Eight Ways to Spend Less Than $8 on Lunch While at Work

Most of us are aware that when you're working in the marketplace sometimes buying lunch is inevitable. If you didn't get up on time to fix lunch or didn't make it the night before, then unless you fast you will purchase something near your job. Lunch prices in 2010 can easily run between $10-15 assuming you get a meal with beverage; that doesn't even count dessert. In a week's time you can easily spend up to $100 a week just for lunch. In a world where trimming costs is wise in some areas, how can you forgo that deluxe sandwich combo meal or gourmet burrito in favor of saving a few pennies?

Tip #1 to spend less than $8 on lunch... bring fruit from home. Fruit is not only healthy but it also can be a good filler. A banana or an orange with your lunch makes for a healthy addition to what may be otherwise greasy or dense for a midday meal.

Tip #2 to spend less than $8 on lunch... drink water instead of purchasing a beverage. Some establishments offer large beverages of which you save more the bigger the container. Spare yourself the temptation of buying a 24-ounce beverage full of sugar and calories and purchase a case of water to leave at work.

Tip #3 to spend less than $8 on lunch... find a nearby grocery store. Grocery stores are the savior of those who commonly buy lunch out. If you are the blessed one that has a grocery store within five or ten minutes of your job you have options. Most chain grocery stores now have hot food sections where you can buy lunch, or you can go to the frozen food section and get something quick to put in the microwave.

Tip #4 to spend less than $8 on lunch... skip the dessert. You know you don't need it, so don't get it. That milkshake is going to be more than $2 even for the small size anyway... that slice of cake or cookie may help your sweet tooth but it won't help your wallet. Unless it's a part of a combo meal where you won't have to pay extra, leave it there.

Tip #5 to spend less than $8 on lunch... bag snacks from home. Some ideas of snacks you bring from home include pretzels, peanuts, trail mix, granola, etc. These snacks allow you to only buy the main items you really want instead of getting a combo meal which should save you at least two to three dollars.

Tip #6 to spend less than $8 on lunch... order food that multiple people can eat. Pizza and Chinese food go a long way, especially among many people. Individual items may cost you $10-12 but three entrees can go a long way for four to six people, therefore only paying possibly half of what you would for yourself.

Tip #7 to spend less than $8 on lunch... consider having a big breakfast. Getting full from breakfast prevents you from buying a big lunch. You need to be disciplined about fixing breakfast in the morning and taking it with you.

Tip #8 to spend less than $8 on lunch... bring leftovers from last night's dinner. Cook enough to take some to work the next day. If it's good you know you'll be thinking about it at work anyway. Prevent the thoughts of "I wish I had have..." and turn them into "I'm glad I did..."

Lunch may be a necessity but it doesn't have to break the bank. A little preparation and some smart lunching can save money and be better for your body in the long run. There's nothing wrong with splurging on lunch every once in a while, especially if you're going to a restaurant for a special occasion or just to treat yourself. The biggest thing of all the tips I mentioned is prepare, prepare, prepare. A little preparation goes a long way.