Optimal Finance Daily · Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Lama Faron identifies eating out as a significant money leak, noting that Americans spend an average of $232 per month on meals consumed outside the home, including twice-weekly lunches and various snacks. These frequent, small purchases can quickly add up over a 30-day period.
“Americans go out for lunch on average twice a week and eat 18.2 meals per month outside the home. This averages to spending $232 each month eating meals prepared outside the home.”
“Quick lunches at the office cafeteria, business lunches with associates, little snacks from the vending machine, a bag of chips before we hop on the train, pizza takeout on the way home, a weekend date, or a night out with friends.”