Spinoff: How do you live below your means?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I both work downtown and are desensitized to $10+ lunches every day. A few years ago I tried to cut costs and made lunches for each of us...l.i ate my soggy sandwich and when we were home having dinner DH admitted he couldn’t eat the crappy sandwich and bought something at Cosi. I think it’s really rare to see any professional dc workers brown bag it but I do think we could all save a little money if we did.

We don't take sandwiches, we take leftovers. So it's a hot meal every day at lunch, and I see plenty of my BigLaw coworkers doing the same based on the break room refrigerator. But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. However, it is strange to say "why do you want to live like this" as though not going to Au Bon Pain twice a week is a rights violation.

+1

This week my work lunches included black bean soup, caprese salad, Spanish tortilla with salad and baguette, roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo on focaccia, fruit salad.

Soggy sandwich indeed.

But is this any cheaper? Probably not by much.

Not that PP, but yes, taking leftovers is much cheaper. You don't have to do it, but pretending it doesn't save money to make food yourself is silly.

Pp with the soggy sandwich here - Yeah I don’t think i would do this, because then I’d have to make something else for dinner the next night. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as we don’t cook that much or in big batches. But I’m impressed with the organization and planning. Maybe when our kids are a little older and I’m packing their lunches anyway I’ll give it another try.

You can choose to be a glass is half empty kind of person but you’re then ignoring all the advice you’re getting on here. The option isn’t a gross, soggy sandwich or Cosi. You can easily bring a tasty, filling, easy to pack lunch daily that saves you a lot of money. Don’t do it if you don’t want to but don’t dismiss it as not possible.

Pp here. I’m not saying it’s not possible, I’m saying for us we don’t have the bandwidth to add this planning to our lives and at least right now it’s not impacting us except for the nagging feeling that this is a lot to spend on lunch. Probably also bc where I work everyone eats out or in our work cafeteria. I think others are more organized than we are. I’ve seen others write out weekly or monthly meal plans and thought that is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I both work downtown and are desensitized to $10+ lunches every day. A few years ago I tried to cut costs and made lunches for each of us...l.i ate my soggy sandwich and when we were home having dinner DH admitted he couldn’t eat the crappy sandwich and bought something at Cosi. I think it’s really rare to see any professional dc workers brown bag it but I do think we could all save a little money if we did.

We don't take sandwiches, we take leftovers. So it's a hot meal every day at lunch, and I see plenty of my BigLaw coworkers doing the same based on the break room refrigerator. But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. However, it is strange to say "why do you want to live like this" as though not going to Au Bon Pain twice a week is a rights violation.

+1

This week my work lunches included black bean soup, caprese salad, Spanish tortilla with salad and baguette, roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo on focaccia, fruit salad.

Soggy sandwich indeed.

But is this any cheaper? Probably not by much.

Not that PP, but yes, taking leftovers is much cheaper. You don't have to do it, but pretending it doesn't save money to make food yourself is silly.

Pp with the soggy sandwich here - Yeah I don’t think i would do this, because then I’d have to make something else for dinner the next night. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as we don’t cook that much or in big batches. But I’m impressed with the organization and planning. Maybe when our kids are a little older and I’m packing their lunches anyway I’ll give it another try.

You can choose to be a glass is half empty kind of person but you’re then ignoring all the advice you’re getting on here. The option isn’t a gross, soggy sandwich or Cosi. You can easily bring a tasty, filling, easy to pack lunch daily that saves you a lot of money. Don’t do it if you don’t want to but don’t dismiss it as not possible.

Agree. My #1 reason for cooking at home and eating leftovers at work is that it saves time. The fact it saves money is #2 and a close #3 is that it helps me eat healthier. Going out to eat is a huge waste of time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I both work downtown and are desensitized to $10+ lunches every day. A few years ago I tried to cut costs and made lunches for each of us...l.i ate my soggy sandwich and when we were home having dinner DH admitted he couldn’t eat the crappy sandwich and bought something at Cosi. I think it’s really rare to see any professional dc workers brown bag it but I do think we could all save a little money if we did.

We don't take sandwiches, we take leftovers. So it's a hot meal every day at lunch, and I see plenty of my BigLaw coworkers doing the same based on the break room refrigerator. But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. However, it is strange to say "why do you want to live like this" as though not going to Au Bon Pain twice a week is a rights violation.

+1

This week my work lunches included black bean soup, caprese salad, Spanish tortilla with salad and baguette, roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo on focaccia, fruit salad.

Soggy sandwich indeed.

But is this any cheaper? Probably not by much.

Not that PP, but yes, taking leftovers is much cheaper. You don't have to do it, but pretending it doesn't save money to make food yourself is silly.

Pp with the soggy sandwich here - Yeah I don’t think i would do this, because then I’d have to make something else for dinner the next night. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as we don’t cook that much or in big batches. But I’m impressed with the organization and planning. Maybe when our kids are a little older and I’m packing their lunches anyway I’ll give it another try.

You can choose to be a glass is half empty kind of person but you’re then ignoring all the advice you’re getting on here. The option isn’t a gross, soggy sandwich or Cosi. You can easily bring a tasty, filling, easy to pack lunch daily that saves you a lot of money. Don’t do it if you don’t want to but don’t dismiss it as not possible.

Pp here. I’m not saying it’s not possible, I’m saying for us we don’t have the bandwidth to add this planning to our lives and at least right now it’s not impacting us except for the nagging feeling that this is a lot to spend on lunch. Probably also bc where I work everyone eats out or in our work cafeteria. I think others are more organized than we are. I’ve seen others write out weekly or monthly meal plans and thought that is amazing.

You only think this requires a lot of bandwidth because you’re looking at people with elaborate monthly meal plans as the standard. I am not a super organized person but making a sandwich or salad for lunch and taking in a yogurt for breakfast is really really not that hard once it becomes habit. Like any good habit. Maybe your cafeteria is good but ours charges $9 for a pretty lousy sandwich.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I both work downtown and are desensitized to $10+ lunches every day. A few years ago I tried to cut costs and made lunches for each of us...l.i ate my soggy sandwich and when we were home having dinner DH admitted he couldn’t eat the crappy sandwich and bought something at Cosi. I think it’s really rare to see any professional dc workers brown bag it but I do think we could all save a little money if we did.

We don't take sandwiches, we take leftovers. So it's a hot meal every day at lunch, and I see plenty of my BigLaw coworkers doing the same based on the break room refrigerator. But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. However, it is strange to say "why do you want to live like this" as though not going to Au Bon Pain twice a week is a rights violation.

+1

This week my work lunches included black bean soup, caprese salad, Spanish tortilla with salad and baguette, roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo on focaccia, fruit salad.

Soggy sandwich indeed.

But is this any cheaper? Probably not by much.

Not that PP, but yes, taking leftovers is much cheaper. You don't have to do it, but pretending it doesn't save money to make food yourself is silly.

Making food yourself can be cheaper but its not cheaper. I depends on what you make. You can still make expensive food or buy very expensive ingredients.
Plus, if you buy in small quantities it can end up being more expensive than eating out.
At a time when I was trying to go with very cheap options, my lunch was a Mac Donalds 1$ menu.
I couldn't make that cheeseburger or mcchicken cheaper at home unless I was making hundred of them.
A pack of 8 burgers is about $3 on average, that's 37cents per units. We all know the meat is the expensive part of the burger. There is no way I beat the $1 price.
Plus you have to factor in your energy cost for cooking the burger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Following.

I do not live below my means but I aim to. I've been intermittently employed since last summer, and just started working after being out of work for four months. Now I earn 37k and get child support for two children that equals about 12500 a year. I left my marriage last year with no savings and used a credit card to establish myself. I have 42k in student debt and 29k in credit card debt. I also totaled my car a week ago so have to get a new one (no reliable public transport in my area) - hoping to use tax return to buy it.

Here's my breakdown:

Rent - 600
Food/toiletries/cleaning supplies - 400
Daycare - 540
Preschool - 360
After school sitter (daycare/preschool close earlier than when I finish work) - 500
Before and after care for preschooler - ~100
Phone - 93
Gas - ~100
Electric - ~100
CCs and student loans currently in deferment

Here's what I do:
-For work clothes, bought at Goodwill and in the clearance section at TJ Maxx
-Only buy sale food at the grocery store and plan, plan, plan to eliminate waste. My job provides lunch and so does the baby's daycare.
-Library and walks/hikes/playgrounds are exclusive sources of entertainment (as well as having friends over/going to friends houses)
-it goes without saying, but we do not eat out!

I feel a bit squeezed at the moment. My water's been cut off due to my not paying the bill (obviously). I just got my first paycheck Friday so will pay them Monday on my lunch break. I'm behind paying my daughter's preschool. It's stressful!

I am lucky that neither I nor my children have any medical issues nor need medication. I am lucky that I am strong and resourceful. I am so lucky to have supportive and caring friends. I am lucky to have an education and ambition and valuable soft skills that will enable me to advance professionally.

I know that a year from now things will look very different.

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration both to become better off and to stay careful with money.

You have kids and your water is shut off? Jesus! Can you send me your water bill. I'll pay it. Please post an email address so I can connect with you, then you can send me your account info. Will they turn the water on immediately?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We buy three-year-old Hondas and drive them for seven years, trade in and repeat. And we send our kids to public school. Just taking these two steps means that we don't have to worry about how much we spend on coffee or lunches.

Why trade them in after 7 years? They rarely need work besides oil changes and tire rotations etc. my Honda is 17 years old. Only big work I did was a timing belt for $1000. I bought it used for $6K with 130,000 miles.

Because they get raggedy in the interior after 10 years, and I don't want to deal with the increased chance the car will break down. The title of the thread is "how do you live below your means," not "how do you live as far below your means as possible."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We buy three-year-old Hondas and drive them for seven years, trade in and repeat. And we send our kids to public school. Just taking these two steps means that we don't have to worry about how much we spend on coffee or lunches.

Why trade them in after 7 years? They rarely need work besides oil changes and tire rotations etc. my Honda is 17 years old. Only big work I did was a timing belt for $1000. I bought it used for $6K with 130,000 miles.

Because they get raggedy in the interior after 10 years, and I don't want to deal with the increased chance the car will break down. The title of the thread is "how do you live below your means," not "how do you live as far below your means as possible."

Was just curious, no need to get snippy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I both work downtown and are desensitized to $10+ lunches every day. A few years ago I tried to cut costs and made lunches for each of us...l.i ate my soggy sandwich and when we were home having dinner DH admitted he couldn’t eat the crappy sandwich and bought something at Cosi. I think it’s really rare to see any professional dc workers brown bag it but I do think we could all save a little money if we did.

We don't take sandwiches, we take leftovers. So it's a hot meal every day at lunch, and I see plenty of my BigLaw coworkers doing the same based on the break room refrigerator. But if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. However, it is strange to say "why do you want to live like this" as though not going to Au Bon Pain twice a week is a rights violation.

+1

This week my work lunches included black bean soup, caprese salad, Spanish tortilla with salad and baguette, roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo on focaccia, fruit salad.

Soggy sandwich indeed.

But is this any cheaper? Probably not by much.

Not that PP, but yes, taking leftovers is much cheaper. You don't have to do it, but pretending it doesn't save money to make food yourself is silly.

Pp with the soggy sandwich here - Yeah I don’t think i would do this, because then I’d have to make something else for dinner the next night. Robbing Peter to pay Paul as we don’t cook that much or in big batches. But I’m impressed with the organization and planning. Maybe when our kids are a little older and I’m packing their lunches anyway I’ll give it another try.

You can choose to be a glass is half empty kind of person but you’re then ignoring all the advice you’re getting on here. The option isn’t a gross, soggy sandwich or Cosi. You can easily bring a tasty, filling, easy to pack lunch daily that saves you a lot of money. Don’t do it if you don’t want to but don’t dismiss it as not possible.

Agree. My #1 reason for cooking at home and eating leftovers at work is that it saves time. The fact it saves money is #2 and a close #3 is that it helps me eat healthier. Going out to eat is a huge waste of time.

Agreed! I, like many people on here, am a working mom. i'd much rather eat at my desk, finish my work, and get my butt home. I also used to be overweight and staying slim and eating out do not go hand in hand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our #1 is never paying someone to do work for us. Mow your own lawn, lay your own wood floors, paint the walls yourself, put your own brakes on (dh learned through YouTube), install your own light fixtures, clean your own house. We have a well maintained, beautiful house with new kitchens and baths we did ourselves. We only hired out what was mandatory under code (like gas lines). We've saved tens of thousands.

This is assuming you want to sacrifice family time for these things. We are firmly in the camp of not worth it. Plus i don't want to have a bunch of tools around the house. We just had our HW floors refinished and it took 3 guys 5 full work days to do our floors. That's 120 man hours. That would take us months to complete.

My dad use to spend Saturdays mowing the lawn when I was a kid. My siblings and I would play outside while he was doing it with my mom.

There is a big difference between mowing your own lawn and remodeling your own kitchen. Besides my kids mow our lawn-definitely not DH and I!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our #1 is never paying someone to do work for us. Mow your own lawn, lay your own wood floors, paint the walls yourself, put your own brakes on (dh learned through YouTube), install your own light fixtures, clean your own house. We have a well maintained, beautiful house with new kitchens and baths we did ourselves. We only hired out what was mandatory under code (like gas lines). We've saved tens of thousands.

This is assuming you want to sacrifice family time for these things. We are firmly in the camp of not worth it. Plus i don't want to have a bunch of tools around the house. We just had our HW floors refinished and it took 3 guys 5 full work days to do our floors. That's 120 man hours. That would take us months to complete.

Then you must have a huge house. We diy'ed ours and it was not a big deal. The prep work was the worst. We have tons of tools but a floor sander is something you generally rent. We get the kids involved so it is family time. We don't work on our cars but do our house. That's not really living below your means. Living below your means is spending less and saving.

Not interested in exposing my kids to those fumes. The people who did our floors wore respirators and it was strongly suggested that we stay somewhere else for the week. They were correct. Polyurethane is not healthy to be breathing in without the proper equipment.

Just look at the back of the can of those chemicals. Nope.

[Anonymous]

I avoid paying sales tax on my Cartier watches.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone with young children get babysitters to go out to date night and such, or do you feel it’s an unnecessary expense?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We buy three-year-old Hondas and drive them for seven years, trade in and repeat. And we send our kids to public school. Just taking these two steps means that we don't have to worry about how much we spend on coffee or lunches.

Why trade them in after 7 years? They rarely need work besides oil changes and tire rotations etc. my Honda is 17 years old. Only big work I did was a timing belt for $1000. I bought it used for $6K with 130,000 miles.

Because they get raggedy in the interior after 10 years, and I don't want to deal with the increased chance the car will break down. The title of the thread is "how do you live below your means," not "how do you live as far below your means as possible."

" I don't want to deal with the increased chance the car will break down". That's mental. A new car can break down. Nice spin there: "below your means vs as far below your means as possible.". Cars last much longer nowadays. Clean your raggedy interior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our #1 is never paying someone to do work for us. Mow your own lawn, lay your own wood floors, paint the walls yourself, put your own brakes on (dh learned through YouTube), install your own light fixtures, clean your own house. We have a well maintained, beautiful house with new kitchens and baths we did ourselves. We only hired out what was mandatory under code (like gas lines). We've saved tens of thousands.

This is assuming you want to sacrifice family time for these things. We are firmly in the camp of not worth it. Plus i don't want to have a bunch of tools around the house. We just had our HW floors refinished and it took 3 guys 5 full work days to do our floors. That's 120 man hours. That would take us months to complete.

Then you must have a huge house. We diy'ed ours and it was not a big deal. The prep work was the worst. We have tons of tools but a floor sander is something you generally rent. We get the kids involved so it is family time. We don't work on our cars but do our house. That's not really living below your means. Living below your means is spending less and saving.

Not interested in exposing my kids to those fumes. The people who did our floors wore respirators and it was strongly suggested that we stay somewhere else for the week. They were correct. Polyurethane is not healthy to be breathing in without the proper equipment.

Just look at the back of the can of those chemicals. Nope.

Not to mention, I recently bought a home and the DIY projects were so obvious. So many hack jobs out there. The DIYers just do not have the expertise to make the job look finished. If it works for you great, but I don't want my house to look like a kids art project.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone with young children get babysitters to go out to date night and such, or do you feel it’s an unnecessary expense?

Unnecessary expense. We just stay home, have a glass of wine and watch a movie on Netflix after the kids go to bed!