Working Poor

also a wok or skillet and run the meats you crock pot really fast to get a sear (improves flavour)

onions i use a lot (personal choice)
if you got the room at home...bulk bulk bulk, sacks are cheaper than bags, bags are cheaper than small packs

and if you have them in area ...farmers markets

yes, the prepper sites have some good info too (and here i thought i was the only one using that resource)

i also like a toaster/toaster oven combo for fast heating

stale bread bought cheap still makes good french toast
or toast and beans
or dried bread and what ever food you want to dip the bread into

canned cans usually have 10 years, but yeah smell test

thanks for all the cool tricks