We all know that packing a lunch can save you a ton of money over eating out.  I've seen articles touting a savings of up to $3000 a year! But how can you save when you have a spouse that doesn't want to give up their daily cheeseburger?  Sometimes they just need a little nudge to start seeing the benefits. 

Here are 4 great ways to convince them to pack a lunch:

1.  Do the math.

Spending (or saving) a few dollars a day doesn't seem like much money-so show your honey what the cumulative effect of their lunchtime habit! For example, a mere $6 a day spent at your local burger joint ads up to a whopping $1560 spent a year just on lunches.   You can use a lunchbox savings calculator to  figure out how much you will save over time.

2.  Show them the money.

Sometimes a number on a piece of paper isn't enough, some people really need concrete examples and rewards.  If you have one  of those types to convince try this experiment.  Get a big glass jar and put it right on the counter where it is seen every day.  For the entire month place the money being saved into the jar.  At the end of the month pull out all the money and let your honey use it for something special.  That's sure to make an impression!

3.  Compete.

If you've got a competetive soul on your hands, you are in luck!  Challenge your doubting thomas to a month long lunchbox save-a-thon.  Make sure the prize is worthwhile. . . a free night out with the guys-no questions asked, purchasing that new video game or freedom from kitty litter duty for the next month.

4.  Make it Good.

Let's face it, no one wants to give up a lovely, greasy, tasty cheeseburger in order to bring in peanutbutter and jelly every day.  Make their lunch into something that they look forward to eating!  If there is a microwave at work your lunch options are limitless, but even if not you can send in a delicious piping hot meal.  Just spend a little money and buy a nice wide mouth thermos*.  You can still save money over eating out if you buy some reasonbly priced specialty luncheon meats and a variety of canned soups.  Bake up some favorite treats on the weekend and freeze individually in plastic baggies for easy lunchtime snacks.

So what ways have you tried to convince your spouse to bring lunch in to work?

*Note: if you preheat a thermos by filling it with hot water for 3 or 4 minutes before adding the food it will stay hotter longer.

For more ideas on living a great life on a budget, stop by Frugal Upstate today!

After 11 years as an Army Logistic Officer, Jenn Fowler traded her combat boots for tennis shoes and became stay at home mom in Upstate New York. She combined her love of writing and saving money to create “Frugal Upstate” in Jan 06, where she helps teach people how to "Use what you have, get creative and save".  Jenn is a blogger, speaker and social media consultant working with fortune 500 companies such as Hershey's, Tyson and Walmart.  She is a founding member of Walmart’s Elevenmoms, a frugal living expert for Parentsask.com, a contributor to Filife.com and on the Social Media Advisory Board for “Life…supplemented”.