Eating out can be a huge weakness, especially with the busyness of life. It’s extremely easy to go out and grab something, even if you have plenty of food to cook at home.
We love to go out and socialize over food and drinks, or even catch up with friends over a bite to eat. Tabs can get very high if you aren’t conscious of how to order properly! The CGS Team has put together a few tips to help you save money while eating out and indulging yourself in meals around town!
How to save money while eating out…
Don’t Order With Your Eyes
“Your eyes are bigger than your appetite,” as the old saying goes. Going out to eat when you are starved can lead to ordering more food than normal. The hunger seems unbearable, but once you actually get the food, you can’t finish it!
This means you may order food that you could potentially throw away, and that is a waste of money! You’re pockets will be much happier if you know your appetite and avoid over-ordering food.
Know What to Order Before You Go
It’s always nice to try new food places, however it’s even better to have an idea of what exactly you want to order. When considering which restaurant you’d like to dine in, look up their menu online so that you can get a sense of the food type and pricing.
This will help you compare prices and see if it is in your budget for the week. Researching restaurants before you dine can help eliminate over spending!
Budget for Your Meal
Eating out should be a treat! If your budget does not allow for eating out, or only a specific amount, then consider inviting your friends over for a home cooked meal! Your budget should allow for the luxury of eating out, if you can’t afford it then it is best not to go.
If you have a set amount for dining out and want to make sure you don’t over spend, you can put your dining funds onto a prepaid card. Once the limit on that card is reached you won’t be able to use it anymore. Either way, forecasting your dining out money ahead of time will help you stay within your spending means!
Don’t Be Afraid to Use Coupons
Coupons are a foodie’s best friend! One of The CGS Team’s favorite ways to get coupons for meals is the infamous Groupon application! Groupon offers up to half off coupons on dining experiences at many different restaurants.
We encourage our City Girls to check it out! Coupons always contribute to savings! You may even get bigger discounts than you expect!
Related: 9 Ways to Save Money Dining Out
Eating good and saving big is the way to go. We would love to hear from you! Do you have any tips for saving money when going out to eat? Share your thoughts and comments below with the community!
2 thoughts on “How to Save Money While Eating Out”
I have made the mistake of ordering way too much food when I’m hungry. After eating, all I can think to myself is what was I thinking when I ordered all this food.
I order too much food all the time. I always think I need an appetizer and I always waste my main curse. I like the idea of putting money in a pre paid card in order to stay with in your budget