by Steve Whitmer

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

Regardless of the state of our economy, we all love to eat at restaurants. Let's face it, stress disappears when someone asks you what you want and brings it to you, and someone else cleans up the mess! Meeting friends or family at a restaurant is a great way to connect and make memories. While you can spend a great deal of money eating out, there are some simple adjustments that you can make that will result in substantial savings. Following one or all of the following tips can make eating out affordable again.

1. Money in the mailbox

During a bad economy, restaurants compete for your business. There are fewer people eating out, and they do so less frequently. Coupons are a great way for restaurants to attract business, and coupons are bulk mailed several times a month. Look for 'buy one get one free' entrees, as they will save you the most money. Avoid coupons that discount pricey items-you want to spend less, not more! Always check the expiration date, locations, and any other stipulations before use the coupon. Remember to tip based on the total before the adjusted price! Simply put, f you let your coupons dictate where you eat, you will save money. In addition, you will also discover new places you never would have tried.

2. No thank you

How many times have you ordered an appetizer, only to leave half of your entree unfinished? Say "no thank you" to appetizers. For the cost of one dessert, you can buy a half of a gallon of ice cream and feed everybody! Say "no thank you" to desserts. Drinking soda, tea, or coffee will add about two dollars per person to your bill! Say "no thank you" and drink water. You will see a significantly lower bill, and leave just as full!

3. Timing is everything

Instead of dinner, eat out for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast out is a great way to start the day, and there are many weekly breakfast specials. Break up the day with a relaxing lunch out on the town. Lunch fare is cheaper than dinner fare, but tastes just as good. Many restaurants have a variety of lunch specials, designed not to break the bank. If you like buffets, you will find that the lunchtime buffet is quite a bit cheaper than dinner, with only minor differences in the offerings. Eat an early dinner and you can take advantage of early bird specials offered at many restaurants.

4. Share!

You pay for all of the meal you order, not just the part you eat. Instead of leaving unfinished meals behind, or taking doggy bags that you just throw away, split a meal! If they charge extra for sharing, eat someplace else! Remember, its your money and you can spend it any place you want. If one entree is not enough to fill you up, order another salad or split an appetizer or dessert. Either will be cheaper than two entrees.

5. Good ole home cooking

The best way to save money at restaurants is to eat more meals at home. Get some recipes off of the Internet and try something new. Have your family or friends share in the meal prep, and make it fun! Save eating out for special occasions, and it will be more special!

How you choose when you eat out benefits your health as well as your wallet. Eating out less often and more selectively means that you have more control over the food you put into your body. Keep in mind that restaurant food tastes so good because they use as much salt, butter, cream, fat, grease, MSG, etc as they need to in order to satisfy your taste buds. They are not trying to satisfy your heart, or your waist line!

Take advantage of a downturn in the economy to evaluate your spending and lifestyle habits. Remember, good money decisions should not vary based on the amount of money in your pocket. Let the savings continue even after the economy becomes more favorable!

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