Cooking at home just isn’t for everyone, whether due to lack of time or personal preferences. If you enjoy the convenience and culinary adventurism of dining out, it can be easy to fall into spending habits that can harm you in the long run. However, there are several ways that you can rein in your spending without having to give up your love for great food.
The following is a guest post. Enjoy!
Embrace takeout
Having a meal at a restaurant can provide you with a nice atmosphere while you dine, but you can easily overspend when sitting at a table. Between ordering drinks, dessert, and having a menu constantly nearby, it’s not hard to start racking up a hefty bill. Instead of sitting, though, many restaurants offer takeout options, which give you the same quality food without the added costs.
If it’s atmosphere and a chance to get out of the house that you crave, remember that you can take your takeout anywhere. Picnicking at a park or city square is a chance to enjoy a great meal while saving the money you would spend on tipping or ordering unnecessary items.
Go for lunch
If you simply must go to a restaurant, always check on their lunch menu before visiting. Most establishments offer a slightly limited version of their menu, but will often include free extras such as a starter, a side, or even a dessert to try to attract bigger daytime crowds. Moreover, lunch menus tend to be lower priced than dinner service, letting you enjoy your favorite cuisine at a slight discount.
The special, please
Specials at restaurants can seem pricey and not worthwhile, but often deliver greater value and an even more delicious meal. When you order the cheapest item on the menu, most times you’ll eat a meal you could have made yourself at home much more affordably. Paying $13 for a bowl of pasta you can make at home for $2 is quite a waste. Instead, a special gives you a dish that might be unrealistic to prepare at home and is likely not as marked up as less expensive options.
Don’t pay in cash
Another good way to get more out of your dining experiences is to take advantage of your credit card rewards program. Paying with a credit card that offers rewards on dining can help you collect points over time, which can eventually be redeemed against your credit card bill. Moreover, many rewards programs offer dining experiences as part of their programs, and will even give cardholders access to special events and promotions. By using a rewards card, you can end up paying less while still enjoy the best experiences.
Share with a friend
When you order food at a restaurant, it’s easy to let your eyes make a decision that your stomach won’t be happy with later. You can end up paying for an oversized meal you won’t finish, or feel buyer’s remorse when you see what your companions ordered. Instead, order smarter by finding someone who will split a meal with you, letting you both get a taste of the menu while spending less overall. This helps you avoid overeating and can cut your bill in half. Great places for sharing include restaurants that offer family-style portions or even tapas bars that are perfect for sharing a few smaller dishes.
Saving money and dining out may seem totally incompatible, but you don’t have to sacrifice your love of good food just because you’re trying to cut costs. Instead of stressing out, find ways to take advantage of savings and promotions to help you enjoy the best food without feeling guilty about your spending!
***Photo courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/oatsy40/6783078815/in/
