Dear Chuck,
We are juggling careers and family and cannot find the time to cook at home. We are spending a ton of money eating out or ordering meals to go. It is getting ridiculously expensive. My husband and I know we have a problem, but we can’t seem to change our habits.
Eating Out Too Much
Dear Eating Out Too Much,
Your future is determined by the financial decisions you make each and every day, whether small or large. One that far too many people are making revolves around eating out or ordering in. Grocery and meal delivery became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the convenience has been hard to overcome.
An article at NerdWallet addresses the trend. It cites a statistic from the National Restaurant Association: “In 2024, nearly three out of every four restaurant orders were taken to go.”
Many claim exhaustion in trying to balance work and family.
For some, the cost is not a problem. For others, the cost can be unmanageable. Just $20 (the cost of a sandwich plus tip and fees) a couple times a week comes out to $160/month. For a family of four, that’s $80 twice a week or $640/month or $7,680/year. That is a lot of money that could go toward many other family priorities, like an emergency fund, debt repayment, a retirement account, a house, a vehicle, Kingdom building, etc.
Is Eating Out Worth It?
Stephanie Gravalese reports that rising menu prices, growing delivery surcharges, and concerns over portions and quality are leading consumers to rethink eating out:
Change Your Mind; Your Habits Will Follow
Food is a gift from God that He provided at the creation of the world. Meals prepared at home bring comfort, build memories and relationships, and provide opportunities to practice hospitality and share our hearts with each other. It is a form of communion when we break bread with others.
If you “cannot find the time to cook,” I suggest you take a serious look at your life:
I don’t know your situation, but it may be time to have an important conversation to see if this is how you truly want to live. The Apostle Paul wrote about orderly worship, saying, “But all things should be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV). If we apply that to home, work, and life in general, we experience peace and predictability in our days.
My wife, Ann, who does a great job working from home and also preparing our meals, found a notable article that goes deeper into a plan to break the eating-out habit. Others are also listed below.
Is a One-Income Family Possible? How about Working from Home?
Our late founder, Larry Burkett, author of Women Leaving the Workplace, said that the financial benefits of staying home will generally offset the loss of income. His extensive research showed that the decision lowered costs of childcare, transportation, and work attire. He died before the phenomenon of take-out and meal delivery, but if he were still alive, he would be shocked at the money spent on it.
He suggested that families learn to budget effectively and prioritize their financial goals in order to live on a single income. Seeking remote work, a hybrid model, or a home-based business can provide the flexibility needed to manage finances and make cost-effective decisions. It does not have to be permanent. The idea may seem daunting and completely contrary to what the world deems necessary, but the results pay dividends.
Fox News featured Mary Neilis, a Westchester, New York, mother of seven, earlier this year. She turned her nightly family dinners into a full-time job after her “7kidskitchen” went viral on TikTok. On Fridays, she does meal planning and online grocery ordering, taking advantage of sale items in her menus. Mary explains, “If chicken’s on sale, we might have three chicken dinners that week. If steak is on sale, we might have steak fajitas that week.”
The Key: Get Organized
Once you develop a routine, shopping, cooking, and eating at home become easier. Get to know your family’s likes and needs, and learn some basic recipes. Keep it easy, recognizing that meals don’t have to be gourmet, although you can make them feel that way by using candles, flowers, etc.
Some families have the same breakfast every day and consistent meals, like Taco Tuesday and homemade pizza on Fridays. I suggest you develop your own strategy to keep things simple. Try cooking as a couple or rotating meal duty, and give children age-appropriate kitchen chores. The lessons learned about budgeting and eating at home will help them tremendously.
Benefits of Cooking at Home
Challenges to Try
Proverbs 31 says that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. An excellent wife plans ahead, and her household is blessed by her efforts. The key is making it a priority for both husband and wife. Ann does most of our shopping and cooking. I never learned to cook, so I am not much help, but I’m happy to pick up things she needs and always do the dishes. We unload the dishwasher together and do other kitchen duties as a team. “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household…” (Proverbs 31:15 ESV). My wife adds, “And the husband who helps is greatly appreciated!”
Extra Reading:
3 Little Things That Are Wrecking Your Budget
A Tip for Saving Money on Food
Whether you’ve been part of Crown for years or are just discovering us, we’d love for you to be part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. For five decades, Crown has taught biblical stewardship principles that transform finances, strengthen families, and deepen faith. Lives have been changed. Communities have been empowered. Purpose has been rediscovered. And we’re just getting started!
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on March 27, 2026.
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