Eating Out? Here Are Seven Ways You Can Spend Less!

Have you joined the #52WeekChallenge powered by M-Shwari? To join, set up an M-Shwari Lock Savings Account, start saving and you just might get a cash reward. As I post this, we are kicking off Week 4 of the #52WeekChallenge, use the MoneyBox App (for Android) to calculate how much you are supposed to save on a weekly basis and start today!

When I posted the video below, one of my friends chuckled that “saving money when eating out” is a misnomer, because you cannot save money by spending money. He was right. The best way to save money is to not eat out at all. There is food at home! (spoken like an African mother)

However, if you must eat out 🙂 it is in your interest to spend as little as possible. Basically, you want to maximize the enjoyment of the experience, while minimizing the cost to your pocket. Restaurants, hotels, and other luxury service providers know that when we visit them, we are looking to pamper ourselves and therefore our wallets tend to be looser than usual. This is why I would like to share my top tips for spending less when eating out.

1. Reduce the number of times you eat out.

Your wallet and waistline will thank you. I previously shared how I compromised by #52WeekChallenge strategy last year, the result of which was a lot of uncontrolled eating out. It is not surprising that last year, I hit my highest weight yet. The problem with eating out all the time is that it then becomes habit and stops being that treat that you look forward to and enjoy. So join me in being more mindful about eating out, and cooking at home more.

2. Do not spend money on water.

Have you ever wondered if restaurant staff members drink the bottled water they sell to you at 5 times the retail price? They do not. Restaurants either have filtered water for staff and kitchen use or a water dispenser just like you have at home and in the office. Next time you need to drink water, just ask for a glass of filtered water, instead of bottled water.

3. Replace drinks with free water (see 2 above).

Unless the restaurant has a special drink that enriches your experience of eating there, skip the drinks. They are often overpriced, and restaurants are in the business of refilling them every so often. Ask for filtered water. In the same thread, unless the dessert is totally outstanding, skip that too and have the main course.

4. Buffets and “all you can eat” offers are rarely worth it.

Restaurants are like casinos – the house always wins. So when you see an “all you can eat” offer, the restaurant is winning in two ways; first they are mass producing the food so their cost of production is lower, and they know that the typical customer will not eat their money’s worth in one sitting. You may think you are saving money by paying KES 2,200 for an all you can eat dinner, while you probably would be just as satisfied with an à la carte meal at half the cost.

5. Order from the kids’ menu.

If you are in a rush or are not too hungry, the kids menu is where the fun is at. The food is half the price and is just as filling for an adult. What makes me even happier is that they prepare it faster for you.

6. Order take out and eat at home.

It is cozy, and you avoid the temptation of racking up the bill as you wait for food. I have wondered if restaurants delay the food so that you can drink as much as possible. #Conspiracy.

7. One meal for two. 

Out with your pal or significant other? Order one large meal and share. More often than not, we carry doggy bags home or leave food on our plates.

Those are my top tips on spending less. How about you? First, how often do you eat out? How do you make sure that you are spending only what you intended to spend?

Pics from: Unsplash