We all love a night off from cooking, whether it’s grabbing takeout or heading to a favorite restaurant. But if your goal is to take better control of your finances, cutting back on dining out could be one of the most impactful changes you make.

‍

Breaking Down the Costs

‍

On average, a meal at a restaurant costs $13 per person, according to a recent Zippia study. Compare that to the $4.31 it costs to prepare a meal at home, and the difference adds up fast. For a family of four, eating out twice a week could cost around $104 compared to just $34.48 if those same meals were made at home. Over a year, that’s a potential savings of over $3,500.

‍

For higher-end dining, the gap is even wider. A meal at an upscale restaurant often costs $50 per person or more, excluding drinks, dessert, or tips. For a family of four, a single outing could cost $200. By comparison, preparing a high-quality meal at home with premium ingredients might cost around $50 total. Choosing to skip just one upscale dining experience per month could save $1,800 annually.

‍

Why Eating at Home Saves You Money

‍

1. Ingredient Control: When you cook at home, you can buy ingredients in bulk or take advantage of sales, significantly lowering your per-meal costs.
2. No Markups: Restaurants mark up food prices by 300% on average to cover overhead like rent, labor, and utilities. Cooking at home eliminates these added costs.
3. Lower Extras: Dining out often includes extras like tips, delivery fees, or impulse orders. At home, those costs don’t exist.

‍

More Than Just Savings

‍

Besides financial benefits, eating at home gives you control over portion sizes and ingredients, which can improve your health. According to a study by the University of Washington, people who cook at home six or seven nights a week eat healthier and consume fewer calories.

‍

How to Make Home Cooking Easier

‍

• Meal Plan: Spend a few minutes each week planning meals. This helps you shop efficiently and avoid food waste.
• Batch Cook: Preparing large portions of meals like soups or casseroles and freezing leftovers can save time and money.
• Invest in Tools: A slow cooker, pressure cooker, or air fryer can make cooking at home both quicker and more enjoyable.

Finding a Balance

‍

Of course, dining out is a treat and a social experience, and there’s no need to cut it out entirely. Instead, aim for balance. Maybe you dine out once a week and commit to eating at home the rest of the time.

‍

Start Small for Big Impact

‍

Even scaling back dining out by just one meal a week can save hundreds over the course of a year. By eating at home more often, you’re not just saving money — you’re investing in your financial future.

‍

Ready to fine-tune your spending? At Clark Wealth Partners, we help you align your money habits with your goals. Let’s talk about what’s possible for your financial future.

‍