Dining on a Dime

The Economics of Eating Out

By Debra Weaver

With today's fast-paced lifestyle, home-cooked meals are not always possible. But fast food and sit-down restaurants can be costly, especially for a large family. With a little planning, dining out doesn't have to take a big chunk of your income or add to your waistline.

Coupon Savings

"One way to save money is to buy a coupon book such as Entertainment," says Cheryl Gochnauer, author of Stay-at-Home Handbook (InterVarsity Press, 2002) and founder of Homebodies.org. The book features a lot of buy-one, get-one-free coupons and often pays for itself by the second time it is used, according to Gochnauer. In addition, you can find ideas for cutting costs by visiting Web sites such as The Dollar Stretcher and Miserly Moms.

Gochnauer suggests that when eating out, pass on the sodas and order water. With sodas costing more than a dollar each, a family of four can save 20 percent on the total bill. Plus, water is good for you. She also suggests patronizing restaurants that offer free or discounted meals for children and using coupons from newspapers, Web sites, mailings, etc., to save money. Using coupons for pizzas is usually a good deal, especially when you eat at home and save on the drinks and tip, Gochnauer says.

"Parents are often the most strapped for cash during the early years – with medical bills, diapers and formula," says Michelle Jones, frugal mom of four and publisher of Living a Better Life: The Money-Saving Tips Ezine, available at BetterBudgeting.com

Want to see more?

• Dinner on the Go: Feeding Babies and Toddlers
  When You're Out and About
• Dining Out on the South Beach Diet: An Excerpt from The South Beach Diet Dining Guide
• Check out our Article Library.
• Breaking Bread Together: The Importance of the Family Dinner Table
• Talk about it!