<prompt> Human: Ive seen this question before but the new year is coming up quick. Id love to hear some personal success stories for inspiration. How did YOU conquer this very stupid money wasting problem? Everyone is different, so maybe one of your tips will really resonate... hopefully.I think I fit the stereotypical profile of someone who overspends on restaurants and takeout: Mid 20s, single, job with crazyrandom hours. Also, shopping at my closest supermarket is like a real life hunger games cause I live in the city and Trader Joes is a fucking zoo 247.I havent been able to make any headway because even when I find time to shop, the damn food rots in my fridge. Its also hard to plan because Im a freelancer with no set schedule or hours. I get very little notice and very short, tough deadlines. There is no such thing as planning my week in advance with my job. Im tired of my fridge just being baby carrots, beer, and a half eaten jar of pasta sauce! I believe the sauce has gone bad... I dont remember the last time I cooked. Edit:Hmmm, well youve all convinced me that Ive been shooting myself in the foot by not having a microwave and toaster oven. It definitely looks like I need to invest in getting those asap. I do have good pots, pans, knives, etc, just no convenience type items. I JUST acquired a crock pot, so that seems like a step in the right direction as well. Thanks again for all the different suggestions - Ive realized I got a bit stuck in my ways but now Im seeing there are a lot of options.  <response>: The way I approached this when I was single was to view cooking as a way I could impress dates in the future. I knew I would need some practice at it to feel confident if I invited a date over, to make sure the food wouldnt be a disaster. I also knew it would provide some options for an inexpensive date, and simultaneously impressing my date if they liked what I made, and giving me an excuse to invite them over without seeming like a creeper if I approached it right. Another added benefit aside from cheap food was I could get a couple of bottles of wine for a reasonable price. This was the biggest money saver really. Restaurants really rake you over the coals on wine. Did this for several different dates and had one who even offered to be a guinea pig when I told her I was learning to cook fish but wasnt sure enough in my skills to have guests. Cooked for my wife on one of our first dates and we still talk about it today. 