05.05.08
Saving money eating out
My parents are the world’s best on frugal living. Both of them grew up in the Depression and lived through the rationing of WWII. Anyway, when we go out to eat, my parents split a meal. At that, its still often too much for them both to eat. They always order water which at most restaurants is free. I’ve never been to a restaurant where I had to pay for water. They rarely order a mixed drink or a glass of wine. If they do, its a very special occasion. They will always ask what the specials are before ordering. They never order appetizers. However, they will ask for bread and ask if it comes with the meal. If it doesn’t, then we don’t have bread. They never order dessert. My parents will stop at the grocery store on the way home to get a half gallon of ice cream if they dont have anything at home for dessert. My dad does the math in giving a tip. He never leaves more or less than 15 percent for the tip. When we were growing up, we very rarely went out to eat. When we did go out, none of us kids ever dared to order anything very expensive unless Mom said we could order anything we wanted. However, we always kept it down just cause we were trained that way. We never ate at fast food. I was envious of my friends who ate regularly at KFC and Mcdonalds. Today, when I go out to eat, I use the same tactics my parents do. However, I do go to fast food occasionally and order the dollar menu or use a coupon.