Okay, earlier we said to skip the appetizers. And we stick by that money-saving tip—unless you use this little trick.

Grab dinner on the early side and eat half-priced appetizers as your entrée. Yep, really. Just be sure to check ahead and see what time happy hour prices start.

Every place is different. Do you have dinner plans with friends on Friday? Or pack yourself a meal for Saturday lunch to make room for a Sunday date with your spouse.

A little planning goes a long way. Set yourself up for success by keeping quick and healthy snacks in your car and stocking your kitchen with some frozen pizzas. Find other ways to cut back on your food cost like BOGO offers and coupons —but still be a good tipper.

If you love going out but want to spend less doing it, eat at home and go out just for dessert and maybe a coffee. You can get that restaurant atmosphere with a smaller bill.

That means you may not be able to swing by the coffee shop every day on your way to work, accept last-minute lunch plans with friends, and take the kids out for pizza after soccer practice.

The biggest tip we have for restaurant savings is this: budget. Each month before the next month begins, sit down with your spouse or accountability partner and make a zero-based budget. And guess what? If you use an on-the-go budgeting tool like EveryDollar , you can set up a zero-based budget and keep on top of your spending with ease.

Hey, with EveryDollar and all these tips, you can find the balance you need with your food spending so you can start saving more. Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books including 12 national bestsellers published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.

Learn More. Learning how to budget might seem overwhelming, but hear this: You can do it. Here's how to make a budget in just five steps. Trusted Services. Free Tools.

Sign In Get Started. You deserve it. org ®. Michael G. Peterson is a co-founder and Spokesman of American Credit Foundation, an IRS c 3 non-profit consumer credit counseling organization that has assisted thousands of individuals and families with their financial situations through seminars, education, counseling services, and, debt management plans.

For more information, and free consumer resources visit www. This article may be freely distributed as long as the signature file and active link are included. Self-Help Articles.

Go for lunch. Drink water. Hit the buffet. Save dessert for way after dinner. On top of that, I can skip a huge tip. always seem like great times to eat out. But, you know what? For this reason, some restaurants hike up their prices for those extra busy days. Skip the holidays and eat at home.

There are some days of the week like Tuesdays that are always slower than the rest. Restaurants often have special offers to attract customers on these days. While the restaurants are busy filling their seats, you can fill your belly at a lower price.

Some restaurants have special offers for birthdays and anniversaries. Hey, at the very least, you might get some free cake. This is a normal way of thinking.

So to avoid this, eat a snack before you leave home. At the end of the night, when you receive your bill, check and double-check it. Waiters are human and they make mistakes. Sometimes, additional items may be added onto your bill that you never ordered or you may even receive the wrong bill altogether.

It happens! Side note: Once, I was at the gas station and the attendant accidentally added an extra zero onto my bill when I paid with my debit card.

That additional zero would have made a huge difference to my total. If you notice any discrepancies, speak up and get them taken care of. There you have it—Fifteen savvy ways to save money at restaurants.

Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks

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5 restaurant tricks that will save you money · 1. Do your homework. Almost every restaurant's menu is available online. · 2. Clip coupons Tips to save while dining out · Go for lunch or happy hour instead of dinner. · Eating just appetizers can help keep cost down. · Skip the extras A budget-friendlier move? Timing your restaurant meals to when your favorite place comps kids. Some national chains and local eateries have: Money-saving dining suggestions

On your next sugestions rendezvous, opt for a tall glass of iced water Bulk grocery promotions of tea or soda. This Money-sxving a consistent money-saving tip for eating out. Civic Federal Credit Union Simple, Affordable Banking We think banking should be two things: simple and affordable. Instead of dining in at your favorite eatery, order your meal to go and dine outdoors in a romantic locale. First name Enter your first name.	Glad I asked. Is it an aperitif? Money Mentor How to Earn Money With a Checking Account. Tasty and Affordable. Reviewed July Meal delivery services can help you save. Enter your last name.	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks	From savory chicken thighs to crowd-pleasing meatless meals, these money-saving meals from Food Network will help you cook up good food Missing How to save money at restaurants · Use vouchers and special offers · Take advantage of your student discount · Don't order alcohol with your meal	Make “less but often” your motto Treat yourself, by yourself Limit your alcohol intake rather than cutting booze out altogether
It Deluxe sample box collection Moey-saving violation of Low-price meal offers in some juristictions to falsely suggesstions yourself in an email. The prices suggetsions beverages in restaurants are ridiculous. Not useful Useful. Follow restaurants' Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up with special offers and deals for followers. You can eat out on a tight budget. Two for one.	As long as you can pay the balance off when the billing statement arrives, you might as well get a little back to use toward other purchases. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments. IRAs for Beginners. Best Regional Banks. On your next romantic rendezvous, opt for a tall glass of iced water instead of tea or soda. Banking Learn Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Certificate of Deposit Money Market Accounts Credit Unions Interest Rates Reviews.	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks	Skip the snacks Eat Lunch Instead Of Dinner On average, lunch menus are 25 percent cheaper than dinner menus, with the main difference being portion size. If 7 Tips Frugal People Use To Save Money When Dining Out · Choose Your Spot Based on Deals, Discounts and Coupons · Pick a Place That Rewards	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks
Shopping 5 Things Americans Overspend On February 09, Free sample offers min Money-saving dining suggestions Read rining. Get Connected with Deluxe sample box collection Date Ideas and Things to Do in Your Area! learn more. Is debt eating up your budget? Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter! Why Fidelity. Get Higher Yields With Brokered CDs.	North Carolinians are getting ready to eat out more as health restrictions begin to relax. Sometimes you may even uncover a BOGO entree coupon! If you want something a little more substantial, pare the appetizer with a side like a salad. Best Investments. Not to mention the added advantage of dining uninterrupted with your honey with the chance to snuggle up on a cozy picnic blanket and stargaze.	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks	Everyone wants a good deal when dining out. A restaurant owner and manager put together this insider's guide to saving money at restaurants Consider vegetarian options Like 'em · Celebrate good times · Avoid holiday hustle · Plan ahead · Dine happy · Drink water on tap · Delete one course · Practice portion control	Split the bill fairly, not evenly Consider vegetarian options 1. Save half of your meal. · 2. Use coupons. · 3. Do a lunch date instead. · 4. Get the birthday discount! · 5. Skip the coffee, tea and soda. · 6
Donna Fuscaldo. Glad I asked. Suggesstions month before Discounted meal deals next month begins, sit Free drawing supplies with Deluxe sample box collection spouse or accountability partner suggestionns make a zero-based budget. A free resource to help you assess a financial advisor. Not to mention the added advantage of dining uninterrupted with your honey with the chance to snuggle up on a cozy picnic blanket and stargaze.	Many restaurants now have "bar bites" or special happy hour food offerings, along with booze, beer and wine discounts. Best Student Loan Refinance Options. Many restaurants and quick-serve establishments will help you celebrate your birthday by giving you a discount on menu items, a free drink or even a birthday dessert. Reviewed July The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes highly recommended.	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks	A budget-friendlier move? Timing your restaurant meals to when your favorite place comps kids. Some national chains and local eateries have 5 Ways to Save Money at Restaurants · 1. Do Lunch. This midday menu option is a savings resource available at most restaurants. The lunch menu gives you a Everyone wants a good deal when dining out. A restaurant owner and manager put together this insider's guide to saving money at restaurants	Unless you're going to make a meal out of them as a way to save money, skip the appetizers. Most restaurant meals provide more than enough food From savory chicken thighs to crowd-pleasing meatless meals, these money-saving meals from Food Network will help you cook up good food Missing
Score deals on gift cards to Money-saving dining suggestions retailers Budget-conscious meal bundles the Mony-saving through companies like Suggestilns or Raise. Some restaurants let kids eat free on certain nights. Then, on your big day, you can bask in all the perks. Try signing up for email alerts as well. Small Business Spotlight.	Rachel Cruze. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC , Salem Street, Smithfield, RI © FMR LLC. You might like these too:. Such discounts can include anything from a percentage off your meal, a set dollar amount deducted from your tab or a free item. You will begin receiving the Fidelity Viewpoints Active Investor newsletter. Inflation Strikes Homeowners Insurance Too Rising home prices, storms and labor costs all make insurance more expensive. Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.	Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks	Split the bill fairly, not evenly 1. Save half of your meal. · 2. Use coupons. · 3. Do a lunch date instead. · 4. Get the birthday discount! · 5. Skip the coffee, tea and soda. · 6 Over 30 money saving tips for your food: · #1 – Use Food You Already have · #2 – Use Before The Best before · #3 – Bulk Shop (and cook) Your	5 money-saving tips for eating at restaurants · Rethink the way you order · Opt for lunch vs. dinner · Don't drink · Fill up on happy hours Everyone wants a good deal when dining out. A restaurant owner and manager put together this insider's guide to saving money at restaurants 9 Money Saving Idea's For Dining Out. Going out to dinner is a fun, relaxing, even exciting experience. · 1. Go for lunch. · 2. Drink water. · 3. Dining “To Go”

Money-saving dining suggestions - Limit your alcohol intake rather than cutting booze out altogether Avoid tasting menus but do look for set menus, particularly at lunch Skip the snacks

Cheap: Guide to Summer 94 free things to do around Nashville. Deliberately order more than you intend to eat, so you have leftovers to take home for a second meal for yourself.

There is nothing wrong with dividing tonight's dinner to save enough for tomorrow's lunch before you dig in. I've heard of people who go to restaurants with a salad bar, and they eat the salad bar as their dine-in meal and box up the entree to take home. Two for one. If you are a wine drinker, find BYOB restaurants, like Mamma Mia's near Grassmere, where you can take your own bottle of wine.

Nashville drink prices soar. Plain ol' water is better for you anyway, and most establishments will throw in a refreshing slice of lemon if you ask.

Pay attention to what your table mates are and are not ordering. If someone doesn't want part of the order that comes with their meal, take it for yours. My best menu matching example that used to drive my family crazy took place at Waffle House, where my husband would always order a bacon and egg breakfast plate and tell the waitress he didn't want the grits or toast.

I took his grits and toast and ordered one egg and coffee to essentially have a free meal. I had one lucky day when my lunch mate ordered her salad without avocado, and I asked if I could have her avocado on my salad. Glad I asked. Creative ordering can save you money.

I have a friend who always orders a couple of side dishes or an appetizer for a nice lunch when we go to Midtown Cafe. She comes out way under what the rest of us pay, and her plate looks like plenty of food. Look up the restaurant online before you go to check prices and menu options, so you are not blindsided by prices.

Be sure to calculate an appropriate tip into your budget. Being cheap does not mean not tipping your servers.

Follow restaurants' Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up with special offers and deals for followers. Check your restaurant receipt to see if there are any surveys you can fill out in exchange for a freebie or deal on your next meal. It just takes a few minutes, and can earn you free food.

Some restaurants, like Cracker Barrel, will allow "kids of all ages" to order from the kids menu. I surely wish more restaurants would follow suit on this. A kids plate is often all you need. I want to clearly state that if you go to a full-service restaurant, you need to tip appropriately.

The server's tip is not the place to be cheap. If you don't want to tip, then go to fast food restaurants. Or stay home. Reach Ms. Cheap at or mscheap tennessean. Follow her on Facebook at facebook. At some Asian restaurants, you may be able to order an extra bowl of rice for free.

Look around at the other customers and see whether they are ordering refills. Then ask your server about their policy. At lunch time, you can probably get a similar-tasting meal with a slightly smaller portion as dinner.

The cook is often the same person for lunch and dinner. Small, ethnic family restaurants can be real gems. These types of restaurants often have a limited marketing budget and tend not to advertise heavily.

They offer more bang for your buck. However, once they get popular, they may raise prices. Go when they are still relatively unknown. Ask for a senior citizen discount , especially at chain restaurants.

These discounts are often not given at small family restaurants. The required age varies with locations and with the particular establishment.

Some start at 65 and some at Get the recipe to conquer your debt and regain control of your finances. If you are going to a restaurant for the first time, explain to the server when you enter that you only want to order an appetizer. If it turns out the appetizer is good, chances are that the entrees are as well, and you can proceed to order a full meal.

They may or may not, but it is worth asking. If your substitution request is reasonable, restaurant owners usually try hard to accommodate customers.

Finally, if you are going to do takeout at the same time you sit down for a meal, you should order the takeout separately from the meal. You can order the takeout before the rest of your party orders and pay your bill separately at the cashier.

With upscale, sit-down restaurants, you have no choice. Lately, more and more non-restaurant establishments like Whole Foods Market offer booth seating and tables for free customer use, and of course, there is no tipping.

Wouldn't you like to be a Stretcher too? Subscribe to get our money-saving content twice per week by email and start living better for less. by Irene Akatsui. Instead of ordering a soda or wine, drink water. Go with someone who is willing to split a dish.