If you're used to an expensive cut of meat such as boneless chicken breasts or sirloin steaks, branch out and try new things with your cooking. Cooking techniques such as braising in a crockpot can transform cheaper cuts of meat, like pork shoulder and beef brisket, into culinary masterpieces that can be eaten for multiple meals. You can save money by learning how to bone your own chickens or cook chicken on the bone.

And try to master cooking with a variety of vegetables and fruits. If you can use what's in season to make your favorite recipes, you can save money on produce over time. Fruits and vegetables in season can be discounted by 10 percent to 50 percent from the out-of-season price, according to an informal survey of sale circulars at major supermarkets.