Take Your Lunch to Work- January 2023 27 December 2022 at 11:48AM in Debt-free wannabe challenges 63 replies 3.1K views

outoftheviciouscircle

This challenge used to run monthly up until a couple of years ago and I always found it very motivating. Its all too easy to think, I'll just buy a meal deal at lunch time and gone are the days them meal deals cost £3. They are much nearer £4 now.
Between myself and DH we are spending close to £40 a week to eat lunch. More often than not, a sandwich that really isn't that tasty or particularly healthy. Spread that over the year and we are looking at a staggering £1800. 
I really need to cut back this year and pay off some debt before my mortgage repayments potentially increase in December 2023, so I am going to post to this thread daily to keep me motivated. If anyone wants to join in along the way then I'd appreciate the company and motivation.

outoftheviciouscircle

I will actually be starting tomorrow when I return to work for 2 days before new year.

I think there will be some turkey and stuffing sandwiches on the menu.

MACKEM99

Did that for 45 years!😄

krustylouise

I will start this too.  I attend uni and also placement.  It's very tempting when on placement to just grab bits when out and about as more often than not we aren't near anywhere with microwave etc.  It's costing me a fortune and the money would be better spent elsewhere.  

outoftheviciouscircle

krustylouise said:

I will start this too.  I attend uni and also placement.  It's very tempting when on placement to just grab bits when out and about as more often than not we aren't near anywhere with microwave etc.  It's costing me a fortune and the money would be better spent elsewhere.  

Great to have you along. It's only when I look at the bigger picture and realise what I could have got with what I spent that it makes me realise. 
Good luck!!

GeorgianaCavendish

This is a great idea for a challenge - I’d like to join please 😊 

outoftheviciouscircle

GeorgianaCavendish said:

This is a great idea for a challenge - I’d like to join please 😊 

Brilliant, the more the merrier.

I bit of background on me. I work away from home maybe 3 out of 4 weeks. Thinking of lunch ideas is hard when I don't have a fridge to store things in. I have completed an online shop this evening to include things like noodles etc as I always have access to a kettle. I'll have to think outside the box in summer when I don't fancy hot food.

I have 18 working days in January so I am aiming for 18 days of taking my own lunch to work.
If anyone else wants to post a goal then please feel free.

Doily94

Count me in, was thinking this will be my new years resolution as I just need to be more organised. 

herebeme

I’m going to keep a note of how I do too. I work from home mostly, but one day in the office a week, and occasionally more. I am very poor at planning packed lunches despite doing other meal planning. I cannot believe how expensive lunch from Pret etc costs now, so I really need to be more organised. 

lindsaygalaxy

I shall join in too. I have to make 3-4 packed lunches a day in my house 😭 the boys are quite easy but my daughter and I are not keen on sandwiches and I’m gluten free. 

outoftheviciouscircle

lindsaygalaxy said:

I shall join in too. I have to make 3-4 packed lunches a day in my house 😭 the boys are quite easy but my daughter and I are not keen on sandwiches and I’m gluten free. 

I find summer so much easier when I can have salads etc, although not sure how I'll manage with working away this year.
Do you like baked potatoes or maybe wraps, pasta salad etc?