How much to spend on lunch each day?

[Anonymous]

What would you say is an appropriate amount of money to spend on lunch each day? I'm in my twenties and tend to bring my lunch to work, although usually things like protein bars, frozen meals, occasional coffee runs, and other food that might not be legitimately frugal but is still cheaper than getting a $10 meal outside the office. This probably averages to ~$5/day. When I was in college I often skipped meals or would pack myself peanut butter sandwiches which was obviously inexpensive but there's something about working in an office that makes me really want hot lunches. My finances aren't particularly a concern but now that I "have money" I want to strike a balance between saving and depriving myself.

[Anonymous]

I usually bring leftover from dinner night before.

[Anonymous]

I typically don't eat lunch. Or breakfast for that matter. I eat dinner only and then some fruit/snacks later in the night.

However, if I did eat lunch, I would bring my own, and limit the cost to about $5. I think I can do that while buying high quality deli meat, cheese, and bread to make really interesting sandwiches.

[Anonymous]

I spend $20-25. I am ridiculous. Don't be like me.

[Anonymous]

Bring leftovers and use the microwave. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

$10. If you're single and no kids, enjoy these splurges. When you've got a kid and a mortgage, you can do PBJ.

[Anonymous]

I usually bring leftovers for lunch but once in a while I'll buy lunch and spend between $10-$15

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring leftovers and use the microwave. Problem solved.

This is also useful in planning and executing your meals for the week. It can be hard to motivate yourself to cook an entire meal for one. But if you make a typical family serving, you will have several days of lunch as well. Focus on implementing some automatic savings (savings account and retirement) and then enjoy your financial freedom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$10. If you're single and no kids, enjoy these splurges. When you've got a kid and a mortgage, you can do PBJ.

Don't do this! Do PBJs now too and bank that extra money in your Roth!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I typically don't eat lunch. Or breakfast for that matter. I eat dinner only and then some fruit/snacks later in the night.

However, if I did eat lunch, I would bring my own, and limit the cost to about $5. I think I can do that while buying high quality deli meat, cheese, and bread to make really interesting sandwiches.

My brother does this and I have no idea how he makes it through the day. I'm a teacher and easily eat 4 meals a day - 7 a.m breakfast, lunch at 11, famished and needing a snack at 3, and dinner around 6:30. Don't you get headaches or get irritable?

[Anonymous]

$13-$15

[Anonymous]

I'm over 50 and I still love PBJs for lunch. I pretty much never eat out so my lunches end up looking almost exactly like they did when I was in 6th grade; two sandwiches, fruit and a snack.

For hot lunches, it's hard to beat leftovers. If you're buying food to bring from home, buy good stuff. Those $2 frozen dinners get old fast. At $5-$7 a pop, you are still saving time and money and calories by not eating out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I typically don't eat lunch. Or breakfast for that matter. I eat dinner only and then some fruit/snacks later in the night.

However, if I did eat lunch, I would bring my own, and limit the cost to about $5. I think I can do that while buying high quality deli meat, cheese, and bread to make really interesting sandwiches.

My brother does this and I have no idea how he makes it through the day. I'm a teacher and easily eat 4 meals a day - 7 a.m breakfast, lunch at 11, famished and needing a snack at 3, and dinner around 6:30. Don't you get headaches or get irritable?

Different people have different tolerance for this type of thing. It helps that I am overweight slightly. I also do weight training the morning a few times a week for an hour each, without any supplements or pre/post workout. Some of my friends say they would get dizzy if they didn't eat something 2 hours before working out.

This is why certain types of dieting works for some people but not others. We are all different and need different solutions.

[Anonymous]

I spend about $10, but I have the money.

[Anonymous]

I bring leftovers for lunch at least 3x/week (sometimes 5) but let myself accept lunch invites once a week without angst. I get to save money but I also enjoy the occasional sit-down with a friend or colleague more than daily trips to a food truck or Chop't.