Spend less on eating out with these seven great tips.
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#1 Set A Eating-Out Budget
The first thing that I do with my clients involves creating their household budget which is based on their income. Eating out is one of the categories. This means working out how much of your income can support eating out every month. Set a budget, and then make sure that you stick with it. If you plan to spend £200 monthly, this could work out to 4 nights in a month where you are spending £50. The key to spending less is to set a limit and then stick to it.
#2 Determine What You're Eating Out Triggers Are
In many cases, people will go to a restaurant due to busyness or convenience. What is it that triggers you into saying "Let's go out for a meal tonight" rather than staying home to cook a meal? Creating meal plans, preparing skillet dishes, freezer cooking, and making a crockpot meal are easy ways to make sure you can prepare quick meals, even on the nights that you don't really feel like cooking. Knowing what triggers you and making sure you have planned ahead usually goes a long way toward avoiding eating out just because you are tired or when you don't want to cook. When you are away naturally you will want to treat yourself and eat out. Get great deals on Durham hotels and find the best places to eat while you are there before you go.
#3 Don't Buy Kid's Meals
Have you noticed the prices of kids' meals? They are really ridiculous at certain restaurants. We went out for a meal recently, and it cost $5.50 for a drink, a grilled cheese, and a drink. At the same time, kids' menus are usually always "kiddie food" that is just not worth $5 anyway. Rather order a meal that you can share with your child, or if you have more than 2 kids, allow them to take turns choosing meals they can share. It is usually cheaper ordering this way and you can always order extra sides rather than ordering 2 to 3 kid's meals.
#4 Split Meals
Portion sizes are generally exaggerated and in many cases, some meals could easily serve 2 people (we just don't realize that we are overeating). When I go out for a meal, I generally look for bigger meals, so I can split it with my husband. One of the chain restaurants offers a 2-for £25 menu. I was able to order chicken with 2 sides, and he got a generous portion of half-rack ribs, also with 2 sides. Splitting meals can help you to save money and it is better for your health since you will be eating smaller portions.
#5 Skip The Drinks
Even if you don't drink alcoholic beverages, this tip still applies to you. Teas and sodas are expensive add-ons to a meal. If you are determined to cut down on your spending when you eat out, rather order water. While I must admit that water is not my favorite beverage when eating out, when I order water I save as much as £2.50 with each visit. If you are eating out once a week, this could translate into a saving of £120 a year. The only exception I have is when I order pizza since a pop and pizza are always the best.
If you are one of those die-hard wine-with-dinner types, find the restaurants that will allow BYOB.
#6 Become A Coupon Clipper
I was so surprised to find out that a lot of my customers do not know that they can use coupons for certain restaurants. In addition to the sites like Groupon, many coupon mailers and newspapers have deals that include restaurants in the area where you live. We get packets of coupons sent to us from Valpak and I usually find many coupons for restaurants in them. Restaurant.com is also a great site.
It is also the age of Apps, and just about everyone uses apps. In fact, the pizza shop in our area even has one. It becomes easy to save money when you eat out by downloading apps from the restaurants you really like. You may even find "app exclusive" offers made just for you.
#7 Eat Early
Lunch is usually always a cheaper meal than dinner. When possible, meet your partner during your lunch break, or schedule a date with a friend. Even when this is not possible, some restaurants will extend their prices for lunch into the early evening. Happy hour rates can also help you to secure cheaper prices when compared to a 6 pm dinner.