Love this format…works great!! Thank you for the tips. I often eat out with people who aren’t concerned with price, and it can feel awkward to be watching my budget. Great topic that I will definitely use.
We don’t eat out much either. I have food allergies and intolerances that severely limit what I can eat in a restaurant. So eating out isn’t that enjoyable for me.
Not only do I look at the menu ahead of time to make sure it’s in my budget but also to make sure they have something that I can eat with my meal plan to stay on track.
When I was in my early 20's my roommate and I had a pact. When either of us went out on a date, we'd fill up on bread and the salad appetizer so we could bring part of our entrée to the other one. LOL!
I chose hair salon, mani/pedi, and massage once a month this year instead of eating out. I think I'll get more out of it, and unless my hairdresser is cooking for the crowd, it's calorie free. 😃
There was the virus lock down . Now we have a financial economic lockdown. These are all great tips. I also have cut back severely and dropped a lot of habits I use to do. But its ok. I had the stupid fun and wastefulness. Its serious time now, and its pruning time. Its actually good for us to take the time to examine ourselves. Being frugal is a good thing. Looking back at my expenditures. I realized I was not giving it any critical thought. The amount of junk I bought and paid for, wow. Clearly was NOT thinking. What a waste! So now, my frugality out of necessity, I consider it as penance. I have reached a level I never knew I had in me. I can squeeze a quarter out of a nickel. And looking at all the ways I can repurpose what I have. I only shop for grocery, and personal items on birthday and holiday. Have zero interest in shopping and out to eat. This inflation has given people depression. I have the power to say no and refuse to participate as before. I won't play.
Just wanted to take a minute to drop a few accolades on you as you are well deserving for all your hard work here. No one is twisting your arm to do this for those of us that needed a little incentive to save more. I just paid off my house and now am left with car payment as my last big expense. You've been a great inspiration for me and I'm in your debt. Thank you beyond description for advice and hard work. Bless you mi amiga...
Another easy way to figure out your tip of your bill move the decimal point to the left and then double that amount. For example, if your bill is $15.00, move the decimal point over one place which gives you $1.5 double$1.50 equals$3. $3 is 20% of 15
Menus on line are NOT UP TO DATE....prices end up being almost 50 percent higher then listed on line. When a teenager or in my early twenties my mom said to always order the least expensive item if you are on a date. You never knew how much a young man had in his wallet. I have always remembered that when someone else is treating. Perfect advice STAY HOME and cook your own food, make your own drinks and everybody bring a small dish of food to share. SAVE THE MONEY.......Enjoy the company. Sincerely from Debbie and Dexter-Dog. My sweet tiny rescued Chihuahua companion living a quiet crafty great grandma life in southern California. 💞🐇🏠🐾✝️🇺🇸
I don't know if you have ever read the book, Grit; by Duckworth, but here's an excerpt that made me think of you as you truly have what it takes to succeed: "many of us, it seems, quit what we start far too early and far too often. Even more than what a gritty person puts in on a single day, what matters is they wake up the next day, and the next, ready to get on that treadmill and keep going." To me, this is the definitive Kate in a nutshell. You truly are one of my heroes ❤️
I love this live format and Q&A at the end. Especially if it saves you some time, do it!! A couple of things I do with eating out. My daughter (adult and married) go out for dinner at least once a month. I used to stress over the amount. I want to treat her during these outtings. So instead of stressing over it, I figured out how to pull a little from other areas, and save to cover the amount. Her and I enjoy this, so it is important to me. We don't always go out to eat, but now when we do, I don't stress about it. When we are out we also eat appetizers, or we will split a dinner and get salads on the side. We still get our drinks if we want. But then we don't waste food as neither of us tend to love leftovers the next day. We've also been known to get a kids meal each if we are craving that chicken finger mac and cheese vibe (both her and I love this). We still get a drink and tip appropriately.
A rich TH-cam taught me this tip: eat before you go out. You may buy only an appetizer or even desert. Her friends did not know at the time that she was broke.
I always try to get a separate check for reasons of tax write off. I only "go out" when it’s business. That way I benefit from the convo plus the write off at the end. And- every time I want to go out and it’s "in budget" i say to myself it’s better to just transfer the money I’d spend into savings and then stay home and cook something...
I cut money in other areas so I can go out once a week with my husband and with a family member or friend. I value that time without having to worry about cleaning up or cooking. I love to take my young adult children out and see them get a belly full. It’s always in the budget and we don’t go to expensive restaurants. Another hack my husband & I do is to go places that are not sit down and get waited on but have healthy food. Places like Panera or make your own pizza. These tend to be about 25% to 50% cheaper. I still leave a tip at checkout because I was a service worker as a younger person. Thanks Kate! Always great content.
Some favorite places we like to go have endless salad bars or fries. I fill up on those and bring the leftover entree' home to give to hubby or recreate into our next day meal. I throw an extra dollar on top of my tip and tip in cash. That extra dollar is not breaking budget and may put a smile on the servers face.
Glad you mentioned the tip. I remember when I was young and worked in a service industry, a lot of times my tips were my supper money, or gas money home! Ah youth!! 😉
I'm on a trip with friends. They have traveled a lot.. They know where the home style & value packed meal places are. My doggy bag will feed me 2 more meals (the ranch chicken wrap was huge! I chose the soup & cottage cheese as sides to go).
Americans eat out so much. It's not healthy and being from Europe we do not eat out so often. Cook , invite friends for dinner but to eat out so often for daily meals no.
I’m on spring break right now and my senior daughter is at Disney with her bf and his family. They covered EVERYTHING, which is just amazing! She works after school and saved her money to use for souvenirs and I added a small amount to her account. I took my son and his gf out to lunch, yesterday. No gift cards were had and everything is expensive, these days. We got 3 burgers, water and my son had one beer. I walked out with 80.00 less in my pocket, including a 20% tip because our waitress was awesome! Now, I know why I rarely go out because no matter what, it’s gonna cost a small fortune! I try to support local and not chains but I was a bit taken back by the price tag of my check… and it was lunch and just burgers! Lol
Woke up at 6:30 California time. Watched this video 3 hours fresh😂 As a senior citizen eating out is a special event and I preplan too. Fun video. Thanks. -Robin
Several restaurants in my area will calculate the tips at different percentages on the receipt. It can be a bit irritating, but it makes tipping easier!
Love your video , yes do lunches and definitely check menu before go. Here in New Zealand we don’t have to tip yah, and we all pay separately which means i can definitely watch the budget, don’t drink coffee so just water and treat , works out even cheaper
I remember going out to dinner w family members and I was treating because of a birthday celebration. Well my sister ordered about 4 appetizers in addition to dinner and I remember being inwardly furious during the meal. Planning ahead and saving and treating the event as a special outing would have made it much less stressful for me and I could let down that frugal mentality for ahoy second and enjoy life!!!!!!
Happy Frugal Sunday, lol, missed it on Friday. But I agree dinning out doesn’t have to be a budget killer, just have to plan for your money and remembering if you are going out to do it frugal. Loved the content and love catching the lives.
Sorry that I missed the live. I love doing lives for the same reason. 😉 Another benefit to looking at the menu ahead of time is you can look for some of the healthier options on the menu. We save money by not buying alcoholic beverages. No shade against anyone who does, but that does help for sure. And yes about tipping. If we can’t afford the tip, then we don’t go. 🙌 Great live! 🥰
Oh and by the way, you mentioned Tetris. Have you seen the previews to a movie about Tetris is coming out? I think that it’s supposed to be a true story. 😂
This was a great video and even though I’m in a budget, sometimes I just don’t want to cook. So it’s nice to have some tips on how to eat out and still have fun and go out sometimes.
Some restaurant chains such as Outback, Carrabas , Bonefish Grille, Buffalo Wild Wings offer loyalty programs to accrue points over time to take dollars off of your bill. Also Costco sometimes offers restaurant gift cards at a discount. For example, a $100 gift card for $75-$80. If it’s a restaurant that you frequent, stock up on these.
Sometimes we are able to get the special at one of our favorite places which has 2 meals and an appetizer for $20 or $25. It works for us. Also it's usually lunch if we go out. We've cut eating out to about 1/4 of what we used to do
I love this live and disappointed I missed it! My hubby won a basket at an event about a week ago and that had 4 different gift cards (all to the same place), so we are treating ourselves to that place for our anniversary. I did look at the menu online to see how much it would be and I love the idea of going for a lunch (cheaper) and making a day of outings :-) I am soo appreciative of you, Under the Median and the Budgeting Sisters!!
Love this format! Will try and catch the live next week (just got to convert to UK time). Frugal Friday is my new favourite thing to look forward to. Great tips and so handy because I want to take my Mum out for a birthdays meal over Easter. It’s in the budget (new to this since Jan) and I feel confident now that I can do this without the stress. Thank you so much and have a fab Easter! 🐣
We enjoy going out to dinner fairly often. I always get water with lemon, and an entree on the lower end, but always something I really want. I do splurge once in a while, and sometimes I'll have a favorite cocktail with dinner. I budget money for these outings. Tonight we will be going out to dinner with family, and I might have soup and salad that comes with a croissant and a cocktail (and water with lemon always) or I might choose to have more of an entree. It also depends on what I'm feeling I want. I think including entertainment in any budget is crucial. I agree with all of your points. We always check out menus online, especially with new to us restaurants. Family dinners means a lot of sharing. The best part of eating out is being with the people you want to be with, be it just for dessert and coffee, happy hour, breakfast or lunch or a big dinner. I tip according to the service given. Remember, the tip not only goes to your server, but others working in the restaurant too. An easy way to figure the tip is to double the tax, rounding up if needed for easier math. My brother taught me this and it works great. Thanks for sharing, Happy Easter 🥰🌱🌿🌷💐☔💗✝
My carbon monoxide battery beeped in the middle of the night. Therefore, I overslept and missed this live. Most of the time if I eat out, it is a mystery shop. I preferred to get paid to eat! :) Shop or not, I use a cash back card and Fetch. Happy Frugal Friday Kate and Ksquad!
Isn’t that the worst when that battery beeps in the middle of the night ? If you have not seen the Friends episode with Phoebe and the smoke detector you should. Omg. So funny !
I love all your video formats. Now I do love it when I can catch a live bit because of the time difference, I’m either at work or asleep 😂😂😂. I always love to catch the replay !!
Great way to do the videos by leaving the hello’s to the end. A few times when it goes on at the start too long I end up missing the video itself. Great video btw.
In Austin, they have eat while watching a movie - expensive. Always get before. I'll order tea, or if there is no tea, hot water with lemon (I always have tea bags with me).
Thank you for this topic. I'm going out to eat tomorrow with 2 spendy friends. I do not intend on spending much but they ate the type who order lots of plates (meze) and everyone tucks in and then split it 3 ways Soup and bread is a very good idea in this situation for me! I hope they sell soup at the venue!!
I wait until I have enough items to order delivery. I can also order items as I realize I need them and leave them in the app until I meet the order minimum and then I order. This is on the Walmart ap and it's been great.
This is a really good video and it makes you think about why you're really going out to eat and I love the tip about how about just dessert and coffee after all it's about the company it's not so much about the food. I always bring home the leftovers
Hi Kate, I like the just dessert option for Cheesecake Factory. They have really good desserts. When you were in Florida did you have original Key Like Pie there?
I’ve learned to just do separate checks usually it’s me and my husband all are friends have kids. So this better for us. We use our credit cards and pay in full for the points 😊
My dining out tips:eat something at home before going out to eat so that you’re not as hungry & can order a smaller meal; drink water- this saves anywhere from $3 - $8 depending on what you drink; I take my own gluten free bread or bun instead of paying the up charge that restaurants tack on to these specialty items.
When I go to a restaurant if it's a larger mean I ask for a to go bo with my meal. I immediately split my meal so I won't be tempted to jusf keep eating. 😂
Eating out is for special occasions. Belong to a meetup group, they schedule something every weekend. That's not in my budget. I'll go to only one outing a month. I do check the menu to see how expensive.
Recently I was taken out by a friend she had a gift card. We still split salad entree & dessert at an expensive restaurant. Was enough food. We also had a cocktail.
In this state, places that sell alcohol are "encouraged" to have a certain number of dollars or percentage of sales in food. When you compare the food in many low and mid range range restaurants to a lot of bar food, the food its self is not much different. For seriously nice restaurants, lunch and brunch are the times to go. But also look for the daily specials. Mid week and before people's paydays are also the time to go. Depending upon the area, there are often fewer customers, both the food and service are better, and sometimes the lunch specials are better in terms of the food served (sometimes prices too). Your clothing or dress requirements are lower than full dinner service time, just dress like you've come from the office or an office appointment. In this area for the longest time, many of the restaurants' claim to fame came from specific dishes or categories of dishes; say soups, salads, breads, desserts, etc.... Even after they've reached acclaim, often thier less expensive claims to fame remain on the menu; frequently as an appetizer, depending. Picking the restaurant based upon signature dishes and keeping to those can you a cheaper than eksewise experience. Smaller, independently run cafes can bring better ambience than say a Denney's or similar chain restaurant. They tend to have more from scratch food upto almost everything from scratch. They tend to have a higher standard of excellence (better handling and cooking) and, we prefer to hit them after thier busiest time. To save on a bar tab, pick a drink you can nurse for upto an hour or few. Often, something "neat" or without ice; or conversely something in an ice slush. A drink with a coffee back can let you nurse the drink and also have the coffee replenished. Sometimes these drinks are more expensive at the onset but if you can nurse the drink for several hours or the entire night its cheaper in the end. We haven't been out much since 2020, and even then it was more sporadic because there were other things we wanted more, but my old standbys were Black or White Russians, no ice, with a coffee back because with coffee refills on the back I could nurse a single drink for the entire night or cocktail hour. Another thing to reduce your bar bill is to accept off branded alcohol. In some cases it makes minimal to no difference, in some cases the less popular brands actually taste better, and in some cases it becomes all the easier to nurse the drink. Named drinks cost more than well drinks but for some the difference is only a piece of garnish. Cuba Libra vs a rum and coke with a lime squeeze is one; speaking of which this is one you can nurse by simply squeezing that lime into the melting ice for some lime water or using it to cover up some poor rum.
I always lookup menu 1st I gotta know the prices. I ❤ using my Fetch points for restaurant gift cards. When I meet a friend it’s usually breakfast or lunch saves a fair amt😊❤
Love this format…works great!! Thank you for the tips. I often eat out with people who aren’t concerned with price, and it can feel awkward to be watching my budget. Great topic that I will definitely use.
Thank you so so much Martha!
We don’t eat out much either. I have food allergies and intolerances that severely limit what I can eat in a restaurant. So eating out isn’t that enjoyable for me.
Not only do I look at the menu ahead of time to make sure it’s in my budget but also to make sure they have something that I can eat with my meal plan to stay on track.
YASSS! good plan!
When I was in my early 20's my roommate and I had a pact. When either of us went out on a date, we'd fill up on bread and the salad appetizer so we could bring part of our entrée to the other one. LOL!
OMGGGG LOVE IT!
I chose hair salon, mani/pedi, and massage once a month this year instead of eating out. I think I'll get more out of it, and unless my hairdresser is cooking for the crowd, it's calorie free. 😃
Love it!
There was the virus lock down . Now we have a financial economic lockdown. These are all great tips. I also have cut back severely and dropped a lot of habits I use to do. But its ok. I had the stupid fun and wastefulness. Its serious time now, and its pruning time. Its actually good for us to take the time to examine ourselves. Being frugal is a good thing. Looking back at my expenditures. I realized I was not giving it any critical thought. The amount of junk I bought and paid for, wow. Clearly was NOT thinking. What a waste! So now, my frugality out of necessity, I consider it as penance. I have reached a level I never knew I had in me. I can squeeze a quarter out of a nickel. And looking at all the ways I can repurpose what I have. I only shop for grocery, and personal items on birthday and holiday. Have zero interest in shopping and out to eat. This inflation has given people depression. I have the power to say no and refuse to participate as before. I won't play.
Just wanted to take a minute to drop a few accolades on you as you are well deserving for all your hard work here. No one is twisting your arm to do this for those of us that needed a little incentive to save more. I just paid off my house and now am left with car payment as my last big expense. You've been a great inspiration for me and I'm in your debt. Thank you beyond description for advice and hard work. Bless you mi amiga...
YOU PAID OFF YOUR HOUSE!!!! I am so so so proud of you!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS! 🎊
You DID IT!!!! Ahhh!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@@KateKaden been saving for it. Got there
Another easy way to figure out your tip of your bill move the decimal point to the left and then double that amount. For example, if your bill is $15.00, move the decimal point over one place which gives you $1.5 double$1.50 equals$3. $3 is 20% of 15
I do the same thing!
So smart! Thanks!
That's how I was taught to do it many years ago!
Menus on line are NOT UP TO DATE....prices end up being almost 50 percent higher then listed on line. When a teenager or in my early twenties my mom said to always order the least expensive item if you are on a date. You never knew how much a young man had in his wallet. I have always remembered that when someone else is treating. Perfect advice STAY HOME and cook your own food, make your own drinks and everybody bring a small dish of food to share. SAVE THE MONEY.......Enjoy the company. Sincerely from Debbie and Dexter-Dog. My sweet tiny rescued Chihuahua companion living a quiet crafty great grandma life in southern California. 💞🐇🏠🐾✝️🇺🇸
I don't know if you have ever read the book, Grit; by Duckworth, but here's an excerpt that made me think of you as you truly have what it takes to succeed: "many of us, it seems, quit what we start far too early and far too often. Even more than what a gritty person puts in on a single day, what matters is they wake up the next day, and the next, ready to get on that treadmill and keep going."
To me, this is the definitive Kate in a nutshell. You truly are one of my heroes ❤️
Jeffrey, this comment means SO MUCH TO ME! Thank you thank you! I haven't read it yet but it's on my list. #grit
I appreciate you so much!
@@KateKaden You are most welcome my friend. If I ever come to Maine I will buy you lunch😉
I love this live format and Q&A at the end. Especially if it saves you some time, do it!! A couple of things I do with eating out. My daughter (adult and married) go out for dinner at least once a month. I used to stress over the amount. I want to treat her during these outtings. So instead of stressing over it, I figured out how to pull a little from other areas, and save to cover the amount. Her and I enjoy this, so it is important to me. We don't always go out to eat, but now when we do, I don't stress about it. When we are out we also eat appetizers, or we will split a dinner and get salads on the side. We still get our drinks if we want. But then we don't waste food as neither of us tend to love leftovers the next day. We've also been known to get a kids meal each if we are craving that chicken finger mac and cheese vibe (both her and I love this). We still get a drink and tip appropriately.
Love this, THANK YOU Lisa!
A rich TH-cam taught me this tip: eat before you go out. You may buy only an appetizer or even desert. Her friends did not know at the time that she was broke.
Love it. I do a lot of those things
I always try to get a separate check for reasons of tax write off. I only "go out" when it’s business. That way I benefit from the convo plus the write off at the end. And- every time I want to go out and it’s "in budget" i say to myself it’s better to just transfer the money I’d spend into savings and then stay home and cook something...
Thanks Susan!!
I cut money in other areas so I can go out once a week with my husband and with a family member or friend. I value that time without having to worry about cleaning up or cooking. I love to take my young adult children out and see them get a belly full. It’s always in the budget and we don’t go to expensive restaurants.
Another hack my husband & I do is to go places that are not sit down and get waited on but have healthy food. Places like Panera or make your own pizza. These tend to be about 25% to 50% cheaper. I still leave a tip at checkout because I was a service worker as a younger person.
Thanks Kate! Always great content.
Thank you so much Courtney!
Some favorite places we like to go have endless salad bars or fries. I fill up on those and bring the leftover entree' home to give to hubby or recreate into our next day meal.
I throw an extra dollar on top of my tip and tip in cash. That extra dollar is not breaking budget and may put a smile on the servers face.
Love it!
Yes I like having the Q&A at the end. You get all the content without the disruptions of all the breaks to greet people.
Thank you so much Jessi!
Glad you mentioned the tip. I remember when I was young and worked in a service industry, a lot of times my tips were my supper money, or gas money home! Ah youth!! 😉
YASSS!:))
I'm on a trip with friends. They have traveled a lot.. They know where the home style & value packed meal places are. My doggy bag will feed me 2 more meals (the ranch chicken wrap was huge! I chose the soup & cottage cheese as sides to go).
Yasss! So glad you are enjoying a trip with your friends! And great food choice!!!!!
Great advice. I am doing some of the things that you suggested
Americans eat out so much. It's not healthy and being from Europe we do not eat out so often. Cook , invite friends for dinner but to eat out so often for daily meals no.
Polish girl here...same
I’m on spring break right now and my senior daughter is at Disney with her bf and his family. They covered EVERYTHING, which is just amazing! She works after school and saved her money to use for souvenirs and I added a small amount to her account.
I took my son and his gf out to lunch, yesterday. No gift cards were had and everything is expensive, these days. We got 3 burgers, water and my son had one beer. I walked out with 80.00 less in my pocket, including a 20% tip because our waitress was awesome! Now, I know why I rarely go out because no matter what, it’s gonna cost a small fortune! I try to support local and not chains but I was a bit taken back by the price tag of my check… and it was lunch and just burgers! Lol
Wow! That seems expensive...guess I won't complain about 15$ for 2 burgers where I live
Woke up at 6:30 California time. Watched this video 3 hours fresh😂
As a senior citizen eating out is a special event and I preplan too.
Fun video. Thanks. -Robin
Thanks Robin!!!
I have Sunday brunch blocked out every week as my designated social time to eat out.
Yasss!!!
I like having all your ideas on frugal activities first and then seeing all the comments later. Your eating out on a budget were very good.
Thanks so much Katherine!
1 year later and this will always be relevant! Thanks for the tips!!
Several restaurants in my area will calculate the tips at different percentages on the receipt. It can be a bit irritating, but it makes tipping easier!
oooh! Yes, anything that helps!!! Thanks Sheila!
Thank you for your tips. Any way to save money is great in my book.
Thanks so much Donna!
Love your video , yes do lunches and definitely check menu before go. Here in New Zealand we don’t have to tip yah, and we all pay separately which means i can definitely watch the budget, don’t drink coffee so just water and treat , works out even cheaper
I remember going out to dinner w family members and I was treating because of a birthday celebration. Well my sister ordered about 4 appetizers in addition to dinner and I remember being inwardly furious during the meal. Planning ahead and saving and treating the event as a special outing would have made it much less stressful for me and I could let down that frugal mentality for ahoy second and enjoy life!!!!!!
Those appetizers and desserts or drinks add up!
I prelook the menu to see what the healthier options are and they are usually the less expensive options too.
I liked the format. Thank you. Great tios.
I prefer this method! Definitely works for me!! Great video!
Kate you are so positive, peppy, and darling!
Thank you so much Carolyn!
Happy Frugal Sunday, lol, missed it on Friday. But I agree dinning out doesn’t have to be a budget killer, just have to plan for your money and remembering if you are going out to do it frugal. Loved the content and love catching the lives.
Sorry that I missed the live. I love doing lives for the same reason. 😉
Another benefit to looking at the menu ahead of time is you can look for some of the healthier options on the menu.
We save money by not buying alcoholic beverages. No shade against anyone who does, but that does help for sure.
And yes about tipping. If we can’t afford the tip, then we don’t go. 🙌
Great live! 🥰
Oh and by the way, you mentioned Tetris. Have you seen the previews to a movie about Tetris is coming out? I think that it’s supposed to be a true story. 😂
YASSSS Joel and Christy!!!!! Love it! THANK YOU!!!!!
OOOH I'll have to check that out! Love me some tetris back in the day!
This was a great video and even though I’m in a budget, sometimes I just don’t want to cook. So it’s nice to have some tips on how to eat out and still have fun and go out sometimes.
I loved this video chat style where you gave some key points first then left the open chat til the end!
Happy Easter to you and your fam🐣 🐰
Thank you so so much! and HAPPY EASTER!
Some restaurant chains such as Outback, Carrabas , Bonefish Grille, Buffalo Wild Wings offer loyalty programs to accrue points over time to take dollars off of your bill. Also Costco sometimes offers restaurant gift cards at a discount. For example, a $100 gift card for $75-$80. If it’s a restaurant that you frequent, stock up on these.
Thank you so much Mary!
Hello Kate Squad!!! Happy Frugal Friday 😊
Good tips! Don’t forget to ask for discounts! I’m a veteran and some restaurants will give me a discount. Senior citizens too!
YESS!!! Great tip! Thank you!!!
Sometimes we are able to get the special at one of our favorite places which has 2 meals and an appetizer for $20 or $25.
It works for us. Also it's usually lunch if we go out. We've cut eating out to about 1/4 of what we used to do
Fun video! I almost always go out for breakfast or lunch ... and do pretty much everything you recommended. Especially don't cheap out on the tip!
I love your ideas! Also, I’m going to Maine in a couple months! Hoping to meet you (even if it’s kind of unlikely, haha)!
I love this live and disappointed I missed it! My hubby won a basket at an event about a week ago and that had 4 different gift cards (all to the same place), so we are treating ourselves to that place for our anniversary. I did look at the menu online to see how much it would be and I love the idea of going for a lunch (cheaper) and making a day of outings :-) I am soo appreciative of you, Under the Median and the Budgeting Sisters!!
Thank you so much Lyla!!!!!
Love this format! Will try and catch the live next week (just got to convert to UK time). Frugal Friday is my new favourite thing to look forward to. Great tips and so handy because I want to take my Mum out for a birthdays meal over Easter. It’s in the budget (new to this since Jan) and I feel confident now that I can do this without the stress. Thank you so much and have a fab Easter! 🐣
Thank you so much Nia!
We enjoy going out to dinner fairly often. I always get water with lemon, and an entree on the lower end, but always something I really want. I do splurge once in a while, and sometimes I'll have a favorite cocktail with dinner. I budget money for these outings. Tonight we will be going out to dinner with family, and I might have soup and salad that comes with a croissant and a cocktail (and water with lemon always) or I might choose to have more of an entree. It also depends on what I'm feeling I want. I think including entertainment in any budget is crucial. I agree with all of your points. We always check out menus online, especially with new to us restaurants. Family dinners means a lot of sharing. The best part of eating out is being with the people you want to be with, be it just for dessert and coffee, happy hour, breakfast or lunch or a big dinner. I tip according to the service given. Remember, the tip not only goes to your server, but others working in the restaurant too. An easy way to figure the tip is to double the tax, rounding up if needed for easier math. My brother taught me this and it works great. Thanks for sharing, Happy Easter 🥰🌱🌿🌷💐☔💗✝
Thank you so much! HAPPY EASTER!!!
My carbon monoxide battery beeped in the middle of the night. Therefore, I overslept and missed this live. Most of the time if I eat out, it is a mystery shop. I preferred to get paid to eat! :) Shop or not, I use a cash back card and Fetch. Happy Frugal Friday Kate and Ksquad!
OOOh that's AWESOME! Paid to eat! YASSSS!!!
Isn’t that the worst when that battery beeps in the middle of the night ? If you have not seen the Friends episode with Phoebe and the smoke detector you should. Omg. So funny !
WOW Kate! I don’t think you missed even ONE point!! Well done! 👍👏🙋♀️🥰💕‼️
Thank you so much Janet!!!
Hi Kate & K-Squad. Great advice for eating out on a budget without the guilt. 😉👏👏
I love all your video formats. Now I do love it when I can catch a live bit because of the time difference, I’m either at work or asleep 😂😂😂. I always love to catch the replay !!
Thank you so much Heather!
Great way to do the videos by leaving the hello’s to the end.
A few times when it goes on at the start too long I end up missing the video itself.
Great video btw.
TOTALLY! Thanks so much for this feedback Teresa! Thank you so much!
I live in the Buffalo area, fish frys are a thing all year long. They are big enough to share. I always split one with my daughter.
Love this!
Love this format!
Replay crew! Happy weekend Kate! Thank you for the tips!
In Austin, they have eat while watching a movie - expensive. Always get before. I'll order tea, or if there is no tea, hot water with lemon (I always have tea bags with me).
Love it!
Thank you for this topic.
I'm going out to eat tomorrow with 2 spendy friends. I do not intend on spending much but they ate the type who order lots of plates (meze) and everyone tucks in and then split it 3 ways
Soup and bread is a very good idea in this situation for me! I hope they sell soup at the venue!!
I wait until I have enough items to order delivery. I can also order items as I realize I need them and leave them in the app until I meet the order minimum and then I order. This is on the Walmart ap and it's been great.
Your hair looks great Kate
Thank you so much!!!
This is a really good video and it makes you think about why you're really going out to eat and I love the tip about how about just dessert and coffee after all it's about the company it's not so much about the food. I always bring home the leftovers
Thanks so much June Bug!:)
Hi Kate, great tips for eating out ! Thank you !
You are so welcome!
Yes, this definitely worked!! (Not doing all the pre-filming, editing, etc). Great video!!!
Thank you Karla🙏❤️
Hi Kate, I like the just dessert option for Cheesecake Factory. They have really good desserts. When you were in Florida did you have original Key Like Pie there?
Hi Linda!!! No, never really got excited about Key Lime Pie:) But now you have me thinkin:)
Thanks for all the great tips. Enjoy the Easter weekend.
Thank you! You too Diane!
I enjoyed this today, thank you 😊
You are very welcome!
Great video Kate..have a wonderful Easter💖💖💖
Thank you so much Trish! HAPPY EASTER!
Awesome Kate!! You are doing so well and I really am proud of you - glad you got a radio spot too spread the low budget word 😊thanks for the video!!
Thank you so so much NC!
I’ve learned to just do separate checks usually it’s me and my husband all are friends have kids. So this better for us. We use our credit cards and pay in full for the points 😊
I always check a online menu before we go out. We always take leftovers home and love going out for lunch. We tend to take out most dinners.
YASSS!!!
Kate you have so much energy. Love it. I look at the menu before hand plus I usually allocate fun money for the month for me .
THANK YOU! (and love this!)
Where I work a small side of guacamole is $6
Thank You for this video. I always enjoy your videos.
You are so welcome! Thanks for being here!
Love this way! Easier for you and we still get content!!!!
Thank you so much Paula!
Great tips Kate ❤ Happy Easter to you and your family x
My dining out tips:eat something at home before going out to eat so that you’re not as hungry & can order a smaller meal; drink water- this saves anywhere from $3 - $8 depending on what you drink; I take my own gluten free bread or bun instead of paying the up charge that restaurants tack on to these specialty items.
Lunch or coffee and cake never go out for dinner or breakfast
I loved this video and I loved the chat at the end!
Thank you so much Emma!
Great tips! I can only watch lives on friday if i stay up 'til 3:30 am, cause I am on the west coast.
Hi Sue!!!
This format was so much better 😊
Worked for me!! You always do a great job
Thank you so much Kim!
Thanks Kate. Wise advice! Have a wonderful Easter Celebration Kate, Kaden & Family & all of K-Squad. 💗🐦🐇🐣🌷🌼
Thank you! You too Judy!!!
Happy Hours are great if you limit your drinks.
Definitely:)
I love the lives when I can catch them! I just so happen to be off today
Hi Grace!!!!
@@KateKaden Heyyyyy!
Usually buy soup or salad
When I go to a restaurant if it's a larger mean I ask for a to go bo with my meal. I immediately split my meal so I won't be tempted to jusf keep eating. 😂
Love it Jean!
The live time is a little early for me in Arizona.
Eating out is for special occasions. Belong to a meetup group, they schedule something every weekend. That's not in my budget. I'll go to only one outing a month. I do check the menu to see how expensive.
Thanks this is great talking lady I need a total make over so glad i found you ❤️
I'm so so glad you're here!!!!
If it's not in my budget it's not happenning
Recently I was taken out by a friend she had a gift card. We still split salad entree & dessert at an expensive restaurant. Was enough food. We also had a cocktail.
LOVE IT!
Thank you for all your video I am only 900 from being debt free..I am so excited
In this state, places that sell alcohol are "encouraged" to have a certain number of dollars or percentage of sales in food. When you compare the food in many low and mid range range restaurants to a lot of bar food, the food its self is not much different.
For seriously nice restaurants, lunch and brunch are the times to go. But also look for the daily specials. Mid week and before people's paydays are also the time to go. Depending upon the area, there are often fewer customers, both the food and service are better, and sometimes the lunch specials are better in terms of the food served (sometimes prices too). Your clothing or dress requirements are lower than full dinner service time, just dress like you've come from the office or an office appointment.
In this area for the longest time, many of the restaurants' claim to fame came from specific dishes or categories of dishes; say soups, salads, breads, desserts, etc.... Even after they've reached acclaim, often thier less expensive claims to fame remain on the menu; frequently as an appetizer, depending. Picking the restaurant based upon signature dishes and keeping to those can you a cheaper than eksewise experience.
Smaller, independently run cafes can bring better ambience than say a Denney's or similar chain restaurant. They tend to have more from scratch food upto almost everything from scratch. They tend to have a higher standard of excellence (better handling and cooking) and, we prefer to hit them after thier busiest time.
To save on a bar tab, pick a drink you can nurse for upto an hour or few. Often, something "neat" or without ice; or conversely something in an ice slush. A drink with a coffee back can let you nurse the drink and also have the coffee replenished. Sometimes these drinks are more expensive at the onset but if you can nurse the drink for several hours or the entire night its cheaper in the end. We haven't been out much since 2020, and even then it was more sporadic because there were other things we wanted more, but my old standbys were Black or White Russians, no ice, with a coffee back because with coffee refills on the back I could nurse a single drink for the entire night or cocktail hour. Another thing to reduce your bar bill is to accept off branded alcohol. In some cases it makes minimal to no difference, in some cases the less popular brands actually taste better, and in some cases it becomes all the easier to nurse the drink. Named drinks cost more than well drinks but for some the difference is only a piece of garnish. Cuba Libra vs a rum and coke with a lime squeeze is one; speaking of which this is one you can nurse by simply squeezing that lime into the melting ice for some lime water or using it to cover up some poor rum.
I always order the same thing so I know the price ahead of time.
I prefer the content first!
YAY! You got it!
Great content! Frugal simple life! Have a great weekend everyone :)
Thank you so much!
Great tips! ❤
I always lookup menu 1st I gotta know the prices. I ❤ using my Fetch points for restaurant gift cards. When I meet a friend it’s usually breakfast or lunch saves a fair amt😊❤
YASSS Cat!!!
Super helpful video, Kate, thank you so much!!!
Thank you so much Gaelen!
I love the live videos! Plus, there’s always the chance you could respond directly to me! Keep doing this!
💯🎯👍😊❤️. I love to do this BUT my husband doesn't like when I do this👎🙄😒 Thanks for sharing 🤗
Lol I calculate my tip on my phone too at 20%! I love it! But I do it in front of everyone and set the bar 😆