If you’re a foodie, or know one you can score a few fabulous gifts for a steal this week. Restaurant.com is one of my favorite ways to go out to eat without breaking the bank.
I use and recommend Restaurant.com based on my personal experience with them. I found the site easy to use, and scored some fabulous gift certificates earlier this year using a different coupon code.
I posted about it on my blog, and one of my readers had an issue with her order. I got in touch with them on twitter, and they worked with her to make sure she got the discount and the gift certificates she wanted. They worked hard to fix the issue and it was all for a few dollars in gift certificates!
Gift idea #1: Dinner of the Month Club
This would make a fantastic gift for anyone on your list that likes to eat out. Favorite idea: give this to your significant other, or a close friend. You’re giving them the gift of time spent together. Most romantic idea: write a sweet note, include the gift certificate and offer to book the babysitter if you have kids. It’s a great way to ensure you still have date night on a regular basis.
Click the link below to take advantage of the deal.
Gift Idea #2: $3 gift certificates and $15 credit for flowers!
This is a fantastic deal! Not only do you get a gift certificate, you get a $15 credit to Proflowers as well! A great gift for your spouse, your mom, or even use the gift certificates as a gift and save the flowers for a special occasion! Click the link below to order.
Despite tough economic times, most people still eat in restaurants on a weekly basis. Busy lifestyles, dual income families, and our car dependent lifestyle have made dining out way of life for many people. We all know restaurant food isn’t great for our waistline, but what about our wallets?
Most diners don’t have a clue how to save money when eating out, and I’ll admit there are times our family has gone out on a whim and spent $60 for a mediocre meal. Once we got over our heartburn we were faced with the realization that we could have feed our family for 5-7 days on that same $60!
What’s a family finance blogger to do? Research of course!
After sorting through a ton of scams, and bad ideas I came up with a 4 prong plan to help you have your bread, and eat too.
Make a Budget
Eating out is fun and can be a special treat especially when you are working to save money or pay off debt, but it is easy to go overboard.
Set a budget: Be realistic. Choose an amount within 25% of last month’s restaurant spending.
Withdraw cash from the bank. You won’t be tempted to go over budget. You can put the cash on a gift card or in an envelope, but once it’s gone you stop eating out.
Get an “allowance”: set aside fun money for eating out with friends, buying the occasional trinket, and such. This is especially great for couples that have joint finances.
Smart Eating
These guidelines will help you keep money in your pocket, and eat healthier!
Eat out at lunch instead of dinner
Eat at happy hour instead of dinner
Go for the early bird special
Choose appetizers instead of a full meal
Split an entree: especially great for places with large portions
Ask for a to-go box at the beginning of the meal: put half your food in it immediately. Now you have lunch or dinner for tomorrow too!
Drink water: better for your waistline and your wallet
Drink something before you eat: you’ll eat less
Eat a mid-day snack: so you eyes won’t be bigger than your stomach
Plan ahead: eating out should not be a last resort! Plan ahead so when you do go out you can savor and enjoy it!
Coupons and Discounts
These are just some of the places you can find coupons for dining out:
Sign up for email clubs for your favorite restaurant (many offer a free or discounted meal on your birthday, and send out reminders when special deals are happening)
Use Restaurant.com to buy gift certificates to restaurants all over the US at a fraction of the cost: sign up on their site and you will get regular emails with extra discount codes! Discount code: ENJOY for 60% off. That’s a $25 gift certificate for $4! For current code register at restaurant.com or send me an email.
Use your credit cards for extra rewards!: Proceed with caution, only use this method if you can pay your balance at the end of the month. Discover is giving extra 5% extra cash back on restaurants through December. American Express offers restaurant savings of 20% off in select cities.
