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Currently, my wife and I eat out at regular restaurants about 4 times a week. On average we spend about $25 a meal per person, so that would equal about $200 a week for both of us.
After looking at our credit card bill for eating out, we asked each other if it was really worth it. My wife asked how much would each of these $25 meals cost if we cooked them and bought the food at the grocery store. (Equal quality food and ingredients) Is it worth the hassle to eat at home for most of our meals to save money? We eat out so we have more variety in our food, etc.
Let's say having that meal that costs us $50 combined at home costs us $10 from the grocery store. So we would save about $160 a week. If we invested that money saved in the Stock Market over a five year period how much would we have?
In my experience, most people don't dine out four nights a week, and most people don't consider it a "hassle" to eat at home. If you want more variety in your food, why don't you try giving each other cookbooks for the next few times that you're exchanging presents?
Is it just me? or is this just another 1st world problem...?
Complaining about large portion sizes at restaurants?????
If they won't let you doggy bag...then what about taking a friend or kids,etc. and buy just 1 portion
to split among all of you?...or... GASP!. what about just eating it all by yourself and your companion?
BTW,I NEVER eat out,and rarely buy cooked food,take out or have delivery...and frankly;within reason ,I'd prefer quantity of food over quality of food if were to call myself frugal.
Is it just me? or is this just another 1st world problem...?
Complaining about large portion sizes at restaurants?????
I have two issues with this. One- it's a money grab. The overhead- rent, utilities labor, etc.- increases very little on larger serving sizes so any markup you add for a bigger quantity of food is pure profit. (This is also why most restaurants won't allow you to order from the Kid's menu or the Senior menu to get smaller portions unless you're the appropriate age.) Two- many people just eat what's one their plate so it contributes to the obesity epidemic.
You can share an entree but sometimes they charge for that. Some things, as I mentioned earlier, don't reheat well or you're traveling and can't store them safely.
Is it just me? or is this just another 1st world problem...?
im not sure how to take that. we live in the first world so that is the problems that we are going to have. are you saying that only people living in 3rd world countries can complain about things?
im not on board with a complaint about large portions though. im always happy to take home some leftovers.
And I think $200 a week all year long dining out is a little excessive for most people.
Still, it depends on how a person likes to spend her money...
the OP really hasnt given us enough info to make suggestions. everyone knows that not eating in restaurants would save a good amount of money over home cooking. but if the OP is saving plenty of money and is happy eating out 4 times a week; no need to change anything.
i guess some people really like an all you can eat pizza buffet for $7 but that sounds like about the worst restaurant dining option out there.
the OP really hasnt given us enough info to make suggestions. everyone knows that not eating in restaurants would save a good amount of money over home cooking. but if the OP is saving plenty of money and is happy eating out 4 times a week; no need to change anything.
i guess some people really like an all you can eat pizza buffet for $7 but that sounds like about the worst restaurant dining option out there.
and as long as they resist the urge to splurge at the grocery and then just waste all that - good for them
Hey and if they want to waste grocery food store also - oh well.
We are both retired (17 yrs) and eat out at least 4x a week. My husband does not know how to cook and at 87 has no intention of learning. I've been cooking for almost 50 yrs and am sick of cooking!
We live in Florida. They have happy hour at most restaurants. Its not just drinks but food for $5.00 and beer and wine 1/2 price.
Thats what we do. We each order a entree and a beer and wine and have a nice time. It gives us the chance to talk and relax and I don't have to cook. I don't have to buy groceries for a weeks worth of meals and the labor to cook them.
I'm 70 and so sick of cooking, especially for two people. So for us, especially me, its worth the money.
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