HOW TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR

SIX WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR DINING-OUT DOLLARS:

An easy way to save money is to make dinner at home instead of eating out. But that doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of going out altogether. Here are six ways to save money at restaurants so you can go out more often . . .

#1.) DO LUNCH, NOT DINNER. The menu is a lot cheaper. And you don't always have to order a sandwich. A lot of restaurants offer an abbreviated version of their dinner menu. And you can save as much as 50 percent on entrées.

#2.) SKIP THE EXTRAS. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts have a much higher markup than entrées do. And they can easily double the price of your dinner. Plus, entrees at most restaurants these days are ENORMOUS. So you don't really need extra food.

#3.) LEARN TO SHARE. Since the portions are so big, try SHARING an entrée. If that's not enough food, share an appetizer or a dessert too. You'll still save money.

#4.) GET IT TO GO. It's not REALLY going out to eat, but at least you don't have to MAKE dinner. You don't have to tip anyone, and you can open a bottle of wine or crack a beer for half the price.

#5.) FIND PLACES WHERE KIDS EAT FREE. A lot of chain restaurants offer a free kids meal when you buy an entrée. To find the restaurants in your area that offer kids deals, check out MyKidsEatFree.com.

#6.) EAT ETHNIC. Small, ethnic restaurants have lower prices than major chains. So instead of going to P.F. Chang's or The Olive Garden, take a chance on a local eatery. (Investopedia.com)