Today on MyMoneyLife with Chuck Bentley

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve been eating out a lot less since the recession began.  Odds are you’ve been saving quite a bit of money, as well.

Now, it’s no secret that the restaurant business has suffered during the last couple of years, but according to Forbes.com, it’s poised for a comeback.

The results of a recent industry survey show 12% of all peope are planning on eating out more often in the months ahead.

Now that may not seem like a lot to you, but in a struggling restaurant industry, that’s a pretty big number.

Now, I’m glad that one part of the economy may be climbing out of the recession, but I hope it’s not at the expense of the family budget.

So, here are 3 ways to eat out without going broke:

1. If the restaurant permits, share a single entre and a salad with your spouse or a friend.  And really, with today’s enormous portion sizes, that’s probably enough food, anyway.



2. Always check out the daily special.  It’s often less expensive than any other meal option and it may help you break a habit of simply buying whatever you want.



3. Look for “early bird” specials, usually offered from 4:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon.  If that’s too early for you, ask for a carryout box and take home part of the meal to eat later.

Maybe the most important thing to remember about eating out is to make sure you budget for it.  You’ll enjoy the experience a lot more, and it won’t break the family bank.

Now, at MoneyLife, we want to help you manage your money wisely—that’s God’s way. I hope you’ll take a few moments and visit us online at Crown.org.

Steps to Making a Budget

In making a budget, there are several steps, each requiring individual effort.
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Need for a Spending Plan

Without a spending plan, it is impossible to know where your money goes each month and whether you will have available funds for the things you need.

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Budget Busters

Budget busters are areas that can result in financial disaster if not accounted for properly.

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Finding Financial Freedom

The Lord owns everything and we are merely stewards of what is His. He has clear ideas on how He wants His people to function as His stewards.

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Other Resources:

• ABCs of Money Package
• Career Direct
• God's Principles for Operating a Business
• Business By the Book
• Crown Mvelopes