June 13, 2025 Frugal Friday

 I really enjoy frugality and am constantly trying to learn in this area of finances.  Everyone dresses it differently as they decide what is acceptable to incorporate into their lives.  So, take or leave it as you see fit.

Issue: Eating Out

I find myself feeling the drive-thru tug more often than I would like, especially on days that I am out running errands.

My current experience and knowledge are telling me that the quality of the product has diminished, customer service has definitely diminished (self checkout kiosks), a perception and experience of more pressed and rude employees exists, and the expense of the experience has increased.  It also usually does not offer choices that are very healthy.

So, I am telling myself no to this choice for a meal more often.  

And when I am choosing fast food dining, I am not automatically choosing predetermined options like a one person $15 "Value," I am looking for choices that keep more dollars in my wallet.  An example would be skipping fries and a drink and just getting a burger or depending on hunger need, a burger and one for a $1 type deals and either eating 2 burgers for the meal or bringing the 2nd sandwich home for another meal.  Getting that taco value meal and splitting the food up over several meals or between more than one person.  Looking for coupons and discounts that provide value to me in choice and price.

Actively carrying that sports bottle of water (pick your own beverage of choice) with me as I run errands is helping.  Keeping small snacks like sugar free hard candies in the car to better help me say no, when needed also helps.  And, having a meal already planned, prepared, and waiting at home has been an encouragement to me to say no to fast food.

Today, I prepared tuna salad mix.  Part of it was used in making sandwiches for the next few days, at the ready.  And part of the tuna salad was kept back to use in a salad I am planning for a meal.  This preparation ahead is keeping me on track with my goal.  I could take the sandwich with me as I run errands or have it ready at home.  I can eat in the car or visit a local park as a treat for a picnic style lunch.  

There are enjoyable options and choices other than drive-thru fast food out there.  There can be just as much fun at a playground at the park as in a fast food play area for those with children.

And, I think these new efforts in pre-planning and preparing are helping with better choices at decision time when I'm hungry.