Pro Tip: Stop Eating Out, Go To A Big Box Store Instead

[james.hendrickson]

All,

Here is another tip for the forums.

Stop eating out! Instead go to a big box store like Sam's Club, Costco or your local discount grocery store. You can buy food at bulk prices, and you can also convert larger amounts to multi-portion meals. And, unlike restaurants, you can also freeze and store things you get grocery retailers.

[rob62521]

If you miss going out because of the social aspect with friends, one could host a potluck or have everyone bring snacks or even do some tried and true things like a fondue or dessert bar where everyone contributes.

[Fishindude77]

For anyone on a tight budget, you are absolutely correct. Dining out (at any level) is ridiculously costly and puts real hardships on the finances of many who really can't afford it.
Sams still has whole rotisserie chickens every day for $4.99. You can't buy an uncooked whole chicken for that price. Buying traditional groceries, making traditional meals, eating leftovers, packing your lunch, etc. is a big money saver and you can typically eat better.

We're retired and in pretty good $$ shape so go out to eat a couple times per week, primarily just to get out and do something with friends.
My wife likes going out to supper, but I much prefer to do cook outs, etc. and have friends over. We do some of each.

[bjl584]

I've cleaned up my diet, and as a result, I don't really eat out anymore. It's too hard to find anything healthy.
But it is expensive to do so.

Nothing wrong with going out if you can afford it, but a lot of people should probably cook at home.