Revisiting Frugal Eating

The cost of food is a major issue these days and with good reason. Whether eating out or buying groceries, food is expensive! For most families, food costs are second only behind housing costs. I think one can still live frugally and enjoy nutritious sustenance. The bottom line, to live frugally, one cannot eat out all the time. Additionally, the small “other” food purchases such as coffees, vending machine visit and snacks should be avoided. You’ve got to eat at home and pack a lunch to live frugal!

Just a few years ago, I suggested the maximum average cost for food should be around $10 per person per day or $1200 per month for a family of four. Then runaway inflation hit! I think it’s closer to about $15 per person per day nowadays. For a family of four that’s $1800 per month!  This accounts for most meals consumed at home with just a very few meals per month eaten out. $1800 is a tough benchmark nowadays. Getting to this level of food budgeting takes practice and also some reasonable skills in the kitchen.

Let me provide a few examples. Spaghetti with meat (or vegetarian) sauce is one of the easiest at home meals to prepare. An 8oz package of pasta is around $2 and 1 lb. of lean ground beef is around $6. Sauce, an onion, maybe some chopped mushrooms would be another $5. A vegetable on the side (we’ll go with chopped lettuce) for $2 and half loaf of French bread ($1) and you’ve got a balanced dinner for two at $16 with probably enough for leftovers in the next day’s lunch. That’s two meals for two people for $16!

If you are a coffee addict (and your employer will allow it) bring an automatic coffee maker to work and brew your own. This will save hundreds over ducking around the corner to the coffee shop and forking out $5 or more for a mocha, latte special.

If you are thinking “I can’t cook” and “I hate leftovers” then I recommend learning! Avoid gravitating towards processed foods such as frozen meals, lasagnas or “chicken” nuggets. These will do in a pinch but will run up your grocery bill more in the long run and are chocked full of unhealthy ingredients.

Our weekly grocery shopping is very simple and includes a variety of proteins, starches (potatoes, pasta, and rice) and vegetables (preferably fresh). Simple one course meals at little expense. I daresay we eat healthier than most families as we consume very little processed foods. The trick to preparing tasty simple meals comes in learning the seasonings, sauces and other tricks that add flavors your family enjoys.

Keep olive oil and butter on hand. Pick your favorite seasonings and sauces then stock up when on sale. Pretty soon, your $16 meals will taste a lot more gourmet! Over the years, we’ve actually found we prefer our home cooking to the overly processed and sodium packed chain restaurant offerings.

I am not saying don’t ever go out to eat, we have to treat ourselves once in a while, but do so in moderation. You may find yourself appreciating dining out more! Make a conscious decision to eat at home and carry lunch to work. Not only will this free up more money to invest, it can also lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Looking for a good how-to on wealth building? Check out my book, Millionaire on a Worker’s Budget: Five Financial Truth’s to Build Wealth on sale now at Amazon!

Interested in rental property investing? Look for Collect Rent, Don’t Pay It: A Beginner’s Guide to Rental Property Investing on Amazon to learn how our family turned rental property investing into a successful side hustle!

Look for, Being Frugal, a Truth to Build Wealth, coming to Amazon in early 2025!

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