7 ways to balance your budget and eating out

If you are trying to save money, you have probably heard that carrying your lunch and cooking supper is the way to go. However, you should not give up the occasional treat of fine dining. Here are some ways to save costs while still enjoying meals at your favourite restaurants.

Weekdays not weekends

Enjoying a meal at your preferred establishment during the middle of the week is the ideal way to save money. Check to see if your favourite restaurants have any weekday deals worth taking advantage of. This is because restaurants prefer to get the most out of their less busy days of the week. So, you will see more of them on weekdays when there is less foot traffic.

Coupons and discounts

Look through advertising and coupons in magazines or social media. To attract customers quickly, several restaurants thrive in promoting either their new establishment with "grand opening specials" or old ones doing "two-for-one deals" to raise revenues. You could check the restaurant's website or ask your server whether they offer any discounts before paying the bill. And if you are embarrassed to show a coupon, you have no reason to be. Restaurants invest in advertising because they value their customers and want to earn more customer base.

Water for the win

When you add the cost of beverages like sodas, shakes, or tea to your meal total, it might seem like you have ordered a whole new meal. The best option is to drink water instead of sugary drinks. If you really cannot bring yourself to give up the soda and iced tea, take advantage of the free refills offered. Keep in mind that drinking water alone might be beneficial to your health and speed up the pace at which you feel full.

Wiser menu choices

If you are going out to eat, it is a good idea to look over the menu beforehand and see what everything will cost. You may plan your finances and meals in advance with this information. When deciding what to order and how much to pay, remember that a tip for the server can be anticipated as well. Therefore, find cheaper food options to help balance the cost. If you have the option, choose smaller serving sizes or ones made with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Smarter dessert options

You do not have to choose between your sweet tooth and financial stability. Desserts in restaurants tend to be more expensive, so it is best to save your sweet tooth until another time. You could turn it into an activity to do after dinner by picking up some ice cream from street vendors and going for a walk afterward, or you could go to a less expensive dessert spot.

Groups and bonding

Sharing a meal with a bunch of people reduces the financial burden of eating out and allows you to sample a wider variety of dishes. Restaurant meals are often served in huge servings, so you will not leave hungry even if you split the bill. Foods like rice, pizza, tacos, fries, and nachos are perfect for a group dinner. In addition, sharing a meal with a group of friends or co-workers is a great way to strengthen your relationships.

Skip those extras

Keep an eye out for phrases like "extra," "add," and "plus" while perusing the menu or listening to the waiter communicate. These words indicate that there will be an increase in the cost to you. If you want to save more money in your pocket, you should probably forego the additional sauce, cheese, or meat patties, as well as any other toppings that come with it.