5 restaurant hacks that will save you money

Given concerns about inflation, the stock market and the fact that the big holiday gift season is fast approaching, most consumers are eager to save money especially when dining out as restaurant visits are traditionally curtailed when money gets tight.

But honestly, who doesn't want to save money when there's an opportunity even when the economy is robust and the gift giving list is too bad.

When it comes to saving on dining out there are five restaurant hacks that can help and none take more than a few moments of time and can reap some substantial savings.

No. 1 restaurant hack: Get the app

The very first step for those wanting to save money when dining out is to download a restaurant's app and sign up for the loyalty program and any alert options for specials, coupons, discounts and surprise rewards.

Nearly every restaurant has an app for both Google and Apple smartphone users and it typically takes less than three minutes to download, sign up and set up alerts. If you're just starting out with restaurant app downloads you may want to create a special email address so you have an easy way to scan and find restaurant coupons, discounts and freebies without having to scroll endlessly through a work or personal email account.

For quick access to a list of restaurant programs with loyalty programs via the app check out RewardsThatMatter.com.

No. 2 restaurant hack: Check out your loyalty rewards

After downloading a restaurant's app another restaurant saving hack is to keep an eye on whatever loyalty program is offered by the restaurant. It's important to consistently review loyalty program points as some programs do have an expiration date and many expire after one year. You don't want to lose out on a discount or freebie, especially at restaurants you visit frequently. Loyalty rewards can pay off big time for patrons who are frequent diners as restaurants are all about rewarding those fans.

For example, rewards at Arby's can almost constitute a free meal. The Arby's loyalty program starts with signup as members get 25% off their next order after enrollment. Members get any size fry, curly or crinkled, for $1, as well as new offers each month. Members also get a peek at new menu items before nonmembers and a few surprises during the year. When members buy a deluxe or big cheesy bacon burger, they can get any size fountain drink for free.

Most times loyalty rewards program are points based, but some others aren't including The Cheesecake Factory rewards program. Members need to remember to tell a server, when dining at a location, that they are a member as they can be surprised with rewards. The rewards program offers access to reservations, as well as complimentary slices of cheesecake as well as "delight" rewards. New members get a free cheesecake slick for signing up.

No. 3 restaurant hack: It's your birthday!

Every restaurant typically loves to celebrate birthdays after you've downloaded the brand's app and signed up for the loyalty program make sure you provide any info regarding a birth date as most restaurants congratulate you on your birthday with a freebie or discount. App and loyalty program signup also brings a freebie the birthday one is typically more substantial.

Then just set a calendar or alert reminder to take advantage when the big day comes. Some restaurants go big — a free meal or a big discount on a meal so it's definitely a big hack that can save you big money.

At Taco Bell your special day is rewarded with a free regular Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze and there's the option of a free cheesecake slice if you visit Cheesecake Factory on the big day.

No. 4 restaurant hack: Go for the BOGO

Subway is likely one of the most known brands for offering the infamous buy-one, get-one deal on a consistent basis.

Yet often it's only through app alerts a fan will learn about the BOGO offer so next time you're sitting somewhere waiting on an appointment or a bus or a train or a kid taking a karate lesson, take a few minutes and scan your restaurant apps on a weekly basis so you won't miss the latest BOGO deal at your favorite restaurant.

No. 5 restaurant hack: Ask for a discount or coupon

When visiting in-store at your favorite restaurant make sure to do one thing before you even place the drink order and meal order: Ask if there are any special discounts or offers for app users and loyalty members.

This can sometimes bring an unexpected benefit — there may be a secret special or discount just for those who ask the simple question. It also lets the server, and the management, know you're a loyal fan as you took time to download the app and sign up for the rewards program and restaurants always want to show their thanks for such an effort.

Also as you enter the restaurant and sit at a table look around for any advertised secret coupons or specials as restaurants sometimes run discount offers and savings in the restaurant and may not have publicized it via the app.