We love eating out as a family, whether we’re trying a new restaurant together or dropping by an old favourite. However, eating out is a huge expense and one that can be easily trimmed from your budget. Here are some tips for how to save money on food, both when eating out and when buying groceries. By following these simple tips, you can cut your food costs by hundreds of dollars each month!
Check Prices Online
The first step to saving money on food is to compare prices between different restaurants. You can do this easily by searching for the restaurant’s name online, followed by the word “menu.” This will bring up a list of websites that offer menus for the restaurant. Take a look at the prices and find the cheapest option. (Knowing what you want to order can also save time at the restaurant, especially if you have squirmy kids who don’t like waiting for their food to cook.)
Searching for a value meal or checking for happy hour specials can help you save money. Many restaurants run specials on specific weekdays—for example, kids’ meals may be free on Wednesdays or you may get a discount on Tuesdays. Some restaurants also have take-out deals so you get the restaurant food but can eat it at home (again, this is handy if you have a child who has troubles sitting still for an hour at a time).
Another way to save money on food is to check the prices of groceries before you go to the store. There are a number of websites and apps that allow you to compare the prices of groceries at different stores. This can help you determine where to get the best deal on groceries.
Use Coupons and Discounts
One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to use coupons and discounts. Most restaurants offer some kind of discount, whether it’s a percentage off your total bill or a free appetizer with purchase. You can find these discounts and coupons online or in the Sunday paper.
Another way to save money on food is to buy groceries in bulk. This can be a great way to save money if you have storage space. For example, I discovered that 10 lb. bag of rice was only a few dollars more than a 1 lb. bag of rice. As rice stores well, it was worth buying the larger bag. Many stores offer discounts for purchasing items in bulk, so it’s worth checking out this option if you’re looking to save money on groceries.
Reserve a Table in Advance
If you’re looking to save money on food, it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance. This way, you can avoid the last-minute rush and take advantage of any early bird specials that may be offered. You can also avoid crowds by dining during off-peak hours. Many restaurants offer deals for lunch guests if you can eat out mid-day instead of in the evening.
With a little planning, you can save a considerable amount of money on food by avoiding the busiest times at restaurants. Plus, you’ll likely have a better experience since there won’t be as much of a wait for your food.
Create A Monthly Budget
One of the best ways to save money on food is to create a monthly budget. This will help you track your spending and see where you can cut back. When creating a budget, be sure to factor in your income, debts, and other expenses. Then allocate a certain amount of money for food each month. You may want to divide the food category into groceries and restaurants. This will help you stick to your budget and make wise choices when it comes to spending money on food.
When creating a budget for food, it’s important to be realistic. This means setting a budget that you can actually stick to. A way to stay on track is by tracking your spending. This can be done easily by writing down everything you spend on food each day. This will help you see where you’re overspending and make adjustments accordingly.
If you find you’re struggling to stick to your budget, there are a few things you can do:
- Reduce the amount of money you’re allocating for food each month.
- Set stricter rules for yourself, such as not eating out at restaurants or only buying groceries from discount stores.
- Find cheaper alternatives to your favorite foods, such as cooking at home instead of eating out or buying generic brands instead of name brands.
- Use cash instead of credit or debit cards. This way, you’ll be more aware of how much money you’re spending on food.
Cook at Home More
One of the best ways to save money on food is to cook at home more often. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up eating out altogether. However, cooking at home can help you save a significant amount of money. Not only will you save money on the cost of the food, but you’ll also save money on tips and taxes. Plus, you’ll be able to control what goes into your food and how it’s prepared, so you can make healthier choices.
Try to set a reasonable goal for yourself based on your lifestyle. Perhaps eating out can be a once-a-week or once-a-month reward for hitting your budget or other goals. Maybe eating out is saved for special occasions, such a birthdays. I always let the kids choose what restaurant they want to eat at for their birthdays, which helps make both the birthday and the restaurant experience special.
Saving money on food doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can easily cut back on your spending and save money each month. Just remember to be realistic in your approach and to make small changes that you can stick to over time. With a little effort, you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money on food.
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