BUDGETING TIPS WHEN EATING OUT
When I go out to town to buy something I need, I will most probably be tempted to have lunch instead of having it at home. So there goes my golden rule of eating at home to save. However, this rule can still be applied when eating out through improvisation in which decision-making comes into play. For example, I was tempted to have pasta and dessert at Swensen’s, a restaurant well-known for its pasta dishes, fish and chips and ice-cream. I thought twice and decided to have two fat vegetable-filled spring rolls at a neighbourhood outlet for just $3 instead and save $20 and forgo the 10% GST and 7% service charges. I was proud of sticking to my golden rule on saving through curbing temptations and at the same time managed to satisfy my hunger pangs. There were no feelings guilt in the end.
Have you been in that dilemma before? To eat or not to eat out. That is the question. If I may use and tweak the quote from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. If you really have to, you have to make a wise choice unless you have a good reason to splurge on one meal such as a birthday or anniversary celebration, a family get-together or a farewell lunch. Or even meeting up with a friend you have not met in a long time.
Here are a few tips on how to apply savvy saving techniques and make more efficient decisions while eating out.
Ask for water: Not only is it healthy, it’s totally free in many restaurants. Some food outlets supply free-flow bottled water.
Load up on Freebies: Bread, tortilla chips, Indian papadums, crackers, olives and pickles are plentiful and complimentary in some restaurants. Be sure to check what is available.
Skip Appetizers: They’re usually priced so much higher in proportion to an entrée that it would be well worth forgoing them. There are restaurants that charge $8 for a basket of chicken wings or potato wedges.
Skip or Share Dessert: Desserts are fun and decadent and even more fun when you share one with the table. A slice of cake can cost up to $6-$7. If you can skip desert, stop by a local bakery afterwards to satisfy your sweet tooth for less.
Consider having entrée: Sometimes, you’re just not that hungry when you meet with friends to socialise in restaurants. Just order a side dish such as soup and bread, a huge bowl of salad or tortilla dips. After all it’s the company that matters, not the food or the eating place. You just want a conducive place to catch up over some food.
Pack half your meal: The great thing about restaurant meals is that they can be pretty easy to split with yourself. You can order a main meal and for half the portion to be packed so you can take it home for another meal. It is good to frequent places that are known for generous portions so you’ll be sure to pack half your meal. (Watch the youtube for more details)
BYOB: If you drink, there are many BYOBs out there which can save you a ton of money. Bring your own wine and you can essentially drink for free (despite paying a small fee for corkage of course). Bear in mind that some restaurants charge a high amount of price for corkage. Do your research first.
Lunch out but dine in: Many restaurants will offer specials earlier during the day and/or offer a discounted lunch menu for similar items on the dinner menu. Take advantage of 2 for 1 deals. You can save a lot that way. It helps if you have lunch with like-minded friends.
Go Online and Save: Some websites offer coupons or vouchers that can be used at certain restaurants, saving you alot money. (Check out the coupon deals on my website)
Check out discounts with credit card use: Some restaurants offer good discounts if you charge with certain credit cards. You can save 10-15% on your meals this way.
Eating out can be fun and guilt-free if you make wise decisions and the right choices. I certainly do feel empowered when I manage to stick to my golden rule on budgeting. Have you got any other ideas on the subject?
