Rachel Cruze’s No. 1 Budget-Busting Category — How You Can Avoid Doing the Same

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Setting a budget is a great way to take charge of your money and start making progress toward your financial goals. However, it’s not enough just to set a budget — you also have to stick to it as much as possible.

If you struggle to spend within your budget limitations, you’re not alone. A 2023 Empower survey found that over 80% of people who set a monthly budget say they go over it sometimes. Even personal finance author and influencer, Rachel Cruze admits she sometimes exceeds her budget by overspending in certain categories.

In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Cruze discussed the number one category that puts her over budget, and it’s one many people can probably relate to. Here’s what she had to say. 

Going Overbudget by Going Out To Eat

When asked which budget category she was guilty of exceeding last month, Cruze immediately answered that it was going out to eat.

She said, “We just went out way more than we thought. You know, too many Papa John’s pizzas.”

Restaurant food costs can quickly add up, whether it’s from going out to eat, ordering traditional delivery or using food delivery apps. The average American spends about $166 per month on dining out, according to a 2023 US Foods survey. Over a year, that adds up to nearly $2,000 for just one person. Those costs could be much higher if you’re going out to eat as a family. 

While you do save some time by not having to prepare the food yourself, buying restaurant food generally isn’t the most budget-friendly option for getting your meals in. Buying groceries and preparing your meals at home instead will make it easier to stick to your monthly food budget.

How To Save on Going Out 

If you’re not ready to give up going out to eat entirely but still want to stick to your budget, try these tips to save money. 

Stick to Daily Specials and Deals

Many restaurants offer special discounts or deals at certain times. For example, KFC is currently running a deal where you can get eight pieces of fried chicken for $10 on Tuesdays (at participating locations). That’s a savings of over $10, depending on your location’s prices.

By finding these restaurant deals and making sure you qualify, you can still enjoy going out to eat without running up as large a bill. 

Schedule Your Meals Out

After a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation to go out to eat. Repeat that too many times, and you’ll be over your food budget for the month before you know it. 

Instead, schedule a time to go out to eat based on your budget. Maybe you can afford to eat at restaurants twice per month. In that case, you could schedule two times to go to your preferred restaurants and skip going out any other time.

You’ll have restaurant meals to look forward to plus peace of mind from sticking to your budget.

Order Water To Drink

Restaurants markup sodas, alcohol and other drinks significantly. To save money, order tap water to drink with your meal instead. 

Take Advantage of Birthday Freebies

Many restaurants offer discounts or free food on your birthday. Check out the offers from your favorite restaurants and sign up for their loyalty programs if that’s how you qualify. When your birthday rolls around, you can get the gift of saving money while eating out at a restaurant. 

Skip Extras Like Dessert and Appetizers

If you’re on a tight budget, order your favorite entree but avoid unnecessary extras like dessert or appetizers. Snack at home before and after going out to eat to fulfill the rest of your cravings without breaking your budget.

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