And it tastes better. DH and I grow a ton of different kinds of veggies, we swop seeds, and plants and its a wonderful way of getting exercise and being in the fresh air.
We have two herb gardens, both of which are LARGE, one here has oregano, dill, mint, two kinds of sage and rosemary. The other one has the same but also coriander, more mint ( but in pots as its invasive ) and basil. Fresh herbs cost you dear, these are pennies.
We grow white , yellow and red onions and shallots. Garlic, two types of new potato, 2 types maincrop, beetroot,parsnips, toms ( 3 types )courgettes, pumpkins, butternut squash, sweetcorn, French beans, runner beans, artichokes, two types cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower ( epic fail !!!!!) raspberries and fruit trees but they aren't giving us fruit just yet.............oh, and lettuce. And peas and broad beans.
I would also say dehydrating and processing the produce works too. Though I am not a canner.......too many botulism horror stories have scared me, I don't trust myself !!! And home canned chicken looks like a prop from a horror film

OAMC cooking. It still works as I work outside the home. Its nice to come home and know that a home cooked meal is available. Yes, I know cheap food is available froma supermarket but I prefer my food unprocessed so I know whats in it rather than random additives.
A slow cooker/crockpot............frugal essential, makes cheap cuts of meat into a fantastic meal as well as cheap to cook with and a great time saver when you work outside the home. Good for potluck /extended family bog meals too.
Hobbies.............( I know this leads to craft stash BUT) once you have a hobby going, it is so much better to have something you enjoy doing rather than casting about for entertainment in a shopping mall.
Any ideas ?