Single Parents - Saving Money on Eating Out
One tip you will hear to save money is to stop eating out. Eating out occasionally can be a nice treat or sometimes the time-strapped single parent will end up in situations where there is not time to go home and cook a meal between the evening's activities. The following tips will provide ideas on how you can eat out without breaking your single parent budget.
Many restaurants offer coupons. These may be found in the Sunday paper, online at coupon websites or the restaurant's website, in mailers, or in special coupon books such as the entertainment book available in many areas. Try to restrict your dining choices to those places that offer good coupon deals.
Kids eat free nights are another possibility. Often, the purchase of one adult meal will get you up to two free children's meals.
Buffets can also be a good deal. You will be able to satisfy a variety of tastes, and the kids may eat more when presented with many options. A buffet for lunch may mean that the kids only want a light supper later.
Lunchtime can be a cheaper time to eat out. Restaurants may offer lunch specials or have a lunch menu with lower prices. Often the lunch menus are only available during weekdays.
Another strategy is to eat at places that offer large portions and takeout bags. You can sometimes get another meal or even two off of the huge portions that some restaurants serve.
Ordering takeout can reduce your food bill. You can drink water at home, you won't need to tip, and your kids won't get to see the yummy desserts that they just have to have. You can also just get the main course at the restaurant and supplement with side dishes that you made at home cheaply.
Headed to the drive thru? Plan ahead and bring your own drinks. You can buy twelve generic sodas for the price of one soft drink at a restaurant.
Order water to drink if you are eating in. If your kids won't drink water, investigate the single serving drink packets available at groceries. You may find that adding these to a water works out to be cheaper than buying a soft drink.
Order appetizers instead of full meals if the appetizers are cheaper. Often, the appetizers are huge and more than enough for a meal for one person. Or, order an entree and split it. Some restaurants have wised up to this practice and started charging for extra plates, but you often still save money by paying for that extra plate.
Be sure to ask for substitutions if you know you or your children will not eat part of a meal. Even if there Is an extra fee, it may ultimately be cheaper than wasting a large part of the food.
Another idea is to choose a restaurant that offers a salad bar or unlimited bread. You may be able to get by with ordering less food if everyone will be filling up on salad or bread first.
By following the tips above, you should be able to enjoy eating out occasionally without breaking your single parent budget.
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