I am actually working on an article about menu planning. I think that is the best way to save on your groceries. If you plan ahead and know what you will be cooking for a time period it helps to control those impulse purchases. Also, meal rotation is great for saving money. Have a few meals that you family likes and serve those weekly or bi-weekly. Helps control the budget as well as the time in the kitchen. Not sure if you have Aldi in Louisiana, but over here in Georgia Aldi's is the lowest grocery prices on staples like meat, milk, and eggs. Hope that helps. BTW, my brother in law is Cajun and he makes some fantastic Gumbo.