5 effortless B.Y.O lunches to save you money in 2019

Is buying lunch every day breaking your bank account? Even if you’re spending just $10 a day on lunch, that could add up to well over $2000 a year. By bringing your lunch to work you could be saving yourself some serious coin, and the New Year is the perfect time to set your finances straight.
Feeling uninspired for work lunch ideas? Here’s five simple lunches you can get creative with and help you save thousands:
1. Falafel Pita Sandwich
Prep time - 15 minutes
Originating from the Middle East, the humble chickpea falafel can be found in food trucks, halal carts, often accompanied by tabouli. The Spruce Eats builds the pita bread with stuffed with falafel, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and a tahini sauce, making it an on-the-go lunch you can easily whip up before you head out the door.
2. Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time - 30 minutes
Pasta lovers unite! You can’t go past this lunch idea from Good Dinner Mom, which is an earthy take on a simple pasta dish. With just six easy ingredients you can make it in no time - just cook the pasta, throw the other ingredients into a food processor and voila!
3. Sushi Rolls
Prep time - 50 minutes
Need a substantial lunch idea? Why not try your hand at making your Japanese favourites from Jamie Oliver? You can switch up the fillings from loads of variations such as chicken and avocado or salmon and cucumber, depending on your tastebuds. Assembling the rolls can be time consuming, so prep them the night before and sleep a bit longer in the morning!
4. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep time - 30 minutes
For a healthier alternative to a regular burrito, why not give a burrito bowl by The Recipe Critic a go? A great meal prep option, you can pick whatever veggies and protein your heart desires.
5. Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad
Prep time - 25 minutes
This spicy peanut salad from Pinch of Yum is a great work lunch option as you can toss in any vegetables that you have left over in the fridge, as well as add in meat such as chicken or beef to it for a non-vego option!
Looking for a better return on the lunch savings you're storing away? Compare our list of high interest savings accounts to find an account to help grow your savings in 2019, as well as a range of other savings tips and articles.
Savings Accounts 2019
Rates updated daily. Advertiser disclosure.
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Promoted
MyState Bank
Bonus Saver Account
*Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.
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Promoted
HSBC
Serious Saver
*No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.15% rate after*
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Promoted
HSBC
Flexi Saver
*Increase balance by at least $300 in the month (excluding interest)
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Promoted
Citi
Online Saver
*Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
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Promoted
Bank of Queensland
Fast Track Saver Account
*Ongoing bonus rate applied if in the previous month $1,000 or more is credited to the linked Day2Day Plus account and 5 eligible transactions are made by the linked account.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings accounts Awards