• Fast Food Cheap?

    Date: 2009.08.26 | Category: Encouragement, Home Tips, Life | Tags: ,,

    I recently received my weekly Simple Savings enewsletter and this hint really highlights the thinking that is encouraged and shared on the website and forum.

    EXPLODING THE MYTH OF CHEAP FAST FOOD

    One fast food corporation currently has a ‘meal deal’; for $4.95, you get a cheeseburger, a small soft drink, small fries, and an ice cream sundae.
    Sounds great, doesn’t it? And $5.00 is nothing, right? But let’s say you have to buy three meal deals – that’s not $4.95 – that’s $14.85! Now, factor in the petrol you use driving to the fast food outlet, and while waiting in the drive-thru – add $3.00. If someone wants to upsize or have M&Ms in their sundae – another $3.00. A therapeutic cappuccino for Mum – yet another $3.00.
    Suddenly, our original $14.85 fast food treat has blown out to $23.85!

    For a little less, I could buy this list at the supermarket:

    500g extra lean mince, $5.99
    Hamburger rolls, $1.99
    Cheese slices, $3.49
    1.25ltr lemonade, $0.69c
    2ltr premium light ice cream, $2.99
    Chocolate wafers, $0.65c
    Frozen French fries, $1.99
    10 sachets of cappuccino or latte mix, $4.49

    Total: $22.28

    That $22.28 actually has the potential to save me buying:

    15 cheeseburgers @ $1.95 = $29.25
    5 toasted sandwiches on the go @ $3.00 = $15 10 ice cream sundaes @ $2.00 = $20
    8 fast food soft drinks @ $2.00 = $16
    Side dish of fries for dinner @ $4.00 at the fish and chip shop 10 cappuccinos @ $4.00 = $40

    Total: $124.25

    So a saving of $101.97 for my $22.28 spend! While fast food appears to be cheap at face value, it might not be the bargain you think it is. Always ask whether the ‘face value’ cost is all you’ll pay – it probably won’t be!

    To find out more about Simple Savings, visit their website, it’s all self-explanatory.  I’ve been a member for 4 or 5 years now and believe it is worth the money.