It has made such a big difference eating lunch at home! But I do find I make a trip to starbucks more frequently just so I have an excuse to get out of the house for a few. I purchased a new desk, chair, wallpaper, etc. to make my set up feel more legitimate than working out of a bedroom. Overall, it has been worth the investment! I am saving so much on gas too.

My utilities have gone up and I use way more paper products as I’m home all day long! Always brought lunch so it’s a toss up there. I purchased a new desk and chair to better accommodate myself but my chair was 20 years old and my desk was adorable but not work practical, so I don’t see those as an expense. I’m happy with the new pieces. Work provided two monitors so I’m set! Before my layoff my last commute was less than 10 minutes but I hated the building so my days are much less stressful working remote. My new job has been remote. I don’t think I could ever go back full time to an office. Once a week, twice a week, maybe. But congestion on the roads in NJ is horrible. It does so much for my mental health to not have to face that and focus on my job. And the anxiety of parking and buildings. (Long standing phobia of heights-I’m happier in my own space thank you!) And although she’s still confused/bored - my dog enjoys having someone home all day too! Can’t put a price on that!

Increase - Electric bill, therapy bill, grocery and household upgrades to make working from home more enjoyable. Decrease - Gas and travel expenses, babysitter, dinning out and weekend outings. Priceless - Time to get to know my family again, more walks, more getting to know the neighbors, new hobbies, reduced stress of planning and social engagement.

Though we have saved on gas now that there are 4 of us at home all day our utilities have all gone up. Especially the electricity bill yikes.

I echo everything that's been said plus time savings. It's been nice putting on a load of laundry in the middle of the day or starting a slow cooker at 2pm. While it's been an adjustment, I've enjoyed it.

Gas savings have been huge! I've also been able to put my contract parking on hold during the work from home order, but we all took salary cuts. I'm saving money by cooking and not going out, but with the salary cuts we all took at my organization, it's more of a wash than anything.

Echoing here that I have saved money on gas/car expenses. One thing my partner and I have been questioning is the expenses (monetary or otherwise (e.g. time and energy) we invest in to work from home and why our employers are not able to help us with those expenses. We've certainly gained a lot of positive things by being able to work from home, but we've also gained more responsibility in maintaining infrastructure to be able to do work from home without much support from our employers.

I have been a remote worker for over a decade. I see savings on clothing, shoes, accessories. Savings with gas, mileage, wear and tear on my car. I huge saving on lunches and coffee.

The initial set up of the home office did come with some expense, but probably offset by a few months commuting cost. Lunch savings are a big one too. My job prior involved a lot of travel that was covered by the company, but not having to travel so much is a huge benefit for my mental health.

Our family's budget has really evolved into spending money on fresh groceries, and household appliances and indulgences that make life at home more comfortable and relaxing. For example a home nespresso machine and a heated mug! We have eliminated the cost of dining out, theater, babysitting, vacations, and transportation. I don't really see giving those things up once we return to a more social existence.