My wife and I went over our checking account statements for the past few months and found the #1 thing that drains our account each month: restaurants. It is currently to the tune of approximately $250 a month (!)
Because of this, we have decided to attempt something very drastic: for the entire month of August, we are not going out to eat. None. Never. Nada. We're going to adjust our grocery spending (currently at around $100/month) to fit the plan, plan dinner rather than swinging it, and I'm going to start packing lunch to work or eating sandwhiches at home.
Also, on a good note, my wife asked if she could work a few extra hours each week (24, up from 20) which brings us an extra $100 per month. All of that will be going directly to the debt consolidation loan.
Have any of you ever tried anything as drastic as completely cutting out something you've enjoyed for years? How did it go? Are you still doing it?
Savings #1: Restaurants
July 31st, 2006 at 05:29 pm
July 31st, 2006 at 05:34 pm 1154367287
July 31st, 2006 at 05:39 pm 1154367550
We've only been married for 9 months, so cooking is something we're still trying to figure out. This next month will be trial-by-fire though =)
July 31st, 2006 at 07:28 pm 1154374083
I also decided a few years ago, not to buy coffee drinks any more, more for a weight loss plan than money, but the extra funds were nice too.
I also do a No Spend month each year, just paying necessary bills/utilities, which started as a way to fund a friend of mine going on a mission trip. I've just kept this up, as it felt really good and gave me an opportunity to clean out the freezer & pantry each year.
RE; my finances I'm more than disciplined, so this is an easy deal for me. So, no tricks to accomplish it........ It does help my resolve when I start something new, to tell others around me what I'm doing. Then, I've got an extra push to be honest & hold the line.
Good luck!!! I'll be interested to watch your blog to see how you do. One suggestion would be to find out if you're eating out for entertainment purposes or date night...............or if you're using restaurant food because you don't have anything planned at home. The answer to this would help as you plan for the month.
July 31st, 2006 at 08:29 pm 1154377781
I think it's more realistic that way.
July 31st, 2006 at 09:59 pm 1154383195
Things that worked/are working for me:
I realize that when I do go out to eat now i enjoy it a lot more; it feels more like a treat. So I am rewarded, if not mroe, by spending less.
I try to stock some "cheat" meals. I do more putting together than cooking, as far as eating: pasta and sauce, burritoes, omelets, etc. So I keep some easy treat foods, like fancy pants canned sooup, for an easy but nice meal at home.
I make some items in bulk; pasta/cheese dishes, stews, crock pot meals, so that I have meals in the freezer.
Having some decent frozen foods may be more expensive than you are used to for groceries, but a $5 Amy'd or Freschetta pizza is still a lot less than dining out.
It has helped my in maintaining/losing weight.
I also allow myself treat groceries; a watermelon, or smoked oysters-whatever can make me feel treated and taken care of while eating at home.
I too would suggest eating out at least once or twice a month-just keep it balanced.
Oh, and find restaurants that are both great and lower priced. For me, Mexican works; for you it might be asian or diner. Just some place that you feel is great food but also gets you out for little bucks.
August 4th, 2006 at 07:51 am 1154677901
August 18th, 2006 at 05:32 am 1155879164