This is part of a series of posts for our Save $1,000 in September campaign, where we show you how to be $1,000 richer in just 30 days.
Potential Savings: $100-$200+/month
Pack Lunches From Home
If you work away from home, one of the easiest ways to save money each and every day is to pack you own lunches to take to work with you.
How Much Is It Costing You?
Buying lunches will cost you anything from $5 to $10 (or more!) each day for five days, which will work out to be $100 to $200 per month!
Saving is Easy To Do
If you have been following the advice from the last two days – plan your meals and cook meals at home – this will be a very easy way to save.
By planning your meals for the week and buying what you need for your lunches during your weekly shop you will save a lot of money and have some good food to take with you to work.
And by cooking your own meals for dinner you will have leftovers that you could easily take with you for lunch the next day. All you need to do is make sure you make a little more of whatever you are cooking so you will have enough for lunch the next day.
Sometimes Is Still Good
Even if you did this 3 or 4 days a week you would still save a lot of money. Of course, the more days you do this, the closer you will get to your $1,000 target.
Not Just Lunches
Don’t forget any morning and afternoon teas as well. If you are buying snack foods at these times, think about taking something with you from home as well as your lunch.
Do you bring your lunch from home?
To bake a cake, portion, and freeze for your week’s morning tea might cost around $5. Buying a slice of cake every working day might, over the week, cost $15. Also, the added bonus is that you know exactly what goes into the cake’s preparation.
Also, take a thermos to work pre-filled with your beverage of choice – there may be less likelihood to stop by a coffee shop along the way for a refill, and any impulse purchases. Possible savings: beverage approximately: $2.50 each x 5 days totals $12.50
The above could save you: $22.50/week.
**Even if someone only works forty weeks of the year, the saving could be $900.**
Again, Caroline, some great additions there!
Russell.