Being single, I rarely cook with only one meal in mind. It's much easier to know what your second or third meal will be, than trying to think of what to make with your leftovers.

I'm a salad eater, so I always chop, dice and slice all of my weekly salad makings at one time. I bag each food item in an air tight plastic bag, then store in my refrigerator until I need them. Not only, does this make it easier and faster for me to get my meals ready, it lets me know if I am in need of other ingredients, and if so, I list it on my shopping list so I wont forget it on my next grocery shopping trip.

Choosing one main category for your evening meals also helps in keeping your food budget in check.

If you choose to have a roasted chicken for Sunday dinner, make plans to have a Hot Open Faced Chicken Sandwich for Tuesday's dinner followed by Chicken Soup with rice on Friday. All of these meals can be made for a family of four, using one 3-4 pound roasting chicken.

For Sunday's meal you will use the 2 breast, for the adults and the 2 legs for the children. The meat from the thighs can be used for the open faced sandwiches, leaving the wings and bones for the soup.

If you are single, like me, you can have the chicken cut in half by the grocery store meat cutter, then use it in the same manner. Cut the other half into parts, place each one in an air tight freezer plastic bag and store in your freezer for future meals.

Getting the best savings at the grocery store, always starts in our homes. Reading the weekly grocery ads, from the local newspapers and choosing items that fit our budget is a wise move. The next step is to make a shopping list and stick to it once we get to the store.

Don't forget to take your coupons with you. If possible, choose a store that doubles or triples your coupons. Most grocery stores do it at least one day a week. That is the day you want to do the bulk of your shopping.

Making menus, shopping lists and sticking to your planned food budget will help keep the other categories in your home budget in line and you on track for your future.

I invite you to visit my site http://www.hassieskitchentable.com/ for more Tips, Ideas and Recipes for living on less with a smile.

Faylee James is a Life Coach/Writer/Speaker from Northeast Tennessee, who has an above average interest in people, cooking and living life to the fullest.

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