I have a bad habit of going out to lunch EVERYDAY during the week. I do not cook and I would rather not burn down my kitchen trying to do so. I know this everyday lunch habit is costing me alot of money. I find that I just have to get out of the office for my hour break. It allows me to recharge and hang out with my coworkers and just have fun or blow off some steam.
One of the things I have recently started doing is ordering water instead of sweet tea or soda. This move along is shaving off an average of $2 per bill. I am also choosing more cost effective choices. I now have a limit of $8 per lunch meal, including tip. I have spent up to $14 for lunch before. After I get home and enter the transaction into my checkbook, I want to punch myself for spending so much money on ONE meal.
I don't go out to eat often, but I try to do the same thing most of the time. I usually prefer water anyway. It's also a GREAT way to save money, save caloric intake, and be healthy. :)
I did that a lot during my internship before I landed my real job, now luckily my going out to eat budget has been reduced to $50 a month. I find the reason I wouldn't bring lunch is because I like variety too much, but these recipes work great for take to work lunches, or quick pop back to the apartment a bit and make lunch.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/dining/18mini.html?ex=1342497600&en=e76301c448a572af&ei=5124
Teeny - Thanks for that list. I may try my hand in the kitchen. If I burn down my house, YOU will pay my deductible...LOL
Go ahead enjoy your lunch w/ your co-workers EVERYDAY! Enjoy life! I think $12 is more realistic. I think you are making enough money. Remember you should be concentrate more on savings from auto insutrance, CC interest, taxes and etc. Life is too short...drink your Starbuck coffees.