Ways to Save Money on Fast Food

Everyone knows that fast food is generally unhealthy and most folks avoid it whenever they can. That said, there are some occasions where it is simply unavoidable and you have to grab something on the run. If you are going to be eating fast food (just this once….) you might as well save a few bucks while doing so. Eating fast food does not have to be expensive on top of being bad for you. Here are several ways to get out on the cheap:

Check out the dollar menus

Not every fast food joint has one but there is usually some variation of the dollar menu. Find the discount options and make due with what is there. The food is not going to be spectacular, but your belly will get filled and the kids generally love it regardless as long as they get to hit the playground.

Order Individual Items

While the combo meals might sometimes save you cash, they often provide you with more than you actually need. Instead, check to see if it is cheaper to simply order the items you want one by one. This works quite well if you eat lightly when you go to get fast food.

Avoid the drinks for water

The drinks are where you really get a kick in the wallet or purse. A large soda or tea can cost you upwards of $2 bucks a pop and that can add up quickly when you have a few kids. Order water and save a ton right off the bat. Water is generally free and if it is not, I would highly suggest leaving immediately. They don’t deserve your business.

Share entrees

The serving sizes in fast food joints are usually huge considering the fat content, so order up and share! You can really start to save when you order one meal and split it up. Sharing works quite well for kids and some of them are even large enough for adults to do the same.

Skip the overpriced desserts

Sometimes you can grab a cheap dessert or ice cream cone and that is fine, but many of these places offer up expensive lures. This is common with milkshakes and can really cost a fortune. Some places charge more for a milkshake than they do for a meal. Look over the menu carefully and then order accordingly.

Have a snack meal

This is actually kind of fun. This is when you order several individual items and then cut them into small pieces for each person. Everyone gets a little taste of each item and then lets that hold them over until the next meal. This works in some situations and not others, but it can take the edge off your hunger cheaply.

Eating fast food does not mean you have to spend a fortune. Simply be selective about what you order, read the menu and skip the “traps” and you will be just fine.

How do you save when you eat fast food?

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