By watching the sales, and "grocer specials", I often buy meats that are 1/3 the usual price.
I LOVE my vac seal. Just as soon as we get back from the store, I break down any meats into meal/cook sized portions, and pop them into the freezer.
Many large home cooked meals are appropriate for freezing into "future meals".
Cook dry beans for your recipes instead of using canned beans. Planning ahead, pre-soaking, and using a crock pot takes most of the effort out of this practice. If you'll not be using a whole # of dry beans in a recipe, freeze the extras. Cook extra rice, and freeze the rest. Cooked pasta does not freeze well IME.
Every time I opt to make a pizza instead of buying it: I can LOAD it with all of our favorite toppings. We save at least $15.00 when comparing fantastic home made pizza with multiple toppings to the price of our favorite pizzeria 3 topping pizza.
Going out to eat: share an entree with your dinner partner. Or when your meal is served, immediately cut it in half, and package the second portion to bring home. Clip and use coupons. Take advantage of pre-Christmas gift cards. Usually, there is a $10.00 bonus card for every $50.00 card bought. We buy a couple cards at our favorite restaurants for our own use. Fill up on salad bar, and bring most of your entree home. Opt for water with lemon instead of a menu drink. Ask if there is a senior citizen discount. Many restaurants have Veteran's discounts.
Buy bakery products from "day old" shops and cut your bill by 75%. The products are usually just as fresh as what you find at the grocer. I can get a package of free english muffins every time I spend $5.00! There's also Senior cit. day for an extra 10% savings.
