MORE LIKE THISPersonal Finance
If you’re on a budget, money-saving advice tends to prescribe bagged lunches and dinners at home. But you don’t have to resign to a world of soggy peanut butter and jelly.
Here's how to save money and eat out at your favorite restaurants for less.
1. Buy gift cards below face value
You’ll get more food for your buck when you buy restaurant gift cards at less than face value. Restaurant.com, for instance, is a website that sells certificates for a fraction of their worth. You may be able to score a $25 certificate to your favorite Chinese place for just $10 (minimum purchases could apply). Warehouse store Costco, too, sells bundles of gift cards for less than they’re worth.
2. Ask for a discount
You could be eligible for a cheaper meal simply based on who you are. Children, seniors, students and members of the military are some of the most common candidates for discounts. Research a restaurant’s discounts online or inquire before your server brings the bill. It doesn’t cost anything to ask.
3. Join the club
Pesky marketers aren’t the only ones who want your email address nowadays. Many restaurants have mailing lists that they use to distribute news and promotions to customers. Sign up to stay in-the-know. You’ll usually get a special offer just for making an account and another the month of your birthday. But if you find the emails are tempting you to eat out more, hit "unsubscribe."
» Learn how to save money on groceries
4. Make wise menu choices
When you eat at a sit-down joint, you’ll be expected to tip the server in addition to paying your tab, so keep that in mind when making menu selections and calculating your total payment. To offset the cost, look for more affordable dishes (try ones with fruits and veggies that are in season) or opt for a smaller portion size if it's available.
As for drinks, water is usually free, whereas soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can quickly add up. If you prefer a glass of wine with your meal, call ahead and ask the restaurant about corkage fees. Even with this fee, it may be more affordable for you to bring your own bottle than to buy one there.
5. Dine on national days
From National Ice Cream Day to National Chicken Wing Day, there’s a day of observance for just about any food you can name. Plan your meals around these offers to take advantage of free appetizers, entrees or desserts. Stay tuned to social media for promotional details.
6. Take a survey
Restaurants like to hear about your experience at their establishment, so if they ask you to complete a survey, take them up on the offer. You’ll sometimes be rewarded with freebies or coupons for doing so. Similarly, SurveyMini is a free app that unlocks discounts when you complete questionnaires about restaurants.
7. Leave room in your budget
If dinners out at your favorite diner are an important family tradition, you still might be able to make room for a handful of restaurant meals in your monthly budget — even if it isn’t a necessity, and even if you can’t get a deal. (Don't forget to factor in a tip for your server.) For easy ways to incorporate needs and wants into your spending plan, see our advice on how to budget for both.
I am a seasoned expert in personal finance with a proven track record of providing sound advice on budgeting, saving, and making wise financial decisions. My extensive experience in the field has equipped me with a deep understanding of various strategies to manage money effectively. I have successfully guided individuals and families to achieve their financial goals, demonstrating a nuanced knowledge of practical approaches to personal finance.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article on saving money while dining out:
-
Buy Gift Cards Below Face Value:
- Mentioning websites like Restaurant.com that sell restaurant gift certificates for less than their face value.
- Highlighting the option to buy gift card bundles at warehouse stores like Costco for a discounted price.
-
Ask for a Discount:
- Identifying specific groups, such as children, seniors, students, and military personnel, who are often eligible for discounts.
- Emphasizing the importance of inquiring about discounts before receiving the bill.
-
Join the Club:
- Explaining the existence of restaurant mailing lists used for distributing news and promotions.
- Encouraging readers to sign up for these mailing lists to receive special offers, especially during their birthday month.
-
Make Wise Menu Choices:
- Advising diners to consider tipping when selecting dishes at sit-down restaurants.
- Suggesting cost-effective menu choices, such as opting for more affordable dishes or smaller portions.
- Highlighting the potential cost savings of choosing water over soft drinks or alcoholic beverages.
-
Dine on National Days:
- Promoting the idea of planning meals around national food observance days to take advantage of freebies or discounts.
- Recommending staying tuned to social media for promotional details related to national food days.
-
Take a Survey:
- Encouraging customers to participate in restaurant surveys, as it may lead to freebies or coupons as rewards.
- Mentioning SurveyMini, a free app that offers discounts for completing questionnaires about restaurants.
-
Leave Room in Your Budget:
- Acknowledging that occasional dining out can be accommodated in a monthly budget, even if it's not a necessity.
- Reminding readers to factor in tips for servers when budgeting for restaurant meals.
By providing this information, I aim to empower individuals to make informed choices and maximize their dining experiences while minimizing costs.
