Tips for saving money when dining out
9 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 diners think about why they are going out to help choose a restaurant that meets their needs. Financial counselor Lindsay Plumb advises separating a dining-out budget from grocery money, calling the former "spend-with-joy" money. Registered dietician Amy Lawson suggests perusing a restaurant's menu in advance to plan a meal and avoid impulse ordering. Other tips include putting half of a meal in a to-go box early to prevent overeating and food waste, ordering catering trays for home gatherings, and picking up takeout instead of having it delivered to save money.
What’s reported
A YouGov report from October found 37% of American diners eating out less often than a year earlier, and 8% dining out more.
Kimberly Palmer of NerdWallet says thinking about why you are dining out can help guide decisions and avoid overspending.
Lindsay Plumb advises separating dining-out budget from grocery money, calling it "spend-with-joy" money.
Amy Lawson recommends reading a restaurant's menu in advance to plan a meal and avoid unhealthy choices when hungry.
Putting half of a meal in a to-go box early can help avoid overeating and provide a next-day lunch at no extra cost.
An analysis from nonprofit ReFED found 25% of restaurant customers leave food on their plates always or most of the time.
Palmer suggests ordering catering trays from a local restaurant and inviting company over to enjoy restaurant food more cheaply.
The National Restaurant Association reports three out of every four meals served by U.S. restaurants last year were taken to go.
LendingTree found fast-food and fast-casual delivery orders in the top 10 U.S. metro areas cost nearly 80% more than pickup.
Key figures
Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet
Lindsay Plumb, financial counselor
Amy Lawson, registered dietician
Alina Hartounian, editor
Malaka Gharib, editor
CJ Riculan, visual editor
Sources: NPR
