We moved in on January 15th and while we did spend the first few days eating take-out (Wok Box, Harvey's, etc.), we haven't done it ever since. Even our trips to the store to pick up supplies has dwindled in occurrence.
I think for us, it's been a combination of location and fixing the menu at home that's been the biggest contribution to lowering our costs. The closest fast food place is actually quite the drive. The weather's been uncooperative, as has been our schedule. DH works from 8am to 5pm and on the weekends, we've been going to Ikea. At Ikea, a hot dog is 50 cents and a frozen yogurt is a dollar. For four people, that's about $6. That's in comparison to $35 or more if we get drive-thru food.
The boys have been more open to eating new items for lunch. DS7 has taken a shine to salami with pickle sandwiches and DS12 likes his bologna and cheese. I can do peanut butter and jam at home with DS7, but with DS12 he'd be taking lunch to school. At all schools here, nuts are a big no-no so it's either bologna, egg salad or salami sandwiches. DS12 will even eat tuna fish, which is good news for us. While the boys like sandwiches, I've been cutting their sandwich consumption in half with a can of soup. A sandwich and a soup is definitely better on our budget than those on-the-go lunch kits or a can of beefaroni. I usually rummage through the fridge and eat leftovers, so I don't need anything extra at the store for my meal. DH takes a sandwich, a yogurt and a granola bar with him and that's cut down on having to make a second batch of food. Less batches of food per meal = less money spent at the store. He likes salami and mustard sandwiches, ham with cucumber and turkey (although, turkey and ham are left for when they're on an extreme sale).
We've been able to stay within our food budget over the last few weeks, which is good for us. The less eating out means more money to put into savings and to pay bills with. If we ate out twice a week, we'd be spending $70! That's nuts! If we want something like pizza, we buy the 15 inch pizzas that are about $8.
So I am personally thankful for not having a fast food place around here. If it means saving more money and eating healthier, I'm all for it.
I think for us, it's been a combination of location and fixing the menu at home that's been the biggest contribution to lowering our costs. The closest fast food place is actually quite the drive. The weather's been uncooperative, as has been our schedule. DH works from 8am to 5pm and on the weekends, we've been going to Ikea. At Ikea, a hot dog is 50 cents and a frozen yogurt is a dollar. For four people, that's about $6. That's in comparison to $35 or more if we get drive-thru food.
The boys have been more open to eating new items for lunch. DS7 has taken a shine to salami with pickle sandwiches and DS12 likes his bologna and cheese. I can do peanut butter and jam at home with DS7, but with DS12 he'd be taking lunch to school. At all schools here, nuts are a big no-no so it's either bologna, egg salad or salami sandwiches. DS12 will even eat tuna fish, which is good news for us. While the boys like sandwiches, I've been cutting their sandwich consumption in half with a can of soup. A sandwich and a soup is definitely better on our budget than those on-the-go lunch kits or a can of beefaroni. I usually rummage through the fridge and eat leftovers, so I don't need anything extra at the store for my meal. DH takes a sandwich, a yogurt and a granola bar with him and that's cut down on having to make a second batch of food. Less batches of food per meal = less money spent at the store. He likes salami and mustard sandwiches, ham with cucumber and turkey (although, turkey and ham are left for when they're on an extreme sale).
We've been able to stay within our food budget over the last few weeks, which is good for us. The less eating out means more money to put into savings and to pay bills with. If we ate out twice a week, we'd be spending $70! That's nuts! If we want something like pizza, we buy the 15 inch pizzas that are about $8.
So I am personally thankful for not having a fast food place around here. If it means saving more money and eating healthier, I'm all for it.