Tip of the Week: Eating Out*

My tip this week has to do with eating out. Everyone knows it costs more to eat out than to make the same meal at home, but let’s face it, at least a portion of our overall food bill is taken up with meals purchased away from home—on vacation, while in town doing errands, or just for what my dad likes to call, “Recreational Eating.” But there are ways to have the occasional luxury of eating out without overspending. 

My rule is, try to never pay more than half price. You can accomplish this through centering your choices around coupons, limited time specials, buy one-get-one deals, etc. Sign every member of the family up for the memberships that almost every food establishment offers. These usually give a free meal on your birthday, plus other deals sent to your email.  And don’t forget to collect and use punch cards that almost all the casual dining places offer—10 punches at Café Rio and you get a free meal; same with Pier 49 Pizza. Paradise Bakery and Kneaders has a point system where you show your card each time you visit for free food later. 

And then there are the coupon books. I always wait to buy my Entertainment books about this time of year when they are a fraction of the original cost. Yesterday I ordered two books (regularly $35.00) at $9.99 for the first book with $5.99 for each additional, which means my two books each cost $7.99. I will pay that back easily with the first coupons or two I use from each book! In addition, I’ll have my daughters go through the books and take what they will use in the SLC and Provo areas, and between us all it adds up to a lot of savings on places we would go anyway. Not only that, when you buy a book it allows you to print additional coupons for not just Utah, but other states you may be planning to visit. 

*Originally distributed June 2014