Ever since I started college (and let's be honest, even before that), I always seem to find myself spending unnecessary money on food. Whether I'm grabbing coffee before school to kill time, buying ice cream to reward myself after a long project, or simply going out to lunch with my friends, I am constantly spending more money than I'd like to admit on food each week. I've compiled a list of the main excuses I use to rationalize eating out, and alternative options that will save money.
1. Instead of buying a cup of coffee... make coffee at home and buy a cute thermos.
I recently saw a tweet that stated, "I don't even know if I like coffee anymore... I just need it," and I related to this way too much. Twice a week or more, I'll find myself in Starbucks buying coffee because I tell myself I need caffeine to function. Yes, caffeine does give me more energy and a cup of coffee could be as cheap as $5, but when you spend $10 a week, the money begins to add up. Instead, try making coffee at home (I recommend Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Blend). This will add work and time into your routine, but it will save you money in the long run.
2. Instead of buying food to kill time... read a book
It takes me over an hour to get to school, and that combined with my irrational fear of being late equals a lot of time to kill. I typically get to school forty-five minutes early (I factor in traffic and unexpected BART issues), but that leaves me with 45 minutes to kill. There are so many cafés in close proximity to my school that buying a snack to kill time is just too tempting. Instead of spending money to kill time, find a good book to read, and go to the library or a nice quiet park. Reading transports you to another world, and doesn't use up cellular data.
3. Instead of going out to eat with friends, have a potluck at home
As "IG worthy" and delicious as it can be going out to eat with friends at Vitality Bowl or The Cheesecake Factory, all that really matters is that you spend time together. One of the best nights I've had all summer was when a group of my friends got together at one of our houses and we all worked together to cook dinner. It was so much fun to make dinner and dessert with my friends, dancing to music and laughing the whole time. We had tons of food left over, and we didn't even have to spend any money. Other great ideas to do with friends would be to have a potluck, movie night, or on a nice day, go on a hike and have a picnic in a park.
