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Saving Money on Dining Out

Check the end of this post to learn how you can win a $10 Waldo Pizza (Lee’s Summit location) gift certificate from Restaurant.com

When many people look at where their money is going, they are shocked to see how much they spend on dining out. Dinner a few times a week and lunch every day (not to mention a fancy coffee in the morning) can really drain money from your budget. While I believe that it’s a good idea to limit the amount that you eat out, I also think that dining out as a family can be a fun occasion and of course it’s nice to have a break from cooking once in a while! So here are a few ways to save money when you are dining out.

Kids Eat Free.

Did you know that KCParent.com has a section with a listing of when kids eat free at local and chain restaurants? Check it out here! By eating out at a restaurant that offers free kids meals, you can really reduce the amount of your bill. Just don’t forget to tip that hard-working server on your pre-discount amount! If you are an iPhone user, you can also check out this app (KidsEatFor) that will find kids-eat-free deals for you while you are out and about.

Be Loyal.

Many restaurants have loyalty programs that reward you for your repeat business. Some are like SPIN! Pizza’s program that gives you points for each dollar you spend in the restaurant and some are similar to Chick-Fil-A’s program that sends you special offers via email or snail mail. If you love a restaurant, go to their website and see if there is a customer loyalty program or ask the manager! Also become a “fan” of your favorites on Facebook…many restaurants offer coupons for free items to their Facebook fans.

Restaurant.com

 If you haven’t heard of Restaurant.com, it’s time to give it a look! They sell gift certificates to local restaurants for a fraction of the price! In general, they will sell a $25 gift certificate for $10 and a $10 gift certificate for $4. BUT, there is almost always an even better deal being offered that will reduce the amount you pay even further. (Until 9/13, use code NINETY to get 90% off your total, making the $25 gift certificates just $1)! Just be sure to check the fine print for the restaurants you are interested in. Many of them have restrictions such as a minimum purchase or limited days when the coupon is valid.

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!

 You may think that coupons are for grocery stores and not restaurants, but there are TONS of coupons available for all types of restaurants both online and in print. Where can you find restaurant coupons? Check everywhere…those coupon packets you get in the mail, the Sunday inserts, the back of your grocery store receipts, restaurant websites, the Entertainment Book, or in the restaurants themselves!

Here is a sampling of some of the restaurant deals available right now…happy dining! 

Win one of two $10 gift certificates to Waldo Pizza in Lee’s Summit by entering here. Gift certificates come from Restaurant.com and restrictions apply.

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