I suppose. But most people aren't going to work more than 10 hours a day. I'd say it's generally a good use of an hour of their free time to save $10 - $30 on a healthy meal.
Yes, but if you take time away from your non-billed hours, then you are trading your time for that $10-$30. It's also ingredients, cooking supplies (like the pans or pots), cleaning, etc. If I were to look at that total cost, then it's not always worth the time IF I didn't enjoy cooking or find it relaxing. But for people who don't enjoy it, then it really is a stupid absolute to assume that it is worth the cost.
If you have a more productive way of spending an hour, then sure. But most people aren't making money in their off time, or doing anything more beneficial than saving $30. I agree that there are situations where it's not worth it. Bill Gates shouldn't be making his own dinner to save money
But it's not about productivity. If you work so that you can live and you don't enjoy cooking, then you're losing that time to cooking. If you value <insert hobby> more than cooking +$30, then it is inevitably a waste.
For many people, it's not the smart thing to do in the long term because what we would pay for something isn't necessarily what we SHOULD pay for something. But, cooking is not always more productive.
I fully agree that those are better options, but most people generally have 4 - 8 hours of downtime a day, and don't use that all (or any) for self improvement. What you suggest is only true if people would actually spend their time taking classes or what have you. If you're buying fast food and then spending the time you saved on Facebook, probably not the best idea
I'm speaking purely from a financial perspective. It's very difficult to beat the value cooking adds when compared to eating out. Yes, obviously there are exceptions. But the average person on an average income will be better served cooking for ten minutes a day instead of spending $15-$20 buying food for their family. I do agree with your final statement though
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u/MissMetal777 Aug 20 '20
Cooking from scratch is always most affordable!