Simple Tips to save money when working away from home everyday

Unless you are extremely lucky or fortunate, most people have to work in one way or form.  Whether it is a stay at home mom (day care is expensive, so think of the savings as your salary – you are so underpaid) or working a 9-5, saving money should always be a priority.  It becomes harder when you are working away from home.  Those french fries that your cubby neighbor has smell so good and you will just have to buy them.  The temptations are limitless and being away from home makes it easier to spend money.  When you leave your house, you are most likely spending money, and there are ways to help save and stretch your budget when you can’t be home every day.   

• Bring your lunch – this is so over done, but there is a reason for it.  It really works.  Our household does this a bit differently, as in I freeze most of my meals that I bring to work.  I make big batches of food, chicken, chili, and soup and use this to help supplement my meal.  I eat this with a piece of homemade bread (made once a week) and peanut butter.  I bring either oatmeal or some homemade goody for breakfast.  I have snacks at my desk.  The amount of money we save with me doing this every day is amazing.  I can get 60 days’ worth of chili for what I would spend on one week of going out every day for one meal.  Now, this can get expensive if you aren’t smart about your purchases.  Here are some examples below 

• Buy in bulk, especially if you are freezing.  Buying a family size pack of chicken is usually cheaper when compared to a smaller pack. 
• Put a little work into it – don’t go for the prepackaged oatmeal.  You can make your own brown sugar oatmeal with the larger canister that costs either the same or is cheaper than the box.  When I have oatmeal for breakfast, I am spending 0.08 for each meal by scooping the oats out of a canister rather than pouring them out of a paper bag.   

• Buy your wardrobe at the best times – every office, business, or workplace has a certain dress code for their company.  Mine is professional, jackets, suits and sweaters.  I would be sent home if I work anything with denim on it.  No matter where you work, the clothes you need for your job can get expensive.  Search for clothes when they are on sale.  You are eventually going to have to replace your worn out t-shirt that is covered in grease.  There just comes a time when it needs to hit the trash.  Why not buy the replacement a month before you need it for $3 on clearance instead of spending $7 when you have to have it.  Know what you need now or will need in the near future.  Search high and low for these things.  Have your best price in mind at all times.  I have saved thousands of dollars building my work wardrobe this way. 
• Drive smartly – Leave your house early enough that you don’t have to go 80 on the interstate.  Drive in a way that will get you the best possible gas mileage.  The further you stretch your gas, the more money you save.