There are a lot of expensive, convenience foods in the stores today. Buy meat less specially processed meats. Buy a whole chicken and cut-up yourself instead of boneless, flavored or whatever. Buy 'manager special' meats. I've never had a problem with these meat specials using and freezing as usual. They are specials because they are close to the last day of sale but the last of sale should mean they will still be fresh for 5-7 days so you can cook or freeze.
Plan meals, especially suppers, around specials. Then fill in your grocery list with basics for breakfasts/lunches. Go to the store infrequently to save gas and impluse buying. For years I had a set grocery store budget(included dry goods) and had to literally put the prices on my list and sometimes had remove items to get the essentials and not go over budget. It was like working a puzzle.
Buy big cuts of meat and get several meals from the large cut. Works out cheaper that way. If you don't want the same meat 2-3 times that week freeze the cooked meat for later use.
Bake your own baked goods/desserts. I never baked bread but made biscuits instead of store bought rolls and made simple desserts at home. You don't need dessert every night by the way.
Oh, by the way, Comsumer Cellular has very inexpensive cell phone plans. We get 300 min. a month for $22(AARP rate-$1 off). No premium times and no roaming, coverage area same as Verizon. This is fine for us as we don't each have a cell phone and use it minimally compared to others but I think just about everyone could get a plan cheaper than the big companies. No contracts also. No, I don't work for them, they are just great for us.
:)