Life can be hard without money, that's why we need to save.

What's your Engel's coefficient? Lower it with home cooking! (and it's fun to do!!)

Engel's coefficient is an economical term (proportion of income that goes into food) and it measures your household economics. I think you can tell how your economy is by the proportion of income that goes to housing, but that's another story.

If you spend for example $500 a month on food and your are earning $2000 a month, your Engel's coefficient is 25%. Usually, it's lower the wealthier you are.

Your expense on food could be the most controllable, but you need to eat well to maintain your health. (Healthcare is ridiculously expensive!!) Needless to say, making your meals at home is good for both your economy and your health, as long as you choose the right thing to prepare.

1)What's your cooking level?

I'm amazed in America, that some people don't cook at all. If you are one of them, start from "Rice Roni" or "Mac & Cheese" with defrosted frozen veggies and some meat from the deli. There are dozens of easy recipes that any novice can cook, just look for the cook-books with "easy" or "fast" in the title.

2)Do you know when the ads from your nearby supermarket come?

It's on Tuesday in my area, the ads for Von's, Ralph's, & Food 4 Less comes in my mail. You know what's on sale so that you can put together your shopping list.

3)Plan ahead what you'll cook for the next week or so.

As you are experienced in cooking, just looking through the ads makes you think about what you can prepare. Planning ahead works in all kinds of things, and cooking for less is definitely one of them.

4)Cooking is fun!

I like watching Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. She's fun, uplifting, and of course the recipes are great especially if you are having somebody over! Try some of her recipes and have a dinner party! I bet your friends & family will be impressed by your hospitality and that will encourage you. Be sure keep that bottle of wine from your guest and open one (or two, or three) you already have.

5) Clean up your fredge.

I just got a notice saying,