We sometimes end up at the local McDonald’s. Sometimes we have a craving for their salty fries. Sometimes we’re in a hurry and just need to shove something in our mouths.

But, you know, it isn’t cheap. Four Big Mac Meals cost $22.76. I would be hard pressed to spend $22 on an average meal at home. Maybe if I went with a super fancy cut of meat or fish at the super fancy supermarket, I could get up to $22. But most meals are about half that. I was looking at cooking on a budget cookbooks and websites yesterday. I didn’t get them, because almost all meals are cheap provided you keep to the “no fancy meats” and “no fancy supermarkets” rule.

Other fast food options aren’t cheaper. Chinese food costs $20-30. Pepperoni pizza and mozzarella sticks are between $20-30. The best fast-food option is a rotisserie chicken at the fancy supermarkets. I often pick up one for $9 at Whole Foods. And then I make a quick veg and a carb to go with it.

Sometimes, you have no other options. We’ve all had those hellish times when there isn’t 30 minutes to make dinner or the brain space to plan. No judgments here! But if you do have the time, cooking at home is a serious money saver.