One thing our family enjoys is eating out together. With a family of five, the cost can add up! Here are some ideas to help you save money when eating out.Order water for your drink. Drinks can add up! Many times soda prices are not listed on the menu, and many kids' meals don't even include a drink. We can cut out five drinks and (with tax & tip added on top of it) save upwards of $10 doing so!
Split a meal with your spouse or oldest child. Restaurant portions are huge and we usually end up with leftovers anyway, so instead - save the money & split a meal. It just means the next day's lunch won't be leftovers from your favorite restaurant! :)
Join restaurants' online mailing lists (like TGI Friday's, Applebee's, etc.). When you join, you will usually get a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert. Save even more by making the appetizer your meal! They will also send yo coupons for a free meal or dessert for your birthday (be sure to sign up everyone in your family!).
Order from the kids' menu to save on money AND calories! Be careful, though, some restaurants will add a fee if you are adult ordering the kids' meal. And don't be dishonest about it; simply explain that you are ordering for the smaller portion.
Frequent restaurants which offer FREE kids meals and let them know how much you appreciate them doing so! Big props to O'Charley's restaurant here in Fort Wayne. Their kids' meals are free every. single. day. Nice!! (Just don't head to these restaurants on your date nights! Remember, those are nights to have a break from all kids!) :)
I'd love to hear any other tips if you have them! Please leave a comment with your best dining out tip. Happy savings!
~~~~~This is Part One of my Saving Smart! series. Be sure to stop in each day from October 1st through October 10th for more money saving tips and advice. For specific money saving questions, please email me.
"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." 1 Timothy 6: 7-9
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