Meals That Make Sense

Everyday expenses can add up quickly, especially when dining out becomes a regular habit. Whether you're grabbing lunch between meetings or treating your family to dinner, it’s easy to overspend without realizing it. But with a few smart strategies, you can enjoy great meals without stressing your budget. Here are a few practical tips to help you dine out more affordably.

Start With a Budget

First, decide what you are comfortable spending based on your income and financial goals. A good rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, and 20% savings/debt payments. Dining out falls in the “wants” category. You also need to take into consideration your lifestyle. Ben Monnens, SVP Business Banking Officer at Coulee Bank, says, “We try to stay mindful of how many times we choose to eat out. It can be difficult because our children’s athletic schedules fluctuate.” When dining out, his family tries to avoid any add-ons or upcharges like fries, malts, and even desserts.

Evening kids’ activities can be a major budget trap if you're grabbing fast food or eating out on the go. Packing a dinner is not only a great money-saver, but it also gives you more control over nutrition and portions.

Go-To Dinner Ideas That Travel Well

• Wraps or Sandwiches (turkey, hummus, or PB&J)
• Pasta Salad or Rice Bowls (with veggies & protein)
• Mini Quesadillas or Pinwheels
• Cut Veggies & Hummus or Fruit and Cheese Cubes
• Breakfast-for-Dinner (hard-boiled eggs, muffins, fruit)

To stick to your budget, Monnens also recommends splitting meals and avoiding drinks— even iced tea, pop, or lemonade can add a few extra dollars. If you don’t split a meal, try to remember portion control. Restaurants often give more food than you need in one sitting. Monnens says, “My wife and I will each eat half of our meal and ask for a to-go box. We can reheat it for lunch the next day.”

Tap Into Savings with Dining Apps and Rewards

If you are looking to save while dining out, take advantage of apps like Restaurant.com, Honey, or Groupon for local meal deals, or use restaurant-specific rewards apps like Chick-fil-A One, Starbucks Rewards, or McDonald’s App to earn free food over time.

Monnens doesn’t use any particular app for food; however, he supports local fundraisers hosted by different teams. By purchasing local fundraising cards that include restaurant discounts, you can save a lot of money using the cards while supporting local teams.

If you are looking for an evening out with cocktails and food, he recommends finding your favorite restaurant to see when they offer their best happy hour deals. You can make a meal out of appetizers and drinks.

If you don’t take advantage of happy hour specials, Monday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest nights to dine out. These are the slowest in terms of patrons, so restaurants run promotions to attract more customers.

Lower Your Monthly Dining Costs

Another great way to reduce your monthly dining expenses is by shopping for grocery sales—pork, for example, is often discounted and can be turned into delicious, budget-friendly pulled pork sandwiches. Planning and prepping your meals on weekends makes it easy to have ready-to-eat dishes after a long workday, helping you resist the temptation to dine out every evening. This simple routine not only saves money but also supports healthier eating habits. His go-to meal is pan-fried potatoes and sausage with peppers and onions. It’s inexpensive and really good!

These small changes, like shopping sales, prepping meals ahead, and using dining deals, can significantly lower your monthly dining costs without sacrificing convenience or flavor. Smart planning and mindful choices put you in control of your budget.