Saving Some Money

Posted By: Linda Lee Ruzicka In: Business Professional

When I was a single mom trying to save money, I would brown bag my lunch to work.  I worked in a floral shop and although I could have ordered out, I knew that just bringing my lunch instead of buying it would help squeeze money out of my paycheck.  When my daughter and I did eat out, it was a treat.  We would buy McDonald’s on our twice a month night out.  We would order the two cheeseburger meal, super size it and split the fries and drink.  By taking my lunch to work, I was able to save money to treat my young daughter.  Do you know how much you spend on lunches and that mocha on your way to work?

Would you be surprised to find out that the average employee spends close to $1000 a year on just coffee?   Or how about $2,000 a year on lunch or ordering out?  Over a 40 year career, combining the cost of lunch and coffee can cost about $120,000.  I think that’s a lot for coffee and cheeseburgers, don’t you?  By packing a lunch it can not only save you money, but you can save calories by packing healthy food from home.   Your boss may even let you bring in a coffee pot and every one can chip in for the coffee making supplies. That would be a lot cheaper than picking up your coffee on your way to work.  If you figure out what you spend each week on coffee and lunches, then you can put the money you would save by packing your lunch in a piggy bank or container.  I think you would be surprised at the end of a month how much money would be there.  It would almost be like getting a raise.

You could use your leftovers from your dinner for your brown bag lunch too.  Most employers supply a microwave in the break or lunchroom.  You do have to be considerate of food that would have strong orders so as not to offend anyone or have it wafting into the office or place where customers can smell it.  If you pack your lunch the night before, then all you have to do is grab it on your way out the door and go.  Plus, if you figure that you’re going to be packing your lunch, you can plan for that when preparing the food for supper the night before.  If it’s chicken, you can add mayo, some relish on whole wheat bread or a pita and you’re good to go.  The leftovers don’t go to waste and you’re not spending money on Chinese food that has you hungry again in a half hour.  As for the coffee, if there is a machine at the office, it would be cheaper to chip in then to keep buying it at $3.00 a cup.  Sometimes it isn’t even good because their employee didn’t make a fresh pot.  So not only are you paying outrageous prices for coffee, it’s not even tasty.

All in all, packing your lunch is an easy and painless way to save money.  I think everyone can use a little extra money, don’t you?

What ways do you save money at work?