Did you know that spending $10 to buy lunch at work each day will cost you $2,600 a year? That’s a lot of money that could be better spent toward a vacation, a luxury purchase you’ve been dreaming of, paying down existing debt or just sitting in an investment fund or savings account. Here’s how to save on workplace lunches by brown-bagging it and beyond.
• Check Out Your Workplace Kitchen – If you’ve been buying your lunch every day, you may not even know what space and appliances are available to you in the office kitchen. Is there a microwave, toaster, or other appliance at the office? Do you have access to cabinet space and/or a fridge? Are there spice packets and condiments?
• Love Those Leftovers – Don’t just use the bit of leftover dinner proteins to add to your work lunch salads; cook dinner with the next day’s lunch in mind. Add a bit of extra protein to your entree, and then slice it or shred it for your workday sandwich or salad. If you’re cooking up pasta, set some aside to take to work the next day before you add any sauces or cheese. Homemade pizza is great the next day, too.
• Jar It – Mason jars are the perfect food storage solution. Pack a tight salad, layered meal, or anything at all in small Mason jars and it’ll stay fresh for several days in your home or work fridge. Jarring your lunch is a great solution for the employee who finds it challenging to carve out time for lunch prep each evening or morning. All you need is one marathon food prep session over the weekend, and you’ll be set for the week.
• Freeze It – If your office provides freezer space for its employees, you may want to load up on some frozen meal options. You can find some delicious and healthy frozen lunches at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and other grocery stores. Keep them at work for those days when you didn’t plan for lunch but don’t want to blow a twenty on takeout.
• Partner with a Colleague – If you still want to spring for takeout at work, consider partnering up with a friend to bring down the price. You can split a lunch special, share a personal pie, or even take turns sponsoring a lunch so you don’t have to pay for your meal each day.
Use these hacks to brown-bag it like a pro and save on workplace lunches.
Questions? Want more information on Freedom? Contact your personal Freedom Federal Credit Union representative, Patrice Ricciardi at [email protected] or call 410-612-2135!
About Freedom Federal Credit Union
Freedom Federal Credit Union is proud to be your financial partner. Freedom serves and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, volunteers, or has family in Harford or Baltimore County, MD. As a credit union, we are committed to putting you first, not shareholders, and helping you achieve your financial goals.
Learn more at freedomfcu.org or call 410-612-2135 to see how we can help.
