Dining out is fun and convenient, but it's not always economical. The average American family today eats out approximately three times a week. For a family of four, that can add up to $300 or $400 per month, or even more, taking a huge bite out of the monthly grocery budget.
Unless your family has few other expenses or finds restaurant dining a necessary part of their lifestyle, you may want to look at ways of cutting back on this hungry habit. While you need not discontinue all dining out, you can scale back the frequency, location, or meal cost of your ventures to reduce dining expenditures.
1. Eat out less often. Instead of hitting the restaurants three times a week, opt for twice instead. On the third evening when you would have dined out previously, make a special at-home family dinner by taking turns cooking, trying new recipes, or having everyone contribute one of the meal courses. Use this opportunity to become adventurous diners. Try a soufflé, a fondue, or a quiche--something the family hasn't tried or doesn't often eat. The meal will become an exciting substitute that will not eat up the monthly budget.
2. Eat at less costly establishments. Save fine dining restaurants for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Head for the family restaurants that often feature children's menus or mid-price entrees. Why not try fast food occasionally? Sit down inside for a change and reward yourselves by stopping for a take-home dessert like pie or sundaes. You'll still save money and won't feel deprived. In fact, dining on fast food may bring back teenage or early marriage memories.
3. Eat a late lunch or early dinner. Many restaurants offer an extended lunch time with the same buffet or entree items that are available during dinner hours. But arriving at 3 or 4 p.m. means you can enjoy the luncheon rather than dinner price for the same food, generally speaking. Even when smaller servings are offered, you can appreciate the fewer number of calories you'll have to worry about losing later!
4. Eat at places that take coupons. Entertainment books feature two-for-one dining specials at many sit-down restaurants. Similar coupons can be found in the telephone's yellow pages and newspapers' entertainment section. Use your coupons to split meals or share the cost of an entree. Check expiration dates and special terms or conditions before ordering.
5. Eat at restaurants where you receive gift certificates. When family members or friends ask what you want for your birthday or holiday, suggest their getting you a restaurant gift certificate. These can be used in lieu of cash and often have an extended or no expiration date. Just don't misplace or forget to use them.
6. Eat at establishments that offer frequent diner discounts. Ask for a card and get it punched each time you order. After a certain number of visits you will earn a free meal or item.
Eating out can be enjoyable when you don't have to worry about the expense. Follow tips like these to make restaurant visits a family outing that everyone will love.
