This is where you may need to cut back your spending and make some sacrifices. What expenses can you eliminate?
One of the biggest areas of concern that I see is families eating out way too often. Add up the cost that you spend dining out, whether it is fast food, restaurant take-out, or dining in. You will probably be shocked at how much you waste eating outside the home.
I know it seems easier to eat out because we are all busy with our on-the-go lifestyles and there is a fast food restaurant on every corner.
I am a busy working mom too, and I know it is challenging to come home tired from working all day, and then cook dinner for your family. When you are driving by a fast food place, it seems easier to pick up dinner on the go. Especially when you are hungry and you smell the food cooking. However, you can save a lot of money by preparing fresh food at home every day.
That means shopping once a week for fresh produce, perhaps even visiting your local farmer’s market for seasonal fruits and veggies. It means planning ahead and writing out a menu in advance.
It means preparing your lunches ahead of time at home, such as making sandwiches, soup, or salad. As a side benefit, you and your family will have better nutrition, too. You will be sick less and feel much healthier.
TIP: Prepare your meal in a crock-pot in the morning, and it will be easier to pass up the fast food when you know that a delicious homemade meal is waiting for you at home later that night.
Read more in our book, "Buy Your First Home", http://preview.tinyurl.com/cs4724e.
