re: How to eat cheap...

So much money is wasted on going out to eat and drink.

First off, cook in bulk. Skip buying canned products and make your own soups and stews. The ingredients total probably cost $10 (depending on the soup of course) and you can eat off them for a few days. Buy meat and vegetables. Chicken is cheap. Have a grill or smoker? Use it! If you don't, you can always bake them.

Invest in a crock pot. They are cheap and there are hundreds of great recipes out there. They are cheap and effortless.

Also, I like to make an "event" out of it. I like to smoke pork butt, brisket, etc. on Saturdays. I get up and fire up the smoker with my morning coffee. Depending on the size of your butt and brisket, they can last a few days.

Also, don't be afraid to do a lot of heavy cooking on the weekends and freezing your meals.