7 Brilliant Hacks To Help You Save Money On Your Next McDonald’s Order
We all have those days when we just need a quick meal that won't break the bank. With prices always rising, it can be frustrating to see how much your favorite combo costs at the golden arches these days. It's easy to feel like the value menu is a thing of the past.
However, with a bit of strategy, you can still enjoy your favorite treats without overspending.
The "like a Mac" hack
The Big Mac is iconic, but it's definitely one of the more expensive options on the menu. You can get almost the exact same flavor by ordering a double cheeseburger and asking to make it "like a Mac."
This usually means adding lettuce and big mac sauce while skipping the ketchup and mustard. You lose the middle bun, but you save a few dollars in the process.
Take advantage of the survey reward
Next time you get a receipt, don't just crumble it up and throw it away. There is almost always a survey link on the back that takes about two minutes to complete.
Doing this usually gives you a code for a buy one get one free sandwich on your next visit. It's a high return for such a tiny amount of your time.
Skip the combo
Ordering a combo is many people's go-to, but it's not always the best deal. Sometimes ordering a couple of items off the smaller menu or skipping the drink is a better option.
If you don't need the large soda, you might find that buying individual sandwiches saves you a surprising amount of money.
Download the app
If you're not using the official app, you're essentially paying a convenience tax. I used to be skeptical about adding more apps to my phone, but the savings here are too big to ignore.
There are almost always coupons for free or discounted items. It takes a second to set up, but the rewards points add up quickly to earn you entirely free meals later on.
Share a large fry
The price difference between a medium and a large fry is often just a few cents, but the portion size is significantly bigger. If you're eating with a friend or your kids, it's much cheaper to buy one large fry to share than multiple smaller ones.
At some locations in the U.S., your can even order a basket of fries, which is a much larger portion that can feed multiple people.
Opt for a happy meal
If you're not starving, don't be afraid to order a happy meal for yourself. It's actually a very balanced portion that includes a small fry, a drink, and even a side of fruit.
It's often much cheaper than a standard adult meal and satisfies that craving without leaving you feeling sluggish later. Plus, who wouldn't want a meal that comes with a little toy?
The McDouble difference
When you're looking for a burger with two patties, you might naturally reach for the double cheeseburger. However, if you look closely at the menu, the McDouble is usually the cheaper option.
The only real difference is that the McDouble has one slice of cheese instead of two. Most of the time, you won't even notice that missing slice once you start eating.
It feels good to find little wins in our daily routines, especially when everything else seems to be getting more expensive.
Taking care of your budget is a great way to reduce stress in the long run. I hope these tips help you treat yourself without any of the usual financial guilt.