Last week, we had a lunch fail. For the first time in many years, I went off to work without a lunch packed. To be honest, there might have been a packed lunch in the kitchen, but it didn’t make it into work with me.
Luckily I had relaxed schedule–it was an administrative day–and I took the opportunity to go to the big cafeteria I used to frequent as a resident. I bought a sushi roll (that option certainly wasn’t available all those years ago!), and sat for a while with a familiar view out the window.
While I sat there enjoying lunch, I was also thinking about the cost ($7.40 for a California roll; I didn’t buy a drink), and how much money I have saved over the years by bringing lunch.
To be honest, saving money isn’t the only reason I bring lunch. I struggle with my weight, and having a healthy and portion-controlled meal is very important. I have food allergies, so it’s much easier to bring a lunch I know is safe to eat. Lastly–though perhaps most importantly–my “lunch hour” isn’t close to an hour. Getting to the cafeteria, purchasing food, and then returning to the office in time for afternoon hours is seldom possible in the amount of time I have between sessions.
If I just wanted to think about money, though, I am a bit overwhelmed at the cost-savings. If I were to spend $8 a lunch (I might get a daily special and a drink; or a sandwich/drink/chips combo); and assume I would get it 5 days a week x 48 weeks (I’m not counting weekend days when I work)–that’s $1920 saved per year.
If I wanted to be more realistic, I might point out that I pay for groceries to make the food, and estimate that my meal costs $3 a day in groceries. I know there are plenty of recipes for cheaper meals, but I get a very nice lunch packed daily. That’s still $1200 a year.
Multiply that by 20 years, and that’s $24,000. Invest the money monthly and compound it, and you can double that amount. I think that will buy a whole lot of sushi in 2039.
Pediatrician Finds FI put out a post last December talking about his cost savings as well, in Why I eat PB&J, and came up with bigger savings. (His secret: cheaper lunches and a longer time for his savings to compound).
I had a great time eating sushi with a view, but I think it will remain a treat. Though I might plan to return sooner than 20 years from now.