Save Money - Learn to Cook!

By Nancy Kraska


The economy is not only a concern for the working family but for retirees also. As a retiree our income has to stretch for a month as opposed to every two weeks getting paid. This has taken some creative ways to shop for groceries. Buying food for a month is a challenge!


We still manage to eat out at least once a month, rather than once a week. By filling our pantry with basic ingredients and eating in we save money. It would be easier to eat out more, but it would not be saving money. By learning to manage our money better out of necessity, we are eating healthier and learning to cook other foods.


When our family was young we sat down every night at the table to eat our dinner with our children. As they got older and their activities kept us hoping we started eating out more. Our schedules were hectic; our time limited so eating out seemed like a good option. Of course, we were not on a fixed income. When I think of the money we could have saved just by fixing dinner in the morning in a crockpot, or the day before and reheating it, it makes me cry. I have figured over a period of a year of eating out at fast food, I could have easily saved $10,000 a year times that by 30 years! That is a lot of change!


My husband and I both cook, taught by our mothers and grandmothers so we know that cooking is a lot more than opening a can and putting it in the microwave. We both love to cook, which is a plus. But we know that others feel inadequate when it comes to cooking and because they feel this way it keeps them from learning how to cook from scratch, rather than a can or box. Cooking is very relaxing and very rewarding. Following a recipe is not hard, start with a simple one and as you become more confident with the kitchen and ingredients find your own recipes. Don't be afraid to try new things, after all if no one likes it, you don't have to cook it again.


If you don't have any experience in the kitchen then ask a neighbor or friend for help. People love to talk food and how it is prepared. Most people will be glad to help and show you how to make their favorite recipes.


Cooking classes is another option. Many of our community colleges and high schools will teach cooking. Look into it and don't be afraid to ask questions. We all started somewhere.


By cooking at home not only do you save money, but also you will now know what goes into your body and that of your families. There are a lot of additives to processed food that you are taking out of a can or package. Most canned food for instance has a lot of sodium in it, which if you or a loved one has high blood pressure is not good. Fresh is better!


Nancy has been involved with Internet marketing since September 2000. Her favorite hobby is cooking and she loves to share her recipes with others. Visit her cooking site at http://www.simply-cookbooks.com
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