Sometimes, eating out can be less expensive than eating in and a lot more fun (but be very careful, because in the long haul eating out on a consistent basis will cost you quite a bit of money and, a much larger waistline). In order to get the most value for your dining experience, buy coupon books from a school and help them make money while you save!

These coupon books are a dream value for saving money. Two for one dinners and entertainment. If you don't know any kids who are selling them, you can also buy The Entertainment Coupon Book . The $10 – $20 you pay for them will return back to you with only a few coupons.

Find a restaurant chain in your area that allows children to eat free during certain nights. Take advantage of those deals. Bring their friends for more fun! Check out the early bird and lunch specials as well as happy hour for half-priced entrees and hours devours.

Another great tip: Try eating out during lunch. Eating at a restaurant during lunch can be a lot less expensive for the same items than during the dinner hour. Most restaurants use “lunch specials” to draw in customers during a normally slow lunch period.

Some of the finest restaurants have early bird specials that will cost you 2/3 less than ordering during prime time. Many restaurants offer salad or soup, an entrée that includes two vegetables, desert and soda, coffee or tea for one small price. Look for combination meals, rather than ordering al la carte.

A recent five star restaurant we ate in, Pittsburgh, PA offered an incredible deal. For $16, each member of our party had the best meal they had ever eaten. I had the most flavorful, tender steak (12 oz), a large salad (the size of a dinner plate and stacked high), water (although I had my choice of beverages), an incredible rice pilaf and a heaping portion of asparagus and fresh homemade (real) key lime pie all for $16.29 (not including tip of course).

While bringing home a doggy bag may not be your idea of a good taste, you are wasting a lot of money by throwing your meal away, when you could have a great meal the next day as well. If you are reticent about bringing home leftovers, why not ask the restaurant if they serve half portions for less money?

Many restaurants will have a marked down half meal that is not on the menu. If they don’t and you have a friend with you, why not split the meal and the ticket price? You will need to ask the restaurant if there is an extra charge to split a meal. If there is, you may not want to go this route. However, if there isn’t an extra charge, ask for an extra plate so you can split the meal up.

Enjoying a meal now and again at a restaurant with your family or just by yourself can be enjoyable when you learn to save money and pay yourself by doing so.

Jaci Rae is known as The Queen of More Green. For more advice and money saving tips, please go too: The Queen of Green or Shop For A Day where you will also find free gifts from Procter and Gamble.