Since When Did Dining Out Become So Cheap and Easy? | brokeGIRLrich
Back in college, eating out seemed to take up your entire budget. But then again, you were probably eating out every day of the week. Well, times have changed and you have since learned the value of living life frugally. Great- good on you!
But just because you decided to live a little more frugally does not mean you need to give up all of the good stuff in life. If you are trying to save cash to pay off those student debt loans, you are smart to cut down on unnecessary purchases and expenses. But make sure to keep your morale up. If you let yourself get too upset over your frugal lifestyle you could spin off in one of two directions. Either you will find yourself depressed and questioning your life- definitely not an avenue you want to go down- or you will swing back harshly in the opposite direction and go on a spending spree.
If you want to keep your frugal lifestyle sustainable, it is best to spend a little once in a while. Just as those going on a diet splurge on some ice cream once in a while, you do not need to remove all luxuries from your life to successfully save money. If you are used to going out with friends, or even treating yourself to a dinner for one once in a while, do not think you need to cut that habit out entirely. In fact, if you try to go cold turkey on your diet of fine dining (or even buffets), you will find that you crave eating out. You may be setting your budgeting efforts up for failure by placing unrealistic demands on your body, mind, and soul. It is incredibly important to make sure that you nourish both your belly and your emotional side.
The good news is there are wise ways to go out to eat. For example, try a stellar buffet, instead of going out for single-plate sushi. There is nothing wrong with finding the best buffet in your neighborhood and cramming it all down. In fact, it is one of the oldest tricks there are. Somewhere in your fuzzy memories of college you may remember hitting a breakfast buffet with your pals, marveling at how much you could eat for $10.95. This is really the best of both worlds- you can eat plenty, on a budget, but still be out and interacting with other people. Buffets are great because they are even more relaxing than the usual restaurant. Employees are usually content to leave clients alone, enjoying the buffet for a couple of hours.
It is great that you have chosen to live a frugal lifestyle, but there is no need to punish yourself. It is important to make sure you can maintain your frugal life. If that means occasionally bending the rules just a little bit, make sure to treat yourself. Even if you feel like you can live completely monkish and ignore eating out for the rest of your life, it might be wise to order a little delivery once in a while- even the most devout get a little tired of breakfast gruel every day…
Not being afraid to spend some money on yourself here and there is such great advice. In the end we should all be shooting for a balanced and rewarding life. It’s not some destination that we get to and then, BAM happiness rains from the sky. For me, I found cutting down on my eating out spend mainly came down to a more mindful decision. Instead of just going out to go out, if you put more importance behind it, you go out less but each time you do it’s special.
Great advice Mel! Cheers!
Definitely! I know eating out is one of the big areas I struggle with in my budget – especially when I’m home. I spend so much of the year as a nomad, I just get used to that being how it is. There are lots of great deals you can take advantage of though, whenever you do eat out.
Every week with some exceptions we manage to eat out once a week. It’s in the budget and we love it. Kind of like you said you don’t want to take the joy out of living. I think it makes my husband feel like he is doing his part because he doesn’t cook. Even on our No spend January I budgeted eating out for his birthday and we will no doubt find a way to eat out somehow!
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It can definitely be a nice little break when you dine out sparingly!
Hi Mel, Thanks, this is a good reminder for me to treat myself once in a while. You’re right. It’s easy to get a good meal dining out, without spending much. I fool myself sometimes by saying I don’t want the salt or calories from a restaurant meal. That’s partially true, but it’s more likely I just don’t want to spend the money.
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There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to spend the money (or the calories or salt)! But it is a fun little treat sometimes and there are lots of ways to cut back on the cost, especially if you plan ahead a little and search for coupons before heading out.
I do think it is important to slurge once in a while, but eating out just isn’t it for me. Being a vegan, I’m really picky where I get my food from (I just can’t spend $15 on a salad that is only iceberg lettuce and cucumbers). Then, if we do go out, I am usually forced to eat either side dishes or crap food and feel terrible. I would much rather stay at home and cook a meal I know I’ll love and splurge on extra fancy ingredients (why yes I would like to cook up those wild mushrooms for $30/lb).
Plus, eating out with kids is terrible. I’m pretty sure the devil himself wouldn’t wish it on most people.
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Haha, well as someone without kids, I appreciate parents who think “maybe this isn’t the best place to bring a kid” sometimes. And who knew, forced frugality is another benefit to being a vegan!
I don’t know about “cheap and easy,” lol, but your point is a valid one! One guy I read says after you pay off a credit card you should take that payment the very next month and do something fun with it before putting it onto your debt snowball. A reward for effort is a very motivating thing! Thanks for linking up at Frugal Friday! 🙂
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I like that idea – use the payment for something fun! It’s rewarding and won’t really offset your goals. Neat!