In this time of crisis and financial woes we bring to you 5 ideas that you can use to save money at home. Put them to the test, we guarantee that the results will show at the end of the month.

1. Make a shopping list
Plan the week's menu and make a list of the ingredients that you will need. Do check that you don't have in your kitchen what you've listed, sometimes we forget what's in the cupboard. Don't go shopping when you're hungry and you will more likely stick to your shopping list.

2. Buy bulk
Some items don't spoil with time. Those are worth buying bulk. Toiletries and some foods can be bought from distributors at much lower price and stored. With prices changing you will be consuming today's meals at yesterday's price.

3. Do it yourself
Sure it's easier to use chicken broth cubes, but try this: Boil chicken bones (or beef bones), add a bit of seasoning, herbs and spices. Pour the liquid in an ice cube tray and refrigerate. It is healthier and much cheaper. Learn how to prepare your favorite dishes and prepare them at home. Leave eating out for special occasions.

4. Reuse
Use the leftovers to prepare other dishes. Leftover meats will make an excellent filling for a pastelón. It's better to cook arroz blanco for a few days and freeze every day's servings, if you want to prepare a locrio or moro just add the rice as you'd normally do but only use 25% of the water. Use "fillings" when cooking meat (eggplants, christophines, pasta), remember that a portion of meat is equivalent to the size of a deck of cards.

5. Eat healthy
Funny enough the most expensive foods usually are the ones the doctors warn us about. Fruits and vegetables fill you up, are more nutritious and are generally cheaper than processed foods. Instead of a snack, why not eat an orange, or a slice of pineapple (or whatever fruits you have available)? This is even more important when feeding your children. Serve smaller portions, your waist will thank you. Cut on fat by adding less oil and butter to your meals. Add years to your calendar and $ to your pockets.

Very good advise, overall.

There are some tricky ones like:

Buying in bulk> my apartment is too tiny to store...

Making a specific dish yourself > It cost me more to make a homemade lasagna , than to buy it at the italian restaurant.

*sigh* It wasn't long ago when potatoes were 0.2cts /lb... (and they were real potatoes, just in case you were wondering)