According to research by Harris Interactive, 45% of U.S. adults packed their lunches last fall. A 12-inch turkey-breast-and-ham sub with chips and a drink runs about $8 at Subway. Buy a loaf of bread, lunchmeat, cheese, and fruit or chips for the week and you’ll spend just $3 or so a day. Annual savings (packing four days a week): $1,040.
In today’s economy, packing a lunch is what smart people do. I have been brown bagging my lunch for years. Not only will you save money, but you will eat healthier, tastier food. What works for me is this: I brown bag my lunch daily and then buy lunch on paydays (I get paid every two weeks). This routine lets me save money and splurge a little, too.
I recommend packing fresh fruits and vegetables with deli-style sandwiches. Soups and salads are great as are bagels and cream cheese. So I don’t have to rush, I prepare my lunch the night before and store in the refrigerator.
Do you brown bag for lunch? What’s your favorite meal? What benefits have you found with making your lunch?
Michael has been brown bagging it for the 16 years we’ve been married (before that, he would come into the restaurant where I worked and sit at one of my tables – that’s how we met!). On rare occasions he takes sandwiches and things, but most of the time he takes dinner leftovers. We have microwaveable divided dishes with lids that I pack with food and label for the fridge or the freezer, so he often has a few dishes to choose from each day. He also takes two snacks for morning and afternoon so he’s not tempted to hit the corner store or the vending machines. Every penny counts!
Very good! I do the same thing with dinner leftovers. They make great lunches. I like your idea of bringing snacks so Michael isn’t tempted to hit the vending machines. Great comments Rebecca.
This is fantastic advice for saving money! I pack my lunch every day. I usually make enough food at dinner, so I have leftovers to pack for lunch. It’s way healthier and much cheaper to eat food you cook yourself.
P.S. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll Jackson!
-Michelle
Thanks for your comment Michelle. Packing your lunch is definitely one of the easiest (and healthiest) ways to save money.