Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
StitcherDo you know what’s the secret to a flavorful meal or the perfect snack and drink? Getting it for a price that feels like a total steal! We’re talking free, low-cost, and guilt-free restaurant and takeout deals. In this episode, Jen and Jill share their favorite apps and tips for scoring awesome food that other people made at even better prices!
Hit two birds with one stone. Go local and ensure your food is locally produced.
Sponsors:
- Mobile Optimized Spending Planner. This spreadsheet will help you plan your spending every month with monthly spreadsheets, an annual tracking dashboard, opportunity cost calculator, and everything you need to spend smarter this year. The best part is it’s designed for mobile so you can track your transactions easily on the go with our planner in the google sheets app. Head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/planner and use code MAY50 to get 50% off the Spending Planner through May 31st.
Check out some relevant episodes
How to Get FREE Restaurant and Takeout Food
Jen recommends Mystery Shopping to score free meals while providing feedback for companies. Companies like MarketForce, BestMark, Coyle Hospitality, SecretShopper.com, and The Brandt Group all offer paid opportunities.
These services are free to join, and you can earn reimbursement within a few weeks, sometimes even faster. But they suggest keeping things organized by noting details like employee names and cleanliness. Some apps let you claim same-day or next-day shops for quicker rewards.
Low Cost Ways to Get Food Like It’s A Steal
If you’re looking for low-cost dining options, there are a few gems you should know about. First, there’s Too Good to Go that lets you buy leftover food from local eateries at a lower price, though it might be close to expiration, it’s still a good deal.
Then there’s Flashfood which offers up to 50% off on groceries, including pre-made foods like sandwiches and salads. Foodhero also provides discounts on fresh food close to its expiration date. If you have a Costco membership, you can score great deals, including their famous hot dogs.
Get a Good Deal on a Good Food
With Seated, you can book a table through the app, enjoy your meal, and upload your receipt to get up to 30% back in gift cards, like Amazon or Starbucks. Offline is a subscription-based dining club that costs $15 a month and gives you $10–$30 off your bill at two restaurants each month.
For deals, Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on meals, while Yelp Deals lets you find local restaurant offers. Restaurant.com offers $25 restaurant gift certificates for as low as $2, though be mindful of the fine print but usually a minimum spend is required.
Your Fulfilling Food Choices
Jen and Jill reassure us that it’s okay to indulge in great food outside, especially when it’s done with intention. To enjoy it guilt-free, start by supporting local restaurants. If a sit-down meal is too expensive, they suggest trying fast casual spots in your area.
Jill also recommends opting for breakfast or lunch dates instead of dinner, as they are often more affordable. Many local restaurants offer early or late-night happy-hour specials, so be sure to keep an eye out for those deals. Another cost-saving tip is to split the bill. This helps reduce individual costs while allowing you to enjoy a variety of dishes.
When do you eat at restaurants or order delivery/take out?
Jill eats out at least one time every weekend, but it’s always in the plan. Jen eats one once or twice a week.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Abby for sharing your bill about getting 2 pairs of glasses for $225 instead of 1 pair for about that much! AND THANK YOU FOR ORDERING OUR BOOK!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:
✰✰✰✰✰
I have been listening to Jen and Jill on the frugal friends podcast for a couple years now, and every time I listen, I feel as if I’m just sitting down and chatting with friends. No judgement, kindness, and so fun. I have tried several approaches to finances over the years, and it wasn’t until I came across these awesome ladies that I felt like I was finally figuring it out.
As a real life person who struggles to stick to financial plans that don’t feel like they are practical to attain, the concept they introduced of the “radical middle” was awesome. I have a husband, pets, and kids and learning to tailor a budget and goals that still allow me to live and make mistakes was a game changer to actually staying on track.
And THEN, these lovely ladies dropped a book. It was amazing. I loved that it felt just like tuning into the podcast, like I was chatting with my friends. It was so fun to read, and the personal touches and stories are what makes it enjoyable, and relatable. I loved that they approach finances as something that relates to the heart instead of just cold hard facts.
Facts and numbers are part of my financial picture, but incorporating a new viewpoint that has taught me to focus on what I love, and my dream has just added a whole new level to my financial understanding and journey. I am so grateful for these ladies who really get it, and understand that finances are so much more than numbers. I absolutely loved this book, and would highly recommend it to any of my friends, whether they are frugal or not!
If you want to check out our monthly challenge community head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/club to see what challenge we have coming up next.
Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to reviews@frugalfriendspodcast.com. And don’t forget to share your favorite quote from the episode by using the hashtag #FrugalFriendsNote. 😉
