Erasing Our Debt

We try not to eat out very much, but sometimes we're just too lazy to cook. So I try just about everything I can to save money when eating out.

Tip #1
When going to a restaurant, check their website for some type of email club. Usually when you sign up, they'll email you a coupon for a free appetizer. Eating an appetizer can lead to eating less, therefore leading to spend less on your meal. I've done this several times and sometimes I just use a different email address for the same restaurant.

Tip #2
When dining with your significant other, combine your combo meals into one. At this chicken joint down the road, they have a 4 piece strip meal for $6 that comes with fries, bread, and a drink. But then they have a 6 piece meal for $8 that comes with extra fries, bread, coleslaw, and drink. You can then add a strip for 59 cents. My wife and I get the 6 piece with add a strip and share everything else. We're married so I sure as heck don't mind drinking out of the same cup as she does. She usually only eats 3 strips and I eat 4. We end up saving about $3 each time we go there by using this method.

Tip #3
If something was wrong on your visit, be sure to let them know. Either tell the manager on duty or go on their website and email them. If you do it then, some or all of your meal may be paid for. If you go through their website, you will most likely get coupons in the mail for your next visit. Don't lie about your visit, just be honest. If it was a good experience, definitely take 5 minutes on their website to tell them how good a job they did. They may send you coupons anyways. One time I did this and paired the coupons with the free appetizer coupon tip and we ate for free! 

// posted by Ryan @ 1:10 PM