The average American family spends more than two hundred dollars a month on dining out. With an average timeframe of three days per week, these spend just under 5% of their annual income. If you are looking for ways to trim the fat from your budget, try one of these useful ways to start saving money from going out to eat today.
1. Save $27,000 in 20 Years.
You may think it is impossible to save that much money. Just cutting back and dining out one or two times a week can render you a nice savings account in just two decades.
2. Splurge on Quality Foods.
Fast food is not really as cheap as it may seem. According to studies, a roasted chicken dinner with potatoes and salad for a family of four is only $14 less than a full spread from McDonald’s. You end up paying more towards your health in the long run.
3. Eat at Home.
With five fast food restaurants for every supermarket in the United States, it is a wonder why we find ourselves sitting in a drive thru. Make the decision to go home and cook instead. It helps you to save money and spend quality time with your family in comfort.
Check out this listing of delicious meals you can make at home for cheap.
3 Meals You Can Make for $5.00.
1. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup.
2. Spaghetti.
3. Pancakes, Bacon, & Eggs.
24 Meals You Can Make for $10.00 or Less.
1. Chicken and Rice.
2. Chicken, Veggies, and Pasta.
3. Chili.
4. Homemade Pizza.
5. Sloppy Joes.
6. Burgers.
7. Meatloaf and Mash Potatoes.
8. Shredded Beef/Chicken Sandwiches.
9. Baked Chicken.
10. Beef Stew.
11. Chicken Ceasar Salad.
12. Chicken Tortilla Soup.
13. Pork Chops and Sweet Potatoes.
14. Salmon and Broccoli.
15. Tacos.
16. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
17. Burritos and Chimichangas.
18. Chicken Curry Bake.
19. Fajitas.
20. Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken.
21. Quesadillas.
22. Enchiladas.
23. Italian Meatball Subs.
24. Lasagna.
Delicious Family Meals for Less than $15.00.
Make these full family meals this weekend.
1. Slow Cooker Beef Roast.
2. Slow Cooker Pork Roast.
3. Steak and Baked Potato.
BONUS: 6 More Ways to Save on Your Groceries.
When you buy your produce and fruit in season, you can save a lot on your bill each month. Take advantage of sales and plan your meals. Pair inexpensive grains with expensive meats such as salmon with brown rice.
Avoid processed foods. These are bad for your health and wallet. It also adds to more trash and space. Monitor and use what you already have. This can save you more than 40% on your waste.
Lastly, reduce portions. We tend to eat more than we need. If you find this part challenging, just use a smaller dish so you feel like you are consuming a larger portion.
