Meal Prep Sundays

Meal Prep Sundays is the most effective single hack for slashing food costs, outperforming #6 (free library apps) in direct dollar savings by cutting your food budget by 40-60% versus eating out or ordering delivery. A typical household saves $3,000-$6,000 per year—that's 30% more than the average annual savings from shopping insurance rates (#8). Batch cooking also reduces food waste by 25%, according to the USDA, while producing healthier meals with less salt and fat than restaurant fare.