Discover smart and easy ways to save money while eating out with these budget-friendly tips and strategies to save fast food!
Below is a guest post by Todd Hebert Glitchndealz:
In today’s economy, eating out several times a week can put serious dents on your budget. However, if you are someone like many busy individuals, avoiding simple meals is not always practical. Between busy schedules, after-school pick-ups and long business days, fast food is often a go-to option.
How to save on food:
Luckily there are many ways to enjoy eating out while keeping your spending in mind. With the right approach, you can enjoy the convenience of restaurant meals without any financial guilt.
1. Participate in the loyalty program
Many major chains offer free reward programs that allow you to earn points with each purchase. These points often lead to free meals, discounts, or exclusive deals. Whether it’s McDonald’s, Chick Phil A, or Taco Bell, signing up for a loyalty program can quickly pay off! Many people offer free items just to sign up and free items for birthdays! It’s an easy and passive way to save money every time you order.
2. Use the Restaurant app for exclusive offers
Downloading restaurant-specific apps is a wise move. Many apps offer exclusive coupon access, surprise rewards, and app-only menu pricing. for example:
Not only are these apps a great way to save money, they also make mobile orders quick and convenient.
3. Find promo codes and online transactions
Take your time searching for current restaurant deals before ordering online or heading for the drive-thru. Quick Web Search often allows you to discover discount codes, printable coupons, and unadvertised combo offers in-store. These promotions change frequently, so providing information is key to maximizing savings.
PSST! We bring together the best restaurant deals and free food every day!
4. Check out our daily specials
Fast food chains and casual restaurants often offer day-specific specials. Whether it’s Tuesday’s pizza or Tuesday’s wing, these spinning offers could be a game-changer for budget-conscious diners. Planning meals around these specials will allow you to enjoy less restaurant meals than you would pay for food at home.
5. Order the correct way
Being strategic with your order can lead to immediate savings. To avoid upselling, consider skipping combos and ordering cults. In many cases, avoiding sides and drinks can save you 2-3 dollars. If you’re eating, please give us a free water cup instead of buying soda. These small choices increase over time.
6. Hack your kids menu
Children’s meals are not just for children. Many restaurants do not enforce age restrictions on these small, low-cost meals. They are best for smaller appetites, and often come with drinks and sides for a small fraction of the price of adult-sized meals. It’s a budget-friendly choice that many overlook.
7. Use the trading aggregator site
Aggregator sites and mobile apps are the best ways to track transactions across multiple restaurants. These platforms edit discounts, limited time offers, and ongoing specials from dozens of chains all in one place. Subscribe to alerts from your favorite spots to keep you informed without constantly checking individual sites. We regularly post restaurant deals and food giveaways on this site every day!
8. Stack with cashback app
Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards earn cashback on your restaurant purchases. Some partners will be directly partners with the food chain, while others will reward you for uploading your receipt. You can combine these with loyalty points and online trading to triple-dip your savings.
9. Avoid delivery fees
Delivery apps are handy, but often come with hidden costs such as shipping costs, service charges and quick-to-add tips. If possible, order directly from the restaurant’s app or website and choose pickup instead. Many restaurants offer curbside pickups to make it as easy as delivery.
10. Follow our social media restaurants
Social media is Goldmine for limited time offers and flash trading. Many brands have announced new promotions, product launches, or giveaways via social platforms. Follow your favorite restaurants Instagram, Facebookor x It’s an easy way to go ahead of the savings curve. (You can also follow our social pages to get great deals on restaurants every day!)
Final thoughts
Eating out doesn’t have to be an expensive habit. A combination of loyalty programs, smart orders, trading apps and promo codes can significantly reduce meal costs. A few extra steps before each meal can lead to consistent savings throughout the week!
What is your favorite way to save money on eating out? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
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Source: Money Saving Mom® – moneysavingmom.com
