No Eating Out Check-in: How Have You Done?

Okay folks. I wanted to check in with everyone on the No Eating Out Challenge last week, but got kind of busy so here goes. How are you doing? Are you sticking to your goals of not eating out at all? Some of you, like me, gave yourself a smaller eating out budget; how have you done?

I’m almost ashamed to admit I have done lousy. I mean, I’m still doing WAY BETTER than I would on a normal month, but I have really struggled with saying “NO” on a couple of occasions. We said we wanted to eat out 4 times for the entire month, or spend no more than $120, whichever came first.

Well, I can tell you right away where we went wrong. We didn’t divide those four “vouchers” throughout the month like we should have. Instead of eating out once a week, we blew through them in less than two weeks. Our thinking was this. “It won’t matter when we eat out. We already know we can go all month without eating out so if we use them all up, so be it.” Much easier said than done.

Apparently, we were much more disciplined back in November, when we did this the first time.

So here is our tally so far for the month of April.

We’ve eaten out 6 times, and spent about $175. We’ve gone out to eat two more times and spent $55 more than we wanted to. Our goal now is to suck it up and dig deep, because we’re not eating out anymore this month at all. NO MATTER WHAT!

It would have been a lot easier to go six days without eating out than 10 or more, but I digress. Again, I want to remind everyone that our goals for this month will be our goals every month from here on out. I wanted to change our habit of eating out whenever we felt like it, to something more sustainable for us to follow the rest of our lives.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to evaluate your progress so far.

How have you done?
What was the hardest part — Saying no to friends, family, or yourself?)
Has it been easier or harder than you thought it would be?
After this challenge ends, will you do it again?
Have you saved any money as a result of this challenge?
Have you learned anything during this month?

To be honest, I’m not real sure who is doing it and who is not, but I hope to find out in the comments section of this post. If you messed up, don’t beat yourself up. Instead learn from it and know that even if you fell short of your goals, you probably still did better than you would had you not taken this challenge. I can tell you that for us, eating out six times is roughly a third of what we would normally do. That’s kind of sad now that I think about it. To think we would eat out 18 times in a month, with our average bill being $30, it really hits home. That’s $540 that I know could be going towards something far more important.

Good luck with the rest of this challenge! I really look forward to hearing how well you’ve done. ๐Ÿ˜€

P.S. I want to apologize to anyone who was looking forward to the Race to Freedom, but have been disappointed with how it has turned out. I had much higher hopes for it, but I have learned a lot during the process. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we see them in our heads. I didn’t expect the interest to die off so fast, nor did I expect to not get sponsorship lined up. Either way, my brain is still working for a way to make this more than just a bunch of monthly challenges.

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24 Responses to “No Eating Out Check-in: How Have You Done?”

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  1. Dena says:

    Hey Brad!

    I am so excited to say that this time around, I’m doing really well! As you know, no eating out in April has been a part of my personal Spring Fitness Challenge. I’ve slipped up only a couple of times. We went out twice to celebrate our engagement(!) and I bought lunch while at work twice, too.

    These are minor slip-ups, but overall I’ve done so well. I can’t believe it! Thank you so much for motivating me to take this challenge with you.

    XO,
    Dena

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Awesome Dena! A couple of times is nothing when you’re changing habits. Next month it will be one time, and before you know it you’ll be a kitchen diva and eating out will be a downgrade. ๐Ÿ˜‰ I bet you’ve done better than last month. You’ve got this! Sorry I haven’t checked in on the third week, I’m gonna do so this weekend. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for motivating me!!

  2. Money Momma says:

    I have done HORRIBLE!!!!! I swear, this month has been a mess!!!! I don’t know if I am coming or going – the house is a mess – the lack of sleep is really taking its toll. I haven’t been doing my regular shopping and as a result there isn’t that much food in the house or I’m too tired to cook and then clean up the mess so we go out. Not to mention work is INSANE!!! Every day is busier than the next. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!!!!! I haven’t had the time to track the expenses to see where I am at so far – hopefully soon. I don’t think it is great but we will see.

    PS The race to freedom has helped me sooooo much. I can’t tell you how much I am re-evaluating when we have extra money. If I didn’t enter this competition the extra money would be hanging in my closet (clothes) or in my belly (even more than it already is). It might not have turned out as you expected but it is working for me.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Hang in there Money Momma! You have the rest of the month to knock it out of the park! ๐Ÿ˜€ I have to say, I can certainly relate on the sleep thing. That’s a tough one for me, but I know we can do this. When you overcome all that is happening to you right now, you can look back and be glad you kept pushing through!

      P.S. You are going to win. ๐Ÿ˜€

  3. Michelle says:

    So glad I’m not the only one that has done absolutely horrible at this challenge ๐Ÿ™‚
    My biggest struggle is lunch – especially now that the weather is getting better.
    I HAVE to leave the building at lunch time or else I get pulled into actually working during my lunch hour and it’s nice to get a change of scenery for 45 minutes to an hour each day.
    Remembering to pack my lunch each day or wanting to eat what I actually packed when lunch time comes around are my two biggest challenges.
    I’ve found myself using my pregnancy as an excuse to eat what I want because “the baby” wants it…cheap shot, I know!!!
    My goal is to make it the rest of the month with bringing my lunch and taking my lunch break to read, take a cat nap, etc.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Haha no worries Michelle! The important part of this challenge isn’t that you don’t fail, it’s that you start thinking about how to better succeed. Everyone here, has at least taken a closer look at their eating out habits and that is a victory in my book! Keep going at it though and figure a balance that works for you and your wallet. I definitely understand your need to get out of the office too, especially if not doing so makes you the “will work at lunch” volunteer. Everyone needs a lunch break. Find a compromise, and try to make it budget friendly. ๐Ÿ˜€ Your comment inspired me come up with next month’s challenge. I think all of you will love it, it’ll be fun!

  4. Kelly says:

    We are doing well! We work at a university/hospital, and it was so easy just to ease over to the cafeteria and grab some grub for lunch. We’ve totally cut it out, and though eating in the office isn’t as great, it keeps the financial balance.
    We’ve also only eaten out a couple of times- once, my mother-in-law paid, though we had a left-over gift card we were planning to use from Christmas. The other time we ate out, was just because were bored while waiting for our daughter to go through her puppet ministry practice at the church. That was $33 we wasted because we were bored. Bad food and beer.
    Kelly

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Awesome job Kelly! I am loving that you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. Oh and it doesn’t count if someone treats you to dinner. ๐Ÿ˜€ $33 for lame food and gross beer. You’ve been had! LOL I’ve done the same thing and was like “WHY did I waste a mess up on this place!?” Haha It makes me become a little more picky the next time. ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Natalie says:

    So far I’m doing pretty good. I ate out only once but I didn’t pay for it, a family friend took me out to eat. I did mess up my budget, but the was for gas, I put less like a dummy when I needed more! I think I will have to continue this next month or just only limit it to twice a month. Even though I missed the last challange, I’m planning the garage sale ( I finally cut the grass), now if these stupid severe weather storms would quit coming through…….

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      It sounds like you’re doing well. I think the key to overcoming any hard challenge is to think of the solution as a long term goal instead of a short term goal. Losing weight would be a short term goal and keeping it off would be the long term goal. I have lost weight only to return to my old habits which forced me to gain all the weight back. I stopped after my short term goal was achieved. I plan to do this next moth too. ๐Ÿ˜€

  6. Lynda says:

    I’m a new reader of your blog and am enjoying it. After having my oldest daughter’s wedding last month ( all debt free) and completing another International adoption in January ( not quite debt free, but not too bad considering) it was time to get back to my full on debt free budget program. I had made a lot of progress the past two years. So as I planned, I came by your website and it inspired me to stick to what really is a necessity if I am going to be serious. It feels good to have company who share my goals. So no we absolutely have not been out to eat at all this month and my creativity in the kitchen has produced some kudos from my guinea pigs- uh family : )

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      What a great comment Lynda, thank you! That is such great news too! A debt free wedding, and an adoption too. What a special month that was!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ Your determination inspires me. Yes I need inspiration too. I am a human like everyone else and sometimes I go back to doing stupid things. LOL The key for me is trying to make major life changes to address my bad behaviors, hence the beginning of this website. ๐Ÿ˜€ Thank you so much for reading Enemy of Debt. My favorite part about having this blog is being able to communicate with real people and real stories. Debt freedom ROCKS! Believe nothing else and keep on going with the same intensity. One day soon you will OWE NO ONE!! How does that make you FEEL?

  7. Hey Brad. So far this month I picked up Chipotle one time for dinner. Not bad, but more than I’ve bought this year so far! Oh well.

    I’m back on track now!

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      You are forgiven. ๐Ÿ˜‰ IF I had only been out to eat once this year I would have to make it twice just so I could celebrate! ๐Ÿ˜€

      So how do you do it? Do you love to cook? Have you always been so frugal with dining out? Do tell. Enquiring minds want to know! ๐Ÿ˜€

      • At first I stopped eating out to save money, but the longer I do it, the easier it gets! I like to cook, but mostly I like knowing what’s in the food I’m eating (I have a gluten allergy) and saving money.

        Plus I have a toddler, and eating out with a 19-month old isn’t especially relaxing anyways. It’s easier to let him out of his booster seat when he’s finished eating so he can play. Obviously this isn’t an option in a restaurant! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  8. Tricia K. says:

    We are doing ok – not great and we have family from Norway coming at the end of the month. I work for an accountant and with income tax season on us it has been crazy so we ate out 2x ๐Ÿ™ My husband took a job that pays half of what he used to make so we are going to have to buckle down and meal plan and grocery budget again.
    Hugs,
    Trish

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Exciting news about family coming from Norway! You work for an accountant? I can only imagine how busy you’ve been. I bet you’re enjoying a little break now since the rush to complete taxes at the last minute has mellowed out. Enjoy it! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Two times isn’t real bad but I definitely see why you would want to cut it down to as little as possible. Although your husband had to take a pay cut I am glad to hear he is working. It’s got to be pretty tough to find a job out there right now with unemployment so high. Keep focusing on your priorities and you guys will make it through this and be much stronger for it.

  9. I left a comment on your blog a bit earlier, voicing my hesitation to get started. I had already done a 30 day challenge where I couldn’t go shopping- but I just couldn’t wrap my brain around “No dining out” for 30 WHOLE DAYS!

    I eventually got my big girl panties on and started on the 15th to go until May 15th. I allowed myself ONE freebie (it could be a bar, fast food, a restaurant) just in case a birthday caught me offguard or I had a networking event or something for school…but it was still JUST ONE. In February, I spent over $108 on dining out having only gone to like, one restaurant and Chiptole twice and I think maybe a bar, and for a grad student with meager income, it was too much!

    I decided I’d rather have less stress when the credit bill came than an “easier meal” so I went for it. I’m 8 days in so far, with no problems…then again, I know I usually struggle more near day 20! Part of my success is that right now, we’re in finals for school so I haven’t been going out at all…what will happen when summer hits? Gah!

    I think if I can get through this, I can do it again. Problem is though- by doing this, I realized I was spending TOO MUCH on groceries too. I now have the problem of figuring out how to budget my eating in general, not just restaurants…but I guess that’s more of a challenge of progress, not a problem, eh?

    Thanks for the encouragement!

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Great job!! I love it! By now you’re pretty close to half way through. I know you’re gonna do great! Oh and groceries are really getting expensive aren’t they? ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Diva says:

    Hey Brad, Look at this, Nine people are participating! That’s great! So stop beating yourself up about the Challenge. It’s working!

    How have you done? I’m doing pretty good with this challenge. I’ve been bring my lunch to work at least four times a week over the last few weeks and I’ve not taken the easy road with dinner (except for one burrito from Taco Bell last night). I did go out with the girls for dinner and drinks last weekend. But as I NEVER go out, it was a treat.
    What was the hardest part โ€” Saying no to friends, family, or yourself? Saying no to myself is the hardest part.
    Has it been easier or harder than you thought it would be? It’s been easier than I thought.
    After this challenge ends, will you do it again? I definitely want to bring my lunch to work more frequently to help save money.
    Have you saved any money as a result of this challenge? Yes, unfortunately, I’ve spent it on some other things that have come up: Allergy testing and an emergency plane ticket to visit a friend in need next month.
    Have you learned anything during this month? I can pack my lunch just as easily as going downstairs to pick it up from the cafeteria.

    Thanks Brad!

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Yeah Diva, I know. (woot woot!) It’s awesome!

      I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had Taco Bell! Just the thought is making me hungry. LOL I have the same problem with saying no to myself. I realize immediately after the last bite that I should have just gone home. LOL

      Keep up the great work Diva!! I can’t wait to reveal next month’s challenge. I think it will be fun! April’s almost over, so be sure to go out with a bang! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Crystalh says:

    Brad we appreciate all you have done with the challenge and I look forward to completing the challenges even if it’s just a string of monthly challenges.

    I have mixed reviews on how I have done. I am refinancing my investment property so I have switched goals. Since I will be paying closing costs and etc, I am putting all of my energy towards the refi costs.

    But as far as eating out goes, I did a focus group last week that paid me $85, so all of that money went to ‘fun’ and going out to eat. But I have not waisted money this month on clothes or other things that I buy on a whim without even thinking first about it. It felt good to be more selective with my eating out and other purchases. I made that money from that focus group stretch further that I normally would have if I weren’t a part of this challenge.

    So even tho were were supposed to give up going out to eat, I would say I gave up all of my other frivilous purchases and moved my fun money around so that I still made everything balance and didn’t go over my bi-weekly fun money allotment.

    Thanks for starting this and keeping all of us excited Brad!

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Thank you Crystal! ๐Ÿ˜€

      You are gonna really enjoy next month’s challenge. It’s gonna be so much fun. Keep doing what you’re doing because you are doing GREAT!!

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