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Saving money is rarely fun when it feels like you're depriving yourself. But what if you could save money without sacrificing things you love, like going out to restaurants?
In the list below, you'll find several money moves that could keep more cash in your wallet so you can still afford to eat out. They won't make you rich, but they'll help you save money, earn cash, and much more.
Rethink your insurance
Raising your insurance deductible might help you lower premium costs. This can be a great way to save, but only if you have enough cash to cover a higher deductible without going into debt.
If that is not your situation, there are still ways to save on insurance. Call your agent and discuss possible discounts.
Many insurers offer price breaks for being a careful driver, a good student, or having more than one car insured with the company, for example.
Transfer debt to a 0% interest card and pay it off
If you have high-interest credit card debt, consider seeing if you qualify for a balance-transfer credit card with a 0% introductory interest rate.
Once you transfer the debt, your monthly payment will decrease, thanks to the lower interest rate. That buys you some time during the promotional period to cut down your debt before the interest rate on the card jumps.
Pay no interest into 2028 with this no annual fee card
If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to pause credit card interest into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.
Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.
But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. You can also receive a $200 statement credit when you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year (terms apply).
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Current Offer
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel
Shop online instead of driving to the store
The price of gas can add up. A great way to beat pain at the pump and make your dollar stretch further is to order items and groceries online.
You'll save on fuel, and you can comparison shop from home to ensure you get the best deal. It's a win-win.
Check for coupons or promotions
This tip is old, but gold: Always be on the lookout for coupons or promotions that help you save at local restaurants. This can be in the form of:
- Rewards associated with your checking account
- Birthday specials
- Discount gift cards
- Promotions via apps
- Gift certificates you get from an employer
- AARP discounts
Of course, be sure to read the fine print, as some deals may exclude items like alcohol or may only be valid during certain hours. Still, these coupons can really add up, especially if you use them regularly.
Pro tip: Looking for a great Costco hack? The retailer often sells gift cards to popular restaurants for a discounted price.
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Use a rewards credit card
When used responsibly, the best rewards credit cards offer a great way to save. Find a card that suits you and use it to pay for regular purchases. You'll accrue points you can redeem for travel, cash, or other perks.
Paying your balance in full each month is the key to making this tip work. If you don't pay the bill in full, you might pay more interest fees than you earn in rewards.
Earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back with this criminally underrated cash back card
Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen — the bonus is worth almost half the spend!
No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!
The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.49% - 27.99% Variable. Do not skip this card — it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee.
Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.
Split restaurant entrees or order appetizers
Few things are more enjoyable than dining out at a favorite restaurant with people you love. However, the cost of eating out can add up quickly.
Instead of eliminating restaurant expenses, try splitting an entree or ordering an appetizer rather than a main dish. You might also find great deals on food during weekday happy hours.
Don't ignore the weekday specials
If you go to a particular restaurant frequently, or even if you're trying out a new place, don't ignore the weekday specials. These could be everything from the weekly lunch specials at your go-to Thai restaurant to the items written on the board each week at your local diner.
Restaurants frequently offer these meals in hopes you will keep coming back, or in an effort to bring in new business. By ignoring such specials, you could be missing out on staple favorites or creative offerings that are slightly cheaper than the rest of the menu.
Opt for happy hour
Happy hour got its name for a reason: It's a special time of day when restaurants offer discounted food and drinks to pull in customers when traffic might be slower than peak times, such as lunch and dinner.
You can get more bang for your buck by dining during happy hour — think 2-for-1 drink specials, cheap pub snacks, and discounted small plates — even if it means you're going out a little earlier than you intended to.
Those who don't drink alcohol should still check out the happy-hour food prices.
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- You could save up to $600 with some companies
- Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
- Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
- Quickly find the best option for you