Wining Tips: (Obvious Magazine: Premier Issue)

Stop Wining:
Wining and Dining on any budget

By Marcus Scott

Everyone wants the finer things in life; however, those “finer things” can burn potholes into one’s pockets. In every magazine imaginable—from lad magazines to women’s health quarterly—note quirky and exemplary methods to achieve the finer things but, let’s face it, saving a dollar a day isn’t the go-to technique it used to be. Also, there are times that one does not want to stay confined inside one’s home, and would rather leave a tip at the table than prepare and cook a meal.

While it is more cost-effective to prepare meals within the contours of our homes, preparing meals day-after-day could be tedious and mind-numbing event, and it is healthy eating out to fall out of this routine. But be careful, a play date here, a happy hour there, and by the end of the week, our spending could easily be equivalent to a trip at the mall. If one were to track spending habits and develop an inventive and resourceful budget plan, those “finer things” will be provided in excess. Here’s some tips on how you do it:

1. Rule of thumb: Skip the beverage. The taste of soda pop is tempting, but a beverage is a fifth of the cost a meal. Water is healthy, free, and you’ve saved a trip to the gym.



2. Breakfast, lunch or brunch are always the best choice because they are cheaper than dinner. The time of the day always matters, and lunch is on the menu usually until 4 p.m. While the lunch meals are smaller in proportion, they cost cheaper.



3. Vegetarian foods are less-expensive than meals that contain meat. If you can’t live without poultry or red meat, there’s always dinner.



4. Sharing is caring. It’s a great investment. First, call before arrival and find out the restaurant’s policy on dish-sharing. If there are restrictions, order an entrée. Some restaurants offer large and small option. Get a large, make a request for two plates, and if there’s a small child, share your meal or order a side dish.



5. Collect coupons or purchase an entertainment book. It’s a great alternative to finding new places and restaurants featured in these books offer coupons as a means to attract new costumers. Sometimes the coupons only save you a few dollars, some times, it’s half off. The other half could be used for another night.



6. If you’re trying to keep your figure, looking lose weight or are a light consumer of foods, simply order off the kids menu.



7. An appetizer can be just as fulfilling a dinner. Sales pitch: It’s cheaper, you can split the cost, and it would still be cheaper than a dinner.



8. Carry-out is definitely beneficial. Alone, you’ve been spared having to pay the waiter/server the required 15 percent tip.



9. Skip desert. Why? Odds are that one could buy something sweet elsewhere for a much cheaper price.



10. Always ask about the specials because chefs sometimes offer bargaining prices.



11. Lastly, pick one night of the 7-day week to wine and dine. You can probably use this money to plan a long-overdue vacation.

Don’t believe me? See for yourself, take these 11 little tips and budget for the month. Your pockets will literally mend the holes themselves!

To see the articles' full edit go to: http://www.obviousmag.com/featured-stories/2008/8/12/stop-wining.html