Tackling My Biggest Pain Point: Food Delivery
One of my biggest monetary (and health) challenges is ordering food delivery. I have plenty of good food at home, and I don’t want it to go to waste. Yet, the siren call of GrubHub or DoorDash is strong. To combat this, I use a simple whiteboard on my fridge. I list everything I have in the fridge and freezer, reminding myself of easy, delicious meals I can make without spending extra money.
I’m not setting myself up for failure by trying to eliminate food delivery entirely—that’s unrealistic. Instead, I aim to reduce wasteful spending. If I’m being honest, the idea of ordering takeout (Chinese, tacos, Thai...) is often more exciting than the food itself. So, I’ve decided to be intentional and snobby with my spending. My new rule? Reduce my food delivery habit from three times a week to just once. And really make it count when I order.
Saving Money With a Purpose
Here’s how this helps my vacation fund: If I skip two takeout orders a week, saving around $50 per order, I move that $100 directly into a separate travel fund. Physically transferring the money lets me see my savings grow, which keeps me motivated. And if I have a tough week and order food more than once, I don’t punish myself. Instead, I give myself grace and say, “Let’s try again tomorrow.”
Photo Credit Kristyna Squared One