Waste not,Want not.

[carol b]

This old adagy applies to most things. I mean like if you just throw you pennies away you are wasting money right. If you were to throw them into a container sooner or later you will have enough to turn in. From cents comes dollars.

Using this sort of common sense when cooking can save you a bundle. I love to cook but am often frustrated when no one shows up to eat.

Leftovers go in the fridge for a day or two and then into smaller containers to be used later.

Date them so you have an idea of when to use them. Many items can be used as additions to soups or as side dishes for other meals. I have used leftover taco meat in spaghetti sauce. It gives it a little kick and I don't have to use fresh meat. Saved a couple dollars on that meal.

Try it out and see what ideas you can come up with. Meals can get costly now a days and every little bit that you save is that much you don't have to spend later.

[moneysense]

I freeze leftover foods for use later and could make a complete meal right down to the soup. All I need to do is add a salad and the drinks of choice to the meal and believe me being able to do this is just great when you are hard pressed for time or when friends and family stop in unexpectedly.

You would be surprised how much money you can save by freezing leftovers and how much time too.

[carol b]

I gave my son some meat and stuff that I had in the freezer. I buy larger packages and then seperate into smaller.

He was quite happy especially when I gave him some bacon and then some ham that was leftover from the holiday's.

He was like cool,beans,crockpot,yum supper. I love it when my frugal nature gives someone a meal.

[moneysense]

There are 7 children in our family, and every spring and fall I clean out my freezer of stuff that is still good but hasnt been used and give it to which ever child is here at the time.

This way, the food doesnt have to be thrown away, which is something I hate to have to do. And most times I have several bags of freezer food that goes home with someone.

I also do this with my canned and boxed foods just to make sure it gets used by the expiration date. Plus, this helps out our kids. And thats a great feeling.

[centsgirl]

I never throw any food away, if no one in my house eats it, or wants what is left I will give it to someone in need so I did not waste, and also helped someone out.