eating out

Everybody knows the basic rules for saving money on food. Don't eat out. Ditch the steaks in favor of ground beef. Stick to staples. But a recent USDA report shows that, in 2011, some classic money-saving guidelines proved useless as food prices went through the roof.

Joe did right by his mother in her declining years, but half a decade of expensive care for her has left the 53-year-old in a financially precarious position. Money and Happiness columnist Laura Rowley offers him a step-by-step plan to get out of debt and back on track for his own retirement.

Since the economy went bland, Americans have been trying to spice things up at home, and they're pouring on a lot of sauce to do it. Sales of cooking sauces have risen 20% between 2005 and 2010, according to a new report from market research firm Mintel.

Eat a tasty meal at your favorite restaurant for between 25%-40% off when you pre-buy part of the meal at Restaurant.com. The way the site works is that you buy a $25 gift certificate for $2 (they normally sell for $10) using coupon code DINE, then redeem it when you go to eat. The card knocks $25...

On the heels of the last 80% coupon code for Restaurant.com is a new 80% off coupon that is good through Dec. 25, 2010. Use coupon code HOLIDAY to get $25 gift certificates for $2. (They normally sell for $10). These make great gifts for a few reasons. You can buy them super last-minute because...

It's no fun to give up eating at restaurants just because of a sloppy economy - and you don't have to. I lay bare all my secrets to eat out on a budget in this video. Bon appetit!

Wahoo! The 80% off deals are back at Restaurant.com starting today through Monday July 12, 2010. Use coupon code FUN to get a $25 restaurant gift certificate, which normally sell for $10, for just $2. These certs have some exclusions but generally lower your restaurant tab by 30%-40%. Hundreds of...

We insist upon discounts for groceries, hotels, gifts, and just about everything else we buy. But what about eating out? How can you save when you're on the business end of a napkin? Let's round up some of the primary methods and compare them.

While visiting a friend in Los Angeles last month, I got roped into taking a cooking class. "C'mon, it'll be a nice change from going to a restaurant," my friend Laurie told me. Afterward, I agreed she was right. And I have to add that not only is attending a cooking class a fun alternative to...

Along with happy meals, fast food giant McDonald's is now offering a musical play area to lure hungry kids and their parents in for a bite. The play areas designed by Playtime Musical PlayPlace systems have over-sized keyboards, climbers, instruments and musical maps that incorporate activities...