Noticing some savings.

**heartofmine** · 09-15-2011, 11:37 PM

We had really gotten into the habit of eating out every Sunday after church for lunch and often on Sunday nights after church. With a family of 4 it was really eating into our budget....literally. I have grabbed the bull by the horns and started cooking lunch and having enough for leftovers for supper after church. I just had to spend more time planning ahead. I either use the crockpot for the meat or have something ready to pop into the oven before I leave for church. I fix pastas, slaw, desserts the day before. So far so good and I'm really noticing the savings. I'm figuring we are saving at least $200.00 a month just from doing this and that includes the food I buy to cook. Just have to keep it up. I've been doing this for about 6 weeks. So far hubby and my son and daughter are cool with it. It is amazing how much a person can spend just for the convenience sake and not think about it. Its a bad habit to get in to.

**HappyMama** · 09-15-2011, 11:42 PM

Great job on the planning, cooking and savings. It really does add up doesn't it? It is work but nice once you get into a routine with the crockpot, and with pre planning it can be enjoyable as well.

**Palooka** · 09-16-2011, 12:14 AM

Good job on the planning. When I was growing up I remember my mom, every Sunday had a pot roast cooking, ready when we came home.

Otherwise my dad was the one that wanted to go out to eat all the time. heh

It does add up!

**arnie** · 09-16-2011, 05:55 AM

Excellent job!!! What makes it even better is that your family seems to be adjusting without any issue.

**Ceashels** · 09-16-2011, 08:26 AM

Greebo and I often grab something or order out when we work on the weekends. I do my best to get something in the crock pot and try to make enough for left overs the next day. Getting into the routine of it is the most difficult.

WTG! What a savings!

**Debbie-cat** · 09-16-2011, 08:34 AM

Wow, great savings!!! It sure pays off to plan ahead.

**Russ** · 09-16-2011, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by heartofmine

It is amazing how much a person can spend just for the convenience sake and not think about it. Its a bad habit to get in to.

I think this is key. Going out to dinner no longer becomes a treat, but expected and easy, and thats when it becomes habit, a bad one.

**kmiller4** · 09-16-2011, 08:39 AM

We have really cut back on eating out. We used to do a Friday night fish fry (popular in our area). But I have been dieting and I find that I tend to overeat or order "bad" (read "fried") foods or desserts when we go out. I also always want to eat the whole serving-- which we all know is really closer to 2 servings. So eating-in has not only helped my budget, but my waistline as well. Also, it seems like the costs of dining out are really getting up there. And I'm not talking fancy places-- just everyday small places that we go as well!

**frugalfoster** · 09-16-2011, 09:48 AM

This is one place in which we don't spend money. For the cost of eating out once, I can buy groceries for the whole week. I just can't justify the cost!

**KennySoward** · 09-16-2011, 04:40 PM

Great savings. We have a similar problem, but it has more to do with buying drinks with dinner. That is my "thing." Love to just have a cold one with dinner.

I don't even want to tell you how much I saved as soon as we stopped doing that. It was a lot.

**shoiji** · 09-22-2011, 11:50 AM

That is great that you are seeing results of planning ahead and saving money. You are also teaching your children a great lesson.

**HappyMama** · 09-22-2011, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfoster

This is one place in which we don't spend money. For the cost of eating out once, I can buy groceries for the whole week. I just can't justify the cost!

That is how I look at it as well, and can't justify. I splurge on top quality Olive oil and Italian Flour etc for my pizzas. I also get specialty wing sauce and pastured wings. For the price of one night out for my family for pizza and wings , I have have tons of top quality pizzas , with lots of toppings and many organic ingredients or many other fantastic meals.

**Ramona** · 09-22-2011, 02:17 PM

It sounds wonderful, that's a lot of $$! The quality is much better, too.

**wanderlusting** · 09-23-2011, 06:19 AM

WTG! I noticed we had the same issue- it's so easy to get something quick at a restraunt after service. I started using the crockpot on Sundays too- it's so nice to walk in the house and have something hot and ready!

**KennySoward** · 09-27-2011, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by wanderlusting

WTG! I noticed we had the same issue- it's so easy to get something quick at a restraunt after service. I started using the crockpot on Sundays too- it's so nice to walk in the house and have something hot and ready!

Not sure where you live, but it's getting cold here, so I can imagine coming home to a nice hot bowl of chili or stew

As cooking-impaired as I am, I do have a crockpot and I'm not afraid to use it.