Eat out for a LOT less.

It's almost always more affordable to eat at home, but you can save on eating out too! We live in a semi-rural area, so we eat at home a lot of the time. Hubby's job requires him to stay at work even on his lunch break, so he brings something from home.

Still, it's nice to go out once in a while, isn't it?

I think so too.

Today, Little Bit and I went to Chik-Fil-A. I had a sandwich and a medium soda, she had an 8 piece kids meal, and the total was $1.53. See, today was Cow Appreciation Day, complete with free food for everyone who dressed up like....yep....a cow. They provided printouts on their website, so it was super-easy, and really fun (especially for Little Bit!)

(Apologies - because it was super-errand-day, I forgot to take the camera along.)

Maybe you don't want to put on your cow suit for free food. No problem! Tomorrow, 7-11 is giving away slurpees. Right now, Arby's has a coupon for a free Roast Burger if you buy a drink...even if you buy a small one. These are just examples - there are deals like this all the time. Some restaurants have 'clubs' that you join and then you get coupons for free food. Many of them will email you a coupon for free food on or around your birthday.

Also, check out discount nights or 'kids eat free' nights to save on the restaurant bill.

For sit-down stuff, check local coupon books for discounts, or go to sites like restaurants.com for discount cards. You can save big.

There are strategies to help you save on meals out too. At sit-down establishments, lunch is generally more affordable than dinner. If you skip the appetizers, drink water, and resist dessert, you can cut the bill in half! Couple that with a discount card or coupon and you don't have to break the bank to go out once in a while.

How do you save money on going out? Leave a comment here with you strategies!