You’re not alone if your food delivery app gets more action than it should. Between busy schedules, stress and the sheer convenience of delivery apps, ordering in can feel like a way to be kind to yourself. But beware — eating out as a habit can make overspending a practice, too.
Here’s how you can cut back on delivery, save money and still come home to a meal you’re excited to eat.
The Convenience Premium
Sometimes, it can be easy to dupe ourselves into thinking that takeout isn’t that much more expensive than cooking. But then you add on the delivery fees, app charges and tip, and what was once a $15 meal has spiraled into a $30 splurge. Even ordering in one per week can add up to over $100 per month — and that’s no small change.
If you’re feeling that strain in your budget, you need a new strategy (not another coupon for 20% off). Your goal should be to have easy, nutritious meals ready when you need them, while still budgeting for takeout once in a while.
5 Ways to Make Mealtime Simple
1. Plan Eating Out Ahead of Time
Mark the days you most want takeout ahead of time — whether that’s to coincide with a Friday night movie night, or following a long day of travel. Look ahead at your calendar to compare other events that require going out to eat, or expenses that might veer into what you’re comfortable spending on delivery each month. The fewer surprises and temptations to impulse-order, the better!
2. Keep Easy Options On-Hand
Stock your freezer and fridge with effortless meals to make the urge to order food a non-issue. Bagged, pre-assembled salads, frozen pizzas or done-in-ten-minutes pastas can curb cravings and keep you fed on the cheap.
3. Ditch Your Delivery Apps
Ever heard “out of sight, out of mind?” That applies to your phone screen, too. Delete your food delivery apps to curb the impulse to peek at your options — the less attention you give to things you don’t need, the less likely you are to buy them.
4. Cook For Leftovers
Double a favorite recipe, then freeze the leftovers in portions — that makes a home-cooked meal only minutes away, and keeps you from getting burnt out on the same meal day after day.
5. Track savings, not just spending.
To make shifting from takeout feel like a win, track how much you’re saving each month. When you have the proof of your efforts in front of you, it’s easier to keep going (and appreciate the luxury of delivery more!)
Looking for More Ways to Save?
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