When Saving Money Costs More Than We Think

October 27, 2026

Growing up, we ate home-cooked meals.

Eating out wasn't something we did regularly. It was a treat, usually reserved for special occasions, like when my siblings or I did well in school.

And our restaurant of choice?

Chinese food from the neighborhood takeout spot! 😂

You know the kind. Growing up in the city, there was practically one on every corner.

And we always ordered the same thing: half a chicken with pork fried rice and an egg roll.

It wasn't about fancy dining. It was about getting a good amount of food for our money. Something that would fill our bellies without costing too much.

Looking back, I realize something.

We weren't necessarily thinking about the nutritional value of the food. We were thinking about how much food we could get for the money.

And that way of thinking stayed with me for a long time.

Getting Your Money's Worth

For years, when deciding where to eat, two questions often came to mind:

How much food am I getting?

How little can I spend?

An all-you-can-eat buffet? Now that sounded like a deal!

Why pay more for a smaller portion when I could eat as much as I wanted for one price?

And if the food tasted good, even better.

But here's what I've started to realize.

Getting the most food for your money doesn't always mean you're getting the best value for yourself.

Sometimes the cheapest option isn't necessarily the best option for our health.

And that's where my thinking has had to change.

The Battle Between My Wallet and My Health

I've always believed that health is an important part of wealth.

We talk about exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. But what about the food we put into our bodies?

These days, I'm much more conscious of what I eat.

There are times when I'm out and need to grab something quickly. I might have the option of buying a healthier meal, but it costs more than the fried food or fast-food meal I'm used to considering.

And wouldn't you know it, my mind starts doing the math.

Wait a minute. I'm paying HOW MUCH for that little bit of food? 😂

The financial educator in me wants to be mindful of my spending.

But the part of me that's trying to take better care of my health knows that the cheapest option isn't always the right one.

And sometimes those two sides of me have a little disagreement.

Not Every Dollar Saved Is a Win

Now, I'm not suggesting that we should spend carelessly on food or that every expensive meal is automatically healthier.

And there's certainly nothing wrong with enjoying some pork fried rice, a slice of pizza, or a good Jamaican fried dumpling. Trust me, I'm not giving up my dumplings!

Trust me, I'm not giving up my dumplings! 😂

But I'm learning to look beyond the price tag.

Am I choosing this meal because it's what I really want?

Because it fits my budget?

Or simply because I'm getting more food for less money?

Those are different things.

And sometimes making a better decision for my health means spending a little more today.

Other times, it means planning ahead, preparing food at home, or finding affordable options that give me both nutrition and value.

The goal isn't to spend more. It's to make better choices with what I spend.

Redefining What a Good Deal Looks Like

I still appreciate the lessons I learned growing up.

Stretching a dollar, avoiding waste, and making sure everyone had enough to eat were valuable lessons.

But as I get older, I'm realizing that financial growth sometimes requires us to rethink what we consider a good deal.

Because what worked for us in one season of life may not be what serves us best in another.

And when it comes to food, I'm learning that value isn't always measured by how full my plate is.

Sometimes it's measured by how well I'm taking care of the person eating from it.

After all, what good is building wealth if we're not also taking care of our health?

Keep your money Irie! 🌱

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About the Author

Petra-Ann Brown is a financial educator, speaker, and founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC. Through workshops, coaching, storytelling, and her podcast Island Money 365, she helps individuals and families build financial confidence, reduce financial stress, and create lasting wealth.