One of our goals here at Secrets For Money™ is to share ways with you to add richness to your lifestyle with all the wealth currencies. There are many routes to that goal.

Our audience here at Secrets For Money™ is comprised of people who are at various different stages of financial wealth—from those who are just learning to step into financial wealth to the other end of the spectrum— the super-rich. So as our visitor, you know that we provide articles on an ongoing basis that will serve this wide audience.

So, for now, if you are a visitor who finds that you do not have much disposable income, then today’s article is written just for you!

These tips will be very helpful for you, because it will give you ways to enrich your lifestyle with fun activities like dining out even during a time in your life when you find yourself scrimping.

Yes, it is wiser for you to enjoy meals at home that cost less (while being healthy) instead of eating out at restaurants. But there will be a time when you need to go out on the town so-to-speak, it is important to not feel deprived while you are getting your financial house in order. These tips allow you to make that choice to go out once in awhile, while still saving, so that down the line you will have some disposable income.

But please do make sure that the money you save from these tips you truly “save” so you can leverage it later when you learn how to make your money work for you and not just you work for your money.

Also, a large part of being wealthy, is feeling wealthy, it is very important to be grateful and generous, so please make sure to tip your waitperson!

(1) Creative mindset to stash cash: There are many ways to be creative when having a spending plan in order to save money. (We don’t use the word “budget” here at Secrets For Money™ we prefer the phrase “spending plan,” it is more empowering for people.) One creative way to look at dining out, is that you enjoy a meal at home, then go out for dessert and coffee. In that way, you are still feeling the luxury but not spending as much! Alternatively, some restaurants serve the same items on their Lunch Menu as their Dinner Menu, so go out for Lunch at your favorite restaurant instead of having Dinner there.

(2) The Wine list: It is less expensive to forgo ordering wine or a cocktail with dinner. But another option, is that you choose restaurants that allow you to bring your own wine. Some restaurants still charge you a corkage fee, but other restaurants don’t, so call ahead and find out.

(3) Beverages: The majority of restaurants serve water with your meal, and when asked, will provide a lemon should you like. But do pass on ordering any other beverages if you can, you would be surprised the cost of just a Club Soda, and when you get the bill at the end of the meal that extra beverage really adds up.

(4) Sharing Can Be Delicious: A fun way to save, is to order an Appetizer in lieu of an Entrée. Another plan is to split an Entrée with your companion diner. Make sure though before splitting an Entrée that the restaurant doesn’t charge you to split an Entrée, if it does, this rule often will be printed on your Menu as a “Split Plate Fee,” however, at times the rule is not printed, so ask.

(5) Email Savings: Sign-up for the email lists of your favorite restaurants because sometimes restaurants email alerts that are discount offers for dining at their establishment during certain days of the week or specific dates, even holiday discounts.

By The Secrets For Money Team
© Copyright 2008 by Secrets For Money™

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