Like most writers on financial education, Mr Monyoncho uses simple language to show how money can be saved and invested to create more wealth. What struck me most was the section about eating smart.

“Eating well contributes to your saving indirectly, in the sense that you will not have to incur extra medical costs that were not budgeted for,” he writes using several examples from his home country, Kenya. Making fruit juice at home is more economical than purchasing a glass of juice at KShs150 (about Shs4,000).

Before reading his book, I had always associated most of his ideas with more developed economies, where things like packed lunch are common.

I remember in graduate school, there were several microwaves and most of us used to pack lunch from home; and, warm it during lunch time. Again, when I worked for Institutional Investor - New York City - packing lunch was a common occurrence. Even in Italy where I attended a one year of formation, we used to pack lunch for all our outings; yet, the school had the capacity to buy lunch for us because our class was small.

In Uganda, I have experienced a similar arrangement only once, during a short-term assignment with an international organisation. But even then not every one would pack lunch despite a free microwave and fridge in the kitchen.

Although some organisations provide lunch or largely subsidise lunch for their employees, the majority of Ugandans buy lunch for themselves. Most of them are uncomfortable with the idea of packed lunch. But in Kenya, this habit has now picked up, as Monyoncho observes.

“There are members of one community in Kenya who do not believe in eating out. They are so disciplined that they either go back home for lunch or they take lunch with them to their offices.

“It is a culture that they have practiced for many years because of they value cents. In fact, you would observe over 90 per cent of people in this community travelling to work carrying food in tins from their homes.”

To understand how packing lunch can help you save money, let me use some figures. Consider buying fruits from the market, whose price is worth a small plastic container of assorted fruits in Kampala City, say Shs2000. You can get a big pineapple at Shs2000 from Nakasero Market that can fill three or even four small plastic containers.

This means that if you buy the pineapple, take it home, four people will feed it on it. If you have a fridge (these days power is more reliable), you can eat the pineapple for four days, if you are single.

The same principle applies to other food items: food prepared from home is much cheaper than meals bought at your place of work. In addition, food prepared at home is better in terms of preparations and ingredients. Usually such food is less oily and does not contain unnecessary harmful ingredients.

Mr Munyoncho offers a point of reflection or action: Why eat more than your body can handle?

This article originally appeared in Saturday Monitor. The writer is Managing Editor, www.myfinance.co.ug This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it