Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!
Today we’re talking about taking a few extra minutes each day to save yourself hundreds throughout the year. Packing a lunch takes a little more planning, but not only does a packed lunch cost less, but you know the ingredients you include are healthy for you {and your kids!}. That can’t be said about the last second food grab at a fast food joint!
Lunch packing planning should start before you head to the grocery store. Map out what you want your lunches to look like for the week {don’t forget to include dinner leftovers!} and create a shopping list. Then simply set aside an extra 5 minutes each morning {or be extra on the ball and pack it the night before!} and BOOM. Hundreds saved each year!
Here are the reason you’ll see me packing:
For Work: I pack the HH’s lunch for work every day. It’s something I’ve always done and I really like doing it. He’s pretty easy in that he eats almost anything and loves leftovers. Leftovers make for a perfect next-day work lunch. I try to pack a little variety each day, but he’d probably be fine eating the exact same lunch every. single. day.
Work lunches are where you’ll see some serious savings. Eating out can cost over $10/day. That’s some serious cash for a little convenience! Plus, you can pack little love notes for your sweetie!
For School: I’m all about the bento box when I pack school lunches for my kids. They are well organized {which this OCD mama loves!}, healthy and they just look fun. Plus, you can craft a bento box for even the pickiest of eaters. Here are my favorites:
PB&J Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Ham Rollup Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Chicken Nugget Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Cucumber Sandwich Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Fluffer Nutter Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Hard Boiled Egg Bento Box {Pin it for Later}
Don’t forget to include a cute note to your kiddo. For older kids, these Secret Message Bananas will certainly make them giggle {and maybe roll their eyes, but we’ll forgive that!}.
For Travel: This can be as simple as packing a bag of snacks for a short day trip, or a full-on cooler for an extended trip. If you are going the snack route, pick travel friendly foods, like dried fruit, granola, trail mix, protein bars, etc. {the bulk bins at WinCo are awesome for travel food}. Rolling a cooler into your hotel room might seem a little odd, but it’ll save you big.
Do your travel plans include heading to an airport? Check out these tips on How to Save on Airport Meals and Snacks.
For Snacks: It’s so easy to just rush out the door on a busy day without a thought about nourishment during a long day of errand running. But if you’re like me, if you don’t pack your own snacks for when hunger strikes, you’ll be grabbing the first things you see, regardless of price or ingredients! It could be as simple as cutting up an apple {check out How I Keep Apple Slices From Browning} or throwing some pretzels or carrots in a ziploc baggie. Even simpler yet? Throw a granola bar in your purse so you’ll always have fuel near you {I highly suggest these Homemade Granola Bars}.
How Much Can You Save: Hundreds. If we just break down the cost of school lunches, assuming averages for everything {average number of kids: 2, average days in a school calendar: 190, average price of a school lunch: $2.90}, the out of pocket cost would be $1102. Since I can easily pack lunches for at least 75% less, that results in a savings of about $825 just for school lunches! <<<<————– Wow!
More Ways to Save:
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}
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