Sure, they're non-optional in the sense that you will almost certainly have to pay some money for them. However, I can readily admit that I spend more on housin

Sure, they're non-optional in the sense that you will almost certainly have to pay some money for them. However, I can readily admit that I spend more on housing and transportation than I need to. Food is less clear; I know I can eat cheaper food, but I don't want to compromise health. Eating out is rarely for the sake of simply getting food, so I don't really count that in the grocery budget. It is entertainment plain and simple which is, by definition, largely optional.