Whether your family is comprised of one person or ten, dining out can quickly become a significant expense.
To trim your budget as well as your waistline, it makes sense to examine the amount of money spent in eating out.
Whether it's a fast food feast or a sit down dinner, each has their own cost.
While a fast food meal of burgers or a take-out pizza may seem fairly inexpensive in terms of cash value, how does this (often) high fat and calorie eating affect your heath? A bulging body? Low energy? Addiction to sugar and fats? A higher priced meal may give you a better quality of food but not always.
You still have to contend with a well-padded hit to your budget in addition to some chow that can still be too generous a portion.
For those who want to devote a portion of their budget to eating out, here are a few rules to consider.
1.
Scrap the buffet! With the exception of those leaning towards a gorging at meal times, very few people can eat the full cost of their meal ticket (HINT: restaurants count on that).
Buffets are great for variety but that choice comes at a cost.
Pick a reasonable entrée instead.
2.
Skip the extras! Cutting out the smaller volume but higher priced bonus items like dessert, appetizers and yes, drinks (both booze and things like pop or milk) can save you, not only on a lower tab but also with a reduced taxes and tip.
If each person consumes a beverage, appetizer and dessert, your bill can more than double.
Ouch! 3.
Opt for quality.
Go for the best quality food, in terms of freshness, appeal, and service that you can afford.
A meal built around these objectives will be more likely to satisfy your body and your mind.
And a meal you enjoy translates into an experience that you'll remember (and make you feel you received value for your money).
4.
Check your schedule.
If you can be flexible with your timing, consider eating out at different times.
Families with young children are a little more limited but many restaurants will offer reduced prices depending on when you dine.
Beyond lunch specials which most places have, a local Chinese restaurant nearby reduces prices on their dinner menu by 35% if you eat after 8:15pm.
Like with everything else frugal, little changes add up and lead to big results.
Saving here and there can mean savings if you scrimp consistently.
But while watching your pennies, remember to eat up and enjoy!