When you’re on a budget, it's temptingh to cut down on life's simple pleasures such eating out. But if you're a savvy saver, you don't need to. There are a couple ways to get around the need to tighten the belt and keep enjoying food that you don't have to cook yourself:
1. Invitations
Don't be such a snob who doesn't need to socialise with people who invite you out for lunch or dinner. Happily take anyh invitation you get for eating out as an opportunity to widen your social expertise and reward them with your delightful company. Only drawback is that youcan't eat to your heart's contents lest you be ostricised for stretching the tab beyond socially acceptable limits and no longer be invited to eat out. Avoid guzzling down and eat a notch or two below acceptable standards.
2. Let the Boss Take You to Lunch
Apart from being labelled a bootlicker, there's nothing quite like being with the big man talking shop with him and impressing him with your social savviness. Again, be mindful of how much you gulp and try not to appear like you're starving, even if you are. Behaving like you're used to navigating posh environments like a fine restaurant gives the impression that you frequent these haunts often, and your boss will positively recall the experience when considering someone for a higher position. Just don't come off like a glutton.
3. Watch Out for Leftovers
Get in the habit of lurking around food courts and any venue that features other people having a meal. When you catch sight of a table that is just being vacated, get over there before it's cleared and check for any morsel that could be of use to your tasting buds. It goes without saying that you should be careful of who was just handling the food as there is risk that germs may on it. Keep an eye out for everyone who is health-looking enough that you don't risk coming down with some weird disease for 'cleaning' after them.
4. Fill in the Survey on the Receipt
Okay, so this requires that you actually fork the necessary amount of money to pay for a real meal. But check before shouldering the expense that the restaurant you're eating at offers this program. Take the receipt, go to the restaurant's website and fill in the form with the information on your receipt to get a free extra meal. Some eateries have online surveys that f you fill in accordinglu, issue some certificate that is also redeemable of some kind of freebie.
5. Sign Up for Restaurant Promotions
Become a coupon hunter and use them extensively. After a while, you will no longer feel an ounce of guilt and will acquire a fine taste in a variety of foods and beverages.
6. Hit Local Happy Hours and Score some new friends
If you have a real razor sharp wit, are fun and outgoing, like making new friends and are unafraid of talking to strangers, you can actually cold approach a set having a whale of a time at a local happy hour and make yourself acquainted with the group. If they enjoy your company, you may have an appetiser or a small plate paid for by one of your new friends.
It's possible to nosh on wings, pizza and sandwiches, besides pleasantly whiling away the time with neat company.
7. Use Social Media Apps
If you own a smartphone, you can install a batch of apps that allow owners to offer specials for first-time walk-ins. It's usually a strategy intended to make people become regular customers. You just need to use the special offered once to fulfill your goal.
8. Volunteer at a Catered Event or Fundraiser
Feeding a large crowd is almost a sure-fire way to get something to eat in return. It's unlikely that there will be nothing left since the sponsors are usually more concerned about feeding everyone to excess lest there is a food shortage with people still on the queue waiting to be served. Wait long enough for your turn to eat.
9. Work at a Restaurant
They often provide meals to employees. You can also take a few bites if you work handling food.
10. Book a Hotel With Free Breakfast
When on holidays, try a hotel that offers free breakfast. Bonus points if the breakfast service includes an all you can eat buffet as you can feed yourself enough to last you a whole day without having to pay to eat anything else.
11. Get a free 30 day Tastecard
These offer 50% off dining/buy one get one free meals.It's unlikely you will ever find one that covers the full price. Still, you can take one and use it for as long as possible before its trial period is up.
12. Find Events With Free Refreshment
Look out for events like lectures or seminars where free eats is offered to guests.
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