OPINION — As a 25-year-old living in Sydney’s inner suburbs, I find it hard to resist indulging in the things I desire — and it shows in the sorry state of my bank account.
I often make impulsive purchases, convincing myself with the excuse: “Well, I’ve wanted it since this morning!”
And while I am disappointed in myself and my spending habits on a daily basis, it’s that same disappointment that has
driven me to find some more affordable ways (some would even say ‘hacks’) to live outside of my means – and I’m about to share one of my favourites.
Dining out is one of my biggest avoidable expenses.
I know it’s not essential for survival, but I’ve never seriously considered giving it up — sharing meals and drinks is how I connect with people, and I’m not ready to lose that!
However, once I saw just how much I was spending on it, I knew it was time to rethink my approach and find a more budget-friendly way to enjoy it.
It was around the time I had this epiphany that a friend — who, like me, enjoys life’s little luxuries and never says no to a night out — introduced me to the EatClub app.
How I Keep Dining Out Despite a Tight Budget — And the App That Makes It Possible
At first, it seemed almost too good to be true — I was convinced there had to be a catch.
But after giving it a go myself, I can honestly say I have zero complaints.
EatClub is essentially a platform where thousands of restaurants offer discounted deals to diners.
Each venue sets its own discount rate and time slots, and usually notes whether the offer is for dine-in or takeaway, and if drinks are included.
Sure, there are a few conditions, but thanks to the app’s filtered search feature, finding exactly what you want is surprisingly simple.
Why I Refuse to Give Up Eating Out — Even When Money’s Tight
But that’s not even the highlight.
Sure, scoring 35% off dinner and drinks is amazing — who wouldn’t love that? — but the real game-changer is the EatClub card you can add to your Apple Wallet.
As a Gen Z-er, social anxiety kind of comes with the territory. Growing up chatting online more than face-to-face, it’s just how we’re wired — so anything that makes interactions smoother is a win in my book.
What truly sealed the deal for me with EatClub was the fact that I never have to announce I’m using a discount — it’s automatically applied when I tap to pay.
All you need to do is tap your EatClub card, which links to your bank card, and the discount is instantly applied — no awkward moments or having to admit to the person at the counter that full price just isn’t in the budget.
(I fully understand that not being able to afford a full-priced restaurant meal isn’t something to be embarrassed about — especially in today’s cost of living crisis — but try telling that to my social anxiety.)
The only real drawback of the app is that I can’t just choose any restaurant I feel like and expect a discount — I’m limited to the ones offering deals at the time and place I want to eat.
That said, the upside is pretty great: it’s pushed me to discover new spots I likely never would’ve tried otherwise.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice.
It has been prepared without considering your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any of the information, you should assess whether it’s appropriate for your personal circumstances.
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