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If you’re anything like my husband and I, we LOVE nothing more than going out to eat on a Friday night. (Or Saturday night…or Monday night…or…okay, you get the idea.) We spend way too much money out to eat…but we can’t bring ourselves to stop! Here are some of the top ways we’ve been able to save money out to eat:
1. Pass on the drinks.
Growing up, we were never allowed to get any drinks at restaurants except water. Now I get it! Passing on the drinks is a tough one…especially for my husband. But it’s one way to save A TON of money. If you really can’t pass up on a drink, at least ask about specials!
2. Order an app & then share a meal.
Too many times we’ve ordered an app and two meals. After the app, neither of us are even hungry anymore. Since apps are usually cheaper, order one together and then agree on a meal.
3. Pay attention to happy hours & specials for certain nights.
If you can, go out to eat a little earlier — some restaurants have great food and drink specials until 6! Keep a list in your phone — when you go out to eat, make a note of specials that change depending on the night. Then, when you want to go out on a certain night, check your list to see what restaurant has food specials you want.
4. Use up your gift cards.
Everyone knows we love eating out…so inevitably we have stacks and stacks of gift cards (especially after Christmas!). While that’s awesome, sometimes we forget we have them…or forget to use them. Make a commitment that you won’t go out to eat for a few months UNLESS you’re using a gift card. (Or, if you know you’re never going to go to any of the restaurants you have gift cards to, sell them online at a website like this and use the money to go somewhere else!)
5. Use coupons & check Groupon.
It’s worth googling on your way to the restaurant!
6. Ask for the educator or military discount.
I’ve been shocked at how many restaurants give me a discount for being a teacher. Worth asking about!
7. Enroll in the Rewards program or use an app.
This is how we’ve really saved a ton. Even local businesses have a rewards program — we’ve earned hundreds of dollars in free apps, free desserts, and free $$.
With these 7 tips, I hope you are able to save money even if you eat out!
