When it comes to gender, men and women almost equally report wasting their hard earned dollars at restaurants: 68 percent versus 69 percent, respectively.

However more men than women burn too much cash on alcohol and drinking: 29 percent versus 21 percent.

Chart breaking down wasted money by income bracket.

The survey also found that residents of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi waste money eating out the most, at nearly 77 percent.

On the other end of the spectrum, only about 63 percent of New Englanders admit to wasteful restaurant spending.

What’s more, of all the food related foibles, the only thing respondents are willing to cut back on is dining out and alcohol (not groceries or expired and uneaten food).

That’s a good place to start. Eating just one fewer meal out per week could save you $600 per year, Hloom says. And ordering one fewer beer per week could save you $300 per year.

Cutting down your spending in small ways can lead to big savings over time.

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