a few more basic savings tips

Here's just a few more tips I use
*Look at your family schedule for the week or for the next 2 weeks if that's how often you go shopping and plan easy meals for those nights like crock pot meals or prepared entrees. If you don't have much time pizza is also quick and easy just get a premade crust add jarred sauce and cheese plus whatever toppings you like and in 5 min you have made a quick meal and it usually only has to bake another 10 which is enough time to check gear bags before the game or even just get everyone together.
*When making casseroles/ soups/or chili make 2-3 times what you normally make and freeze the leftovers as soon as it is cool or even just make a casserole in another pan for a reheat night. We did this for a week and didn't have to cook again the next week but you can just put 2-3 away a week and when you have a busy night just throw one in the oven or soup/chili in the microwave. This also works great for summer nights when you don't want to heat your house by cooking just use the microwave.
*Go for a little help and buy steam bags of veggies they cook right every time and they are super quick so even kids can help. My almost 4 year old will open the microwave and throw the bag in and push the preset button and she has helped with dinner. The added cost is nothing when you think of adding that to crockpot chicken for a meal at home versus eating takeout or even fast food
* Splurge every once in a while. Buy nice steaks or seafood because even if it seems expensive you can usually see you spend the same to feed a family of four a steak dinner in that it would be for 1-2 people to eat the same dinner out.
* frequent farm stands when you can. Usually they are cheaper and they are almost always better for you and they are better for the environment. Keeping the food local means less gas, less refrigeration, and fresher food.