While dining out regularly can be costly, it doesn’t have to be. Look for savings in your dining out budget with these tips:

Let’s do Lunch. Try a new restaurant for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus are often smaller, less expensive versions of the dinner menus. Going for dinner? Order an appetizer instead of a main course. The portions are smaller, and so is the price.

Click and Save. Look for coupons online. Discount coupon sites offer great savings on restaurants. (But remember to tip your server on the full amount.)

Advance Notice. Check the menu in advance. It’s easier to make your decision while you have plenty of time, without the growling stomach, tempting smells and busy server. This is a great way to save calories too.

Cash Reserve. Make a reservation instead of waiting in the bar. You won’t be tempted to buy appetizers or drinks while you wait.

Add it Up. Servers are trained to up-sell, even after you’ve made your budget-conscious decision. Mushrooms on your steak? Cheese on your potato? And everyone knows the old stand-by: “Would you like fries with that?”

Water Please. Beverages add a considerable amount, even double, to your bill. A fountain soda can add $2, while a glass of wine can be $6 and up, even for a bottle you can buy for under $10 in the store. If you are with a group, split a bottle of wine with your table. You’ll pay less per glass.

Just Desserts. While you’re sharing, consider splitting dessert as well. Ordering a cup of coffee for dessert is another option.

Tightening your belt doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night out now and then. Have any more tips to share? How have you saved money on dining out?

Money in the Bank

Wisconsin’s 4th annual Money Smart Week kicks off October 10 and runs through October 17, 2009. All week, communities around the state will host activities to educate consumers on how to better manage personal finances.

Hundreds of organizations including banks, schools, colleges and libraries are offering approximately 500 free educational classes and seminars. They’ll cover topics such as easy ways to save money, travel tips for traveling on a budget, basic financial planning and budgeting tools. See Money Smart Wisconsin for classes and events in your area.

These money saving tips come at a crucial time as you work to beat the financial squeeze. Smart shopping strategies to stretch your dollar include using money saving coupons and gift certificates when you make purchases.

Here at RTownShopper.com, we’re helping families save money with hundreds of discount gift certificates to restaurants and businesses. Traveling? We’ve got travel discounts for 19 cities in Wisconsin. That means more money left in the piggy bank for you. That’s smart money, and it makes good sense too.

Have you attended any Money Smart Week events? Learn any great tips? Share them in the comments!