Buzz
Starting your first full-time job after college can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your finances. Unlike the lower costs of college living, post-graduation expenses can quickly add up, and it’s easy to find yourself overspending without realizing it.
This summer, I’m interning in New York City, and I knew this would bring a big lifestyle shift. Gone are the days of having a meal plan included with tuition; now I’m paying $12 for a salad. Adjusting my budget has been challenging, and I'm still getting the hang of it. But after a few weeks, I’ve picked up some strategies to save money on weekday lunches.
Bring Your Own Lunch
A simple and effective way to save money is to bring your lunch from home. You won’t be the only one doing it. You can prep your lunch the night before by making extra portions of dinner to use as leftovers, or dedicate some time on Sundays to meal prep for the week. (We also have a bunch of tips on meal prepping and grocery savings to help you get started.) But if cooking isn’t your thing or you’d rather not, there are other options to consider.
Create a Daily Food Budget
It’s tempting to spend $15 on a salad—especially when you add $2 for avocado—but setting a daily budget can help keep your spending in check. Personally, I aim to spend no more than $7 on food each day. By doing so, I avoid spending extra on dinner or other activities. Instead of going for the overpriced salad, I opt for budget-friendly options like pizza slices, deli sandwiches, soups, tacos, and egg sandwiches. Using Yelp and walking around my neighborhood helped me discover affordable spots. For example, The Corner Cafe in Union Square offers sandwiches for under $6, and you can get two slices of pizza for under $8 at The Big Slice NYC. I also had a hearty homemade soup for $5.50 at Bite. Yelp is a great tool for finding cheap eats by comparing options within your budget. Explore nearby eateries and compare prices to find the best deals. Just remember that prices vary by city, so adjust your budget accordingly (New York, for instance, is pricier than places like Minneapolis).
Try the 50/50 Method
If you get bored of eating the same lunch every day, try what I call the 50/50 method. Alternate between packing lunch from home and eating out at restaurants. You could also grab a light snack (under $3) like almonds or salted peanuts, or bring one from home instead of spending more on a full meal. Options like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, protein smoothies, oatmeal, or hummus with veggies make great budget-friendly substitutes for a full meal. This way, you’ll save money and avoid getting tired of your usual meal prep. (Just remember to stick to the daily budget you set, no matter which option you choose.)
Save Your Takeout Leftovers
Restaurant servings are often larger than necessary, so whenever possible, I save the leftovers to use as lunch the next day. This not only extends the value of my dinner into two meals but also saves time on meal prep. Even if there aren't enough leftovers for a full meal, you can still make something out of it by adding a few extra ingredients. For example, turn a simple omelet into a veggie-filled one, or transform plain rice into veggie fried rice. Customize your leftovers based on what fits your diet to create a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Look for Deals on Food Delivery Apps
Platforms like GrubHub, Seamless, and UberEats are convenient, but ordering food isn’t the most budget-friendly option. You’ll pay for both the meal and delivery fees, plus a tip, making it a more expensive choice overall. However, if you're going to order, you might as well make sure it’s as affordable as possible.
Most food delivery services offer a discount or special offer for first-time users or when you download their app. It’s a good way to explore new places while saving money on a few lunches. For example, during June, Giving Assistant offers a variety of GrubHub coupons.
Coupons can also be a great way to save on delivery while getting food brought straight to your door. Sign up for delivery services and restaurant updates to stay in the loop on their latest promotions and discounts. Websites like RetailMeNot and Offers.com often feature deals and coupons for platforms like Postmates, Eats24, UberEats, Seamless, and GrubHub.
You can also try services like MealPal, which offers a discount code if you refer a friend. It’s available in cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, San Francisco, and Boston. Similarly, look for podcast promo codes that offer free months of meals from services like Blue Apron, a meal subscription that provides you with ingredients to cook your own meals. Just be sure to set a reminder to cancel the subscription when the free trial expires.
Establishing an affordable, healthy, and convenient lunch routine takes time, and for many, it’s a process that evolves over years. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get it perfect right away, and don’t hesitate to try out different strategies to find what works best for you.
If you’ve discovered your own tips for eating well without overspending on lackluster salads, feel free to share your ideas with us in the comments section.
