Tips to Save Money

Everyone knows it is much cheaper to pack a lunch than to buy out daily. This is even true in elementary school, where lunches can still cost you a few dollars daily. That being said, it can be costly to pack your children's lunch every day.

Here are some tips to save money when packing lunches.

Don't buy pre-made snacks in individual serving sizes. Though it is much easier to buy chips and snacks conveniently packaged as single servings, these can cost you a lot more than buying a large bag of treats and dividing it into smaller bags.

You could also make your own, like applesauce and brownies. You can cut up carrots, apples, and other fruits and vegetables.

If you want the convenience of pre-made snacks, you can spend one evening dividing bigger batches into smaller bags. That way, all you have to do is grab a few bags, and lunch is ready. You may want to designate a shelf (or container) in your fridge to store items, so you know exactly where to reach when packing lunches.

This allows you to save money by buying items in bulk. Many parents shop at Sam's Club, Costco, and BJ's where they can buy larger bags and boxes of items for a better price. By stocking up, you can cut back on your price, and you may not have to go to the store quite as often!

Make your own Lunchables. Many children want to take Lunchables to school, but they can be quite costly. The good news is that it isn't too hard to make yourself. Put some crackers, cheese, and meat together, and let your children build their own sandwiches. As long as lunch is balanced, many children love multiple snacks instead of a sandwich, chips, and cookies.

Consider looking into recyclable containers instead of using bags that will get thrown away. Not only are containers better for the environment, but you will also save a lot of money on bags that will just get thrown away. Bento boxes and compartmentalized lunch boxes allow you to pack multiple items for lunch while keeping everything separate. You may want to buy small containers to divvy larger containers of applesauce, yogurt, and pudding.

You may also want to buy reusable water bottles. Individual drink packages can get expensive over time, as well as wasteful. Though you may not want to spend twenty dollars on a reusable one, it can save you money down the road.

Think carefully when packing lunches. If you pack too much food, some of it may get thrown away and wasted. This can be upsetting, as it is money that is being thrown down the drain. You may want to ask your children to help out to make sure that you are packing snacks that they will actually eat!

The most expensive way to pack a lunch is by stocking up on snacks that are individually wrapped. Though this may make life a lot easier, it isn't easy on your wallet. Instead, you may want to shop in bulk at Sam's or BJ's and spend one evening a week dividing them up for the week. You may also want to make your own applesauce and brownies.

That being said, you also need to think about the bags that you use. Throwaway ziplock bags can really add up, so it is better to buy containers or even compartmentalized lunch boxes to save money (and waste). Reusable water bottles can also save you money. Buying individualized drinks can really add up.

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Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.