On a Budget: Food

Americans, especially the younger generations, are known for eating on the go. The life of a high school student is hectic, so the convenience of fast food is very appealing to many students, but the fiscal and health consequences are often over looked.

While fast food is an easy meal, the price can quickly add up. I personally waste a lot of money on food and drinks. One meal from a restaurant like Chick-Fil-A, is around six dollars and on average, Americans eat out four to five times a week.

Thus, if you eat at an establishment like Chick-Fil-A four times, you will have spent at least twenty-four dollars in just one week. Multiply that by the four weeks in a month, and you’re spending almost one hundred dollars a month on fast food.

After twelve months, this means you spent almost twelve hundred dollars on one hundred and ninety two meals, which is only sixty four days worth of food. Think of what you could do with that money had you saved it.

For many people, that’s almost an entire year’s of car insurance, gas, a whole months worth of bills, or even enough for an older model used car. When you look at the cost of fast food from this perspective, it seems wasteful and stupid to spend that much money on food.

How can you save money, and still eat? Try packing a lunch if you know you’re going to be out for the day. It would cost a whole lot less to go to the store and buy a week’s worth of food, rather than go out when you’re hungry.

Bring a snack, like bananas or crackers, when you’re out and about in town. Not only will you save money, but you will also avoid a lot of the unnecessary calories and fat that fast food offers.

Not only do these options save you money, but they also teach you healthful habits. By making eating out a special occasion, you will enjoy it more, save money, and not suffer from health consequences like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

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