Eat, Drink and Be Merry (with all the $$ you're saving)

Often, my boyfriend and I are invited to dine out with friends and family. Neither of us see the real value in eating out, unless there is a significant deal involved. We just can't justify $9 for a burger or sandwich that we can make at home for around $1. It is, however, a small form of social suicide to always turn down the invitations. Yet, there is very little resistance from friends who also understand the value of saving. Here are a list of ways to save on food related items. Whether you're at work, at home, or out with friends- plan ahead and you could save a bundle.

1. Cook your own meals: The number one tip, echoed almost anywhere you look, is to cook your own meals. Cooking is a fun way to reduce your costs, provide entertainment, and eat healthier.
2. Eat less meat: Veggies are cheap per pound compared to meat, so try going with a heavier vegetable diet. If you like meat, skip beef and go more often with chicken and pork. Pork isn’t as healthy as beef but chicken is a pretty good option.
3. Meat as a side dish: If you don’t want to eat less meat, here’s a trick – use meat as a side dish and something else as the headliner. You still get your meat, but you eat less of it. Like eating eggplant and ground pork, the eggplant is the headliner and the ground pork makes up the supporting cast.
4. Eat slower: The faster you eat, the more you eat. It takes time for your stomach to tell your brain you’re full.

1. Bring your lunch: Brown bagging lunch is a great way to take a $5-$10 expense every day and bring it in under $2-3. Heck, if you’re a cold cut sub kind of person, your lunches could be under a dollar or two and still be jam-packed with goodness.
2. If you like eating out, eat out for lunch and cook for dinner: Dinner at a restaurant is far more expensive than lunch at a restaurant, so always go with lunch if you’re deciding between the two
3. Check for restaurant coupons: If you do eat out, check online or in the local circulars for coupons. At worst, you can always hit up Restaurant.com and get $25 gift certificates for $10 (or even less when they have deals- which they often do). The only warning about Restaurant.com is that their selection can be very limited depending on where you live.

1. Take advantage of restaurant specials: Several restaurants have specials on certain days of the week, or during certain hours of the day. Take advantage of these promotions. My beau and I enjoy a local restaurant that offers 1/2 off BYO (Build-Your-Own) Pasta dishes on Thursday nights. We both go for the large entree and have water with our meal. We leave the restaurant with enough leftovers for 2 more meals and a bill that is less than $11!
2. Skip the vending machine: If you really like an afternoon snack, bring your own. You can usually buy them for much much cheaper at the grocery store.

1. Grow your own herbs: Herbs are really easy to grow, they just need some dirt, some light, and they’ll grow like crazy. Vegetables are a little tougher so start off with herbs and grow the ones you use the most. Fresh herbs will taste better and you won’t have to pay McCormick & Company $5 for a container of basil.
2. Make one of those lunches a cold cut sandwich: I’m a fan of hot lunches but if you want to trim your expenses even more, make it a real budget lunch once a week for extra savings. Two slices of bread, a couple slices of your favorite cold cut, some lettuce, maybe a slice of tomato… that is some good eating with a great price.
3. Cut one (or more) dining out meal a week (or month): Think of it as a reason to test drive recipes for any holiday dinners or potlucks you’ll be attending this year. You can save big money by cutting out dinners in restaurants and it will help your waistline too. Leftovers make great lunches.
4. Make a grocery store list and stick to it: To help reduce impulse buying whenever you’re in the supermarket, make a list before you go in and stick with it. Ignore the pretty displays showing discounts on things you don’t need and go straight for what you have listed. Not only will you save money, but you’ll save time.
5. Always buy generics: I can’t think of any instances where the generic brand of something is worse than the brand name. Many companies actually produce both the brand name and the generic, they just stick the product in a different box – check the manufacturer, you’ll see what I mean.
6. Bring your own reusable bag: Or any bag for that matter, many places now will give you a nickel off your grocery store bill if you bring your reusable bag. You save money, use fewer plastic bags, and save the world in the process!

1. Water is cheaper than soda, beer, juice, coffee, tea, etc: Thirsty? Hit the water fountain. Let the cold water hit your lips and quench your thirst. Water is far cheaper than any other beverage and it has the least amount of calories.
2. Brew your own coffee: You can either pay $5 for a cup at Starbucks or brew your own for pennies. It's as simple as that.
3. Having a beer after work “just to take the edge off.” It’s extra calories consumed and extra dollars spent. After realizing how much it truly costs, you might not even enjoy it anymore.