually if I am running erronds and such and out. Its like...uhhh i have to go all the way home and cook, or just get something fast here and keep doig whatever it is that I was doing. So, that and I love to go eat with Matt during the week b/c the kids arent here. We can actually talk and such. The weekends I guess are just hard b/c I dont "feel" like doing it. Its my break too! LOL. However, I know thats where most of the money goes....on the weekends. So, I talked to my mom and she reminded me that you still have to buy food even if you dont eat out. she is a big out to eater. So, she told me she didnt think you spent more going out than buying groceries. However, I know that cant be the case. So, thanks for sharing where you guys are at. I guess we all have our things. I guess its just too easy to spend 10-15 bucks here and there and than it adds up and you are like...man why are we broke? oh I see why...Thanks for your comments.
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