While most families are wisely choosing to meet the current economic crisis by preparing meals at home, even the most dedicated home cook enjoys the occasional night off from dinner duty and dirty dishes. Does that night out mean a strain on the pocketbook? Not necessarily! Using coupons makes eating out on a budget an affordable reality. Because coupons draw customers, restaurants are eager to get them into your hands. You need only know where to find these treasures.

Finding Free Coupons

Whether at home or in a hotel, check the coupon section of the phone book for nearby budget dining. Hotels and service stations may display fliers or local magazines containing money-saving deals. If staying at a hotel, check the in-room information booklet and ask the desk clerk for available restaurant discounts for hotel patrons.

Newspapers and free weekly sales fliers delivered to mailboxes in most towns are jackpots for those using coupons.

Many restaurants have websites that supply printable coupons. By signing up for a restaurant’s mailing list, you will receive future coupons and promotional materials. If there are no printable coupons, write the company and request some.

Check websites and ask restaurant personnel about birthday clubs or frequent diner programs. Enter all family members into a birthday club to receive special offers and freebies on or around each person’s birthday. These mailbox treasures make eating out on a budget a birthday breeze!

Savings for a Fee

An excellent resource for dining and activity coupons is your region’s Entertainment Guide. Purchasing the guide later in the year will land you significant savings off the cover price. Look for it at www.entertainment.com. Using coupons from the book once or twice will recoup your cost.

A real contender on the dining savings scene is www.restaurant.com. The site sells $25 dining certificates for $10. By signing up for the site’s notifications, you will be alerted to their frequent sales enabling you to purchase a $25 gift certificate for as low as $2, a phenomenal deal for those eating out on a budget. You can print your certificate and use it immediately.

Word to the Wise

Do not allow coupons to sway you toward choices that will cost you more in the long-run. Also, remember that using coupons is impossible if you don’t have them with you, so store them in your car until you are ready to chow down.

With a small amount of effort, using coupons for eating out on a budget is simple and fun! Bon appétit, and happy savings!

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