Tips for saving money when dining out
7 reported
A YouGov report from October found that 37% of American diners said they were eating out less often than a year earlier, driven by high menu prices and a desire to save money, while only 8% said they were dining out more. Personal finance and nutrition experts suggest several strategies to eat out without overspending. Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, recommends determining why you are dining out to choose a restaurant that meets your needs. Financial counselor Lindsay Plumb advises separating a dining-out budget from grocery money and looking for restaurants with loyalty programs. Registered dietician Amy Lawson suggests reading the menu in advance and putting half of a meal in a to-go box early to avoid overeating and provide a future meal. Other tips include ordering catering trays for home gatherings, picking up takeout instead of delivery, and supplementing takeout with homemade sides.
What’s reported
A YouGov report from October found 37% of American diners said they were eating out less often than a year earlier, while 8% said they were dining out more.
Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, says determining why you are dining out can help choose a restaurant that meets your needs.
Financial counselor Lindsay Plumb says it is critical to separate a dining-out budget from grocery money.
Registered dietician Amy Lawson suggests reading the menu in advance and putting half of a meal in a to-go box early.
An analysis from the nonprofit ReFED found 25% of restaurant customers said they leave food on their plates always or most of the time.
The National Restaurant Association reported that three out of every four meals served by U.S. restaurants last year were taken to go.
LendingTree found that fast-food and fast-casual delivery orders in the top 10 U.S. metro areas cost nearly 80% more than if customers had picked them up themselves.
Key figures
Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet
Lindsay Plumb, financial counselor
Amy Lawson, registered dietician
Sources: NPR
