I can teach her how to make six meals from a $5 chicken or a $4 bag of beans. The world is a great big place and we all can joyfully learn something new every single day.

No because eventually she will become sick from eating processed food and that will be more costly than just groceries in the end.

idk what fast food she eating but spending $45+ a day (3 meals @$15) is not cheaper than spending ~$150/week on groceries… and thats just 1 person

Sure, but the “convenience” isn’t worth the sacrifice to your health in a short term or long term sense. Fast food doesn’t provide comprehensive nutrition, maybe restaurant food depending on your choices but that will be more expensive than groceries.

If you factor in the cost of the kitchen and all of the stuff in it, and the energy needed to cool and heat food, it can be cheaper to eat out, just not most fast foods. You need one less room in your apt, so you can get by in a one bedroom instead of a two bedroom. Most places in America aren't designed to accommodate this, though. That said, I cook all the time and any time I'm going over $10 for a meal for two, it's a fancy meal

im20 and i have an apartment and i grocery shop to make "real food" like everyone is constantly bringing up. THAT SHIT IS STILL EXPENSIVEEEEEE $200 for groceries and a few household needs? fucking OUTRAGEOUS like bro i still have to pay bills and rent. sometimes it really is just easier to grab some takeout chinese. 10 bucks and im set for the night and maybe even tmr for lunch. instead of buying a lot of ingredients for food that takes a lot more time/effort to prepare for the same thing 🥲

She is right. If she eats twice a day with meals averaging $5.

🥶

She's not looking @ sales & clearance aisles enough. You can't just go to 1 store, you needa go to 3+ for the best sales on everything. Buy in bulk to freeze & use later. My local hispanic market has a sale of chicken drumsticks for $0.69/lb. I'll buy 10lbs+ & freeze. Next week, t-bone is $4.99/lb. I'll get 3 steaks & freeze. I also save coupons & buy store brands. I'll only buy actual brands for paper towel, toilet paper, any brand with <$0.50 difference, or a good sale that makes it same price

@acmemarkets has a 4 for $20 meat deal every week. I have a mini pork roast, a 4 pack of drumsticks, and two 4 packs of thighs. Then go to @lidlus for some cheap frozen veggies. traderjoes has plenty of decent ready to heat and frozen items. Their frozen fried rice is 🔥 Sincerely, An 1980s Latchkey Kid